My Love Affair with Shoes

What is it about shoes that addicts me? Maybe its how they completely make an outfit, adding edge where needed or that needed pop of color. Maybe its how you feel when wearing them. Whatever the reason, I can't get enough and I'm not the only one.  This video from JCrew does a pretty good job of explaining it. 

In honor of my favorite obsession, here are some of my favorites for autumn. 

I recently ordered the plaid shoes in the middle and am so excited for them to get here, here is a promotion code for 20% off if you love them as much as I do! 

http://www.solesociety.com/invite/link/index/id/10711821/type/2/

~Mary

Cheers to the Bachelorette

The weekend before the bar exam, I found that I needed a little bit of a break from all the studying (you can only do 14 hour days for so long).  My good friend Jessica's bachelorette celebration was a perfect distraction.  We started out at her apartment before getting on the party bus, then drove around to some local wineries. Jessica is a huge fan of wine and this party was very "her." It was wonderful to let off a little steam with some great friends from high school :)

Have a great Friday everyone!

We had a little fun between samples playing with the vineyard residents :)

Here is one of my best friends, Morgan. She just asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding next autumn and I could not be more excited for her and her husband-to-be!

XO, Mary

Garden of the Gods

A beautiful afternoon among the majestic Rocky Mountains just outside of Colorado Springs

It is not very difficult to ascertain as to why these trails are called the "Garden of the Gods," the view is awe-inspiring as you walk through a small valley between gorgeous peeks. My trip to Denver, CO had been plagued with several afternoon thunderstorms and I can't decide if we got lucky or if weather dared not spoil such a magnificent place, but it was a perfect afternoon. My friend Caitlyn, whom I was visiting, and I spent the late morning and early afternoon daring to climb upon the rocks and were pleasantly rewarded with an incredible view.

My family and I always visited Colorado during ski (or snowboard if you like) season, but it has always been a dream of mine to visit these wonderful mountains when they are covered in green instead of white! I had a fantastic week in probably one of the most beautiful places in the United States and I could not be more thankful!

Caitlyn near the top of one of the peaks.

This picture and the next are of Caitlyn and I taking a quick break...

... Soon after we saw a beware of rattlesnakes sign, we promptly kept walking!

A little taste of home in Colorado :).

Last look at the Garden.

Wonderful wildflowers sprouting up on the side of the road in Colorado Springs

xoxo claire

A Little R and R

Happy Hump Day Everyone! 

And hello all who have seen this page! I've been a little behind my sisters in posting but I promise it's not because I don't love The Colorful Cardinal. Work has definitely been hectic this summer and between the long hours in my revolving office (I travel frequently for work) added together with all the festive summer activities I've let time get away from me! 

I want to tell all of you about my most recent trip to Denver to visit a couple of college friends, but before I do I wanted to give you a glimpse of the resort I'm taking Mary to this weekend! I have to be there for work but wanted to give Mary with a little R and R after all her hard work studying for the Bar.

Gosh, it can be so hard to work in paradise ;) 

The resort is the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador

xo, Elise 

Flashback Friday

Hello All!


Sorry for the lack of posts this week, its been crazy busy.  Elise and Claire have been out of town and I spend all my time studying for the bar exam in 4 days.  Ahhhhhhhhh! Freaking out a little bit :)

Here is a little gem from Christmas a few years ago.  My aunt and uncle have a wonderful tradition where, instead of buying gifts for everyone, they leave clues around the house for all the cousins to figure out and the final clue lets us know what group activity we will be doing.  This is from our group scuba diving class.

Have a great weekend everyone!