I need some quality time with my girlfriends...

I've been in Chicago for almost 3 weeks now and have yet to see any of my girlfriends or go out. In my defense the first 2 weeks were spent adjusting to my new work schedule and commute, along with spending time with my husband before his 2nd deployment to the "sand box"... but it dawned on me the other day that I'm beyond busy all the time and really have no free time anymore. Once I start my classes again in 2 weeks I feel like I'll NEVER see anyone and might as well be living back in SC lol.

Not my idea of quality time...

I tentatively plan on rectifying this situation Labor Day weekend and getting in at least 1 or 2 days of fun... and I want to have a lot of fun - - dancing, drinks, laughs... all that stuff. What I DON'T want to do is sit around with my girlfriends and be a zombie attached to my cell phone ---------->

Cell phones and social media are awesome, but they do take away from actually enjoying the people you have in front of you. I mean, how many times have you found yourself surrounded by friends and family, yet glued to your phone? It's funny to be constantly updating twitter and facebook with all "fun" things you're doing... yet, how much life can you be living when you're face down into your cell phone? Don't get me wrong, I'll probably throw out a few funny tweets if I'm downing drinks lol... but I want to enjoy the time I have with people since my free time is so scarce nowadays.

Why I love Kris Humphries...

His down to earth personality and ability to keep things light-hearted is one of the most appealing qualities about Kris Humphries. In this clip I thought it was cute he wiped off Kim's makeup and was puzzled as to why her mom and Kourtney complained about getting their hair wet... as they were in a kayak in Bora Bora!! I'm one of those people that can't stand to be around folks at the beach/pool that can't get their hair or suit wets. What the point of even going?

Anyways, enjoy this clip of the lovebirds in action - - sorry about the auto-play. Super annoying, but don't know how to turn it off!

Wrist Candy (via Monica Rose)

When it comes to bracelets and watches my motto is the more the merrier, the bigger the better! Monica Rose recently posted some great arm candy on her blog and I had to share. I'm drooling over each of these pieces and can't wait to start building up my very own collection of wrist candy.

Absolutely LOVING the nail jewelry!! Super hot...

A gold watch is still a staple for me. I need to get the battery replaced in mine...

What are your must-have accessories to rock this fall? Sidebar: I think I want to start rocking a friendship bracelet... very old school, but the colors used to make me so happy! lol...

Stylish Studios from around the Web...

By now everyone knows I'm slightly obsessed with studio living and the innovative ways people around the world make use of their smaller spaces. Each time I see these unique, quirky, glamorous, and efficient spaces it inspires me that much more to take the plunge and try living in a smaller space.

Apartment Therapy recently posted some of their top picks for cohesive and stylish studios from across the globe -- of course I was excited to share!

Images: 1. Innerstadsspecialisten 2. Trevor Tondro for The New York Times 3. Andreas Larsson for Chicago Home + Garden 4. Marie Claire Maison 5. DigsDigs 6. Thomas Loof for House Beautiful 7. Grant Delin for Dwell 8. Design*Sponge 9. Per Magnus Persson for Dwell. 10. Paul Costello for Glamour.

• Easy does it in this minimalistic, masculine home. The colors are minimal without being austere. See the full tour at emma'sdesignblogg.
• Blue beams and red doors create an intimate, unified space in New York City. See the full tour at The New York Times.
• Dwell Studio's popular Chinoiserie bedding pairs with modern photography in this bedroom in Marina City. See the full tour at Chicago Home + Garden.
• A carefully considered, layered color scheme looks sophisticated and inviting. See the full tour at Marie Claire Maison.
• This airy Swedish studio is decorated with thoughtful, lovely accent pieces. See the full tour at DigsDigs.
• A clever photo holder is the centerpiece of this traditional studio. See the full tour at House Beautiful.
• A tiny studio is meticulously organized and decorated. See the full tour at Dwell.
• Lavender walls look fresh in a light-filled studio in San Francisco. See the full tour at Design*Sponge.
• Dark hues make a 495 square foot space look both cozy and modern. See the full tour at Dwell.
• Layered textures look sophisticated in a space Nate Berkus designed for his sister. See the full tour at Glamour.

The space Nate Berkus designed for his sister and the airy, Swedish studio are my favs! Which is your favorite space?

5 Smart Studio Layouts

Find yourself on a studio budget with dreams of a well-planned out space? Apartment Therapy recently posted the 5 smartest studio layouts renters should look for, along with how to make these spaces work best for you. Since moving back to Chicago I've been bouncing around the idea of living in a studio - - ultimately sacrificing space for location. Seeing these various layouts and how they maximize the use of space is inspiring and helps lessen my anxiety about living in such a small space.

#1) Laura's Fresh Start Studio: Laura's studio is a railroad-style apartment that she divides into a bedroom and living area using a curtain. The angled chair in the sitting room can move around, and a blue accent wall adds a touch of dramatic color. She keeps the space uncluttered by choosing just a few furnishings: a bed, dresser, chair, chaise lounge, side table, and a set of nesting tables.

#2) Lila's Live/Work Studio: Lila fits her home and office into a 240-square-foot space. The sleeper chair in the center of the room folds out into her bed. Behind that, a dining table and bookshelves create a small study. The desk is a very smart system, designed as a ledge that wraps around the corner of the room. A brown-and-green color scheme keeps things unified.

#3) Moo and Ju's Super Comfy: The bed is the central hangout spot in Moo and Ju's studio. During the day, it doubles as a sofa. Two armchairs face it, creating a conversation area. A small dining area separates the bed/living room from the kitchen. Vertical storage pieces flank either end of the main room. The symmetry and order of the arrangement anchors the playful prints and colors.

#4) Tony and Hilary's 3 in 1 Studio: In this apartment, a custom-made "pod" and loft bed defines the space. Inside and out, the pod contains shelving. Inside, there's an office and closet. Outside, it holds the media center, with the bed above. The rest of the space is arranged with storage flanking each side of the room, a sofa in the middle, and a couple of chairs for guests.

#5) Kevin's Triple Threat: Kevin's studio separates the bedroom from the living area with a hanging "screen." The sofa folds out into a bed for guests, and a stool provides extra seating. Storage is built into the bed and the walls.

Clusterf*ck: Google+, bums, & hot coffee....

1. Earlier this week I had the chance to particiapte in a Google+ Hangout with fellow vlogger MsDanti and her friend Risse. It was pretty cool being able to video chat with one of my online friends, and I'd actually love to connect with more bloggers/vloggers this way. It took a few tweaks to get the plug-in downloaded and my camera working, but well worth the work.

2. The bums on Michigan Ave. are out of control - - particularly at 168 N. Michigan Ave. The building is undergoing renovations so the homeless population has set-up what looks like a day camp in front of the location. They have beds, chess sets, and of course cups to beg for change. I'm not anti-homeless people because life happens and everyone has a story, but I'd rather not step over them during my morning/afternoon commute. On a lighter note, I do think it's pretty cool to see some of the business men in suits playing quick chess matches w/ the homeless while waiting for their bus.

3. We all know coffee is hot, but have you ever wondered just HOW hot your cup of joe is? Well, after burning my tongue on my "wake me up in a cup" the other day I decided to put my googling skills to use. The average temp coffee is served at ranges betweeen 185 - 200 degrees!!! Yowzers... that's one hot ass cup of coffee. The Keurig in my office is set to 189 degrees and that really seems to hot... like hospital burn hot. The lowest it will let me set it to is 187 degrees, which is still hot... so tongues beware!!