SOCIAL MEDIA

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Moving on from 30 to 31

So today is my birthday's eve, eve.  If that makes sense.  Tomorrow I have a post lined up for Oh hey, Friday link up with September Farm, so I thought I would do a post on my upcoming birthday.  Which is Saturday by the way if you still need to get your shopping done for me.

Last year I was about to turn 30.  I had some serious discussions inside my head about my fears of turning the big 3-0.  But when it actually came time to turn 30, it wasn't that bad.  It may have also been all the wine I was drinking daily to help me finish off my last minute wedding details.  That is right, my wedding was 15 days after my birthday.  And that my friends, is why August is the best month.  My birthday and my anniversary.

Last year on my birthday, my husband (fiance at the time) spoiled me.  He took me to breakfast, got me a massage (at home by the lovely Nicole), bought me a new Coach bag, took me to drinks at Garwoods in Lake Tahoe and then a romantic dinner at Soule Domain in Kings Beach, CA.  I could definitely get used to that kind of treatment.  He helped make 30 the best birthday.  And I don't think I ever cried over Wet Woody's (drink from Garwoods, get your mind out of the gutter people) like I thought I would.
Birthday dinner with a nice big glass of vino

So in two days I turn 31 which isn't too bad other than that ugly pesky odd number.  But in the last year, I have:
- Married my best friend
- Checked going to the Rose Bowl off my bucket list
- Went on a beautiful honeymoon to Kauai for 11 days
- Had my wedding featured on Weddingbee (which I had been reading for over two years)
- Watched the Niners get crushed by the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game and the Seahawks win the Superbowl (boo!)
- Went to Mexico (as a second honeymoon)
- Talked openly about our infertility and conceiving journey
- Helped my sister-in-law plan and execute her wedding in Graeagle
- And watched my best friend marry the love of his life

 One day post 30

As you can see, a lot has happened over the last year.  30 definitely made me a stronger person, a little more sassy and crazy, and I ventured into a whole new life (the married life).  I can't wait to see what 31 brings me.  Hopefully a lottery win (I guess I need to play to win), a baby, lots of travel, good health, new memories with my husband, winery tours (many cases of wine) and lots of shopping goodies.

Cheers to 31!
Monday, July 28, 2014

Monday Again

Monday's come way too fast lately.  Maybe that is because we have been pretty busy lately.

Friday I didn't have to work (also why I never got around to blogging) as I had to take a furlough day.  Don't know what that is?  It is an unpaid day off.  Sure I love the day off part, but my pocketbook hates not getting paid for it.  Since I didn't get paid, the best thing to do was spend money, so I got a pedicure.  Man oh man did it feel so good.  Hot pink toes and a foot massage.  Plus this...
Cantaloupe Smoothie with Boba

Friday we went to the annual Silver and Blue football kick off party.  We ate, played washers and cornhole and talked football.
   The new tailgating trailer

Saturday we ran some errands, took Walter to the dog park, bathed him, had sushi (at a new place and it was sooo good) and played some mini golf.  My husband demolished me, but we still had a great time.

Sunday we headed to Lake Tahoe for some beach time at Hidden Beach.  Always a favorite of mine.  We spent a good 5 hours up there, got some sun, played some smashball and went swimming.  Then it was onto the boring stuff like grocery shopping and cooking dinner.

Our weekend was pretty successful, but it went by way too fast.  How was your weekend?
Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Wednesday's Confessions

It is Wednesday, so that means link up with Bella from Dateless in Dallas.  I woke up this morning thinking it was Thursday which is my Friday this week due to my awful furlough days we STILL have to take.  Ugh.  This week is just dragging on.  But enough complaining.  Let's get down to my confessions for the week.

I confess that I am dreading my birthday next weekend (August 2nd).  I will be 31 and that isn't too bad (I almost cried writing that), but I feel like I am so far behind where I thought I would be.  The 21 year old me thought by the time I was 26, I would be married.  Nope.  I did not get married until I turned 30 (I was 30 for 15 days).  I thought I would have my first child at 28 and second at 30.  Negative on both of those.  I thought I would have traveled all over Europe before having children.  I have only been to England, and I am dying to travel Europe (big time travel bug here).

But then I think of all the amazing things I do have in my life at almost 31 (living up the "I am 30" until the last second).  We have a home that we are buying.  We have the best dog in the WORLD, Walter.  We are married.  We have great jobs (even if I complain about my job ALL THE TIME).  We have amazing friends and family.  We are healthy.  We travel often (around two amazing vacations a year plus smaller ones here and there).  We are fortunate enough to be able to try for children.  And I think we are at a very stable place in life right now.  So life is pretty good right now.

I confess I bought a few bunch of items today at the Nordstrom anniversary sale.  I figured it is an early birthday present to myself.  Plus the bra I have been coveting for a few months now is on sale and I couldn't help myself.  I may have also bought a shirt on groopdealz and have been shopping around online for a new pair of black heels.  Oh bank account, please don't hate me.

I confess that I still have some writers block going on.  I need some new ideas for my blog.  New things to write about, experience and so forth.

That's about all the confessions I can manage for now.  I think I need a bigger cup of coffee and to step away from my computer before I buy the internet up.

Confessions
Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Football on the Brain

I have football on my mind.  Yesterday at the gym, the TVs were full of the upcoming football season.  From Eli Manning's franchise record 27 interceptions, to the 49ers new stadium to the season predictions. 

I CAN.NOT.WAIT until football starts.  My weekends will be consumed watching the Wolf Pack play at home (season ticket holder) and lazy Sundays watching NFL.  There is definitely something about Fall and football season.  Though I am enjoying the warmer weather and beach days, I can't wait for everything Fall brings.

What I am looking forward to in Fall:
Football
Annual Apple Hill trip
Apple pie and cider
Fall Clothes and boots
Trip to Avalon, NJ for a wedding
Thanksgiving
Tailgating


Football in Numbers:
In 16 days, the 49ers will play their first game of the preseason (I'll take what I can get).
In 26 days, the 49ers will play their first game (preseason) in the new Levi's stadium (great day. Also my anniversary).
In 39 days, the Nevada Wolf Pack will play their first game of the season (and at home) against Southern Utah. 
In 47 days, the 49ers will play their first regular season game.

Are you as excited about football as I am?
Monday, July 21, 2014

July Group Giveaway

It is Monday again which is my least favorite day, but I have a giveaway to share with you all that will hopefully make your day better.  But first a little weekend update.

As I mentioned in my last post, I headed to the Bay Area on Thursday for work.  My day started bright and early at 3:15 am...thanks to a 5 am flight.  But the good thing about a flight so early, breakfast when you land!  I had the best blueberry pancakes before driving around the crazy Bay Area freeways.

Once I checked into my hotel (way late due to traffic), I headed to the best hotel gym (maybe best gym ever) and proceeded to work out for an hour and 45 minutes.  Yes I have to be exact with my minutes here because this gym was THAT GOOD.  I didn't want to leave.  I even contemplated (key word) getting up way early to go again.  This gym had these machines called ROC-IT by Hoist.  I literally tried everyone and was extremely sore the next day, but so worth it.

Since I worked my butt off, I wanted some seafood.  And since my friend lives in town (but was away on business, boo), she recommended a few places to me.  I went to Escape From Fisherman's Wharf.  Amazing and definitely filled the seafood craving.
#12 combo.  Crab (so much fresh crab) croissant sandwich with avocado, lettuce and tomato.  Bowl of homemade clam chowder and chips (that were not consumed).

Friday I drove way up north past wine country into Ukiah and Willits, CA.  Beautiful drive.  But along the way, I stopped for some of the best coffee I have ever had (close to Costa Rica coffee, but CR still wins).  I went to Mountain Grounds.  The owner made my drink and it was perfection.  I am literally still dreaming of this drink and it's just coffee.
Looks simple, and it really is, but the best coffee drink EVER.  Espresso, vanilla, whole milk, ice and a smidge of whipped cream.  HEAVEN!

It is also worth noting that if you are in Ukiah, CA, you should go to The Bottle Shop for a sandwich.  They have their own mustard (Mendocino mustard), fresh meats and veggies, fully stocked assorted drinks and chips, plus so much more. 

I flew home Friday evening to this.
The cutest husband and dog pairing.

Saturday was spent watching the thunderstorms roll in, some boring chores, tv catch up, a movie and dinner out.  A perfect lazy Saturday.

Sunday we wanted to go to the lake, but again thunderstorms and rain rolled in.  So instead we went golfing.  We were paired with the best father/son match-up (70s and 50s), and I was definitely playing so much better.  You need those golf games to make you want to keep playing and yesterday was definitely one of those days for me.  Sadly, the rain, thunder and lightening hit hard (right over us) at hole 15, so our round was cut short after that hole.  But we did see this.

Plus we grilled some amazing carne asada, made homemade salsa and guac and a little spanish rice.  Perfect ending to a great day.

Now it is Monday, and a long week ahead, so I will just be at my desk dreaming of my coffee heaven.

And now onto the giveaway.  Just like last month, I am participating in a giveaway with the amazing Karli from September Farm and many others.  So please check out these amazing girls I am doing this giveaway with and just maybe you will find some new bloggers to be smitten with (I know you will).

So get yourself entered for $235 cash plus some ad spaces from two of these gals!
sparkles + lattes | dream big + buy the shoes
{the farmer's wife} | baby ridley bump | saraphrasing life | flowers in my hair | top free mmorpg
eat drink + be mary | rhapsody + chaos | sugar, spice + everything life | lot 48 | treasure tromp
rad maverix | behind the camera + dreaming | KALIWOOD | September FARM | courtney stitches

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

A Little Late

I am finally getting around to my weekend update...only a few days late. Better late than never, or maybe no one noticed?

I am starting my weekend on Thursday, even though I worked Friday (half day) because we went to a Reno Aces game.  I haven't been to one in about a year, and we were given free tickets by my husband's friend.   I missed the Aces games.  Plus we had some great seats. 

Friday
I finally got my hair done.  I didn't change it up at all, but finally covered my massive roots that were showing.  I wish I could have my hairstylist blow dry and style my hair daily.  I don't know how she gets the volume, softness and perfection to it.  That even was filled with amazing Italian food and relaxation.

Saturday
In the morning, we headed to the eye doctor, so I could help my husband pick out new sunglasses with a prescription in them.  He doesn't need them to do everyday things, but really only at night, movies, football/baseball games and driving.  While he was finalizing his order, I was trying on sunglasses for fun.  And since I showed him the Ray-Bans I mentioned here, I wanted to try on others in hopes he gets me a new pair for my birthday, or that pretty Michael Kors watch.  Either or both will do.  I tried on these Ray-Bans for fun and fell in love (which is weird because they normally look weird on my face).

My dear friend Matt got married to the love of his life Kate.  If you remember, I talked about him getting married in England in May, but they finally had their Reno ceremony and reception.  It was at the Galena Creek Park which turned out to be so beautiful.  We ate amazing barbeque food, petite cupcakes, cookies and candy, danced the night away and enjoyed a new English drink.  I can't remember the name of it, but it had some spice to it with some fruity flavors.  So good.  Anyone know of this drink?
Getting married
Table Centerpieces.  Notice the photo cards from their England wedding?  Gorgeous

Sunday
We did the normal boring stuff like making breakfast, grocery shopping, cleaning house and cooking dinner.  But at least we finally got to use our new grill for the second time.  Did I forget to mention that it finally came in, only 4 weeks late.  Best home grilled steaks that evening.

And there you have it.  Finally a weekend update.  Now I am aching for this weekend to be here.  We don't have much going on, but a trip to Tahoe might be in order.  These 100 degree temperatures are killing me.

Tomorrow I am off to one of my favorite close cities for work....San Francisco.  It is a very short trip as it is only overnight and I will be back Friday late evening, but I can't wait to sink my teeth into some good seafood and enjoy the milder temperatures.

Hope you all have a lovely Wednesday.
Monday, July 14, 2014

Best Way to Consume Your Monday

I started writing my weekend update when I got lured into this awesomely awkward thread.

A few weeks ago, I got a comment from Bev, Halfway to Fearless, and I decided to check her blog out as I do with pretty much anyone who leaves me a comment.  I read a few of her posts, checked out her blog designs and bookmarked it to possibly check it out at a later time.  Fast forward to last week when I was perusing my bloglovin feed, and I tried to click her blog link.  No go.  I deleted her blog off my list and moved on.

Then I was reading Not Entirely Perfect this morning and came upon the best thread and most time consuming suck on my life (great for a Monday morning).  Please do yourself a favor and go read this thread.  I haven't laughed that hard in awhile.  Bev is crazy.  Well I don't even think crazy is the right word for her.  She is something else.

Recap if you don't have time to read it all:
Girl posts about giveaways and people say that she doesn't deliver on said giveaways.
Girl tries to get her view numbers up, so she lies about them and then posts in GOMI.
Girl posts recipes (stolen recipes), gets called out for it, then tries to delete the comments and fix her mistakes.
Girl makes fake accounts trying to be someone else, but gets busted (umm IP Addresses don't lie girl).
Girl posts as herself trying to defend herself.
Girl goes MIA and deletes twitter, facebook, blog, etc.
Her husband creates an account to tell everyone that she died in a tragic car accident.  Seriously going to lie and pull a soap opera move?  So unclassy.
Girls baby daddy's fiance posted saying she is very much alive.
Girl comes back saying she posted some stuff, but another girl, Caitlyn, was the one who posted all that stuff.

BUT YOU STILL STOLE CONTENT, RECIPES AND PHOTOS FROM OTHERS AND POSTED THEM AS YOUR OWN.  PLUS YOU FAKED YOUR OWN DEATH.

This has literally consumed my day.  And now it can consume yours.
  
Friday, July 11, 2014

Five on Friday

It's Friday (finally) and I am participating in September Farm's Five on Friday.  And in honor of Five on Friday, I am writing about the five things that I want right now.

I am currently obsessed with and coveting these five beauties:

Ray-Ban Pink Mirrored Flash Lenses

I love the idea of pink sunglasses for summer and aviator glasses seem to fit my face pretty well.

Michael Kors Rose Gold Chronograph Glitz Watch

I really need a new watch that I can wear to work and on my work trips (since my others are more casual) and I love this watch.  From the color to the sparkle, it fits me pretty well.


I have been having a hard time finding silver jewelry lately and this fits the criteria of sparkle and silver.


I have been wanting a SLR camera for quite awhile for our bigger trips, for when we have children and just to use in general.  This one seems to get really good reviews and it is at a great price (or at least I think it is).

Top Left: Kate Spade Black Charm Heels  Bottom Left: Betsy Johnson Gown Heels  Right: Valentino Black Couture Leather Bow Pumps

I need a new pair of black heels and I love bows (wanted some for my wedding), so any of these three would be a perfect fit.  I really want the Valentino ones and have been coveting them for a few years now, but the $700 ish (you can find them for about $400 some places) has stopped me from getting these beauties.

Now only if I had more money and unlimited shopping excursions.  One can dream.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

First Anniversary Gifts

So my first anniversary is about 5 weeks away and I have no clue what to get for my husband.   I am stumped.  First anniversary is supposed to be paper (traditional) or clocks (modern).  I saw ideas for picture books, but I already did two photo albums and two photo books.  Yes I went overboard a bit, but I loved our wedding photos.  Plus we have a bunch around the house including a canvas piece.  So in love with it.

We promised each other we wouldn't spend too much as we are going to San Francisco for the weekend where we will enjoy a Giants game (hopefully they can start winning more games after last night's win), two amazing dinners, desserts, wine/cocktails, some shopping, exploring and whatever else catches our eye.  Plus my birthday is two weeks before, so he said he would go bigger for that.  No complaints here.

So I went to Google for to look up awesome/unique first anniversary gifts.  Here are a few that stood out to me.
image via HandmadeHQ

You can personalize this anyway you want.  From your first song lyrics to your vows to a love letter.  We wrote our owns vows, so maybe putting both sets?  I don't know if you can see the hearts on the tree very well, but one has the wedding date and the other two are your names.  Very cute idea.


San Francisco 49ers tickets.  Seems like an awesome gift that I could enjoy too, but as tickets are about $200 or more per seat since the new stadium opens this year, that is way above the price range we talked about.  Concert tickets?  Not sure there is anyone we are dying to see right now.


A year of planned dates.  It is a very cute idea and I am sure I could come up with 12 great date nights.  I might need your (my readers) help though.


A unique watch.  My husband used to love watches, but now he doesn't wear them often.  So I am not sure this is the gift for him.  But he can feel free to buy me a new one.

And now I am stumped.  So I need your help.  Any gifts you would recommend?  Like any of these?

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Wednesday's Confessions

It's Wednesday and that means it's blog link up time with Bella at Dateless in Dallas.  I struggled with even writing today as my heart is heavy...

I confess my heart is breaking for an old friend of mine whose husband passed away this morning.  I didn't know him, but I have known her since elementary school.  He had some heart issues going on, and he had surgery Monday.  Everything was looking good, but these last few days were critical and sadly today he went to be with God.  My heart breaks for her and her family.  I couldn't imagine losing my husband, family or friends.  Hug your loved ones tonight.

I confess that I haven't had much to say on this little ole blog here.  I don't know if it is a lack of interest, being busy or what.

I confess that I need a hair cut and color really bad.  I tried to be good with my money and stretch it out a few more weeks and now I can't stand my hair.  Come on Friday, momma needs new highlights.

I confess that I have been online shopping like no other.  I keep putting things in my basket but never pulling the trigger.  I know I need to save money since we just bought an air conditioner, we have a wedding in New Jersey to attend and desperately need a new oven, but I just want to buy all the new clothes and deals that keep popping up in my inbox.
Confessions
Monday, July 7, 2014

The Weekend of Food

So I haven't posted in forever as life just got in the way.  I have been busy at work and at home.  But I managed to sneak in an evening with my two favorite ladies last Thursday at Campo.  We caught up on each others lives, we ate lots of yummy food and talked for hours.  Definitely one of my favorite parts of life.  My best friends.  Plus we shared this.
 Campo's Chef's Choice Dessert Plate

My weekend was full of food, lots of walking around town and house cleaning.  The last part wasn't so much fun either.  Think cleaning bathrooms and going through clothes and linens.  We donated so much stuff this weekend.
 Part of our donation

Friday was the 4th of July and a hot one.  We spent the day by the river watching (or creepin) on river floaters.  So much fun people watching with our dog.  That evening we went to watch the fireworks which were an hour late due to wind.  But they were still pretty amazing.  I never get tired of watching the fireworks show.
Walter and my husband watching the river floaters
Sparks Finale Fireworks Show (iPhones don't take the best photos)

The chicken wing festival was in town this weekend and we sadly did not participate.  It was 100 degrees here and way too hot to walk around.  But we did go to Noble Pie Parlor for pizza and wings Saturday night.  And I had chicken (wings) for the first time in who knows how long and did not get sick.  Big time win for me.  I hope to start adding chicken back into my diet.  I love chicken, but since starting metformin (for fertility), chicken and I didn't get along.

We also went to dinner with my in-laws last night at Bistro Napa.  We took my in-laws out as a thank you for them generously paying for our Graeagle weekend stay.  I had the cioppino and it was amazing as always.  Plus I shared the french onion soup.  The soup came inside of an onion.  It's the little touches.  Sadly, I got massive heartburn from everything, but still wouldn't change my dinner decision.
 French Onion Soup
Cioppino

See our weekend was full of food, and amazing food at that.

We have a wedding for a best friend of mine this upcoming weekend and I couldn't be more excited.  Plus I went shopping for said wedding and found a $158 dress on sale for $44.  Crazy good 4th of July sale.

How was your weekend?  Anything special coming up?

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

5 Guilty Pleasure Confessions


It is Wednesday and that means I am finally going to link up with Bella from Dateless in Dallas for her Wednesday Confessions.  She wrote about Pretty Little Liars, a show on ABC Family that I am guilty of watching.  What can I say, I love the high school ish drama.  Which is why I thought I would do my five guilty pleasures (probably embarrassing ones too) confessions.

1.  I confess I love to watch way too many "girly" types of shows.  Pretty Little Liars, Chasing Life, The Lying Game, Gossip Girl, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and many more.  I am a girly tv junkie.

2.  I confess I love flaming hot cheetos with salami wrapped around it.  I don't even know if this is a guilty pleasure really, but I love random food combinations.  I tried the cheetos and salami while Christmas tree cutting and now I can't get enough of it.  Try it.  Believe me, it is good.  I also love chocolate milkshakes and fries plus many other weird combos that people make fun of me for, but you can't knock it til you try it.

3.  I confess that I love a good cigar and scotch quite often.  The cigar pleasure started back in college to celebrate the end of a semester, but has forged on for years.  And the scotch pleasure started about two years ago.  I had scotch many times with my dear friend Steve, but never hated or loved it.  Then I went on a business trip to Atlanta, Georgia, and a few older gentlemen were sitting at my hotel bar drinking Macallan 25.  I was intrigued and they described it tasting like honey with a soft smokey flavor.  I was interested and they bought me a glass for $28.  Yikes, I was hoping I would like it.  I didn't like it, I loved it.  Oh how that is one of my favorite drinks now.

4.  I confess that I love Chick-lit books.  I love to read.  I used to hate reading for pleasure since all I did in college was read boring computer books.  But once I left college, I couldn't stop reading chick-lits.  I read every Emily Griffin, Sophia Kinsella, Cecila Ahern, Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Weisberger, Nicholas Sparks, Candace Bushnell and so many more.  I still love reading these types of books and usually download a couple per work trip and read the entire plane flights, by the pool/beach or in a coffee shop.  My husband always wants me to read biographies (boring), but I have a love for the chick-lit books.

5.  I confess I am obsessed with Social Media.  I rarely post to Facebook, but I love to read through my feed.  I love love love Instagram.  Especially fashion pictures (I have to have all the clothes), baby photos and dog pictures.  And Pinterest, oh how we had become best friends while planning my wedding.  I pinned everything and probably used 1/8th of it.

What are your guilty pleasures?  Link up with Bella to join in on the fun.
Confessions