Pretty in Pastels

Clockwise from top left: 
Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs // Necklace - Zara // Heels - Zara //  Jacket - Pull&Bear // Coat - Zara // Top - Joa // Purse - Rebecca Minkoff // Heels - Alexander Wang // Heels - Alexander Wang // Heels - Zara // Purse - Loeffler Randall // Purse - ASOS // Shirt - TOPSHOP 

Wow, it's been a long time since I've last updated Running on Coffee! 

My blog went into hibernation once winter hit, but now it is having a spring awakening! And what better way to kick off its revival than with some pretty spring colors :) 

This spring I am feeling all things pink, pastel, and girly! It is still cold and snowy in Michigan so it might be a while before I can pull off some of these pieces (aka open toed shoes), but every degree the temperature rises the more excited I get to work them into my wardrobe. Which judging by the winter we're having may not be until June! ;)

TGIF! It's good to be back :)

-Meagan

Holiday Ritual

Socks, Blue Pajamas, Red Pajamas, Mug

Every year for the last 10 years or so, my family cross over the Mason-Dixie Line into the South to celebrate the holidays with my aunt and cousins. When we were younger, our Christmas morning would be like many other families: us kids anxiously waiting outside the living room for that moment when our parents gave us the go and we caught the first glimpse of the trees with all the presents underneath and wrapped pretty.

Now that we're older we still get up early, but instead of diving right into present opening we head to Einstein Bros Bagels and get our breakfast and coffee fix before heading back home. Of course, no Christmas would be right without our usual cinnamon roll post-presents and lasagna dinner later on! Talk about carbo-loading! ;)

Does your family have a Christmas morning ritual or something unique that you do for the holidays?

Operation Overtime

I currently work for a mortgage lending company and to say we've been busy would be a huge understatement. Every month it seems we have another month of record-breaking in the number of loans we receive and close. I had been told when I started working we would be able to relax some in the winter since the mortgage business as a whole tends to slow down, but if these last two weeks were any indication then I don't think that will be happening anytime soon.

Due to the amount of work that is piling up, we are encouraged to work overtime as much as we want and can handle. I don't have much else going on in my life right now, so why not work and earn some more? :) I've decided to use the money I make working overtime as a fund to buy the bigger items on my wish list that typically I can't make myself buy because of the price tag. This way these pieces will feel even more special because they are more of a reward.

Some of the items on my big wishlist are shown above and can be found at these sites:

Loafers, Sunglasses, Leather-trim leggings, Purse, Necklace

Don't be the Weakest Link this Holiday Season!

The words chain and link bring back random but funny memories  from when I was younger: making paper chains in school for the holidays...chain letters kids from class would always email you and you too would cave and send it to ten people in hopes that maybe this time your crush will actually ask you out like the email promised...the craze of Who Wants to be a Millionare and the similar show The Weakest Link with the scary, mean British lady host who you would always try and mimic her accent ("You ARE, the weakest link!")...linking arms on the playground playing Red Rover, I don't miss those sore red arms!

Nowadays, I like to use chains as a way to sass up an outfit. I've practically been living in my Bauble Bar gold chain necklace these past few weeks and I don't think that's going to stop anytime soon. Chain link accessories seem to have the ability to add some edge to an outfit but at the same time enhance its feminine qualities. I don't know how they do it but I'm all for it!

Hop on the chain link train with these pieces:

[1] Kenneth Jay Lane [2] Baublebar [3] J.Crew [4] C.Wonder [5] Michael Kors [6] J.Crew [7] J.Crew [8] Baublebar

Gifts for Her

My family is made up of my mom and dad, two sisters, and our crazy cat Miko. My dad would like to joke around and complain that he was the lonely male in a house full of women and estrogen and the poor cat didn't count as a guy since he was neutered.With all these ladies in my life, Christmas shopping is mostly centered around gifts that they would enjoy. 

(1) French Press from Lord & Taylor for Amy: It is no secret to anyone that my younger sister and myself love coffee...I mean, both of our blog titles revolve around our love for the bean. This french press is both eye catching and tough (designed to be used in cafés and restaurants) and would be used a lot.

(2) Glitter clutch for Katie: My college roommates and I had a thing for glitter and anything sparkly and girly. For Katie's birthday, we had a pink and purple themed party where we literally threw pink and purple glitter and tinsel throughout our entire house. It looked awesome but wasn't so awesome to pick up the next morning. Katie also loves purses both big and small, combine that with glitter and it's a guaranteed gift success.

(3) "I Have No Regrets" Print for Addie: I love France and all things French (Hello baguettes, Paris, macarons, Provence, champagne! I'll stop there..) and my college roommate Addie feels the same way. We both went to Paris in high school with our French class and have wanted to go back again since then. Addie has an eye for cool posters and prints and this one would be a great addition to her collection.

(4) Nail polish for Jordan: What girl doesn't like to paint their nails every so often? My old roommate and friend Jordan (or Red as I call her) goes past the term like to near obsession. Almost every day Red would have a new coat of polish on her nails or she was in search of that perfect shade of red or whatever color she was feeling. A bunch of nail polishes in the latest trending colors like this Wicked shade from Essie would make a nice stocking stuffer for Red or any girl who loves her mani-pedi's.

(5) Buffalo Check Plaid Shirt for Mom: my mom has always been the kind of person who wants presents that are "practical". Every year when we ask her what she wants for Christmas she replies with something like socks or a new oven pan. A comfy plaid shirt like this one from J.Crew would fall in her idea of practical, being the type of shirt she could wear around the house or going out somewhere. The style and pattern give it that dual power of being able to look casual yet put together.

(6) Wine scented candle for Eileen: Ever since I saw these candles at the cute boutique Rock, Paper, Scissors in Ann Arbor, I have been wanting to go back to buy one for myself my sister Eileen. In the past year or two, Eileen has gotten into more home decor and likes to have candles lit in her apartment when she is studying and relaxing with her roommate. With wine being her drink of choice, a Riesling scented candle would blend right into the aesthetic of her kitchen and dining area! If it were me I would go with the Pinot Grigio or Champagne scented candle ;)

(7) Monogrammed necklace for my mom, sisters, and me: My sisters are both in school on the west side of the state while my mom and I are hanging out together on the east side of Michigan. Being separated from them makes me sad often times and I know it makes my mom sad that she doesn't see them more, so a monogram necklace with our last name's initial for each of us would be a nice way to feel more close and connected.

Comfort and Sparkle this Holiday Season

This time of year as the weather turns all I want to wear is big, comfy sweaters and leggings. However, with the holidays there are always events and parties to attend where I still want to look put together but maintain my comfort (and warmth) while looking respectable. The holiday season also makes me want to add a little pizazz into my outfits to keep my spirits bright to match the festivities. Throwing some glitter and sparkle into an ensemble, whether it be something bold like a dress or shorts or subtle like a bracelet or nail polish, always seems to do the trick for me. Here are some of the things I'm liking as of late that would be nice for these upcoming months of cold weather, holiday parties, and a plate with a frenchie to make me smile when I'm missing the warm weather :)

1. J.Crew 2. Madewell 3. GAP 4. Mango 5. C.Wonder 6. C.Wonder 7. Tory Burch 8. J.Crew 9. Coach

Wishful Thinking Wednseday

Sweater: Aerie | Jeans: James Jeans | Watch: Michael Kors | Trench: Burberry London | Purse: Coach | Ankle Booties: J.Crew

The work week is nearly through, woohoo! While I sit at my desk sending emails and crunching numbers, I'll dream about adding these pieces to my wardrobe with the overtime money I am slowly accumulating ;)