Day From Hell

Yesterday was a doozy. During my lunch hour, while crossing the street with some co-workers, this construction fence fell right on top of me! They didn't have the thing secured and it was windy. Next thing I know, a fence is coming down on me.

Thankfully, as far as I know, I'm okay aside from a huge bruise on my arm. The sweater I was wearing over my dress, was not so lucky. There are now holes in it! Of course, this sweater matches my dress perfectly and I'll never find one in that same color again. Sigh. I need to file a claim form for reimbursement. Awesome. Wonder how long that will take?

And if that wasn't bad enough, yesterday's commute home was a disaster. Roy's Furniture was on fire and delayed/stopped all of the el trains from running past Sedgwick during the height of rush hour yesterday. This also affected my bus route since it goes right past the furniture store. I didn't think it would be a big deal, because I'd be north of the reroute anyway. Unfortunately, I did not account for the throngs of other commuters who were trying to squeeze into buses, not paying attention that our route was not a shuttle bus or the Cubs traffic. Ninety minutes later, I finally got home.

I could have kicked myself for not having my running shoes with me (which I normally do!) because I could have walked home faster. Ladies, this is why fancy shoes in the city are overrated. This is why I never (usually) care if I'm wearing my running shoes with my dress pants. Those running shoes would have saved me a lot of freaking time yesterday!

I know I'm not the only one. The commute was a mess for everyone trying get north of downtown. Here's to hoping for a better, brighter day!

Mayday, Mayday

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Well, I suppose the title should really be May Days. As in, where has May gone? It's more than halfway over and I've still been a bit MIA. So, what's happening?

- Today is my hubby's 40th birthday. FORTY! Can you believe it? Although, if you ask him, he's 39 and holding. I had grand plans to throw him a party but that never happened. Bad wife. It's okay though. I'm pretty sure this is going to be his best year yet.

- I've been working from home the last 4 work days, thanks to the crazy protesters downtown for the NATO conference. I've been mesmerized by it all on the TV and online. Have you seen any photos? Check some out here. I will admit I'm looking forward to going back into the office tomorrow. I need some face-to-face interaction and socialization during the day. Talking to my pup all day long isn't really cutting it anymore.

- We're finally starting to see some warmer weather around here. Looking forward to it sticking around since I've got a girls lake weekend planned in early June.

- We attended our dog walker's wedding last weekend. What a beautiful event at the Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette. So pretty! She had wanted her wedding at the Shedd, but yet again, NATO got in the way of that one.

- We've got Memorial Day weekend already approaching. Anyone have fun plans?

Handsome

How handsome is this guy? I know I'm biased, but he's so stinkin' cute. This photo was taken at Bark in the Park last weekend. Finley had a blast and we raised money for the Anti-Cruelty Society. Can't beat that! All of the event photos are here.

My customer event at the Trump was this past week as well. It was a huge success and I can breathe again. All of the stress was worth it!

TGIF, folks! May you have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of you fantastic mamas and mamas-to-be.

Who are These Folks?

A friend of mine posted this photo on FB. We used to work together. This was at her going away party when she left the company. December 22, 2004. The hubs and me. It all started that night. We had never really talked before. Next thing we knew, we were at another bar doing car bombs until 2am. And we even made it into work the next day. I would die if I did that on a school night (oh, who am I kidding, on any night!) these days. This made me laugh. 7 1/2 years later and I wonder, who are these younger, thinner and more fun versions of ourselves?!?! Bahahaha.

Remember Me?

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Yeah, I don't either! Postings are few and far between, or non-existent rather, these days. Work is madness for me right now. The huge customer conference we do each year at the Trump is two weeks away, so I don't have any free moments to myself for blogging (writing OR reading) during the day. At night, I'm so exhausted I'm passing out on the couch by 8:30pm each night. I had a cold in there too. One so awful that I even stayed home from work one day, which I *never* do. Don't be jealous of the exciting and glamorous life I'm leading right now. I know you are. Who are you, anyway? Is anyone still even out there? I wouldn't blame you if you weren't. So yeah, that's about all I've got for now because I was just taking a quick break. So, I'll be back sometime. Probably after May 11th. Okay? Thanks!

Skincare Series Part 2: Professional Treatments

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There are three types of professional treatments every woman should receive: facials, micro derms and peels.

Facials
I wish I could get a facial each and every month, but my budget doesn't allow for that. I'm lucky if I remember to do them twice a year, however quarterly is recommended at a minimum, especially if you live in a climate with a change in season. (Hello, Chicago!)

Facials are great because not only are they relaxing, but they also stimulate circulation, hydrate and condition, deeply cleanse, extract the bad stuff and exfoliate. Someething crazy we learned? Don't get a facial just before your period because the extractions are more difficult. Read: They'll hurt even more and you'll cry!

Micro Derms
I don't know much about mirco derms. They primarily affect the epidermis by providing a higher level exfoliation than facials. Micro derms are ideal to kick start or accelerate the new cell process and to treat mild skin discoloration or dark spots. Fine lines can also be treated if used in conjunction with serums or light peels. They can also smooth the texture of your skin and help with dryness.

Peels
Peels affect the epidermis and dermis and can even remove cells that could become pre-cancerous. They provide an advanced level of exfoliation resulting in stimulated collagen production, new cell production (for a healthy glow) and resurfacing of the skin (for a smoother complexion).

For those of us concerned with age management, peels help keep our skin looking young by tightening it up and treating fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and sun damage.

Glycolic peels should only be used on oily or acne-prone skin because they can lead to irritation and inflammation.

So there you have it. Now go book your spa appointments!