The Picture of Dorian Gray

Yesterday I became a mommy...

...to this handsome little man! All fresh and new to the world at just 9 weeks old. 

As a birthday present, Will took me to PAWS Chicago to adopt a kitten to call my very own. I've never had a pet in the city and I knew he would be the perfect addition to really make this place feel like home.

Upon walking into the kitten room, I knew this guy (originally named Meow) was the one for me and I already can't get enough of cuddling and playing with my new favorite boy. He was a little shy on first arrival, but after one day, he's already darting around the house and exploring every nook and cranny like he owns the place. He's such a good boy and already knows to go in the litter box, leaving no trace of what he left behind. 

Meow definitely wasn't sticking with me--especially since I've only heard him let out one tiny meow since we brought him home--and I wanted to come up with a strong name that would fit his personality. I scrolled a list on the web of gray cat names and knew I'd hit the gold mine when Dorian Gray popped up. Not only is The Picture of Dorian Gray one of my favorite books by one of my favorite writers (Oscar Wilde), but Will and I have been reading it together off and on for the last few months so I knew he would be on board too. 

And thus, Dorian Gray he became. Also known as Dorian, D or Mister Gray for short, he is my ultimate bundle of joy and I'm looking forward to being a great mom to my little baby kitty!

Marathon Training: Running Buddy

Over the weekend, I finally had the chance to run with my motivation for doing this marathon in the first place -- my step dad Brad.

Brad has run a few marathons in his day and has been talking about doing the Chicago Marathon since I started going to school here back in 2008. With one bonus year left, I decided to do something I never thought I would do...told him I would do it with him. 

Of course, when I made this statement, there was still snow on the ground and October seemed like a long, long ways away. I also thought I would be living in Minnesota this summer so I would have a constant companion to push me through those excruciatingly long runs and all the aches and moans in between. 

Turns out, I landed the RedEye job and was forced to self-discipline myself all summer. Not exactly my strong suit. 

But all the while, Brad was still there to talk me through an injury or make me feel less guilty for only running 4 miles when I was meant to do 8. Even from 2 states away, I still feel like I've had a good coach walking (or running?) me through the process and encouraging me to keep my eye on the end goal.

We completed my longest run to date on Sunday -- 15 miles. Again, another thing I never thought I would say, but it was actually fun. Running 15 miles in the smoldering September sun was actually fun. So much better than the 12 miler I did by myself a few weeks back! It allowed us to catch up on everything and we helped each other maintain a good pace control so we were able to finish out strong with a sprint at the end. 

And having this cutie bike along with us the entire way certainly helped to!

With only 3 weeks left until the race, I've got one long run left (20 miles...wah, wah, wah) and all I can say is I wish Brad would be here to make the time pass just a little bit faster.

At least we're in this together and I know I've got the best running buddy I could ask for in doing Marathon #1!

Color Me... Copper

Color Me... Copper by amanda-boleman

A lot of my Color Me... posts have been based off of Essie nail polish colors--this one being no different. I still have leftover Penny Talk on my nails from New York and I love how the metallic shade goes with just about everything. Mixing metals is one of my favorite things to do (explains why I love my Urban Outfitters cuff so much!) and the rose gold tint of copper offers a fresh take on the standard bronze, silver and gold metals. 

shop: joe's jeans waxed copper jeans / lola cruz sandals / maison martin margiela copper ring / essie penny talk nail polish / planet copper taffeta bolero / motel bernice sequin bralette / celestial starry boho night sky print / mirror sisters copper cuff

Awakening

Lightening Wrap 

Awakening | Change | Fate

"A symbol of power and sudden breakthrough, lightening represents a swift awakening. Adorn yourself with the Lightening Wrap to initiate change, mark destiny, and address chance happenings." 

Travel Top 5: Boston, Massachusetts

I am totally kicking myself that I have had friends and family living in/around Boston for YEARS and this is the first time I've ever made it to the bean.

Not only was it amazing to see and catch up with some of my favorite people, but the city's old-style architecture and wicked accents completely pulled me in, adding yet another spot to my never-ending list of awesome places I would love to visit again.

While it doesn't quite compare to the real England, I do have to say there is quite a few things about this slice of New England that has me yearning to come back for more...

Best Landmark: Fenway Park

Although I'm not a huge Red Sox fan, Fenway was at the top of my list of places to see simply due to the fact that it is one of the two classic Major League Baseball stadiums in the world. I'm spoiled in seeing the history of Wrigley every time I visit friends over in Wrigleyville and knew my Boston sports-fanatic family would give me major shit if I didn't make it over to see the Green Monster in all its glory.

Most Awe-Inspiring: Old-Style Architecture

 

  

Founded in 1630, Boston is one of America's oldest cities and has the architecture to match. Unlike Chicago, Boston didn't lose all of the beauty of its old architecture thanks to a huge fire and sometimes I felt like I was wandering the streets of Paris or London rather than modern day USA.

Sickest Concert Venue: Ocean Club at Marina Bay

With cabanas on white sand, multiple bars and a gorgeous view of the oceanfront, Ocean Club was hands down the coolest concert venue I have ever been to. While we were too busy dancing the night away to get any pictures of Benny Benassi's set, this shot from the James Coletta show (via the Ocean Club website) pretty much captures the atmosphere and energy pulsing through the club the night we were there.

For a Bit of Fresh Air: Boston Parks - Boston Common and Public Gardens

 

Apparently I'm a bit of a nature freak when it comes to travelling because both of my Travel Top 5's so far have included the parks. It's a great way to get out and walk around while taking in the sights of a major city. After a wonderful driving tour from Dorchester's finest, we decided to get out and stretch our legs with a walk through Boston Common and the Public Gardens.

Shop 'til You Drop: Newbury Street

After our stroll through the gardens, we continued on to hit Newbury Street--AKA the shopping mecca of Boston with shops ranging from arts and antiques to high and low-end fashion for everyone to enjoy.