Jen Russum

San Diego – Part One

San Diego – Part One

Well, I went a little Instagram crazy this week, especially on our trip to San Diego over the weekend. I have been to California plenty of times in my life, but there is just something about going there that makes me giddy. Every. Single. Time. I get excited like it’s Christmas or something.  You will see some of that giddiness in the pics below. I will show you some photos off the fancy camera as soon as I can edit them. Although, they hardly need editing… it is San Diego after all. Shopping post-workout for a dress for Micah' birthday celebration  = tight dress + winter clearance that could not be resisted + running shoes // Leaving for my road trip in the AM with my beachy fedora DQ stop in Yuma // Hello California! The view from our hotel room on the harbor // So excited to be in SD! Dinner in Old Town with Bekah // Breakfast at Newbreak Cafe in OB Micah and I unexpectedly took a tandem bicycle ride around Coronado Island {favorite date ever} // Hotel del Coronado Sunset at the del // SD skyline behind us Breakfast at The Mission // Horton Hears a Who flower Micah surfed the artificial pipeline at The Wavehouse while I studied with a raging beach party going on all around me. I got complimented on my focus by two of the employees there! Ha! Date night for Micah's Birthday // We went to a place where you grill your own steak! Last morning in SD // Stalling anyway we can before going home *Linking up with Finding Beauty and Hello Hue and Life Rearranged!* ... Read more

San Diego???

San Diego???

Hi friends! So bright and early tomorrow morning, Micah and I are leaving for San Diego. I will drop Micah off at the airport at some disgusting hour before dawn and will then chase his plane in my car and get there about five hours after him. Pics from our San Diego trip last summer... Micah has work meetings Friday and Saturday morning. Then he could just fly back to Phoenix with his co-workers, but he's not doing that. Wanna know why? Because Micah turns THIRTY tomorrow! Yes, the big 3-0. So I couldn't let him go to some measly work meeting on his birthday and just leave it at that {actually, these Cali meetings are usually pretty fun for him, but still... work is work}. So I decided I would drive to SD and we would turn it in to a weekend escape. We are staying until Monday to celebrate the birthday of a man who loves the beach more than anyone I know. So what's on the agenda? Surfing {aka Micah surfing and me grading papers! That's how we roll mid-semester}. And this is where I need your help. Surfing is all we have on our agenda, which will probably happen on Sunday morning/afternoon. What else should we do/where do we need to eat? One of the nights we are there, I would like to take Micah out to dinner somewhere nice, but it can't be toooo spendy. We like steak and fish and all that good stuff, so where should we go that's nice and fairly budget friendly? And are there any other must-see or must-try places around town? Breakfast joints? Lunch places? To die for desserts? My SD experience is limited. We are pretty familiar with Mission and Pacific beaches and a scary "hostel" in El Cajon, but we don't know much about Old Town, Downtown, or La Jolla. And I am game to explore. Also, San Diego Zoo on Monday morning??? Yay or Nay? We've never been. All of you with SoCo knowledge, please help me plan this little beachy, birthday weekend! Thanks in advance!!! ... Read more

An Ode to My Favorite Pants

An Ode to My Favorite Pants

Oh, Lauren Conrad Skinny CordsHow do I love thee?Let me count the ways... The way you wrap yourself securely around my thighs and hips without being too tightNo unflattering bulges peep out from beneath youAnd yet you hold me so closely all day long {even after many wears with no washes}You don't stretch and gap and get all saggy like so many of your friends that hang beside you in my closetThe way you graze my ankle ever so slightlyYet allow full foot exposure to highlight all my beloved pointy-toed flatsThe way you come in multiple colors - rust and gray pairs have made their way into my home and heartThe way you slide on so easily and allow such flexible and fluid movement throughout the day{and with you on my hips, so forgiving, I never have to unbutton my pants after a hearty meal}Still, you look professional and tailored with your clean cutI am not afraid to wear you to workOr to playYou are my true love.   Top:: Banana Republic // Vest:: Nordstrom {BP} // Pants:: Lauren Conrad {Kohl's} // Belt:: Urban OutfittersShoes:: Mia {Nordstrom Rack} // Watch:: DKNY {Nordstrom} // Necklace:: Sunshine Blossoms No, really, I LOVE them. xoxo,Jen ... Read more