Friday Favorites

It's a new year which means, new things to call my fav.  Here are a few that got me excited :)

1. Pinterest- I bit the bullet and became a pinner.  i love it!  Yet another thing to add to my list of addictions, but it is actually very helpful.  I have so many ideas from anything from outfits, recipes, to decorating my home.   :)
2. The 100's workout- This thing kicks your butt!  I have changed it up a little bit, for instance, the leg lifts are lunges for me, I add in planks and push ups and sometimes run longer than 10 min....the first time I did it, I was sore for 4 days...it's no joke, but it's fun and a fast workout and is great for women who don't have a lot of time but want to get their workout in.
3. Instagram- I have had this app for a long time but never knew that it was an online community.  I honestly just loved it because it made my pictures pretty, then one day someone commented on my photo...I looked and realized I had like 10 followers and they were all posting their pictures!  SO FUN!
4. My car-she's so cute!  Love her :)

Enjoy Your Friday!

Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do

Over the last few months I have taken a step back and re-evaluated my life, goals, and opportunities.  I have been absent from the blogging world, been all over the place mentally {and emotionally} and just plain ole been overwhelmed with life and everything that comes along with it.  I think I have mentioned this a little bit a while back…ummm maybe this post?  But quite frankily, due to my absence, I am not even sure if anyone has read it {don’t worry peeps, I don’t blame you}. 

Well, I want to let you all know that all that has been put behind me.  I have moved on, cleared my head, and cried it all out.  It’s. Over. 

A new year is here, I have turned another year older {maybe became a little bit wiser…I said maybe, ok?} and all along some really cool and great things have happened.  I ran my first marathon {kicked butt too}, hosted my very first Thanksgiving….and wait for it…..Christmas as well, decorated my own home {still have a long ways to go}, finally settled in my new job, bought my very first car {I am now a proud Volvo owner, Princess Sophia is her name}, and am planning my new venture on what I want to do with the rest of my life. 

Since my absence, I have been able to really get down and examine things. Though this may not come as a surprise to most of my readers, as I have mentioned it before; one of my favorite things is event planning and creating invitations.  I have never been one to half-heartedly do something; especially when it is one of my passions.  So this case would be absolutely, no exception to the rule.  I never wanted to start something up and not follow through.  Even more importantly, I didn’t want to set something up without a clear vision.  And I think it has come to me now {Yay!}.  So with all that said, my blog will have a new look and a new theme to it.  Allow me to introduce some of my favorite things: 

• Running/working out
• Inspirations, ideas, and being creative
• Working with others and sharing my favorite things with others
•  Cooking and baking, thus, eating healthy

I have many friends that blog on a daily basis.  Some have been able to make something of it and start their own venture.  Others do it strictly as a hobby.  I read their blogs and always feel good afterwards, though, I never really knew what or why it made me happy.  I realized a few weeks ago that I get happy afterwards because A) they are doing something they love, they followed their passion and made something of it and B) I wanted to do the exact same thing but never knew how or when to do it.  I have now figured out what I want my blog to look and feel like.  I would like to make it a Lifestyle Blog; one that many can relate to, and one that will make people feel good.  Here is a glimpse behind the meaning of my blog:

Monday Weekend Recap/Inspirations: Monday’s topics will cover my weekend {obvi} but it will also cover my inspirations that I have seen throughout the week/weekend.  Anything that I think of a/o see that I want to (re)create I will post.  This will also include things that are not meant to be designed (i.e. a saying or quote that I find etc). 

Run with me Tuesday {and home work outs}: It’s no surprise that I love to run.  I will use Tuesday’s topics to go over my runs planned for the week, how I did the week prior, and new running routes that I plan to do, etc.  I will also discuss races, training tips and experiences, and anything and everything in between.  I will also include my workouts that I do at home.  I think (hope)  a lot of people are like me in a way that I crave exercise, but sometimes get bored with my routines.  I want to use this section as a sounding board for myself and for others.  This section will also act as an accountability partner, for a lack of a better term.   If I write it, I will be honest.  If I miss or workout or just don’t feel motivated, I want to share that with others…it is completely normal and I think a lot of the time we just don’t have motivation or direction.  I want to change that.

Wednesday Healthy Recipes: This section will be a fun one!  I am all about eating good hearty meals, but I try to skip the excess calories.  I constantly am looking for new recipes that are healthy and yummy at the same time. Your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe?  Well, I have one that has half the amount of sugar…I think this will be fun because I will post my favorites as well as, new recipes that I find.  And of course, will give the credit when credit is due J.

Thursday Events/Invitations: YAY! SO exciting!  I think this section is self explanatory…but because the other sections have a description, why should this one be left out?  I will post my invites that I am working on a/o ideas that I see.  I will also be posting some fun event ideas and themes. 

Friday Favorites: This will be a fun section to post my favorite things.

So with that, friends, is what I have been doing.  I can’t wait to see where this takes me.  I read a quote somewhere ok, Pinterest, saying “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do”….that is so true.  I hope that I can make my blog as great as some of my other blogger friends have.  I know it will take time and for that I am very excited.  These are all things that inspire me, make me happy, and give me joy and I want to be able to share that with others and encourage others to do the same.  So please bare with me as this will take time and hard work, but I promise to make it the best I can. J

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today I said “I Do and I will” to my best friend. What a year it has been! Most couples may experience half of what we have experienced within our first year of marriage, new job, bought a house, remodeled (slightly), went through medic school, just to name a few. It has been very hard but yet even more rewarding and I am so thankful that God has shown us so much.


I have to apologize for being M.I.A for so long. To be honest, there has been a lot going on and either I just couldn’t form the words into a post or I just plain ole didn’t want to. The lack of inspiration has been very evident in my life lately. The cards that have been given to us, well, have been a pretty crappy hand and as we are piecing together every little bit, I can’t help but think that, though, we may not be out of the woods just yet, we still have many things to be thankful for. So with that said I am sorry that I haven’t been on here at all…(I do miss it) and I will now share a list of my high’s and low’s:

1. New House: we have officially moved in, slightly more settled in than the last time I posted, however, with Nick being gone 4 days out of the week , not a whole lot has changed other than some picture frames, a bathroom painted, and fall decorations…soon though, soon (fingers crossed).

2. New Job: I LOVE my job! WOW….I have a boss who really cares about me, what I do and appreciates those who work around her. I now work 1 song away from home (those who commute would appreciate this, those who are fortunate to never have to commute, you may not). I am now the Global Marketing Programs Coordinator for a software developer company. My main responsibilities are to provide all marketing pieces to our international distributors and to maintain metrics for our team….however, I seem to have enough to keep me busy every day and I love my schedule. I go home for lunch so I can hang with our fur babies and I am able to run every morning. Couldn’t ask for anything more.

3. Hubby-Medic School: The past 6 months have been difficult; however, I have never seen someone handle a work load this tough ever in my life, like my husband does. I don’t get to spend time with him very much, especially the last two months (he’s been gone 4 days in a row), BUT, we have made it work…I am so very proud of him…he’s such a trooper and he did this by himself…nobody else has supported him the way I think he should be supported, his talent and hard work have paid off and I am very very happy to say he will be done this Friday!!!

4. Anniversary!!!!: Today, it has been one year. This time last year, I was sipping champagne with my besties and enjoying my time with them. Gosh I wish I could do it all over again…I wouldn’t change a thing, honestly, nothing would be changed…it was a perfect day and I am so happy it’s been a year! Unfortunately, we won’t be able to celebrate tonight, he’s at work…but tomorrow night we will go out to Laguna to the Beach House, which you may recall is a very special place for us. At the end of the month, once the smoke clears, Nick has had time to detox, we are going to head down to San Diego for the night.

5. Nick turns 30!: In December, Nick will be turning 30…he’s not looking forward t this, but I honestly think it’s great. (He likes the younger ladies). I am planning a Vegas weekend for us and some friends and am really looking forward to that.

6. Marathon!: Also in December, I will running my very first full marathon. EEkkk! So excited and so very nervous. My best friend and I are competing in the California International Marathon in Sacramento. It’s supposed to be one of the best races in California, but really, don’t all races say that?! I am training hard, though I still wonder if it’s enough…I have set a pretty high goal for myself, which I may kick myself in the end, but I am trying every day to get better, faster, and stronger. I ran my first 20 miler, alone, and I think I have a lot to improve on, but at least I know what needs to be improved and what doesn’t. I am really excited to run the marathon, just scared that I won’t last. LOL.

As you can see, there have been so many things going on in our life. We have had many ups and some downs…but the ups continue to get higher and the downs don’t really last as long as they used to… I love my husband with all my heart. I am very proud of him and what he has accomplished in the last 6 months. I wouldn’t recommend this for everyone, it’s hard and there are a lot of lonely nights…however, it has shown us one thing for sure…we truly are meant to be a team…and it’s very important to be the stronger link when the other half is weaker. I cannot wait until he is completely finished..he deserves to rest for a very long time.

Happy Anniversary sweets! Love you with all my heart!

10 Things Friday

I have been thinking that a lot of my posts (whether they are read by followers or not) is basically just me catching everyone up on what is going on in life.  I thought I would make this blog a little bit more fun by adding a "summer series"....think of it as me making a theme to my blog, somewhat similar to those I see on all my other fine blogs that I read.

{Enter...10 things friday}


Every Friday, I will post 10 things that make me happy..and simply just for a reminder to myself that even though life is crazy and moving fast it is ok to take a step back and recognize those things that bring me joy.

1. nick
2. my little fur babies; killian and lucy
3. my brand new shoes that i found on sale {suede coral slingbacks, closed toe from urban}
4. this is my last friday at my commuter job
5. our new home...which we move into tonight!
6. for some reason the new slipcover that we bought to put over the couch my parents gave us...yay almost new couch!
7. coffee....lots of coffee
8. bright colors! totally wearing coral and aqua marine today at work.
9. running!  Lots and lots of running
10. giraffes

Holiday Fun. 4th of July Style

4th of July is one of my all-time favorite holidays....it's a close second to Christmas (176 days away FYI).  This 4th will be a little different than the past holidays as we will be celebrating in our new city!  In the past, we have always been in Mammoth but due to circumstances (i.e. we bought a house) we had to stay away this year so we will do what we do best.....relax and have fun!  This weekend is supposed to be hot and we will be painting all weekend so we can finally move in!  So close!!!  Since we will be slaving away on the walls, we decided to grill in our backyard with Nick's parents and keep it low key.  I have put together the menu for Monday's dinner which includes:

my "world famous" guacamole as an appetizer

Watermelon Margaritas :)

Red, White, & Blue Potata Salad

BBQ Chicken of course!

And my grilled corn on the cob that I make :) I don't have a picture of it and all the sample pics online were ugly so here is the recipe, it's very simple:

• white corn husks
• Extra virgin olive oil
• green tabasco sauce
• chile powder
• seasoning salt
• regular black pepper

Take the husks off the corn, after soaking them in water.  Once they are de-husked, grab some foil and cut appropriate sizes for individual corn.  Now, I don't like using butter for my corn so I take a very small amount of extra virgin olive oil and rub it onto the corn.  Remember, a little bit goes a long way!  Then, take the last 3 ingredients and sprinkle onto the corn...you can use any amount you would like, it's totally up to you...but I like my corn to have a kick so I put a lot on :) Once that's done, throw tabasco on and wrap them up!  Place it on the grill until they are done!

After dinner, we are going to be riding our bikes on down to the University in town to watch the fireworks!  It's going to be a fun-filled weekend and hopefully we will be able to make a lot of progress on the house!

Have fun everyone and be safe!

 

new beginnings.

4 weeks and counting. that's how long it's been since we bought our home and have been slightly re-doing.  Yes, I know renivating or remodeling would sound classier, but when I say that, I feel like I am lying as we are not tearing down any walls or changing up the bathrooms.  Whatever the case though, it's been 4 weeks now and we are almost done. {enter smiley face here}

And now for the biggest of news that I have been keeping in for        m . o . n . t . h . s .

....i was offered a new job.....

:)

and get this......it's 2 miles away from our new house!  No more commute!!!  It is a marketing position, which is what I have wanted, I am finally back to doing what I went to school for. double yay!

I have been interviewing with the company for 3 months now and it's been a very long process but all worth the wait.  I am very blessed and have been overwhelmed by God's planning.  In just a quick two weeks I will be saying so long to the long commute and constant feeling that I am not good enough and back into the first day of work feeling....It's all very exciting and scary at the same time.

a little sweat equity if you will...

So this weekend was Memorial Day Weekend which meant a longer weekend for most....I say most, because Nick had to go into work Sunday morning and just got off today.  boooo.  I left off last time saying that we were almost packed up and getting out of the rental and moving in {somewhat} to our new home! 

Friday evening we officially moved all our stuff into our garage and spent our first night {on the floor} in our new home and in a much larger bedroom!  Since we only have the weekends to work on the house, we started head first and got a good handle on all the DIY projects.  I also ran a couple times in my new city and LOVED it!!  I am pooped though!!!  For a girl that is used to running 8 miles a day, I barely finished my 6 mile runs!!  But the neighborhoods are so pretty and I am excited to be able to run hills everyday.  Sounds weird that I am saying that but it will only strengthen my muscles and my lungs :)

Our List?

1. Scrape the ceilings
2. Install new toilets
3. Install the kitchen sink faucet
4. Install canned lighting
5. Put up crown molding
6. Paint!
7. Make the yards look pretty
8. Move in!

That doesn't seem too much does it?  Since Nick was at work this weekend, he was only able to help out on Saturday....he and his dad started on the ceilings while I went to the rental and did our final walkthrough and picked up last minute things....umm hello, why did I forget the crock pot?!  So saturday it was ceilings, vacuum, throw old plants away, and clean up.  Sunday and Monday, his parents and I did a lot of yard work.  Pruned the trees, took the plants out, de-weeded as much as we could, and pretty much anything else that you can think of.  As I type this, I feel like it's not a lot but while I was doing it I felt that I had been working for months on the yard.  I will be posting pics throughout this process but below are the first of many to come!

PS: I'm totally bummed out that I didn't get a picture of Nick and his dad doing the ceilings.  They were covered in popcorn ceiling/dust and looked like ghosts!!

This room became this:

Hello, bare ceilings!

Bye Bye ugly dead plants!



Holy moly!  A lot of clothes!

I had asked Nick to find a toilet where my feet won't dangle on the ground....They came home with this! Ha!!  His dad totally covered the toilet!



Who says girls can't mow the yards!  Please disregard my ugly outfit.



Yard work at it's best!



Yay! for a pretty sink faucet that doesn't leak!

PPS: I mentioned before that it would probably take some time to find my favorite coffee shop, greek food place, nail salon, etc....well I found my new coffee shop and my greek joint already!  The even greater part?  It's a mile down the road from our house.  ahhhh the little things in life that keeps me happy.