Birthday Weekend

I have procrastinated all day on writing a weekend update.  I had an amazing weekend, but Monday brought on a bad case of the Mondays.  It is rainy, gloomy and overall a blah day.  I wish I was still in bed or lying on the couch cuddling with Walter watching mindless tv.  But after I finally had lunch, I mustered enough willpower to write my weekend update.  You're welcome.

Friday.  After work I ran around town eating lunch and running errands.  Then I proceeded to walk Walter around in the sweltering heat thinking the shade would help.  Nope.  Hot as shit.  But I did get to go to Nevada Wolf Pack Football 101 with some pretty amazing ladies that evening.  We ate, drank, took pictures with the hot football team, did some football practice drills, listened to the coaches, raffled off prizes, watched the live auction (that was way out of my budget) and ate way too many pieces of cake/cookies.  It was a great night and benefited the University of Nevada Football team. I can't wait for next year.

Brock Hekking - Defensive End, myself and Cody Fajardo - Amazing Quarterback

 Yummy football cookies

The cutest dog house raffle (that I didn't win, so disappointed)

Saturday.  I slept in because it was my birthday and I was allowed to.  For the record, sleeping until 8 am is sleeping in for me.  Then I proceeded to laze around, cuddle with Walter and watch some mindless tv.  My husband was still in Tahoe coming home from a bachelor party, so I had free reign of the house.  I got myself fancied up for brunch with my three best ladies.  We bruched, chatted and had an amazing couple hours.  Love those girls.  Then my husband took me shopping (he got me a gift card as one of my gifts, among so much more.  Such a lucky spoiled girl.).

One of the things I bought.  A Himalyan salt orb.  I have been dying for a lamp from this store in town and couldn't decide, but ultimately got this guy.  Gorgeous at night.  I know I am getting old because I wanted something for the house and not me.  Don't worry though, I got myself a hat, necklace, candle and lotion there too.

After shopping, we headed home to get ready for our dinner.  My husband took me to a steakhouse, per my request (girl loves her meat), and it did not disappoint.  I ate every single bite of my appetizer, entree and dessert.  I was beyond stuffed, but you never let a steak go to waste, or in your husbands tummy.

 Birthday dinner

My birthday was pretty amazing and I feel blessed beyond belief.

Sunday.  We went to the Reno Tahoe Open (RTO) golf tournament like we do every year.  It was full of heat, tons of walking and watching some golf.  It was a lot of fun, and I managed to take home a nice sunburn, but well worth the day.  Cameras weren't allowed, so I was a good girl and never took a photo.  But it was at the most beautiful golf course, so I guess it was more than fine.

Sunday night we had dinner with my in-laws for my birthday.  Another amazing birthday dinner in the books.  I could get used to the fancy food every meal.

That wraps up my birthday weekend.  Sadly, I have another 363 days until my next birthday, but I can definitely wait on turning 32.  Yikes.

How was your weekend?  Do you have a case of the Monday's?

Oh Hey Friday!

I can't believe it is already August.  This year is flying by, but August is by far my favorite month of the year.  Tomorrow is my birthday (best day of the year), but today is Oh Hey, Friday link up day with Karli from September Farm and The Farmers Wife.

Here are my five random favorites/things/wants.

ONE.  My ear buds that I received last year at my bridal shower have officially bit the dust.  One side doesn't work anymore and they kind of zap me when I workout.  They worked two weeks ago when I was in San Francisco, but sometime between getting to SF and leaving, they died.  So I am back to my really old Skull ear buds which aren't as soft and have an echo.  I need new ear buds for working out.  Suggestions?

TWO.  My birthday is tomorrow (as I have said for the millionth time) and I am really excited for brunch with my bests and date night with my husband.  A big fat juicy steak and a big glass of red wine is calling my name.

THREE.  My anniversary trip is in 15 days.  A long weekend in San Francisco with my favorite husband, cioppino, gelato, Giants game, anniversary dinner, shopping, brunch and WEDDING CAKE.  Oh I can't wait to have another piece of our wedding cake.  No we didn't save our top tier for our one year anniversary.  Our baker is kind enough to recreate the top tier or any of our flavors as an anniversary gift.

 Seriously the best day of my life

FOUR.  I don't make it a secret that I love watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette.  I used to watch it when it first started and then stepped away for years.  But then my girlfriends would talk about it when we went out and knew I needed to get back into it.  And now I am hooked again.  I love to hate Courtney Robertson from Ben's season on the Bachelor.  And a couple people recommended that I read this book.  Have any of you read it yet?

  image via

FIVE.  I have some new and exciting things coming up in life and on this blog that I can't wait to share, but know they will be revealed soon.  I know, I hate when people say they have a secret, but can't tell you.

Happy Weekend All.

 

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 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'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.

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?

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.

image via

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

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