rain rain

After a full week of what has to have been one of Indiana's most beautiful springs, I couldn't be happier. My skin is looking slightly sun-kissed and I feel rejuvenated after spending every free moment outside.

Unfortunately, today is overcast, with rain in our future. But as long as it's out of here by the weekend, I'm OK with it. Of course, it makes it almost impossible not to think about Hunter's... Photo via apartment #34

Creature of habit

I'm a very routine person. I run the same routes over and over. I eat the same meals for months at a time. I go to the mall and shop at the three same stores. I'm habitual. And while I'm certainly not opposed to change, I find great comfort in a daily routine.

This winter, I made an effort to mix up my fitness regimen. I tried to integrate more than just running into the schedule and it definitely has had a positive effect on me. Not only do I feel fitter, but I look forward to my runs more.

With such a positive impact, I decided I need to think outside the box more regularly. The first step has been in my wardrobe. I recently found two amazing shirts in unexpected places.

The first is this Mossimo blouse that Jordan found at Target. While it's clearly not super creative to shop at Target, I generally look for more casual/comfortable clothing there. I was excited to find this shirt on sale for $14.95. It acts as an alternative to those J.Crew blouses that are very much a habit, and much more expensive. See the shirt in action on Easter.

The second is the Origami ruffled sleeveless striped shirt from Talbots. Considering the last time I went to Talbots was in elementary school and I needed to find white gloves for cotillion, I was skeptical. However, I found it in a magazine and couldn't resist the nautical feel. It's really cute tucked into a skirt, and definitely worth the journey into the terra incognita of Talbots.

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People - especially girls - have a tendency to overuse the exclamation point. And while I certainly get a little carried away in text messages and emails because I worry my emotions will be lost in translation, it's a pet peeve of mine when they're overused elsewhere.

The exclamation point is unnecessary in professional writing because sufficient description does the job more effectively. If you want me to be excited about something, make me excited with your words. Tell me how amazing the XXX will be, or how beautiful the XXX is, or why this XXX is the best. And through your amazing description, I too, will be excited.

However, my recent discovery of Emersonmade made me rethink my distaste. Instead of having The Big Poppy section, they have The Big Poppy! That exclamation point made me so excited about their big poppy. How big is it? How bright is it? Does it smell good too?

And aren't The Littler Roses! just so adorable? And don't you just want to put flowers in your hair!? I want to click on everything (!!).