Britney Survived 2007 (Now with Winner!)

Ladies, the ladies I know have had it rough lately. Nothing terrible, just one thing after another. First, a bad morning, then an especially long commute. After that, a deadline missed (by someone else, which pushes back your deadline), complicated by a cold. Or the stomach flu.

A couple of us keep saying that 2015 is gonna be the year of change, and the year of Great Things. I may have said that myself lately, more than a few times. In the process, though, change hurts like a mofo.

So when I saw this mug in my Instagram feed this morning, I kinda just had to. And then I realized, well, how 'bout I share some of the love? We could all use a little strength, and if it comes with a little levity, all the better, and best if there's room for your favorite caffeine. Which there is. 15oz' worth.

So, my friends, if you'd like a shot at a mug, give me your best shot, share the best craptastic story you have from your own personal life so far in 2015 in the comments. It can be funny, serious, silly, or morbid. I have no strict rules, just that you have to share your story in the comments here on the blog (not on Facebook or my other social media channels) by 12:00am March 1, 2015. That gives you 2 more weeks, even, to come up with more soul crushing insanity. Then I'll peruse the stories and pick one, and post a winner on my Facebook page, as the easiest way to let folks know, and find a way to get it to you. (Hint, hint, follow me over there!)

Go on. Give it your best shot.

Winner Update: Deb, this mug is yours. I'm all about putting this mug in front of that sort of soul-crushing behavior. Stand tall, sit straight, and drink up. (I'll be in touch to get the mug to you.)

Thanks to all of you puke-ridden candidates (really, there's a lot of vomit lately). Wish I could give you all something to get through...so maybe I'll find a way for another contest soon.

Men's Style: Weekend Rocker Vibe a la Adam Levine. Really.

No bones about it, this here blog is all about women's style. Except on the rare occasion it isn't. Like when I toast H, or answer the occasional menswear question (here, too), or over on Pinterest where I cull pieces I'd love my H to wear.

It seems like men are just made for cool casual wear, and women usually want to borrow it. Like I do. I have a whole board of my own for the weekend vibe. Much of it is that slightly rugged, vintage-y, yet modern sense that's all the rage at the moment (or really, hasn't it always been "in" for Americans? Isn't that what we're all about?)

Anywho, when I saw (and I never look at online videos for some reason, but I did when I saw this - couldn't tell you why) this peek into Adam Levine's upcoming Kmart collection, well, it lines right up with the rocker vibe H and I both favor on weekends.

(if the video intrigues you, you can jump over to Adam's - because we're on a first-name basis - Shop Your Way page and sign up for the full version)

So. There are cool details, grounded colors, and that just-worn-enough quality a girl wants her guy to have on a casual day.

There's also a chance to win tickets. To Maroon 5 x Kelly Clarkson. Really. Sure, it's a sweepstakes, and our chances are a bazillion-to-whatever of winning, but you just. never. know. So go check out Shop Your Way (where you can collect your favorite products and sort of make your own "catalog," all via your existing social networks) and register to win, right over here.

And then you can tell me whether you're really trying to win for Maroon 5 or for Kelly.

and oh, btw, I'm not getting a darned thing for the post, just found the collection - and the contest - pretty cool and thought you all might be interested. Let me know what you think!