So Far

These posts have become very rare and I'm sure a bit boring. Life seems to get away from me. A few days seems to turn into a month or another year very quickly. Though as fast as things seem to be slipping by I very happy with life. Moving to Milwaukee had been one of the biggest changes I've endured in my adult life this far. But I guess change is good!

My husband landed an amazing job as Chef at the newly opened Riverwest Filling Station. Which right now take ups about 98% of his time. He wakes up between 7-8, heads to work and usually doesn't make it home before midnight. It's been crazy.

My job has slowed down now that the holidays are over. But with the new year brings a lot of new responsibilities. I find myself feeling more in control of my store and really taking pride in the goals I set. My comfort level in my store has defiantly increased. The first 6 months in my store, were kind of challenging. My company had a lot of turn over, and then I personally had tons of staff issues. Though stressful, almost all the changes were for the best. And by almost...I mean all of them. Work, work, work.

Since all we do is work, I don't have much else to talk about. If you didn't find this post funny or interesting you may like the list of random thoughts listed below.

• Have you ever seen Fergie's husband? Holy shit that guys attractive. His face makes me what to go see Safe Haven. But I won't because that shit looks sooo Life Time Movie Network and I was some how raised with healthy realistic expectations of love and romance.
• I heard someone call, Harry from One Direction hot this week. Aren't those guys like 14 you pervert? Gross!
• My non-mutant super power is the ability to hear the things dumb girls say in crowds. Ugh...I hate you.

Until next time -Ellie

A Random Organization of Thoughts

Recently, I've heard a lot of people griping about the "quarter life crisis". Though I'm sure those who came before us have felt the same pressures and general dissatisfaction, my generation loudly announces their problems. We have become "look at me, look at me!" generation. What's wrong with us? Why are we so unhappy with what we've been given?

Every day I hear about people my age "hating" their jobs, or bitching about dead-end relationships etc. Why?! How is it that we have been provided with so many opportunities to learn, grow and succeed but many of us are giving up and giving in at such an early stage in life. I know that the "dream job" isn't a simple thing to find. I'm not naively saying that life is that simple. But I can't imagine what the world would be like if all the energy we spend complaining, was spent perusing our passions.

Working hard and being serious about something is not a novel idea, is it? I feel like I'm coming off a little preachy here...But I truly feel that the people around me who are happy with their lives have worked hard to stay that way.

I am all for a bitch fest. If I didn't have one at least once a week I'd probably explode! I can be extremely irrational and ridiculous, but other then making those around me laugh or annoyed it doesn't get me anywhere. I also know that when I'm saying these ridiculous things about a stressful day of work, a crazy customer or something Adam did that made me crazy! that I'm not actually solving any of my problems.

Here's my advice:
1. If you don't like it, change it.
2. If you can't change it, accept it.
3. If you can't accept it, it's time to move on.

*Don't let yourself be defined by the things you hate, angst isn't worn well by anyone but teenage boys.

-Ellie

24.5

Though many people look at New Years as a time to set goals to accomplish through out the year, I've always looked at my birthday as the "start" of my year. Saturday was the half way mark of my year. I am officially 24 and a half. No cards, or well wishes needed...it's a silent victory I celebrate alone.

24 had treated me well so far. I accepted a promotion, which moved Adam and I to Milwaukee a few months back. It's been weird, lonely and at times very stressful but rewarding. We are still settling into our new home and jobs. It's not all around my picture perfect situation but we are overall happy and health.

In an attempt to feel more myself in my new world, I cut and colored my hair. It was a spontaneous decision. Though, I have played with highlights a few times before but never ever completely changed my color before. I am newly a red-headed brunette. I had intended to have my hair turn out to be a mocha brown, but my hair pulls a wicked red when ever fucked with.

The member of my family who is continuously happy about our recent change is Maynard. He has much taken to the thousands of barking dogs in our neighborhood and the freedom to run and play in his own yard.

That's all for now...Ellie

For Sale!

 

 shirt: Ruche, Jeans: Charlotte Russe from last summer (as you can see, the quality leaves a lot to be desired),
Shoes+Watch+Sunnies: Target, bangles: H&M

So I was selling a bunch of stuff on this website called Smashion

and this top is one of those items.  Isn't it cute?  You should totally buy it from me.  I mean, anyways...

So yeah I was taking pictures of stuff to sell and I figured I may as well make them look nice so people will want to buy them and I realized that I liked this outfit.  So I thought I would post it.

Then I was looking back on it and I realized why I am selling this shirt.  The sleeves look funny on me.
I bet they would look much better on someone else.

I hope you all have a Lovely week!

xxAly

Oh nothing... Just Loafing Around

from left to right:  Steve Madden "Melter",  Glaze "Melissa-1", Wanted "Carlton" (a giveaway win from frock candy!)

So I have this new "obsession" (if you will) with loafers.  

First and foremost, they are comfy AND cute.  I wear them the same as I would wear any ballet flat except these add a little androgyny to the mix.

Choosing a loafer with studs (like the Melter by Steve Madden) or in a Bold Print/Color (Like Melissa and Carlton) adds a little more interest to an everyday outfit.  A lot of times I will wear my leopard loafers with jeans and a white t shirt.  They can also add the extra "oomph" to an outfit that's already pretty rad.  Like colored pants, an over sized knit sweater, and a structured bag...  Or at least that's how I would do it.

Happy Monday, Guys!  I hope you have a lovely week!

xxAly

This is what we've been up to...

...No, we haven't died. 

xx Aly + Ellie


P.S.  You can follow us on Instagram now.
@alysimonson
@ellie_ofthenorth

P.S.S.  We promise to post regularly again!

Sponsor Spotlight: A to Z Vintage

image copyright Michael-Bryan Byers-Dent

Ladies (and Gentlemen if you are out there)  I would like to present to you Alaina Zieman and her new online boutique A to Z Vintage.

If you love vintage as much as Ellie and I do, then you will love our friend's shop.  Right now it is still in it's beginning stages, but once it is up and running at full speed, we will have another spotlight letting you all know.  PLEASE Check out her first blog posts on her website, and be sure to keep in touch to get updates.

be sure to "like" A to Z Vintage on Facebook

Thank you my lovely readers

xx Aly