Friday Favorites

Disclaimer: please excuse my blog layout, in the process of changing this bad boy up!

Friday Favs:

1. I am pretty sure Pinterest has taken over my life....but I have gotten so many ideas for outfits at work because of this thing!  If you are anything like me, {which I am pretty sure a lot of people are in the same shoes as I am} I have not been shopping for quite some time....sadly.  So I have to mix up the options on a weekly basis.  But how cute is this number? 

http://gthegentleman.tumblr.com/post/5461650341

2.  Words with Friends! This thing never gets old, let me tell you.  I'm hooked.  

3.  My 3 staple items: carmex, MAC lipglass in Ample pink, and my newest edition that I love! Bare Essentials Buxom lip gloss....amazing. 

baby.shower

Healthy Recipe Wednesday

This past Monday, we had some friends over for dinner. Me being the heath-conscious person that I am wanted to make a menu that would be full of flavor with half the calories. My husband was in charge of the meat, Tri Tip (not as healthy as the rest, but still very delicious) while I was in charge of the other menu items.


On the menu?


Roasted Potatoes

• 1 Bag of red potatoes (I grabbed the mini potato bag from the produce section)

• Wash and cut potatoes into quadrants

• Throw in a bag (you can use a gallon sized baggie or if you don’t have any in the cabinets, grab one of the plastic bags that you got from the produce section)

• Add about 1-2 Tblsp of extra virgin olive oil (this depends on how many potatoes you have) Typically I count 1..2..and I am done pouring.
• Add Rosemary-fresh is better, but if you don’t have it, grab the dried stuff
• Garlic! The more the better in my opinion.
• Kosher salt-just sprinkle enough to cover the potatoes, a little bit goes a long way.
• Pepper-same as salt


Preheat oven to 425, add all the ingredients in the bag and mix around using your hands. You can also shake the bag and massage the potatoes until it’s well mixed. Bake for 40 minutes or until tops are golden brown.




Sautéed Spinach
• 1 Bag of spinach (I didn’t have any fresh spinach because of the store I went to, however, I would recommend buying the fresh stuff)
• Minced Garlic-about 3 cloves
• Half of a lemon
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Heat the olive oil in a pan until it’s hot, add garlic and let the garlic brown a bit. Add spinach and sauté at medium heat. Add lemon at the end. This recipe takes about 5 minutes at most to cook, so make sure you save it for the very end. I started it up as my husband was cutting the me




Fudge Brownies with Mixed Berries
• I took the recipe from one of my favorite websites, Cooking Light (MyRecipes). Followed the recipe exactly what it said to do, however, I ended up baking the brownies longer. It all depends on your oven though, so test it with a knife….if it comes out clean, then you’re done.
• I grabbed whatever the store had on sale at the time, so it was blueberries and blackberries. I got this trick from my sister, so I can’t take full credit for it, but when the berries aren’t ripe, add a little bit of balsamic vinegar and a little honey. Mix together with the berries and let it sit in the fridge for a couple hours. Serve on top or on the side of the brownies and you got yourself a yummy dessert with half the calories!

Happy healthy meals!

Run with Me Tuesday

This post will be slightly different than what they usually will be.  You see, yesterday was a holiday (what’s up MLK Jr!) so I was holiday’n it up ….not really…if you call dusting, cleaning the bathrooms, mopping the floors Cinderella style (we really need to get a new mop) and making a semi-feast for friends, holiday’n it up, then, ok!  So I will be combining Monday’s and Tuesday’s post into one big happy one.

This weekend was actually really good…didn’t do anything huge, but I did have a happy birthday lunch with some friends at one of my favorite Mexican food restaurants.  Afterwards, we did a little bit of retail therapy at some of my favorite stores, Ulta and Nordstrom.  Sunday was grocery shopping, arts and crafts, football, and the Golden Globes.  Which by the way, ammaaazing dresses the ladies were sporting.  Some of my favorites were (photos are from The Huffington Post and The Washington Post):

Lea Michele in Marchesa

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Jessica Alba in Gucci

I have mentioned before that we are slowly decorating our house.  Well, our hallway isn’t very long, but, I have always loved the long hallways that have pictures with oversized frames and smaller black and white photos in them….so I am going to recreate that look, only on a smaller scale and on a smaller budget.  I bought a few white matted frames from Aaron Bros, from the penny sale.  And my MIL just gave me about 8 huge frames all with white mattes in them.  Only those frames are brown wood frames (my husband will be mad that I don’t know what kind of wood but if I had to guess, I would say Oak?).  Anyways, I have started to spray paint the frames black…see picture below.  I would say, I have spent maybe $30 bucks on this project and many of the frames that I bought at AB were at least $20 bucks a piece, so if you are looking for a project to do that will re-amp your hallway, this would be a good time to do it.  The penny sale lasts through the month!

The past six weeks have been a little funky for me in regards to my runs.  I ran the CIM in the beginning of December and basically the whole entire month was post marathon recovery (Hal Higdons), which basically means, I was running maybe 10 miles a week.  Suuuppperrrr lame in my mind, because I am psycho and am programmed to run at least thirty miles a week.  But in actuality, it is very healthy for your muscles, because you burn so much during the race, not to mention the 18 weeks of training prior.  I incorporated at home floor workouts and lots of walks, which helped me feel not-so-lazy.  I realized during my marathon, that the lack of cross training really affected my race and my time.  I barely did anything else during my training (rookie mistake #1) and in result, my left hip was in a lot of pain (from an old injury that I don’t think I ever really 100% recovered from), and I didn’t reach my goal time (11 minutes off, which is a lot for a runner).  I also got sick right before Christmas, so I wasn’t able to do much of anything.  Looking back, I think this helped with my recovery, but at the time it really blew.  Now I am pretty much back to my normal routine and ran my first longer run (9 miles) this weekend, followed by a shorter 4 miler with my favorite running partner, Lucy.  It felt really good, I was so happy to be back and I ran my favorite route which overlooks the valley once you are up at the top.  It was a beautiful morning with scattered clouds, and the sun peeping through to say hello.  I also did some hill runs yesterday, which pretty much is a hell run and makes you curse life the whole time you are doing it, but afterwards, it makes you feel like you can accomplish anything….The route is 5 miles total, including 6 steep long hills…the longest hills in the beginning and slowly tapering off towards the end.  The first time I did this run I was sore for 3 days after….today, I am not so sore which makes me think I should up the routine…maybe 6 hills twice?  ;)

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!