Friday's five things: Back to school edition.

I started my fall classes on Wednesday. I have class on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. I am so close to being done! After my two classes this semester, I only have my capstone [!] left. I can't believe it! I am 9 months away from having my Master's!

[Iced coffee + whole wheat everything bagel with light lox spread... so I can pretend it's healthy]

I got home early, early Tuesday morning and have been exhausted all week, but somehow managed to drag myself out of bed this morning to stop by H&H Midtown Bagels, a guaranteed good start to my day.

[Bracelets by Jessica Simpson, Betsey Johnson, and Fossil, all from Macy's. Watch by Michael Kors]

My mom bought me these three bracelets this past weekend. I'm finally taking part in the stacking bracelets trend... I loved wearing them to work/class this week because I seriously jingle the whole day with the Betsey Johnson charms. It reminds me of how much fun I had this weekend! And how much I love it when my mom buys me nice little treats...

[Hammie loves helping with my photos]

The kitties were happy to see me after the long weekend. I'm looking forward to spending some time with them tomorrow and Sunday. I need some down time, and they need some Mommy time.

[My new desk]

This was actually my cheap desk from Amazon, but my wonderful Martha Stewart of an Aunt Diane took it home, sanded, and stained it for me. She dropped it off in my apartment while I was gone, so I came home to find this beautiful surprise waiting for me. Now this weekend I need to reorganize all the junk that goes in/on my desk...

Finally, this one is self-explanatory. After hurricanes and storms, then crappy weather all this week, it is finally nice out. And I'm going out tonight in this lovely nice weather!

TGIF, everyone! Enjoy this beautiful evening!

More goodies.

I have an online shopping problem. When I don't leave my desk for lunch, I end up opening all those SALE ALERT! emails and buying things like these:

[Cole Haan Josephine Pump in Ironstone Suede, $119. I got it on sale earlier this week for $89... because I'm awesome]

[Cope Haan Tantivy Double Wrap Bracelet in Chestnut, $39.95. Again, I got it for $27 because I am so good at reading those sale emails]

[Michael Kors Double Breasted Hooded Trench Coat in black, $115 on sale at Lord & Taylor. The sale is still going on. 50% off rain coats! Go now!]

To be fair, I'm not just randomly buying things. I've been looking for a leather bracelet all summer, and I've been looking for a hooded trench coat for about 18 months... I even tried on this exact one from Michael Kors before, but decided to wait for it to go on sale!

And although gray pumps are a recent addition to my shopping list, I've definitely had my eye out for them lately. I have a pair of gray trousers for this fall and thought it would be fantastic to wear them with matching gray heels.

And yes, yes I am justifying my shopping habit here...

Packing for the weekend.

I'm headed home to Minnesota next weekend for a few days at the lake. Here are a few picks for the perfectly packed weekend. The key is a few great pieces that can be remixed for different activities.

For the plane:

[flip flops//jeans//striped tank//cute ring//carry-on bag]

Add a classic black v-neck cardi to this combo, and I'll be all set for the plane. Some people prefer to wear something with socks through security for when they make you take off your shoes, but lately, I've noticed that they don't make you take off flip flops or basic sandals if there's no metal. I'll be crossing my fingers that I can get away without walking barefoot on the airport floor! Best to keep jewelry simple this day for the same reason - don't want to be taking off necklaces, etc. to go through security.

For the drive out to the lake/drinks on the patio Friday afternoon:

[pink tank//pleated jean shorts//army jacket//gold necklace//gold espadrilles]

A simple but fun look for the 90 minute drive to my family's lake house in Western Minnesota. Jean shorts and a tank make up the base so I'm ready to peel away the layers and hit the lake the minute I'm out of the car!

For a day on the lake:

[polka dot bikini//chambray shirtdress//braided leather belt//sun hat]

A light cover-up in case it gets chilly while cruising the lake. Flip flops are a must if we end up heading into town for drinks at the local watering hole. A floppy sun hat is essential to protect from UV rays... and to hide my eyes for a quick nap.

For dinner in town Saturday night:

[pink maxi dress]

A remix of the weekend's accessories with a pretty pink maxi dress from Michael Stars. This dress is really neat - it actually converts into a maxi skirt or a halter dress too! Great for a weekend when it's important to pack light.

And I'll round out the suitcase with leggings (for working out & for bedtime), Minnesota Twins t-shirt for bedtime, running shoes, a plain white tee (to remix with the Michael Stars skirt), sunglasses, black cardigan, black clutch, and Michael Kors watch.