jegging all the way

One of the best clothing investments I've made this season was buying a pair of jeggings from American Eagle. Seriously. THE best. (go get a pair. you'll understand.) I had been complaining to my sister, who swears by jeggings (because her legs are toothpicks), about how my skinny jeans just didn't fit quite right in my boots. She introduced me to the jegging, which I was hesitant to try on at first because I don't like jeans that encase my thighs like sausages. But, reluctantly, I tried a pair on, and voilà, I wear jeggings. Almost every day. They are snug, but not too snug (I'd suggest a size bigger than you normally wear if you don't like them too tight), and they fit perfectly in all the boots I've been sporting this winter. They even look cute with flats or heels. I would highly recommend AE jeggings, which look and feel like jeans, because some jeggings I've seen look cheap. Plus, they are super soft.

Here are a few ways I'm wearing my jeggings:

{1: Out On The Town: Pair your jeggings with sequins and sassy black, heeled boots. 2. Ski Lodge: Cozy up in a chunky sweater and Uggs. 3. Fabric Frenzy: Mix fabrics like lace and corduroy with a leather, work-inspired boot. 4. Keep It Simple: Throw on your favorite hoodie with cute flats to run errands or do some last-minute Christmas shopping (only 4 more days!).}

How are you wearing yours? If you don't have a pair, I hope you'll head to AE (after you finish reading this post) to at least try on a pair. If you're not satisfied, don't tell me. But I hope that you'll love them as much as I do. I will definitely be investing in more pairs of jeggings after Christmas when, hopefully, they will be on sale. If not, they are only $40 at AE and totally worth paying full price.

walkin' in a winter wonderland

Let's talk shoes, shall we? (Oh, you thought I'd never ask? Well, today is your lucky day!) Just like my clothes go through seasonal changes, so does my shoe collection. Often shoe selection is crucial when putting together the right look with any outfit. Below are some of my winter footwear essentials:

With winter comes freezing temperatures and slushy sidewalks/parking lots/driveways, so having the proper footwear to tackle such unfriendly conditions/terrain is a must. Though it's easy to want to throw on my knock-off Uggs (thanks, Target) all winter long, they don't speak to every outfit and they aren't appropriate for the office. So here is the method behind my winter shoe madness:

• Have plenty of cute flats. Simply put, flats are the easiest to walk in, especially during winter when ice could be hiding anywhere. Don some comfy and cute flat, slouchy boots, or slip on fun prints or metallics to boost your winter wardrobe, or even sport an indoor/outdoor pair of moccasins. They look like old man slippers, but they are warm and fabulous.
• Basic boots are a must. Whether you opt for a pair of (knock-off) Uggs or Hunter wellies, these boots are truly essential for winter. They go with just about anything, and are great for running errands, shopping, or walking your dog(s).
• Low and steady wins the race. Ladies, while we are all impressed by your impeccable balancing act on your 5-inch stilettos, death by high heels is no way to go. Instead, choose heels that are thicker and lower for better support and easier maneuvering through the winter elements. Wedges are also one of my favorites because I find them to be supportive and easy to balance and walk in.
• Bundle up your tootsies. Stick to closed-toe shoes during the winter months (well except maybe the occasionally classy holiday party and New Year's Eve). With all the cute booties, boots, and flats there really is not reason to expose your toes this season. Two reasons I like winter: I don't have to paint my toenails and it doesn't matter what socks I wear with my boots. Embrace this opportunity! Plus, I tend to find that if my feet are cold, my whole body is cold, so I keep my tootsies wrapped up all winter long.

What are your go-to shoes for winter?

thought animated

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

I saw this video on Skinny Mirror and I just had to share it. Compelling. Beautiful.

so what wednesday

So what if...

• I haven't blogged for almost a week (Hi. I'm back.).
• I didn't unpack when I got home last night from Chicago.
• I bought a new purse and new boots in Chicago.
• I had to use my credit card to buy said purse and boots, because I have no money in my checking account until Friday.
• I ate Chipotle for lunch...again.
• I haven't worked out in a week. (I'm going tonight, gosh darn it!)
• I wore the same pair of jeans every night while in Chicago.
• I have had three new phones in the last year (two Blackberrys and a Droid Incredible!!!)
• Mr. Ritter wants to buy another new TV.

What are you "so what-ing" today? Link up at Life After "I Dew"!

i was never good with surprises

Last week, Mr. Ritter sent me an email about a Fathead wall sticker that was half price. "It's a Christmas miracle" were his exact words. It was Peyton Hillis of the Cleveland Browns. He told everyone about it. So Saturday morning, I got up before him and ordered it online. It arrived sooner than expected (kudos Fathead), and despite my attempt to keep this present a surprise, the box came EXTREMELY well labeled with a Fathead logo on every side. No surprise Christmas present for Mr. Ritter. He called me and said, "So, one of your packages arrived today." Me: "Which one?" Him: "Well, it's pretty obvious it's for me. It's labelled on every side of the box." Me: "Damnit! I wanted that to be a surprise."

Mr. Ritter was so excited, just like a kid on Christmas morning. He put it up in the "man cave" (aka our basement) immediately. It's HUGE! Now NFL Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays are just that much more exciting for him.

so what wednesday

So what...

• If all the clothes I've worn the past two weeks are still in a pile on the guest bed.
• If I ate cereal for dinner last night because I couldn't decide what else to eat.
• If I can't keep Mr. Ritter's Christmas presents a surprise.
• If I still eat Ramen Noodles for lunch.
• If I wear the same pair of sweatpants to bed every night.
• If I have yet to finish our outdoor Christmas lights.

Link up at Life After I "Dew"!

blogger meet up

Last night, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a blogger meet up at the Cheesecake Factory at Easton. I cannot even begin to tell you how great it was to meet these ladies in person. Sometimes it feels like you already know someone just by reading their blog and exchanging a few emails, but seeing them face-to-face really makes the friendship real. Mr. Ritter thought it was a little creepy that I was having dinner with a bunch of women I didn't know, but I absolutely loved it!

 {I apologize for the crappy picture. My flash was off and my camera is on the outs. I hope Santa brings me a new one!}

There were nine of us and several who were unable to attend. I met (back row from left to right) Lindsey @ Lovin' My Life (who I've known for a couple years); Shannon @ Life After I "Dew"; Molly (who doesn't have a blog, but hopefully will soon!); Stephanie @ A Day in the Life of a Grad Student's Wife; Brittany @ Sweet, Sassy, and Oh So Classy; Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean; (front row from left to right) yours truly; Jenny @ Life, Love, and Marathons; and Emily @ Simple Frills.

Ladies - I truly enjoyed meeting each of you, and I am so happy to "follow" all of your wonderful blogs and add new Facebook and email friends! A couple of us are already planning our next meet up, and we even have a third idea floating around. Bloggers - If you're in the Columbus, Ohio area and would like more details, please leave a comment with your email address, and I'll keep you posted on our next meet up.

One last thing. Stephanie got us all cute ornaments from Crate & Barrel. I picked a purple one and hung it front and center on my tree, right next to our new penguin ornament. Thanks, Stephanie! (You can enter her Winter Wonderland sign giveaway here.)

she bangs

 {before}

{after}

Before meet After. I wanted to change up my 'do without losing length. Voilà! Bangs. Ilove'em. I haven't had this type of bangs since my junior year in high school, and at that time I was using a curling iron on them. Now, I feel so trendy and chic, minus the curling iron. And they are perfect for covering up forehead blemishes. Mr. Ritter is slowly adjusting to them. He's not a big fan of change, and after knowing me without bangs for 8 years, this threw him for a loop. But he says he likes them and that I'm still pretty, so I'm happy.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 12-14

Yes, I realize it was a 12 Days of Christmas blog challenge, but Aly and Molly just couldn't keep the list to 12 days, so there is a two-day bonus. Woo!

Day 12: Christmas Decorations

I already did this post. Mr. Ritter and I still haven't fixed out outdoor lights (I think I tripped the outdoor outlet, and we can't find the switch to turn it back on) or put up more. Click here to see our indoor decor.

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Mom's and Grandma Fenner's decorated sugar cookies. I think I've mentioned this before. I don't have either recipe handy, so just trust me when I say that they are delish.

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things

I don't watch Oprah (I'm never at that time, so I never got into it), but from her list of favorite things this year so far, I would take the Nikon D3100 DSLR camera or the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise. I hear she's got a couple special giveaways left this year. I'm just guessing, but I bet I'd like to win those too!

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 11

Day 11: New Year's Resolutions

Back on November 1, I had decided to start my New Year's resolutions early (read here). Since then I have gotten back into a semi-regular workout schedule and I'm feeling much better about myself. Now that I'm on winter break from my classes, I just have work and cheerleading, so I'm able to be home more with Mr. Ritter, and it's been nice to be able to get some stuff done around the house. Mr. Ritter and I have determined a plan of attack to pay off our debt, so hopefully we'll be starting a house fund by summertime. The others are works in progress (it's only been a month), but I know I'm going to struggle the most with saying "no," and not feeling bad about it, when I just don't have the time to fit anything else into my schedule.

So here are a few things I'd like to accomplish in 2011:

• Get a new tattoo (or two)
• Pay off all credit card debt
• Go skydiving
• Plan a masquerade party
• Go on vacation (at least twice)
• Start grad school
• Run another half marathon
• Read all the books on my book list
• Meet more bloggers in person (I'm meeting some Columbus-area bloggers for dinner on Monday. If you're in the area and want to join, I can give you details!)

That should keep me busy for awhile.

pretty picture

My future BIL is quite amazing with a camera and PhotoShop. On a trip to Boston over Thanksgiving he took this:

I absolutely love it and asked him to frame it for me for Christmas. Can't say I'm not easy to shop for.

i hate the word "panties"

But I love Victoria's Secret even though that's what they call their undies. And every year I look forward to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Really, I just want a pair of wings! Who doesn't? Here are some of my favorite wings from this year's show:

 {one of my favorite angels}

 {and another}

 {this would be one sexy halloween costume, no?}

 {all photos via google. no copyright intended.}

And I am always impressed by the Angels' ability to waltz so gracefully down the runway in those ridiculously high heels wearing only skivvies and giant wings. Those girls are good, and gorgeous. It was nice to hear Les Wexner pay tribute to his alma mater by playing "Hang on Sloopy" for Buckeye fans during the show. I think that was Mr. Ritter's favorite part because he went to bed right after that. I can't wait to see what they come up with next year.

Did you watch the show? What were your favorite wings?

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 10

Day 10: Favorite Christmas songs/carols

I love Christmas songs, especially the week or two before Christmas. There are so many good ones sung/played by amazing artists. Here are a few of my favorites for your listening pleasure:

N*SYNC Christmas CD
My mom, sisters and I love to listen to this CD while we decorate for the holiday. It will always have special meaning for me.

Carol of the Bells by Trans-Siberian Orchestra



O Holy Night



Do You Hear What I Hear?



All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

happy birthday, you sexy mexi

Hoy es mi amiga hermosa cumpleaños de Elena. She hails from the same small Ohio town as Mr. Ritter, and has a large extended Mexican family. She's kind, compassionate, tells it like it is, gives amazing hugs, and knows how to have fun. I met her in college, and this Saturday we are going to relive some of our college days singing karaoke at a local dive bar with cheap beer.

Happy birthday, E! I hope your day is as fabulous as you are. XOXO.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 9

Day 9: Favorite holiday recipe

I don't cook. At all. I've made attempts; sometimes they work out, sometimes they don't. Mr. Ritter and I tried to bake those pre-packaged Pillsbury holiday cookies the other day, and we burnt those. I blame the thin cookies and our superior oven. However, I have successfully made my mom's Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies. I know, I know, how can you screw up chocolate chip cookies. I'd find a way. One day, I hope to learn/have a desire to make all the Christmas treats I look forward to, including Mom's and Grandma Fenner's decorated sugar cookies and Mr. Ritter's grandma's buckeyes.