Dash.

It’s all about the dash. I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone, from the beginning…to the end. …He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash… would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash?
-Linda Ellis

I have a family friend (my mother's friend's daughter) who is younger than me. She just got married and had a baby. She was also recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is losing her battle. Every time I think about it... I just can't. This can't be happening to her, her new family. She is the quintessential girl next door - adorable, seems to do everything right, wholesome. How does this happen to someone so good? So young? I just don't get it. 

I am not close with her. In fact I haven't seen her since we were little. But that doesn't change the fact that this shouldn't be happening. I don't have to be close with her to see this. 

People - Love your dash. Live your dash. 

KC Wedding Inspiration.

I will be spending part of this long weekend in Kansas City, MO for one of college roomies' wedding (Congrats Jess and Luke!). I was wondering what I would wear until I received an email this morning... 40% off one full-price item at Banana Republic. Score.

I looked with the thought that I need some more work items. However, that objective fell by the wayside when I came across this beautiful yellow dress.

After visiting three BR stores on Michigan Avenue, I finally found it! (Yes, there are 3 BR stores within 3 blocks of Michigan Avenue. Ridiculous store planning Gap Brands - move one of those suckers to the Loop, where your target market works. I know I can't be the only girl that shops on her work lunch break...)

Here is what I have put together so far:

Kansas City Wedding Inspiration by hargrove

Banana Republic yellow dress / Le Silla black pumps / Foldover clutch

Only thing is that I am missing a black statement necklace. If only I would have received this email earlier I would have ordered one of Jill from Classy With A Kick's lace necklaces. How perfect would the below necklace have been in black?

Better late than never... For only $20, I just ordered mine in black and the yellow above. Double score.

Ranch.

Am I the only person in this world that snacks on grape tomatoes and ranch in a bowl?

What can I say? I'm a California girl at heart and put ranch on EVERYTHING!

Every true Californian loves ranch. Every one.

In Honor Of Football.

If you know me, you know this true.

Polka Dot.

Printed jeans are everywhere. The lace print, the leopard print, etc. I am not a huge fan. However, one print has definitely stood out from the rest and has me reconsidering my negative view of printed jeans - the polka dot.

From top to bottom: Paige Denim - Polka Dot Verdugo Skinny Jeans, $190 (via shopbop); [blanknyc] - Printed Skinny Jeans, $110 (via Madewell); AG - Stevie Polka Dot Ankle, $99.95 (via Anthropologie); A&F - Super Skinny Ankle Jeans, $39 on sale! (via Abercrombie & Fitch)

I mean how friggin' cute are these? I might just have to test drive the A&F pair before spending on a trend I was initially against. I haven't purchased anything from A&F since college (without quantifying - that was a long time ago!), so this should be interesting. I will let you know how it goes...

I Am Just Not Into Porn.

Fifty Shades Of Grey Reading of the Day: And here we have Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis reading mommy porn on the Campaign trail.

No offense to the millions of my friends that have read this series and swear by it. I just can't get myself to pick it up after hearing everyone calling it porn. This video just closed any open mind I was going to try to give the books.

Did Anyone Else See This Commercial?!?!

Did anyone else see this commercial while watching the Olympics on a Sunday night? And how the heck does walking in on your parents mean you should eat Ragu for dinner? Most obvious use of shock factor for marketing? I think so.