Date Nights

Ok let's be honest.

This is actually date-night catch up.

Because I have had ZERO time lately.

To upload my photos and tell you about them.

(I still owe you a boyfriend birthday post!)

But hey, I try. 

Thanks for still loving me. 

Also, just so you know.

I'm working on some REAL good stuff for you.

Oh ya.

You may have even noticed a few subtle changes around here.

It's all leading up to the big event I tell ya. 

(As soon as its ready you'll know, promise.)

Back to Date Nights!

 

RED LOBSTER

(yum, thanks mom!)

AND NEXT:

Thanks to a "Secret Show:

via

LOVE LOVE living in Portland

Also, this show was a-mazing!

And FREE!

Check out the Band

Or,

Listen here.

"Pumped Up Kicks"

Lovin' this tune right now!

AND FINALLY:

This is how we do date night at home. 

Fun drinks, 

Snuggles,

and a movie. 

How do you do date night?

I'd love to hear your stories!

xxx. ooo

Making Hard Decisions

Here's the truth people. 

I am a big baby about making big decisions.

And some lots of days, 

I am cranky about the daily choices I make. 

And here's why. 

I was not following my heart.

I was trying so hard to do what I thought I HAD to. 

And what's good about that?

It makes you feel like you're shoving a square peg into a round hole. 

via

And I'm always telling my kiddos 

(at work of course)

That you have to find the right shape for it to fit.

So here's the TRUTH.

I stink at anything science.

Yet I've been BEATING MYSELF UP trying to take anatomy.

I mean really putting myself through a hard time.

And feeling rather like a loser because I wasn't smart enough.

And all of this was making me very unhappy. 

I was also spreading this unhappy.

In my words, 

thoughts,

and actions.

NOT OK.

So here's the new plan:

I went to Anatomy today.

And left before it even started. 

I decided not to do it anymore.

(At least for this moment)

Because I deserve to follow my heart.

(And stop wasting my monies)

What am I going to do?

I am a writer.

I've always known it.

And I have a writing dream.

I've even shared it once with you!

Read about it.

This is me happy.

I choose this today.

(Although I'm not quite there still yet)

(Because I'm still pretty nervous)

But I'm working on happy. 

Also part of the goal here is to be the best blogger I can be!

So I need your support,

FEEDBACK

(on what you'd love to see)

and your help sharing the love. 

Tell everyone!

That I'm here for their enjoyment. 

And to share my happy. 

If you want to see who inspires this dream:

Take a gander at these lovelies:

Heather

Just.Lovely.Things

Danielle

Take Heart

Chelsea

,,,yours truly 

Ashley

Little Miss Momma

Casey

The Wiegand's

Taylor

Taylor Morgan

Ashley

The Shine Project

Gaby

this little port

I really love these gals.

I get so excited to turn on my laptop and see what they've been up to!

And I'm sure there are more! 

If you are one let me know.

I want to read more about you.

And you about me.

So let me know what you'd like to hear.

Cause I'm here to write.

xxx,ooo

Sunday Morning, Ok...early-noon

You caught me.

Boyfriend and I slept in. 

But it felt oh so great.

And since we were super planners at the store last night,

we had a fantastic breakfast planned for this morning.

Omelet

-3 eggs

-shallots

-orange pepper

-turkey

-chedder

-avocado

-spinach

Fruit Salad

-strawberries

-mango

-nectarine

-cantaloupe

-grapefruit

And of course a glass of orange juice.

So delicious.

Happy Sunday to you and yours.

xxx, ooo

Sicky McGee

I have been a nanny for about 21 months. 

I have gone to work everyday.

Except for one time when I had to leave work and be driven to the hospital.

But no big deal. 

So the fact that I am in bed today,

And look like this....

But don't worry. 

I'll be back in no time.

Because amazing boyfriend,

Takes care of me.

And even made me coffee.

Cause I needed something warm.

And am tiiiired of all the tea. 

And then he let me take over his bed. 

Cause it's the MOST comfy bed ever.

And watch this...

*minus a few of those characters who are no longer there.

So I think I'll be alright.

I certainly hope so since Spring term starts next week.

And I have so much to blog about and tell you! 

And once more for good measure....

Don't forget to enter the march giveaway. 

Only 6 more days.

Go there, tell your friends, and get your additional entries if you've already commented once!

I'd do it if I could. 

xxx, ooo  

Reminder

Don't forget!

You have just one more week to enter the...

March giveaway!

These lovelies could be yours! 

 

And if you already entered once, 

no worries

You can enter again!

As many times as you like before March 31st at midnight!

So hurry! 

 

5 days as 25, 360 more to go

So I had such a wonderful birthday that I felt it was only right to share it with you.

Sorry it has taken me five days to do so.

But I had to see how it felt for a bit. ;)

And so far it feels good. 

So first things first I decided to chop my hair off.

Something I haven't done in 2 and a half years.

BEFORE:

Lots of long dark hair.

It was nice but sort of boring for as long as I've had it.

AFTER:

Short and sassy. 

I've now got lots of blond highlights and side bangs.

Just good to freshen yourself up as you get older. 

Next I had the giant surprise birthday weekend for boyfriend. 

Ps. He is now being referred to as "Sparkle-Beard".

Oi couples are ridiculous.

More on the his birthday fun later.

As it requires it's own blog post.

After his crazy weekend,

I was hoping he'd planned something low-key for my day...

3 days later.

And he did!

I worked in the morning.

Jean shopped in the afternoon.

(every single pair of jeans I'd owned had a hole in them)

I found 3 pairs at Old Navy that totally fit perfect and were super cheap!

$75 for all three!

And then I got all dolled up and met with boyfriend for some relaxing fun.

We saw a pre-screening of...

 

Limitless

It was pretty good except that the first 5 minutes made me nauseous.

But a Coke ICEE and Reese made it better. ;)

Then we caught a late night dinner at 

P.F. Chang's.

 Key Lime Martini

My absolute favorite.

Dessert in a glass. With graham cracker crust.

Drool.

It was a fantastic night.

I didn't get any food pictures because we ate it up too fast.

But I will share with you a couple of my favorite gifts.

I love that people like to get you sweet things because they care.

It's SO not expected or required.

But it feels nice to know someone picked something special they thought I would like.

It's what I LOVE doing for other people. 

ONE. An amazing giftcard to ModCloth

They have the cutest clothes that I just adore.

Can you tell I'm obsessed with the color gray right now?

You may also remember how I raved about them already here.

I am so excited to shop!

Thanks Lesley and Cory.

BEST BOSSES ever! ;)

Then I also received this darling beautiful gift from Cory:

It reminds me of my favorite song from Trisha Yearwood from when I was a kid.

xxx's and ooo's

"She used to tie her hair up in ribbons and bows
Sign her letters with X's and O's
Got a picture of her mama in heels and pearls
She's tryin' to make it in her daddy's world"

I also got a wonderful gift certificate for a 1hr. massage from boyfriend.

So in the next few weeks when I really need it,

I will be making an appointment at Dosha

and getting the best relaxation ever.

It really was a great gift,

because every since my awful car accident,

I have the WORST back pain I could ever imagine.

Thanks babe.

xo.

And thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday

or got me a wonderful gift!

I appreciate your love!

Happy Sunday!

 

New Look and Yummy Snack

As you can all see I have updated the look of things here.

I'm not sure that I'm still totally happy with it,

but it's a work in progress.

I didn't like that I was spending so much time making fun pictures for you all,

and they wouldn't fit right on my old format.

So onto the new. 

I have many new blogs that I need to write for you.

I will promise to get them done very soon.

It's been quite the long week.

Lots of fun, lots of yuck, and just the world continuing to move forward.

But I do have something yummy to share.

So you may know I have no children of my own.

(whew...for now)

But I am a nanny and have a B.A. in Early Childhood,

so I can say I know some things in that area.

In fact I have another blog dedicated to the kiddos.

You can find it here if you'd like.

But I don't spend much time with it. 

Anywho....

I am trying to get my little E. to eat more veggies.

She is 2. 

(well almost)

And she's not too happy with those veggies.

So I came up with this idea recently,

after the discovery that she LOVES smoothies.

It's a smoothie with VEGGIES!

I did 1c. OJ

Frozen blueberries

Frozen strawberries

Fresh spinach

1 carrot

1 stalk of celery

And.....

Viola!

She LOVED it! 

I will be repeating this all the time!

I drank it too! 

So good!

So go make a smoothie!

Yum.

Sausage, Peppers and Onions Soup

A few nights ago I decided to make dinner for boyfriend.

He went to work all day.

And I finished my last paper for finals and then had an afternoon on my hands.

So since I let him take the car,

and I've been talking about being all "house-wifey"

(even though we don't live together and aren't married)

I walked to the store and got ingredients for this:

Sausage, Peppers and Onions Soup 

It is by my fav, Rachel Ray. 

She makes delish foods that are quick and easy. 

(for non-cooker types, aka this girl)

  

So I started with this:

Lots of chopping, boiling and frying.
Which then produced this:

Gosh it smelled amazing.
Note: This was a meal meant to take 15 minutes to make.
It took me close to an hour.
But hey, it was more time for my fella to indulge in VG.
(VG: video games)

Then I made this and pulled it out precisely at the exact right moment!

And with two heaping bowls....
And vino of course....

I am ridiculously proud.
I think RR would be too.
And anything that makes his day....

Makes mine.
xo.
Try it.



ALSO...

Don't forget about the march giveaway!
Going on for 15 more days!
Share it!
The more times you share, and post extra comments,
The better your chances to win!

MIA for CJH

So I know I have not blogged at all this week.

And I'm pretty embarrassed.

But it was kind of an important break.

And sorta nice to be honest. 

We all need a break sometimes.

But this week's break was for this guy. 

Isn't he super cute?

I was in crazy plan-mode all week to get the details set for his surprise bash.

So therefore....no blogs.

And even right now,

I can't blog for long.

To tell you all the great things that happened this weekend,

Because it's finals week,

And there are papers to write.

So that this tuesday,

I can enjoy MY BIRTHDAY!

So I'll leave you with this promise.

I of course will be writing and sharing about all the 30th birthday fun.

But it may be in a couple weeks.

(Because I also left all the pictures out of town)

oi. 

For now here's a teaser....

We had cake.

from here 

And sparkling candles.

And I think wishes came true.

Mine did.

And I didn't even blow out the candles.

xo.

Here's to more to come.....

Relaxing Weekend

Friends, I have had a fantastic weekend. 

Filled with good food, 

good friends,

and good times out.

Last night we celebrated this girl.

She is my bestie friend.

And today she turns twenty-four.

I love her dearly.

So we had an amazing time last night.

And ate yummy dessert at Papa Haydns.

So delicious.

And now today is Sunday.

The day of rest.

And homework.

And finishing touches....

For big surprises....

that are coming soon.

The next big birthday....

Is......

Gosh I love him.

xo.

I'm so excited to celebrate him turning...

thirty.

Surprises are coming.

Enjoy your weekend.

25th year. Just around the Corner.

I love my birthday.

Have I mentioned that?

It's only 12 days away.

But I also love your birthday.

Just love birthdays.

<3

In light of this I'd like to share my dream list.

That is, what I wish I owned.

Which I am now using my birthday as an excuse to talk about.

I do not expect to get any of these items.

Nor do I need them.

But it's my birthday...(in 12 days)

And I'll dream if I want to. 

One.

And also....

Chik-a-Pea

Two.

Mmm...I love juice. 

Alot. 

Three.

West elm.

I would keep this entire bedroom.

But mostly I just need sheets.

And the duvet.

But why be choosy?

Four.

 

I would love to take pictures on something other than my BB. 

That's BlackBerry for those of you out of the nerdy loop.

Five.

Well of course. 

TOMS.

As well as....

This month's giveaway.

Get on it. 

Six.

As well as....

from justlovelythings

shop. 

read. 

And I already ordered these both.

So dream no more for # Six.

But I wanted to share.

Seven.

Basically I just need jeans.

Without holes in the knees.

That I've blown out from chasing kiddos around.

And it would be awesome if they fit.

Perfect.

The abs I'd take too.

But mostly just the jeans.

Eight.

Something shiny.

Hey, I said it was a dream list.

Every girl dreams of this one.

someday.

On that note.....

I'll end this list.

Cause it will go on. 

forever.

Oh, but I also dream to stay twenty-five always.

Because I'm thinking my twenty-fifth year will be my best.

cause I have amazing friends.

... a man who keeps me smiling

(even when I make him crazy)

and pretty sure I work with the cutest toes in town.