Weekend Love

I know it may be Thursday and I am reveling in the goodness that was last weekend, but let me tell you... when you work retail, weekends off are rare. Like a little 48 hour blip of non stop happiness! Somehow, someway I was graced a Saturday and Sunday off and I went with it. We did breakfast, took the crazy weekend outing to Costco, got our house in tip top shape, owned 5 loads of laundry and fit in some naps and fun as well. 

I love weekends.

A no fuss outfit for brunch.

Planning our new patio!

Waking up to this face!

This Guy.

Spending quality time with my Niece and Nephew.

Naptime!

Breakfast at our favorite, Haute Cakes!

Little Random Facts

I have seen an influx of new faces and visitors around here lately (hello and welcome!), so I wanted to kinda share some little facts and tidbits about me here on this space to help you get to know me a bit better. Maybe we have some things in common we never knew about!

- I used to be a swimmer. Swimming was just about the only spot I ever really liked. 100 Fly was my jam!

- I like, no LOVE, to gamble. I think I get that from my dad who can be found in a casino at least once a week. I would like to think I am sort of lucky... not all of the time.

- I did a semester abroad in Oxford and had the time of my life. I really miss being able to travel and explore.

- I didnt get the good genes of the family. I had braces, I wear contacts, I have allergies... sexy!

- I am a picky eater, but I also love, love to eat and try new food and restaurants.

- Before this blog, I used to be terrified to wear anything to loud, to printed or to sexy for fear I would stick out in a crowed. Blogging has helped me come out of my shell ten fold.

- As a child my favorite movies were Beaches, Heathers, Top Gun and When Harry Met Sally. Can you tell I am an 80s child? 

- I hate roller coasters. I am not scared of them, but I HATE that dropping in the pit of your stomach feeling.

- I am a homebody. I will take watching tv and cuddles with my dog over going out to a club or bar any day.

- I really want to visit the East Coast... like those white sand beaches with little cottages and reeds blowing in the wind type of East Coast.

- I only drink white wine, but I really want to like red wine.

- I would love to take some sort of cooking class that could teach me all the tips and tricks in the kitchen like blanching and julianne and all those fancy words!

- Im addicted to ripped jeans lately, people keep teasing me that they could sew my pants for me...!

- Geoff and I have been together for almost 9 years.

- I love reading in the bathtub. It is the only place I can detach from the world and focus on a good book or magazine.

- I used to drive an SUV in high school and I loved it. I kinda wish gas prices weren't so high so I could have another one! I loved being taller then everyone else on the freeway. 

And last but not least...

- I love being able to run giveaways for you guys and thank you for supporting my blog and to let you share in some amazing goodies that are out there!

So the winner of the XO Necklace from Olive & Piper is...

Kaci Walker!

Congrats, please email me soon to claim your prize!

America's Cup

Striped Top- Anthropologie

Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans- Old Navy

Viscid Mint Green Jelly Watch- Anthropologie

"LuLu" Sunglasses- Kate Spade

One of the reasons we made our trip to San Francisco late in August was so we could attend the America's Cup Boat Race in the San Francisco Bay. Geoff has been a long time fan (or stalker) of the boats and really wanted to go see them in action. We happened to pick the dreariest and windiest day of the week to go, and also the day I felt the worst (dang sinus infection ruined everything!) but still managed to have a good time thanks to the lovely hospitality we were provided. We got to watch the boats from the the private Club 45 which had the fanciest porto potties I have ever seen. Not to mention the Moet was flowing, the bar was free and the catering was delicious. They even had the actual Americas Cup trophy (boyfriend says, "the oldest awarded trophy in sports!") complete with two security guards!!

We had a front view seat (complete with mint tea in hand) right on the deck for all the action. It was really cool to see the speed of these boats maneuvering right near the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. It was a tad chilly but they even gave us cozy blankets to wrap up in, which I might or might not have maybe taken home with me... Oh, and of course nautical stripes were the only logical thing to wear to such a fancy event! 

If you really knew me...

I have seen these floating around blogs the past few weeks so I decided to chime in! If you have done one of these on your blog, leave the link below! I would love to read yours!!!

If you really knew me...

... You would know that I have never, ever drank a soda in my life. I have no desire to drink some dark suspicious liquid that is supposedly fizzy and sugary. Ew. Until I got older I had never even had a reason to drink out of a can before.

... You would know that I am somewhat of a hypochondriac. If you are near me and say you have a sore throat I become consumed with feeling myself swallow and staying out of your general direction. If I eat something that might be off, I automatically start paying attention to every little feeling inside my stomach. The words "I don't think I feel good" come out of my mouth more then I would like to admit!

... You would have seen a drastic change in my style from when I started this blog to now. I used to have the closet full of pretty clothes and no confidence to wear anything other then a cute top and jeans. I have really, really come out of my shell and embraced some serious change in the last 2 years.

... That I have a pretty good crush on Jon Bon Jovi. He is a babe (for his age)...!

... You would know that I love music. I used to live my life going to see bands play every single night. I used to be obsessed with ska (Save Ferris and Reel Big Fish anyone?), then it moved on to pop punk (Blink 182, New Found Glory), then my ever so favorite "emo" stage (Saves the Day, The Get Up Kids), then on to some hardcore (Bane!!!). Now I cant get enough of bands like Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers.

... You would know that I like to go to karaoke bars (my friends are SO GOOD) but I never, ever sing! I think I accidentally sang along to some Salt n Pepa' once, but I barely remember.

... You would know of my crazy, complete and utter hate for Oranges. The smell of an orange makes me queasy. Watching someone drink orange juice is torture for me. It is so bad that I just say I am allergic, because I really, really feel like I am!

... You would know I have never had my ears pierced...

... You would know that I lived abroad for awhile and it was one of the best experiences in my life. I have been to England, Ireland, France, Italy and Prague.

... You would know that I really, really, love reality tv. Especially the weird TLC specials about people that are obsessed with blow dryers or that eat detergent. I am fascinated by things that are only best described as "odd".

... You would know that I used to be a swimmer and used to win all kinds of ribbons and awards. I wish I had kept it up because I used to have a great tan and some serious leg muscles! Butterfly was my strongest stroke. Watching the Olympics has made me miss it!

... You would know that I really am a homebody. I love a good night in with the boy and the dog and some good tv. I love having friends over just to hang and have a drink. I love being at my house more then anywhere. It is a perfect reflection of me and filled with all of the things and people I love so why wouldn't I want to be here?

So I ask, what would we know about you if we really knew you?

Birthday Suit

White Ruffled Top- Forever 21

Black Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad

Polka Dot Pants- Topshop

Black Peep Toe Heels- Target

Five Triangles Necklace- c/o Shlomit Ofir

Renegade Bracelet- c/o Stella & Dot

'H' Initial Watch- Urban Outfitters

     Friday, May 11th, was my birthday! To say it was a great day would be an understatement. I had what I am dubbing a 'Progressive Birthday'. I woke up to find a card and present from the dog, I lad lunch and more presents with my parents who came to visit. While I was at lunch my BFF snuck in and hung up a glittery "Feliz Cumpleanos" banner in my window and boyfriend also brought home tons of balloons. Then Rachel and I headed for pedicures and coffee. I got to spend extra time with Geoff who came home early, and he gave me the best present ever... a MacBook Air! I was so speechless and shocked, there were almost tears. I can't believe how ancient and slow my original MacBook was compared to this! Then we had a lovely dinner with friends at Ecco (a delicious Italian restaurant at The Camp) followed by drinks and cake (an adorable Susie Cakes celebration cake!) back at our house. All day there was something and someone one and I felt so special and loved. Honestly one of my best birthdays yet. A huge "Thank You!" to everyone who was a part of it, sent me a birthday message and just thought of me that day. 

Life Lately

I feel like I have been so busy lately!! These snaps are from the past few weeks on my phone! If you have Instagram, follow me there at im_hayley.

Spotted these pretty planters all over the Irvine Spectrum and had a brilliant idea for a summery DIY!

Got some new goodies in the mail from my newest sponsor, Beachmint, that I just cant wait to share with you guys!

Boyfriend and I got dressed up and tried out an italian restaurant, Ecco, that had been on our radar for awhile and it was sooo delicious!

A tall soy latte gets workdays started just right!

I took a sneaky photo of this guy taking a nap on the couch! Who sleeps like that!?

Got to spend some time with my pretty momma while she came to visit for the weekend and we got our makeup done by my friend (and make-up artist) Rachel!

We spent a dreary Saturday morning wandering Balboa Island in the mist, shopped in the cute little stores, and had a delicious breakfast.

The Ferris Wheel at the Fun Zone looks so different at 10 am on a rainy day! I love this shot.

And finally, I had a day to recharge the batteries, get caught up on my reader, get laundry done and clean the house. All with my partner in crime, or course!

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway for a $30 shop credit for Socks4Life!

Over The Weekend

Friday started with a delicious home made dinner and a little wander around some of our favorite places in town. I finally had a reason to use this adorable Anthropologie apron that has been in my kitchen drawer begging to be worn! 

Dinner consisted of Trader Joe's Pesto Tortellini, cut and grilled Chicken Apple Sausage, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes and all tossed with light Alfredo and a healthy dose of cracked pepper! So delicious! 

After dinner we wandered to The Camp. It is a really awesome, modern and hip shopping center near by and we checked out the shops and restaurants. We decided to stop in the newly opened Wine Lab which was so cute and cozy, screening a Woody Allen movie on the far all. I had a glass of Pinot Gris from Washington and some delicious Grey Sea Salt Chocolates. 

Saturday was rainy and lazy. I did manage to get dressed up for a family dinner later in the afternoon. I wore my Madewell Wallace dress for the first time and it is sooo cozy! I made sure I also had a hint of green for St. Patty's Day!

The ominous, cold rain clouds that filled our sky all weekend. I can;t even tell you how fast they were floating across the sky. I should have taken a video, it was so wild!

I received this great bauble from Oia Jules and Monika of The Doctors Closet that I cannot wait to wear! 

The best green polish I could find! This perfect shade is High Line Green from NYC and was only $1.99! Apparently their quick dry polish has calcium in it which is awesome because this polish stayed glossy, went on thick (I hate when polish is thin and runny) and did not chip! I highly recommend their 'In a New York Minute' line! 

The boys of the house. This is what Saturday pretty much looked like all afternoon. Snuggles, tv, and staying warm.

Viva Las Vegas

So last Thursday we headed to Las Vegas for the NASCAR Race weekend. I was hanging out while boyfriend was working! We stayed at Planet Hollywood (which I wouldn't ever again!) while my parents also came along and stayed at a nearby hotel!

Cute parents on the strip!

I know its totally lame and nothing like the real thing, but the Paris hotel really is pretty! I find that I go there a lot when I am in Vegas, I enjoy their restaurants and casino! 

We happened to be there the day that TOPSHOP opened in Vegas! I had no idea but that was literally the first place I went! I picked up my new favorite nail polish there, 'Windy City'.

They had cute double decker buses driving around Vegas advertising the store. I am so happy there is one closer then NYC!

I also managed to snag this sweater on mega sale at Ann Taylor and wore it out to dinner twice! It is so warm and cozy and I love the tan on black stripe! 

The only perk of the hotel was that there was a Starbucks inside! Soy Lattes help me feel human in the morning! 

A quick outfit sneak peek on Saturday. We spent the day wandering old casinos on the strip and the mall at Caesars! I had no luck at all the entire weekend!!

View of the pretty Bellagio fountains from our dinner table. We always make it a point to go to the outdoor cafe, Mon Ami Gabi, at the Paris. Great food, good view and decently priced. 

Then on Sunday we had clear skies and a great view for the race! Unfortunately we didnt win, but we had a good time there anyways! 

When in Rome we need to do as the Romans do, or in our case as the NASCAR fans do! Tasty beverages while we sat out in the sun!

Looking less fashionable but race ready! It was sunny, windy and so loud!! Earplugs, a hat and sunnies were a must!