Goodbye 2010!

1. Went and saw Bon Jovi! And it was AAAMAZING! 

2. Took a last minute trip to San Francisco and Sonoma, California. 

3. Got to go to my first NASCAR race! 

4. Have I ever mentioned we really love going to baseball games!? 

5. Took a trip to Morro Bay, a place we took our first vacation six years ago. 

6. Geoff bought the "Red Baron" aka his 1980's Porsche which we took on a road trip. 

7. Spent a romantic anniversary weekend in Newport Beach. 

8. THE FAIR! All the fried goodness we could manage!

9. This little guy came into our lives and we have been busy ever since. 

10. Me, thanking you all for visiting my little blog and enjoying it!

     With less then an hour left in 2010 I wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year! This year has definitely been very eventful for us. I finally decided to start this little blog, which has really helped me to become more creative and so excited for the year to come! 

     As for my resolutions, I hope I continue to become an even more understanding and patient girlfriend and puppy mom and that we can finally find a home to call our own... much closer to the beach! On the calendar is hopefully a trip back to New York City in May and the arrival of my sisters twinsies in June! 

Happy 2011!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you!

Sweater- Cotton On, Shirt & Lace Shell- Cotton On, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Old Navy, Necklace- Forever 21, Watch- Burberry

     Today was my lovely boyfriends birthday. He told me I could not put up a photo of him, or write a post about him, but I figured an outfit post featuring a little "I love you! Happy Birthday!!" wouldn't hurt... Right, Babe? 

     We woke up late and I made delicious breakfast burritos with scrambled egg, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, grilled onions and salsa and didn't even manage to think of taking a photo before it was happily in our bellies! Other then that we just had a pretty low key day running a few errands and having a nice, big family dinner at his mothers house. 

     As of now we have NO plans for New Years Eve but I really don't mind! I am not the going out to parties type of girl so maybe I will put on a fancy dress and go to dinner and a late movie... that would be pretty wild for us! I have to say I am getting spoiled having the boy home all week... Monday is going to be rough (or ruff, as Lewis would say)...

Eight Pounds, Five Ounces

     Lewis has hit the three month mark and is getting bigger and even more adorable by the day. I feel like I am becoming one of those people who want to show off tons of photos of their kids. Except in my case, my kids are actually just my dog. But when I look at his face, I really, truly have never seen a dog this dang cute!! He is doing so well and is already so spoiled. He had so many presents for Christmas he ended up getting the same thing twice! Lucky dog! Anyways, I'm thinking I need to add him on a calendar of cute puppies or something so everyone can share in on this face! Good Idea, no?!

What did Santa bring you?

Sweater- Forever 21, Dress- Forever 21, Leggings- Target, Boots (not pictured)- Old Navy, Necklace- Anthropologie

     Well, the Holidays are over and done with and Santa was quite kind to us. He brought us some sunshine for two straight days which was much needed around here and secondly, he brought me a brand new (and wider!) blog layout that I love! Do you like it as much as I do? I did get quiet sick and spent most of Christmas day in a zombie like state, but I am happy to announce I can breathe again today! My family had a great weekend but now it is back to the grind. 

     The boy and I have switched roles this week. While he still has another seven blissful days off I am the one heading to work all day. Tonight, I came home to find penne pasta and garlic bread awaiting me on the table... I could get used to this! 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all my lovely readers and friends out there! Hope you have a great weekend and great times with family and friends!

Is that a cheeseburger?

Scarf- Gap, Sweater- Old Navy, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Forever 21

     Sometimes your boyfriends outfit photos say a lot more then you originally thought.

     I look at these and think... The lighting in our house is terrible, but it was too dark, cold, and rainy to go take these photos outdoors. I also remember we were on our way to get cheeseburgers and I was really hungry. I also now look at these and think, my armpit is like 3 inches higher then it appears in this sweater. I don't want to tell the whole world I have baggy sweater armpit, so maybe I wont post these. 

     

     But then you think, I stayed dressed all day for sweet, hungry boyfriend to take these photos so I might as well share them. There is also the guilt that sets in when you have spent most of the week in sweatpants eating cough drops by the bag... Lets focus on my cute Orla Kiely rug and call it a day, shall we!? 

     In other news, the doctor informed me I have lost 6 lbs since September. I think I have just been too busy to stuff my face, but I will take care of that starting tomorrow! I also have a small sinus infection, which I will deal with over something much worse. So tea, salt water and some antibiotics should insure I am good to go.

Is it the weekend yet?

     Assuming the Doctor will clear me for fun this weekend, I have a pretty clear cut plan for my Christmas Eve. I will have the boy at home during the week, during the day (unheard of!) and we are finally going to get around to baking our sugar cookies with our little kit we picked up at Trader Joe's. Our tradition, or something were trying to make a tradition of is to curl up on the couch and watch the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. And of course you need a delicious and tasty treat so I figured this would be as good a time as any to break out my Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3. I am not going to let this sore throat ruin my weekend! 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Good Luck last minute shopping everyone!

Head in the clouds

     If this weather in So Cal doesn't let up soon, I am going to need to trade in my car for a boat! Our yard is properly flooded, and potty training a pup in pouring rain is no fun! Not to mention, today I woke up with a horrible sore throat. I still have christmas shopping to do (hello, internet!) presents to wrap and work to go to but all I can think of right now is catching up on Real Housewives and drinking this mint tea. 

Baby, it's cold outside!!

Sweater- Old Navy, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad (I promise I have about 3 different pairs & styles!), Scarf- Gap

I don't want to brag or anything but I live about 2 miles from a Target. To be honest, it could even be 2 miles round trip. Now, I don't know if you have heard this or not before but people in California are notorious for driving bad in the rain. It isn't a myth... it's the truth. My trip yesterday took about 15 minutes just to get down the street!!! On my way to pick up face wash and Christmas cards I decided that this dose of traffic would be a great time for an impromptu photo shoot. 

Why you ask?

To show you my new short hair!

     I chopped about 3-4 inches off and went from an all over golden blonde to a much more natural shade. I am quite pleased! It is taking a bit to get used to, since it wont even fit up in a ponytail but it is a fun change! Also, these are a sad attempt at outfit photos, but I will take what I can get when on my own all day.

Better Shelter

    

     Last April, on a whim I was driving around the neighborhood we wanted to live in Costa Mesa (a city that is between Newport and Huntington Beaches) following some for sale signs, checking out the area when I stumbled across this small complex of totally hip and redesigned condos nestled behind a gorgeous brick wall and thousands of colorful succulents. I was sold. It was 800 square feet of glory. It was trashed and needed a lot of work, but it was quaint. It was modern. It was hip. It had french doors to a patio I could see us having summer BBQ's on. Best of all... it was 1.7 miles from the beach. SOLD. Well, we put in an offer and waited and waited and waited. We waited and dealt with the worst realtor ever for months until one day I drove by and noticed it was clean, the sign was down, the lock box was gone. It had effectively sold to someone else, while we were still believing we had the highest offer and it was waiting with the bank.

     Regardless of what happened I realized what my aesthetic was and that I didn't want to compromise style for more space. I researched this condo and found out that it had been totally redone by this boutique real estate company that flips old properties with awesome detail into very modern desirable and affordable places to live. Better Shelter is my real estate crush. They are focusing most of their efforts in the Los Angeles area at the moment, and if it wasn't completely out of the way I would be buying one of their homes in an instant. Instead I will drool over their website and blog and wait patiently until another shows up in our area. 

Awkward and Awesome

     Today, I am taking a page out of Ms. Sydney's book and sharing with you my awkward and awesome moments for Thursday. But first of all, take a look at my fair city's lovely weather for the next week. Keep in mind, it was 90 degrees last weekend...

     I know. I know. Some of you would consider the 60s a warm blessing but this is California! Im cold! My blood just isn't used to it anymore!

Awkward-

- When people order a Mocha, watch me make it, watch me hand it out to them and then they ask "oh, thats not iced?" Grrrrrrrrr.

- 4 cars at a 4-way stop. This can be awkward if all 4 cars are too timid to go or if a car goes out of turn and the other 3 people get angry simultaneously. 

- Finding a disgusting bug in your bathroom, then telling someone about, then hearing I should go back and pull everything apart to see if there are more. Whoops.

- Having a sales person at F21 tell me there is one shirt in the one size I need, somewhere and I am "more then welcome" to go look for it. This store is 3 stories! I think not!

- You realize your fly is down, and you haven't gone to the bathroom or anything for quite some time....

- Also, you realize someone else's fly is down. What do you say!?!

- Running into people when you look bad and pretending you don't know them. Im guilty!

Awesome-

- Getting a gift totally out of left field from a customer because they appreciate you. So nice!

- Thinking you forgot to DVR something, but the boy stepped in and did it for you!

- Online shopping for Christmas gifts. I haven't been in a mall for weeks!

- Taking the second shower. The water is already hot and the little bathroom isn't so cold!

- Putting on old jeans that you hid in your closet because they were expensive but a wee bit too small, but low and behold... they fit!

- Coming home to a warm house, the boys snuggling on the couch watching law and order with the Christmas tree lit in the background... my heart explodes!!

T is for Tuesday.

     Today feels like one of those days where routine is falling into place and everything seems to be getting a little easier. Tasks are getting checked off of the list. Laundry is folded, the fridge is stocked, the dog slept through the night (which is probably why I have this lovely and well rested feeling about myself today!), christmas presents are getting purchased and are soon to be wrapped, and work is still 5 hours away.

     Lewis really has been getting a routine down and it is working out well. He still has his bursts of crazy time and will accidentally bite just a little too hard but we are working on that. He is walking better on the leash, being more obedient to our commands, remembering where he is allowed to go in the house when he is off the leash (yesterday we explored the bathroom trash...bad dog!) and being able to calm down when need be. 

     In other news, yesterday without really thinking I got my hair cut, short!!! I said to my shoulders, but it really isn't even close but I actually like it. I cant even really make a pony tail, but I figure since my hair grows so dang fast it will be there in a month or so. We also didn't put a base color in just highlights and dark low-lights as I am trying to explore my "natural" hair color.... I think the last time I saw it was 2000!!

     I also wanted to say a big HELLO and THANK YOU to all of my new readers. I never even would have though I would be having readers from Australia to Belgium and even D.C. (maybe its the President!???) and even someone at Tesco! I would like to tell that someone, I love Tesco and Fresh and Easy and if you ever need a food sampler.... come on over! Teehehe. Go ahead and leave a comment and introduce yourself, the more the merrier over here!

School's in session...

Sweater- Forever 21, T-Shirt- Cotton On, Scarf- H&M, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Forever 21

     Today was the day our little man Lewis went to school. Today, being yesterday since I am typing this on a lovely sunday morning enjoying some hazelnut coffee and a bagel from Panera!! We went to a puppy training session at our local pet store just to see what they would have to say and see if we are doing all of the right things. The man teaching the class had these delicious bacon treats so Lewis was basically doing anything and everything correctly that the man said for some bacon, then when we came home... he was a little devil! Looks like I need to invest in some bacon scented perfume or something to get him to pay attention to me!

     On the agenda for the real today is to put a dent in our holiday shopping list and the pup needs a little bath since he is starting to smell like the inside of Geoff's gym shoes (sorry babe!). Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I feel bad for those snowed in but today is one of the warmest and nicest days I have seen in awhile! 

About Face!

     When it comes to makeup, I am a girl that uses whatever works regardless of price. I always love reading about what other people use and what they feel works best so I decided to share my basic daily routine with everyone.

1. E.L.F Hypershine in Vixen- It only costs $1, it is not too sticky and has the right amount of color. I stock up each time I go to Target!

2. Mark Eyemarker in Java- I have read this is discontinued but I love it. It doesn't smear to the upper eye lid and the color stays bold throughout the day.

3. Smith's Rosebud Salve- I have these in my makeup kit, purse, car... everywhere!! It is my favorite and you can use it anytime, anywhere! Not to mention the tins seem to last forever and the minted flavor is to die for.

4. Nars Eyeshadow in Nightstar- This color has the lightest amount of sparkle, I use it all over my eye lid to get a even base color before putting my darker colors on top and in the crease.

5. N.Y.C. Color Wheel- I just dab my blush brush in, swirl, tap, apply and go!

6. Amazing Cosmetics Concealer in Light- My friend (who is a makeup artist) gave me this awhile ago and told me "a little goes a long way" and it does... and covers blemishes flawlessly. You will have this little tube for a long time.

7. Make Up Forever HD Foundation- I like using just a dab of this with a foundation brush all over my face. It doesn't get greasy or disappear as the day goes on which is a plus for anyone with oily skin.

8. MAC Eyeshadows- I use various shades of brown and gold, and all different combos everyday! You cant go wrong!

9. Fresh Cosmetics Mascara Duo- Small enough to travel with or throw in your purse, one of these really separates and defines, while the other really coats the color on. I usually just use the black one for everyday and then add the green tube for an extra punch!

Healthy, Quick and Delicious Breakfast

What you need:

-Fresh and Easy Go Figure Crunch (or Kashi Go Lean Crunch)

- Milk of Choice (I use Organic Silk Soy)

-Trader Joe's Maple Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

-Honey, Cinnamon, or any other topping of your choice

     Some mornings I would really like to be eating a big donut or maybe even some frozen yogurt but that little voice inside my head knows that would be a delicious, but awful way to start my day. I usually want my breakfast to be ready in as little time as possible so this is really simple to make. Assuming you can boil water, this is a no brainer! Add instant oatmeal into the bowl, pour in the water and stir. Then take a few handfuls of cereal and add to the top. I am a texture person and even though oatmeal is good for me, I really need some crunchy element added to make it more to my liking. Mix that, and if you want a more milky consistency I would then also stir in milk to your liking. Top with a drizzle of honey a powdering of cinnamon and you have a sweet and filing simple breakfast under 300 calories!

Ho, Ho, Ho

     Our efforts this weekend paid off and here is a taste of our holiday flair! Our lights don't look too fancy but I promise you, our house is the brightest on the block! The little stocking in the middle is for Lewis and Geoff's is the same one he has had since he was a child. Now I actually need to get a jump start on shopping and wrapping if I can ever get some free time... I haven't even started yet!

Gasp!

     I think ladies all over the world took a collective gasp two weeks ago when our too cute Emma Pillsbury from Glee walked into the scene (you know, when they were getting in the bus to go to sectionals) with that striped coat. I will admit, the boyfriend was impressed that it took 0.05 seconds to figure out what this coat was. In comes Kate Spade, of course! It is the Studio Mona Coat, which happens to be on sale for just a measly $521. Big bow, quirky stripes, large cowl... i'm in love! This girl just knows how to dress! Also, while browsing other notable outfits she has worn, I came across this website What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear which has episode recaps and screen shots not to mention links to some of the styles she has already worn. It is a pretty cute site!!

If you have patience...

     Today after a lovely trip to the dentist, and a quick trip to Michael's to pick up my holiday wrapping I decided to stop by Old Navy. Usually, I gauge which stores to stay away from during the holiday season based on the amount of coupons I see sent out this time of year in the mail, newspaper and my e-mail. But, I couldn't help myself. Boy am I glad I did! I was finally able to pick up the Blue Gingham Button-up (1) for $15, not 1 but 2 new sweaters since they were BOGO (2) and I picked up the Yellow and White Boatneck Tee (3) for only $3!! I also had a $15 discount so I feel quite satisfied in my purchases, even though I really did not need it. I did manage to squeeze in the bare minimum of some Christmas shopping as well so all in all it was a successful trip. If you can handle longer lines, go check out your nearest Old Navy right now. $15 off $50 is a pretty good deal, and they do have pretty cute wintery items right now. 

Sunday Funday!

Sweater- Target, Shirt- H&M, Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad, Boots- Old Navy, Watch- Burberry, Sunnies- Kate Spade

Apologies for the sunglasses at 9:30 am but this was my first sunday off in forever and I was determined to have a fun filled day off with my boys. And since breakfast was first on the agenda not coffee, my eyes were not entirely open yet! We were able to get so much done today including breakfast out (potato latkes!), grocery shopping, pet store run, successfully completed laundry and managed to hang christmas lights outside and set up our tree!

Also, this little guy was not having any of our little photo shoot and promptly decided that digging up the grass was the new thing all the cool kids were doing so he joined in. Six pounds of fury and he doesn't even notice the leaf on his nose!

We managed to pull out all of our ornaments and our sad little Randolph Pine Christmas tree and we had at it. If you look closely you will notice a few things of note: our lights are shaped as mini Volkswagen bugs, the cheap and flimsy tree topper from Kmart purchased in desperation 4 years ago and our totally awesome moose-cracker. Merry Christmas!

Checkers, Anyone?

     Nothing is better then digging through your closet, feeling totally bored and uninspired and unearthing something you had completely forgotten about! I have been having to cut my daily routine down by... a lot... because the little puppy cant hang on to his excitement before we go for a walk so simple has been in this past week. I was shocked to find my old checkered Vans in the back of the closet, complete with coffee stains from my first job and I was sold. I believe I bought these in 2002 which means they have stood the test of time (8 long, long years!) and been around longer then my boyfriend! Im not going to lie, it felt good to slip these babies on my feet! Now if I could just find my creepers from 1997, I would be set!

Feeling Festive

     These wreaths found on Vivaterra are making me rethink my whole out look on this decorating for Christmas thing I am about to embark on this weekend. Either that, or they would make great gifts for someone! I am just loving the simplicity and naturalness of them both. The first is made of felted wool ($58) and the second is made entirely of succulents ($98). I love how everyday fabrics can be made to look and feel festive. 

     For the first time this year we are going to put lights out. It always seems like a big chore but it will be fun to get outside and have a prooject. I also think we are going to keep our village packed up because I can just see Lewis eating the little steeple or breaking something off of this vintage set that belonged to Geoff's Grandma. Anyways whatever you are doing to get ready for the holidays, have fun!

Christmas Wish List

It took awhile, and I don't even know why (I love shopping!) but here it is, the wish list for this year. Have at it, family!

1. Jersey Knit Sweater- Forever 21

2. Sephora by OPI- Only Gold For Me

3. Orla Kiely Multi-Stem Wallet

4. Grey Toms Shoes

5. Sunburst Ring- Forever 21

6. Hunter Wellies in Hunter Green

7. Dogeared Gold Dipped Wishbone Necklace

8. MAC Russian Red Lipstick

New Style

     How cool is this Beatles poster? I would for sure frame this and hang it in my hallway! I think the Beatles are this timeless passing of age that when they go from just a band, to an amazing band... you know you have grown up!

      In other news, life has been busy and very, very different this past week. Our long weekend turned into me being sick and constant supervision of the puppy and now that we are back into the swing of things I cant find time to do anything! The dog takes up way more time then I ever thought or knew it would. with working late at night, not coming home until midnight sometimes, its just back to work sleeping for a few hours then heading outside with him then getting up at 6 or 7am. I AM TIRED! Not to mention all of these puppy books make it seem so easy on how to train them, but it really isn't! Lewis is more interested in chewing and playing and barking then learning anything. I think we mastered "sit" and thats about it. Oh well, it wont last forever so we just gotta ride this one out! 

I am going to try to post as often as I can when I have free time, promise!