TGIF — What a week!

My night job as a sports reporter has gotten so hectic since my boss is gone for his wedding. This added stress has made me frequent the local Starbucks. So instead of going on about how I have a really bad addiction to Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I will share with you how I may invest in one of these coffee cuffs from Esty to facilitate the addiction.

These are so cute. 

Giving summer the boot

I can't wait to add some new fall pieces to my wardrobe as soon as possible and one of those items on my list this year is a pair of booties. Last year it was the riding boot, this year I'm thinking something a little shorter. Here are some that I could see myself wearing all the time, with everything . . .

These are to-die-for ($90 from BC Footwear)

Target has these in black and brown, both are solid choices ($34.99)

Another great option from Target, loving the buckles ($34.99)

I love the cinnamon color of these suede booties from Charlotte Russe ($35.50)  

An Audio-obsession

My absolute new obsession in the world of things you listen to is Playaway. It is this audiobook company that makes portable digital audio books. These things are the size of a pack of gum — ya know Obit not DoubleMint — so you can literally take them anywhere. I am an audiobook nut so I love listening to them while I commute but lugging all those CDs was wild. 

This makes it like having your ipod but without downloading anything. 

Now I'm not saying go out and buy these, I'm just say that you need to find them at your local library. 

Best sandwiches in Akron

I honestly can't believe that we've been blogging for a little over a year now and Mr. Zub's has yet to make an appearance. My sincere apologies.

I love every thing about Mr. Zub's Deli - the branding is beyond awesome, as is the food. All of their sandwiches are named after movie characters, my go-to's are usually the Uncle Rico (grilled roast beef with onion and chive cream cheese and tater tots on a plain bagel) and the Jason Voorhees (steak, egg and cheeses on a plain bagel). But tonight I branched out because they recently released their new fall menu.

I tried the Pepper Lewis, which is usually a wrap but I asked for it on a plain bagel. It comes with chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion and ranch. Definitely one of Zub's simpler menu options but it didn't disappoint in the least.

AJ went the spicier route and ate The Kid - deep fried jalapeno and cheese ravioli stacker. I don't think I need to tell you it was also phenomenal, look at his face. I can't even begin to dive into their menu, it's huge and has something for everyone so be sure to take a look on their website.

Every time any of my friends stay with me, I always make sure to fill them up with Mr. Zub's before they leave, and the next time you're in the Akron area I suggest you do the same. They're open until 3 a.m. (which is again, awesome) and they're connected to a bar (The Matinee) so you can also choose from a wide variety of beers and alcohol to go along with your sandwich if you want.

Did I mention I'm in love with their branding?

Check them out
Location: 812 W. Market St.  Akron, Ohio  44303
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

An Andy Celebration

So I'm in Target with my sister and we're looking around, while my sister was talking about some kind of the nail polish that she really wants I stop dead in the aisle. My sister turns and gives me her "What are we doing?" I stopped because I saw that the Campbell's Soup tribute to Andy Warhol. I remember reading about these can makeovers early in the month but forgot to stock up. 

So there I am in the aisle trying to fill my basket.

How could I say no stylish soup?

TGIF: Chubby Sticks

My mom recently gave me one of Clinique's new Chubby Sticks - at first I thought it looked like a crayon and I felt a little silly putting it on my lips. Now, I love it and it's my go-to for lip balm and lip color.

Photo from Clinique.com

They come in 16 different shades, I have Curvy Candy and it's the perfect, fun shade of pink. I also have my eye on the Woppin' Watermelon and Super Strawberry, what shades are you thinking of trying?

Weekly Tune-up — Crystal Fighter

So it has really been one of those weeks where I get up, drink coffee and go cover something. Thankfully, my companion through it all was the Crystal Fighters.

If you're looking for both a band that is techno and — wait for it — folksy, this is band for you. It's perfect for hanging out and enjoying the day.

Stunning in silver

I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in the best wedding ever this past weekend. One of my favorite details from the day was the necklaces the bride ordered for each of the bridesmaids. I've been reluctant to take mine off since.

Kendra Renee is located in San Francisco and specializes in metal-working. Her shop is full of beautifully elegant earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings - I got lost paging through everything. I would wear every single item she creates. It's so clear that she values attention to detail because every aspect of the jewelry pieces is beautifully crafted, whether it's the pendant, chain or clasp.

Each of our necklaces was a little different and unique, but they were all cohesive as a set, too. I can't applaud her enough for her craftsmanship, it was the perfect addition to a beautiful wedding day. And it's a piece that I'll be wearing a lot over the years to come.

Check out her online shop, take a look at the list of what stores across the country carry her work and check her out on Etsy, too. I can't wait to add more of her pieces to my jewelry collection.

Something to sip

I found these really awesome Rock Star tea bags this morning when I was perusing some old magazines for recipes. 
The Rock Stars (or Famous Designers, British Royalty, Movie Stars and Classic Composers) can be bought by sets of five tea bags for about $12 on Amazon.

Maybe you'd like to try my favorite Beatle in some "Come Together, right now, over tea".

A recipe for great design

I misplace things on a somewhat frequent basis, so I'm never surprised when I open a random kitchen cupboard or drawer and find a stray recipe card or a recipe I scribbled onto a post-it. Since moving back to Akron I've been meaning to get myself more organized when it comes to recipes, and I may have found my solution.

These hand-drawn blank recipe cards from Emiko Davies are simply phenomenal. You fill them with whatever recipes you want, and the rings keep them all together and make them great for hanging so you always know where they are. I love the homemade feel to them, and the conversion chart (last photo) is too cute. This would also be a great housewarming present or wedding shower present, plus you need one too. So check them out right here.

TGIF — Sixth-grade me

I've been looking for some really strong colors to coat my nails for the Fall. Thankfully, essie's has come through with some perfect colors that strangely remind me of the early 2000s. The sixth-grader in me is really stoked about the glitter and metallic options.  

A nice rosey glitter option

so your nails can look like pennies 

... or gold 

My personal favorite.

I loved the pearly stuff back in 2001. 

Weekly tune-up: New Ellie Goulding

Remember when I posted about how much I was digging Ellie Goulding? That love affair has not ended and her new album is set to be released early next month - hooray! So to tide you over until then, check out the music video for the single "Anything Could Happen" off the album "Halcyon."

New for the freezer

This may be the week that I go on and on about the things that I'm a sucker for. I've been waiting to post about the new Ben & Jerry flavors — I love them — and what your freezer/taste buds are missing out on. 

Below are two of the newest flavors that I think you enjoy.

Chocolate ice cream with chocolate cookies & swirls of chocolate pudding ice cream

(Let's just talk about how this flavor is the ultimate chocolate ice cream.) 

Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream with a Toasted Marshmallow Swirl & Fudge Covered Almonds

(Like summer in a carton)

Hitch or Ditch: Fake Hipster Glasses

Some may say I live in hipster central, as far as neighborhoods go. I guess I can't really argue with them because I have seen my fair share of fake hipster glasses being paired with skinny jeans and plaid as of late. So much so that the trend is starting to grow on me. I thought I'd ask you all what your thoughts were - hitch or ditch when it comes to wearing the fake hipster lenses?

Taylor Swift wearing some hipster glasses in her latest music video

Britney and Anne Hathaway rocked some too

Patch NYC at Target

You know me, I 'm a sucker for Target and their trendy semi-inexpensive designer lines that they bring in for a short time.

This season is no exception. Patch NYC a Boston-based specialty store is at Target and there are plenty of cute additions for anyone household.

Going for a classy, rustic look so many pieces of this collection look like great finds. 

These little dessert plates are sure to make any dish sweeter. 

My favorite element is this bird lamp, so perfect for any space.

TGIF: Hair must-have

I hate blow drying my hair and I avoid it as often as possible. Mostly because my hair is so thick that no matter what length it is, blow drying it is always a fairly large time commitment. Not anymore, thanks to this little guy.

This is the Goody Quik Style paddle brush and I can't be without it now (thanks, Mom!). In between the normal brush bristles are microfiber bristles - those blue ones - and they are like little towels for your hair they're so absorbent. The packaging said it removes 30% of the water from your hair, even if you're just brushing it and not using the hair dryer. 

I reach for this brush every time I get out of the shower and every time I pick up my hair dryer. It makes my hair dry a lot quicker when it's just air drying and it dramatically reduced the amount of time it takes for me to blow dry my hair too.

I highly recommend you pick yourself up one as soon as you can - Target sells them for $11.99 and I'm sure you can find them at any drugstore. I promise it will become a daily fixture in your hair routine.

Listening improvements

Evidently, Apple is coming out with its iphone 5 next week and while this means absolutely nothing to me since I just got a new phone six month ago, there are rumors — and pictures — that Apple has redesigned their signature headphones. 

With a new look and supposed better listening quality these babies may be worth a try — that is if it's for real. 

Cozy cords

Have I mentioned I love fall? Love, love, love it. One item I'm looking to add to my closet and one I'm sure I'll love living in for the fall, is a pair (or two) of skinny corduroys. Dress them up, dress them down - they're perfect in a multitude of situations. Plus they're corduroys so they're perfect for fall and oh-so-comfy. Here are some I'm eyeing . . .

Free People Corduroy Skinnies, $68
So many color options that I love

LC Lauren Conrad Skinny Corduroys, on sale for $40.50 at Kohl's
Also available in a light pink, red and navy

Levi's Mid Rise Skinny Corduroys, $19.20 on Amazon

The Olympics last forever

I've been looking for some new decorative ideas and came across some olympic poster place mats that I'm going to frame at a flea market. I'm was looking for some others to add to the collection and found the poster forms. 

These are some of my favorites from Sports Warehouse.

Get fired up

I hope you all are enjoying your long weekend,  I know I am!

In case you find yourself in the Cleveland-area, I thought I'd share one of my new food obsessions with you - Fired Up Taco Truck. I ate there with my co-workers a couple weeks ago for Walnut Wednesdays, a weekly gathering of Cleveland food trucks, and it blew my mind.

Adobo chicken taco + chorizo taco = heaven

Their tacos and empanadas are 1 for $3.50 or 2 for $6, and trust me it's really hard to just choose two. Luckily, you can mix and match. I got the adobo chicken taco, which has "fired up slaw," lime cream, corn with green chili salsa, Monterrey Jack cheese and fried onions. In addition to that deliciousness I also got their chorizo taco with black beans, pineapple, smoky cinnamon salsa (which was phenomenal) and Monterrey Jack. I can't even tell you how delicious they were.

To get their daily location and menu, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. You're going to love it. Cross my heart. I can't wait to go  back.