it's like I'm living a romantic comedy. minus prince charming.

After last week ended with multiple work parties and a weekend spent doing literally nothing but avoiding the heat, yesterday felt oddly stressful. Not that there was anything out of the ordinary about the day, I just got increasingly overwhelmed as the day went on. So Austin and I decided to have a nice dinner out to remedy the work day. It started to drizzle a bit as we headed over to Old City, but it was a welcome change to the 100+ weather we’ve been having here lately. We decided to eat our pizza outside and of course, it started to really rain. This is the stuff romantic comedies are made out of…eating pizza, outside, in the rain. Our waitress probably hated us, but we had the best time.

Of course, being in Old City required a stop at Franklin’s Fountain Shop for a pretty amazing ice cream sundae. Their fudge is SO good and it gave us a chance to dry off…kind of. And what night wouldn’t be complete without some Sweet Home Alabama to sing to on the way home. It was a perfect night…it couldn’t have been better if we tried.

Only two weeks left at work! It’s bittersweet; I’m ready to leave the apartment we’re in and go get settled in my new apartment in Boulder, but no part of me wants to stop working at home office. They will absolutely be hearing from me in December when I’m closer to graduating! And oddly enough, I’m ready to head back to the store…new things are waiting for me there!

gross

stupid heatwave.

it's pretty hot here.

The only thing worst than working out in the summer is working out in the summer and then going outside into 90plus degrees weather. We’re in the middle of a heatwave here, with real-feel temps of 110. It’s less fun than you might think.

On a happier note, I got to go to an inspiration presentation by Keith Johnson, the man of Man Shops Globe and the found objects buyer for Anthropologie. He lives a truly inspirational life in general, so hearing about his travels was amazing. He showed images from a recent trip to Venice, where he and some of the home buyers visited La Biennale. His passion for traveling comes through in everything he does and makes me want to take on the world. But still shows that it’s possible to have adventures without traveling to some exotic country; he’s the kind of man who will find excitement around any corner or behind any door.

This is what I love about my job. We had a mid-day farmer’s market today and these were probably some of the best blackberries I’ve ever had. And I’m not even exaggerating one bit. Funny how fresh fruit tastes so much better than berries that have been shipped across half the country…

Lunch at Chanticleer Gardens with Wendy and Wendy-the two presidents of Anthropologie.

Oh my gosh. What a week.

This past week has been ridiculous. It started out pretty wonderfully with a quiet day at the art museum on Sunday and I got to see some amazing pieces. Then there was Monday.

This week is one of the biggest weeks of the year for the home merchandising team. We have assortment review (reviewing all of the product that will be in stores during the holiday season) and press preview, all in four days time. Monday was spent preparing for assortment review. I thought I’d be helping set up all of the product, but instead, my boss dropped Austin and I off in the conference room and said it’s all yours. No pressure-this will just be seen and evaluated by everyone up to the presidents of the company. Piece of cake.

Set up actually went really well, and Tuesday (literally all day) was spent walking different people through the product. One of the presidents even commented on how great the ornament set up was (that was me!). It was a long day, but I felt really successful by the end of it.

Wednesday morning, everything we had just finished getting set up was wrapped, taped, and packed to be sent to the New York showroom that afternoon. It was a flurry of packing tape and bubble wrap, but amazingly everything was ready to go out the door at noon.

Today, Emily and I followed the product to the city to help set up the showroom for press preview. I had a great day…it was much more creative display than the work I’ve been doing so far, which was a welcome change. And who doesn’t love a lunch break in Times Square?

The best part about my day? The final Harry Potter movie in less than four hours! A part of my childhood is about to end, but I absolutely cannot wait for it. I re-read the seventh book last weekend (I know, I’m somewhat of a dork) so I’m prepared!

Tomorrow gets even better if it’s possible. We all get to sleep in a couple hours and then head out to Wayne, PA for lunch with Wendy and Wendy-the two presidents of Anthropologie. I’m really looking forward to it; if it’s anything like the lunch with the CEO, it will be pretty interesting with amazing food. I’m in love with my internship right now!

sample sale success

Yesterday was the beginning of my four and a half day holiday weekend…not bad! Our building had to close early because of some moves going on, but I’m not complaining. I got a frozen yogurt and park break before sample sale began. Oh my…sample sale. Austin and I were walking towards the line when they let everyone in and I literally had a moment where I was concerned about being trampled by the people running towards me. There were just boxes and boxes of samples everywhere and even more people rummaging through them. I’ve never been one of those push-and-shove-to-get-the-best-deal people, but I came away with some pretty amazing deals. 2 dresses, 1 tank, 1 cardigan, 1 jacket, 3 books, 2 candle holders, 4 pillow shams, and 1 duvet, all for $37. All in all, I’m feeling pretty successful.

Back to my daily inspiration for a moment. I love these shots by Kari Herer.