Wednesday, May 29, 2013

kid of the week

My nephew's birthday is coming up next week, he will be 6! I would love it, and appreciate it, if you vote for him as "kid of the week" for a chance to win $200! He is doing pretty good right now, in 25th place... Vote HERE 

(this is a different picture but he is the cutie on the left with my babe)

Thank you so much for your vote

orange crush

Is it summer?! I'm just asking because it is SO hot. I want to wear bright colors and lightweight fabrics. This past Monday was especially warm, we didn't do much of anything but as the day was coming to end I decided to do a quick refashion with this tee I bought at The Dollar Tree (tutorial coming soon... I know it looks boring in the front, but it's all about the back).
 



I LOVE this color... definitely perfect for hot summer days.
Do you have a favorite summer color?

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

the tree

Blog every day in May. Day 28, Tuesday: Only pictures

 
 
 
linking up with Jenni
 
 

Friday, May 24, 2013

3 bad traits

Blog every day in May. Day 24, Friday: Your top 3 worst traits

1. I'm probably the most impatient person I know (except for my 4 year old son). And if you are anyone besides my husband, you might not believe me. The thing is, I REALLY try to be as patient as possible and it kills me inside. You know that little wheel that starts spinning on your cursor when it's "thinking"... every time.... every time.... I just want to throw my mouse at the computer. I could go on and on about all the things I get impatient about... from my co-workers, my commute, our Internet connection at home, slow drivers, my husband, my son.... the list goes on and on, and so I will spare you.

2. I'm kind of a "messy neat freak". What?! Yeah, I can't stand a mess, it drives me crazy, It stresses me out to the point where if the living room is messy I just want to leave my house. But walk by my bedroom and you will see a pile of clothes that I just don't feel like putting away or 3 pairs of shoes just sitting right in front of my closet, my dresser so cluttered I can't tell if my brush is on it. I feel bad for my husband because I'm always complaining about the rest of the house but omg if he opens his mouth about how messy I have the bedroom... poor him.

3. ummm... so I'm having a hard time thinking of a 3rd one but I guess I have a really bad potty mouth. I have gotten a little better since my son started repeating the things we say but I definitely think I can still scale back a bit. It might help if I stop listening to Kesha.... don't judge! If my husband were writing this he might say that my 3rd one should be that I even listen to Kesha.
 
and just in case you want to forget all that above,
here is a picture to remind you of how sweet I really am.


I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

linking up with Jenni

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

toilet talk

Blog every day in May. Day 22, Wednesday: Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel. (a pet peeve, a current event, a controversial topic, something your husband or roommate or neighbor or boss does that really ticks you off)

I might offend a lot of people right now, only because I feel like I see, rather "hear", so many people doing this, especially in my office building, which is crazy because you would think "professionals" would be, well, more professional. But WHY do people insist on taking/making phone calls while on the toilet in a public restroom?! I don't get it. I absolutely do NOT understand why someone can't wait a minute or 2 for a phone call. It's ridiculous and kinda rude... especially for the person on the other line who has to hear not only your business but 3 other toilets flushing as well. Please take your phone call elsewhere so that I don't have to listen to you giggle as you tell a story about your cat!! Thanks.

linking up with Jenni

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

shorts

Shorts are kind of weird, or maybe because I'm short, I think they look weird on me. As I mentioned last week, I would much rather wear a dress. But sometimes when you are hanging out with a 4 year old who wants to run and play, you just gotta wear the shorts.


These cute red one's are at H&M for $7. They got wrinkly fast but for $7, I'm ok with that, besides... who irons anyway?! Oh yeah, I have a thing against ironing. Ever since I was 16 and ruined a brand new top that I had bought with my own money. I remember I cried and my mom was like "it's just a shirt", and I was like "But it was NEW. And I paid for it". Funny how you care about things so much more when you work for it. I'm getting way off "outfit" topic here, sorry.
 
back to my simple, casual weekend outfit... stripes, cherries and boat shoes.
 
 
 
 shirt and shorts: h&m // shoes: payless // necklace: XXI
 
I really love these shoes but kind of wish I had a more fun color,
I don't know what I was thinking picking grey, especially since I have grey Converse already.
But then again... grey goes with everything!

diaper cake game

Out of all the party planning I love doing, I think a baby shower is the most fun to plan. Everything is so cute and fun... from the decor, gifts, and games. I'm always trying to think of ways I can make multiple uses out of one thing, especially when it comes to party decor. Diaper Cakes are SO cute and fun to make (am I allowed to say "cute and fun" more than once?!) For a previous baby shower I planned I made one and attached a "gift" sign on top for the gift table.


I was trying to think of another way I could use a Diaper Cake (other than as the gift) and I was thinking it would be really great to use it as a game. I remember attending a wedding a very long time ago where they had charms with a ribbon, in the cake. Each girl (in the wedding party) pulled a charm and whoever got the ring was next to get married (you know, instead of the bouquet toss).

So... I thought, why not do the same thing with the a Diaper cake?! 
This would especially work great for a small shower because you can make let's say 4 of these cakes, use them as centerpieces and have each person at the table pull a ribbon, and whoever gets the baby feet (in this case), gets a little gift. And the mom gets to keep all the diapers for the baby.


Diaper Cakes can be as elaborate (with bottles, lotions, onesies, etc. tucked inside) or as simple (with JUST diapers). I threw this simple one together with just about 20 diapers and slipped 4 pacifier cut-outs and 1 baby feet cut-out inside (you can see the ribbon sticking out). If you make a simple cake I would definitely use a much thicker ribbon so that it looks a lot cuter and I would also tie the ribbon from the die-cut into a bow (but these were pre-made and that knot was tight). 
So, I'm pretty sure I just invented a baby shower game... I actually tried to google it and didn't find anything similar. I really just want to say I thought of something first ... ha ha... But did I?

Thoughts on Diaper Cakes... and the game?

Monday, May 20, 2013

maintaining healthiness

I'm not a huge health nut by no means at all, I mean... I JUST wrote my top 10 list of things that make me happy and french fries and pepsi were 2 of them. One of my favorite things to do is exercise, but this was definitely not always the case. One thing I learned in my mid twenties (probably after all the French fries I ate) is that I really have to work at maintaining my weight, if I slack off, I can tell in a few weeks. So this was me in April, big time slacker and I have been trying really hard to get back on track this month. As kind of a new year resolution my husband and I had made it point to eat a salad for one meal "every day" and we had been doing really good but even that got off track last month.

Last week I saw this super delicious looking recipe posted on Sami's Shenanigans. Not a salad, but Spinach Lasagna ... and I couldn't wait to try it. It's a super easy recipe and also very delicious.

I made a few changes because I didn't want it to be too boring... instead of plain tomato sauce I used an Italian Herb pasta sauce and I didn't skimp on the Mozzarella.

I plan on starting up my running again on Mon. Wed. and Fri. and I should really look into that 10k I need to complete as part of my new year resolution. Then again, maybe I can just get away with the squat challenge I saw that Kenzie is doing. Definitely starting that TODAY, let's see how long I last.

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Friday, May 17, 2013

a favorite of me

Blog every day in May. Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why...

me... on my wedding day... in a pretty dress
 
 
and can I just point out that I was sporting ombre hair 6 years ago... way before it became a "thing",
it happened on accident... when I literally never dyed my hair again. 
 
linking up with Jenni

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

glitter

 
I love inspiration boards and thought I'd give it shot, not bad for my first time.
I'm definitely inspired... especially with that dress.
 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

tiny floral print

The best thing about spring/summer... floral printed dresses. I originally planned on showing you a really pretty pale blue print with flowers but then realized it's a little too short for work. This one is just as adorable though, with the ruffled top. I love the tiny floral print that actually has more of a Fall feel to it with mustard, red and orange colored flower's. (please ignore my jewelry box, it's too hot to take pictures outside)

 
dress: XXI (super old) // belt: XXI // cardigan: Target (super old)

My favorite piece of clothing is definitely a dress. I have decided to not buy a single dress this spring/summer (unless there is a special occasion that I absolutely NEED a new one, like my anniversary), in hopes of wearing every single one in my closet, because there are a few that I have only worn once or twice or not at all. Wish me luck, this is NOT going to be easy. I was at H&M and they have the cutest, simplest dresses on sale for $10 right now!

linking up with the pleated poppy, style elixir and black white color

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

make me happy

Blog every day in May. Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy

  • my boys
  • French Fries
  • taking Pictures
  • Pepsi
  • Avocados
  • any type of video, scene, gif with a person bumping into a glass door (send me links!)
  • a day off of work
  • a clean house
  • completing a crafty project, or any project really
  • lying in bed at 8:00 am on a weekend morning

Is it sad that 3 of things are food related?! what makes you happy?
 
linking up with Jenni

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Monday, May 13, 2013

i'm sorry

Blog every day in May. Day 13, Monday: Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.

I would like to say "I'm Sorry" to the boy in my 10th grade drafting class. (I don't even know if this counts since he will never read this.) But before I do, let me give you a little background on the particular situation I am apologizing for.
Back when I was a sophomore in H.S. I took a drafting class that mostly consisted of boys. The tables were arranged in squares, so if you can imagine, I am sitting at the bottom right of a square and there is a boy sitting to my right that is facing the right side of my face at all times. This boy would always stare at me, and it made me so uncomfortable that I just pretty much ignored the fact that he was even there. One day we were taking a test and no joke, he did not even pick up his pencil, not once, he was just staring at me. I was so mad and annoyed and frustrated... I looked at him directly in the face and with the meanest voice I screamed, "STOP STARING AT ME!!" The whole class looked up from their test, some people giggled, and he got red in the face. I rolled my eyes at him and went back to my test. He walked out of the class embarrassed.

So why would I want to apologize to a boy who's name I can't for the life of me even remember, why apologize for one (maybe 5) silly seconds of my life that I was in a bad mood or being a B?! because of this boy...

It absolutely hurts my heart to know that possibly, one day, there might be some teenage girl that will make my babe feel like crap. I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone, ever and I hate that I made someone feel so bad that they felt they had to leave the room. I think it's a little too late for my apology but it is the one moment I have ever felt so bad about something I did to someone else.


linking up with Jenni
 
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Sunday, May 12, 2013

My Day

Happy Mothers Day to all the mama's! I hope everyone had an amazing day... even if you aren't a mom. I woke up this morning to my husband asking if I wanted Cinnabon or Waffles, I was like "homemade waffles?", he said "Yeeahh".  So as he made waffles for breakfast my son walks into the bedroom holding something behind his back. I asked him what he had and he held up one hand for me to stop, and this was our conversation next:
babe: wait, stay there.... Happy Mother's Day mom
me: awww.... thank you babe
babe: close your eyes
me: ok (closing my eyes)
babe: ok, now open this
I open my eyes to see a cute little box with a bird on it... love, and a locket inside... LOVE!!
My husband came in afterwards to give me a remote for my Canon, now I don't have to run back and forth with my timer.

After breakfast I got ready to go visit my mom. We saw The Great Gatsby, which I absolutely loved, and ate lunch at an Italian restaurant called Giovanni's. We have only been there about 4 times and every time we order the SAME thing. I always want to try something different but their sandwiches are ridiculously delish! And the people are always SO super nice, they even gave all the moms carnations.


We did some power shopping before she had to start work and I grabbed a caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino before I headed home (can you believe it was the only one I got the whole time happy hour frapps were being offered!).  When I got home my husband made Salmon with mango salsa.

I say it was an amazing day, and I think my tummy agrees. I REALLY need to start up my running again, I have been slacking off so much because I have been sick, but I think it's time. So here's to a new week. I hope you have a good one!
 
 
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Friday, May 10, 2013

my failed monologue

Blog every day in May. Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill.
 
The first thing I think of as embarrassing is my clumsiness. Whether it's me bumping into something or someone, or falling.... in front of my classmates in jr. high, falling in the Kitchen at work or falling off a bike in Catalina with my husband. But I honestly over the years my clumsiness has just become part of who I am and I'm ok with that... most of the time.

When I was in H.S. I had a drama class that I loved. One of our assignments was to write and perform a monologue in front of the class. I decided to write something about an ex boyfriend named Michael. He was 2 years older than me and no longer went to our school, so I didn't care that I was talking about our past relationship. The day came that I had to perform and my opening line was "his name was Michael"... only at that moment did I realize that there was another boy in my class named Michael that I had kinda sorta dated... and I froze... and I started to get teary eyed... because 1. he might think I was talking about him! and 2. everyone was staring at me, waiting for me to continue. It was the most scariest form of stage fright or public speaking I have ever experienced. I literally said "I can't do this" and the teacher said "you do realize you will get an F", I said "yes" and walked out of the room.

linking up with Jenni

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

my bedroom wall

Blog every day in May.. Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)


I have been waiting for this day for over a year... and then on Monday I came home early from work, sick and went to my room to get into some sweats and saw this. I was so excited, I kind of ran/skipped to the kitchen to give my husband a hug. I don't even care that I still have a few spots to fill with pictures, I love it! The funny thing is that it was originally just going to be the white frames but one day, a few months after I bought the frames, I spotted the canvas's and fell in love. And then a few months after that I saw the key in a Target ad and knew it was the key to completing our wall. And then it all sat on our bedroom floor for a few more months until now. So this has been a recurring moment all week and just had to share.

Linking up with Jenni

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

a little advice

Blog every day in May. Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.
 
Words from a 14 year old me
 
Linking up with Jenni

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

refashioned fedora

Before I get to my Fedora post I just wanted to point out one of my flaws... why can't I stick to a challenge?! I failed at my 365 and I already failed at this blog every day in May challenge (I didn't post anything yesterday... gasp!!) I do have good reason though (yes, a reason, not an excuse), I was sick. And actually, now that I think about it, that is an excuse because technically I have been sick since last week. But yesterday I actually left work early and locked myself in my room for a few hours, watching V.P. Diaries and Revenge.

On with my new Fedora. I saw the CUTEST fedora back in Feb. (I only remember it was Feb. because it was around my b-day so I was trying to justify buying it). It was at Claires, I believe, and it was light brown with lace trim. And it cost $17! Needless to say I didn't buy it. A few weeks ago I spotted a fedora at the Dollar Tree... Yes, the Dollar Tree (love that store). It was the same color as the one I saw at Claires but just a little more "floppy", and had a brown ribbon.

I bought it, and I bought a yard of crochet lace trim at JoAnn's for about $2.50 and this is what I got...

For $3.50... Not bad. And with the extra trim I can: use it in my hair as a ribbon or wrap it around a clear glass votive.


Sunday, May 5, 2013

cinco de mayo or just because

I have been craving enchiladas lately and so my husband had the brilliant idea of having them for cinco de mayo. I quickly agreed and said that I would make a cake too!


Babe was so excited about the cake and even more excited that I let him add the sprinkles. We had the best time decorating the sides, because we threw the sprinkles at the cake. I think he missed a few times on purpose because afterwards he so conveniently said he had to eat the sprinkles that didn't make it on.



 
I saw this cake on Pinterest just a few days ago and was SO excited to give it a shot. Once I cut it open babe was way more interested in the candy and wanted nothing to do with the cake. (btw, from one box I made 18 cupcakes and this little cake. which was the perfect size for 4 people)

Saturday, May 4, 2013

a beautiful place

Blog everyday in May. Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

 
 
There are so many great quotes in the world, it is so hard to pick one as a favorite. So I picked the one the most relates to me right now. I fell in love with this one right after we bought our house last year. I have mentioned that I always thought my house would be new and pretty and perfect but then realized at some point that it doesn't have to be that way but I can make it that way (or rather, my husband and my brother and other people can.) When we get around to decorating our living room you can bet there will be a piece of art with this quote on it.
 
linking up with Jenni

Friday, May 3, 2013

crinkled sheets

Blog every day in May. Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable

I actually had a hard time thinking of something for this. The best I came up with right off the top of my head was messy, crinkled sheets. It's weird, I know, but I absolutely can not sleep comfortably if the sheets aren't perfectly straight. When I was younger my brother use to say I looked like a mummy, because I would go to sleep and wake up with my sheets looking exactly the same, perfectly straight without a wrinkle. I honestly never really thought anything of it until I started sharing a bed. My husband doesn't care about the sheets. They could be half way on the floor, bunched at the bottom of his feet, and he will be like "what's the problem?"

So that's what makes me uncomfortable.

Is that not the type of answer you were expecting?
 
Ok fine. So I get really uncomfortable when an engineer is standing over my shoulder while I am trying to work. Also, I don't like talking to co-workers or strangers right after I eat for fear that I might have something stuck in my teeth. And being in the restroom at work at the same time as a co-worker.
 
I'm noticing a pattern here... I think my co-workers make me uncomfortable.
 
Linking up with Jenni

Thursday, May 2, 2013

babe lately

Ever since he turned 4 he talks about how big he is and how much he is growing. He really is growing a lot, sometimes I wish he would stay little forever so I can just hold all of him close in my arms. And other times, like when he wakes up in the middle of the night, I can't wait for him to be a little older and independent.
I love when he call sweats "soft pants".

I have a 2 door Scion TC that I bought way before babe was born. My husband hates my car, especially after having a kid. And so it's super rare that babe is ever in it. But recently babe and I were hanging out and we got 2 blocks away from the house and this was our conversation:
babe: hey mom
me: yes babe?
babe: your car is awesome!
me: aww... your awesome too babe

Guess who is always so quick to comment about a necklace when I wear it. yup, babe is a fan of my necklaces also. He is so cute, he'll stare at them and ask questions about them and wants to know who bought them for me.










Wednesday, May 1, 2013

the story of my life...

Blog every day in May. Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)

I was born in Ca. in the 80's. When I was 5 we moved to the desert. I pretty much always hated it. The only good thing that came of that was meeting my best friend when I was 11 who lived right around the corner. I never really did anything fun, I was the rule follower, while my brother was the rule breaker. I feel like my life didn't really begin until I graduated from High School. The first thing I did was get as far away from  A.V. as I could. I moved in with my grandma, attended ITT Tech and worked as a bank teller for almost 2 years. 

In April 2000 - 2 weeks after I graduated from ITT  I got a job at a super fancy engineering firm (where I still work to this day. And btw, it wasn't really all that fancy. It was just my first REAL grown-up job). In 2001 - I met my husband. In 2004 - we moved in together. In 2006- we got engaged. In 2007-  we got married. In 2009 - we had a baby. In 2012 - we bought our first house.
Those are the highlights of my life. In between I have had a chance to travel a little, I have had to learn what it takes to be a wife, be a mom and be a provider.  And I still learn new things every day. I hope to continue living and creating a life that I can constantly look back on and smile.


linking up with Jenni

a date outfit & necklaces

Yeah, me and my husband actually got to go on a dinner date for his birthday last week. I don't remember the last time just the two of us went somewhere nice to eat, actually... I think it might have been last year for his birthday. So guess his birthdays are officially our dinner date night's. In all honesty this dinner date was planned super last minute, and I just so happen to be wearing a cute outfit that day to work. But instead of the skirt I was wearing jeans. Much better with a skirt.




I have been on a necklace binge lately! I just keep finding really great deals on really good sized necklaces, I can't resist. Have you seen the mini bubble necklaces?! Adorable right! So last week Merrick from Merricks Art was hosting a giveaway for the mini bubble necklace and had a code for 10% off. So I enter the giveaway and head over to D.P.D to find out they are only $5 each, plus the 10% discount, plus FREE shipping... um, so I ordered 2.
 
And now I wish I had ordered all 5 colors. I wonder if I could use the code again.