Discoveries.

The past four days have flown by, and before I knew it, Thursday just about smacked me right in the face, and I hadn't visited this space in over a week.  Blogger fail.  But I've been reading yours, I promise. What else would I do while eating breakfast in the morning.
Blogs > Newspaper.

Since I've been gone I am have made some life changing discoveries.

First, wedding photo booths are better with lobsters, duh.

A dogs paw works on a touch screen. And yes I actually made my dog use my iPhone yesterday, and you should have seen the joy radiating off me while making her do it. What, you don't try things with this with your dog? I swear I'm normal.  She's great at checking email, texting not so much.

Frozen pineapple, Kale, OJ smoothies are Ah-maz-ing. Seriously try it. It's like a tropical party, that's healthy too.

Nothing will prepare you for trying on wedding dresses. It feels as foreign as it sounds,  dueling with the feeling of being a life size barbie, and event that doesn't describe it.  I've tried on many a-dresses. I swear nothing had me ready for this feeling, nothing.

Nine o'clock bed times aren't just for Grandparents, they are for me too. And I am not even ashamed by it.  I just. can't. hang.

Extended warranty's may just save you thousands. I've got my girl back (that's my car) and I love it even more than the day I bought it.  Eight days was simply too long to be apart. Never again lady, or at least I hope not.

Cyber Monday was not over rated. I scored this, some flights, and some accessories for over half off, and while I still know I'm getting ripped off, I feel a lot better about it.

And last, there is simple not enough Christmas this year.  With Thanksgiving falling so late, we don't have enough days of Christmas lights, music, trees, or stockings. Let alone enough days to shop.  Holy all hot dogs, hold on to your buns. We're 20 days out.

Senior Portraits

I got this sweat the other day from Old Navy a while back and have never worn it.  I had had grand plans of taking really cute outfit pictures while wearing it, but didn't. So I'm left with this one, taken in the parking lot at work right before I left. Clearly I was trying to show off my High School senior portrait posing skills, or the awesome glitter elbow patch.  I'll let you decide.

Fall arrived on Monday, and you probably noticed that we got our first big snow in the mountains as well. Which is what I consider a double whammy; hello ski season.

What else is happening.
Well not that much, except far too much, all at the same time.

In the whirlwind of Halloween, bridal showers, new cousins, my niece coming soon, work on the house, and baby showers we've been a bit busy.  So busy in fact that I woke up on Friday morning with sharp knife in my throat that required a doctors visit and Penicillin to cure. Awesome.

I'm so trying to give back, and grow this little cyber space of mine, but I've fallen off the rocker. I thought a Friday night of nothing but soup and Say Yes to the Dress in bed might cure it, but I am afraid not.

I'm still lost, and have no clear visions of what to write and say here.
Which most days I find totally acceptable.
But some days I find full of the sour taste some call disappointment.

Tomorrow though you're in for a treat. A little trip down memory lane of Halloween.
With pictures.

Thank God.

When I hear religious people say, "Thank God," I makes me feel a lot better about saying it.  What drives me nuts are those looks some people give you for saying it that makes you feel like a bad person, yeah I hate that. It's like they are saying more mean things with their eyebrows than they'd ever have the balls to actually say to you in person.

So I apologize in advance to you crazy eyebrow turning hooligans, thank God it's Friday.  Although this week has been full of fun stuff like crafting for the party, red velvet cupcakes, and date night take out, I'm still ready for it to be over so I can fluff, primp, and prep my little heart out.

No my bed doesn't look like this, but I have the duvet.

 (via)

Aside from the three loads of laundry I still haven't put away, the curtains that haven't been hung, the grabbing of the groceries, cleaning the kitchen, cooking, and baking I'm totally ready to have everyone over.  But as I sit here typing this, I just can't seem to get to any of it done before work.

You see this morning marked the first 'long sleeve shirt running weather' which is awesome because it means it was actually cold enough this morning to make my bed feel extra warm and cozy.  So instead of popping right out of bed to run my first alarm, I waited 'til the fourth one which I am sure my bedmate boyfriend really appreciates.

So of course the only logical thing to do after my run and shower was to get back in bed under our new duvet, and cozy up to write this, which is where you would find me for the rest of the day, if I had my choice.  But since that's not the case I'll be running around like a chicken with her head cut off, oh and going to work, until I have every last detail squared away.

But based on this morning there is a slight glimmer of hope that fall is coming to CA, which would be a heaven send. I'm going to wear tall boots, and a blazer today just to urge it to come.  I am so sick of the heat, short sleeves, and sandals it's ridiculous. And yes, I am aware that all of you East Coasters who have now been living in fall for weeks are cursing these words as you read them. I'm sorry, I guess it just proves that CA really is the best state. I'm just sayin'.

Also it's now 8:30 and I haven't gotten dressed yet (yup that means I've been writing this in my undies), so I should probably hop out of bed and get to it... gosh darn you Friday. You've already gotten the best of me.

Chopped.

For those that follow me here already know I chopped my hair off, this whole birthday thing my be hitting me harder than I thought.  How does someone with short hair have four inches to cut? My hair dresser is the only one who will ever know.  But I love it, and am just a wee bit sad that buns may no longer be possible. I won't give up without a valiant attempt, pinkie promise.

Among other things, this weekend marks the first weekend of the official NFL season, which means I'll attend my normal one or two games (courtesy of my boyfriends family), and I'll love every single beer and second of football (and tailgating).  No but seriously we always have a blast.

This is the first of two (or maybe three) consecutive four day works weeks, which no one can complain about.

It took me five years of having an iPhone to finally crack a screen. It happened when I was getting out of the car in my very own driveway, now tell me how did this not happen during the years of drunken escapades at the bars in college? Maybe the 5s is in my future?

It's Friday, and we're going to my parents for dinner...and I can't even wait for it. Homemade apple pie. Just stop right now...it is 5:30 yet?

A Front Pack, Brazil, and a Baby

 Four Days 'til BRAZIL

and a Baby Shower this weekend!!!

And by baby shower I mean glorified bump viewing.

On a more entertaining note, I actually saw this in real life this week.
I snapped the picture while driving (I know, I know) away from Starbizzle.
Can we talk about what is happening here...why is the dog smiling?

There is nothing happy about being a dog carried around in a front pack.
Dogs can walk, babies can't, just sayin'
- - -

Now that we have that important facts are of the way, lets get the real juice of this post.
There really is no more juice, but you can keep reading if you want too...If not.
Just remember a week from today, I'll be in Rio.
- - -

The weather has been so nice this week, we're talking jeans and a shirt type of weather.
But my boyfriend has been SUPER sick with the flu all week.

So I've been making him home made chicken noodle soup every night, waiting on his hand and foot, and nursing him back to health.

 

So we spent the better half of the evenings this week laying in bed eating dinner and watching TV.

Apparently all I have to do to 'make him feel better' is lay next to him. 

Hey, I won't complain. I am super caught up with blogging, celebrity gossip, and my book,

which never happens, ever.
 - - -
Despite my unuaual laziness (there is no Zoey to walk, and I was home every night this week), I am still unusually tired.  I think those two 5 am boot camps just did me in, and
this whole day light savings times is really gettin' to me.
I've never felt it before, I feel like I'm getting old.

- - -
I am excited for my Sister-In-Laws baby shower this weekend.
I finally get to see the bump.
She's like you're dream pregnant lady.
She is tiny everywhere, and looks like she's hiding a basketball under her shirt.
I'll share pictures on Monday.

I'll leave you with this,
the wall in my niece's nursery.

How cute is this???

Friday: LIfe Update

Hi Zoey here,

 See this???

Yeah this is what Dad made for Mom the other day.

Similar recipe here.

Why does he spend so long making her dinner and not make me anything fancy???

Ricotta ans spinach stuff chicken sounds WAY better than whatever is chopped up and in my food.

Back to the point of this post.

See that toy to my right???

Yeah, it's AWESOME.

So awesome in fact, I chewed off one whole side the same evening I got it.

But that's not what so special about it.

It's an ANCHOR toy, from Mom's best friend, Nadine.

And they have some weirdo anchor bond thing happening that come from their 'sorority', whatever that is. But anyways you may of heard of Nadine, she has a puppy, Archie, who I am sure would be my best friend, if he lived in the same state in my same time zone.

This is what I did .0000483 seconds after Mom took this picture.

Don't Judge me.

Also I am so excited.

I am FINALLY old enough to go running with Mom.

It makes me happy, even if I do have wear that AWFUL running harness.

Okay enough from me, here's MOM.

Hi Guys, 

Happy FRIDAY!!!!!!!

If you follow me on istagram, you would have seen my fabulous new bracelet.

If you don't follow me, you're dumb you should.

stayblondeskilocal

SEARCH MY USERNAME AND FOLLOW ME NOW

When does F21 NOT have the most perfect accessories???

 Hope you are all ready for a THREE DAY WEEKEND.

About damn darn time, those two five day weeks were hard.

Enjoy!!!

Christmas and a Rainbow

I wake up this morning, almost not able to move after yesterdays boot camp, and somehow get my legs in motion to go on a walk with my furry little one.

On the day the world was supposed to end this is the first thing I saw,

I'm feeling pretty good about it.

On a much different note, Target is clearancing their Chirstmas items early this year...

=

Serious red tag splurging.

My rule- I can buy anything with a red tag.

No red tag, no sale.

I think I've finally got every single solitary Christmas present I need.

And after a serious baking session on Sunday, my baskets for the family will be complete.

Just in the nick of time.

And in light of Friday letters.

Here's the only one I got.

Dear Extended Christmas Weekend,

You've finally arrived.

#hallelujah

Headless Holidays

Headless Holiday Flare

I didn't like my smile or hair...so there you have it.

I've had four night of Holiday party-ing in a row.

#sogladtheyareover

This is what I wore last night - my favorite Holiday coat.

Guess via Marshalls

Anyways since I'll finally be home tonight, 

I am making a pork loin in the crock pot.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Here is the recipe if you want it.

Will take pictures and report tomorrow.

My Mom has made it for two dinner parties this month, so I'm thinking it's a winner!!!

If all goes as planned it should look like this.

We shall see...

Wish me luck

 

Two more works days until four days OFF

and go...

P.S. I've been talking about finishing the Christmas Shopping forever, finally doin' it tonight.

 

Friday Letters

Dear Weekday Weekend,

Our Holiday event was so much fun on Wednesday.

It really felt like a vacation.

I'll tell you all more about it later.

So much fun that I feel asleep at 7:15pm last night.

Dear Alyssa,

Congrats

Dear Holiday Party Season,

You've begun.

Let's hope for some funny white elephant gifts.

Dear Friday,

TGIF

for realsies

Dear Tonight,

 Bed + Movies = Happening

Random Wednesday

First off Tosh.0 season final was awesome.

For all you non-believers, watch this episode.
It might change your mind.

Secondly, you know when you put on an outfit, think it's cute, and then realize it's not cute at all.

Oh wait that doesn't happen to you??

So I guess I am just that special, because it happened to me yesterday.

#whatwasithinkingwheniwalkedoutthedoor

Thirdly this weekend I have one mission.

Finish Christmas shopping.
Yikes...it's only 20 days away!!!

This shouldn't be too hard, I only have 5 more people to buy for.

Leggo.

Also in the weekends of busy schedules and craziness, Christmas and New Years are perfect.

Anyone realize how they fall on the calendar??

Hello perfection.

 I am really looking forward to two four day weekends in a row.

Nice to meet you.

Also my family friends are in town from New Zealand.

Gosh I love them, and their kiwi accents.

So fun to meet up with friends from around the world.

Welcome LIY Visitors

Dear LIY visitors, 

Welcome to my blog!!!

If you followed me, you'd know a lot about me, you'd know I'm a local gal, who loves skinny jeans (jeggings), and just got a puppy , BUT you'd also know Fridays I normally write letters.

One could say for lack of creativity, but others (me) could say because it's fun and I always have letters to write, but don't we all...

Regardless. Welcome.

Now you may think I wore yellow and a fabulous necklace in honor of Erin, and you may or may not be right, but I'll let you decide.  

If you want the truth, you'll have to read the end of this post.

Now Back to the Good Stuff.

Riddle me this:

"Don't Sweat the Petty things, and don't pet the Sweaty Things"

my 'High School' boyfriend (long story)  ALWAYS said this.

I thought it was DUMB until I went to BIKRAM YOGA for the first time on Wednesday.

WARNING: IT IS NO JOKE YOU, WILL SWEAT YOUR B**** OFF

So that was my something new this week.

If you want to read about other new things I have tried, this post is a fun one.

What else is happening in my life?
Well I've finally got on this Old Navy boat.

You know the one everyone, who is anyone is talking about (here, here, and here)

A couple of weeks ago I wanted some ON goodies (read here), and scored this dress, but I'm heading back this weekend on a mission for that $19 shirt Erin oodeled about.
I also think I want this gem to wear with boots (sans fur).

This weekend we had grand plans of doing something fun, because last weekend I was stuck in the office both days last weekend, but we'll likely just end up cleaning the garage (already started, currently have all the contents of the garage across the ENTIRE backyard) which is such a grown up thing to do, but once it's done it will be nice, and organized which will be such a relief.
The perks for being an adult, sometimes are less than thrilling.

So any hootsie tootes (I always wonder if you read this the way I say it, guess  a vlog may be in my future, although I am way scared of how weird I would look and sound).

Thank you for dropping by today.

And the answer to the question is no, I did not intentionally wear yellow and fabulous necklace in honor or Erin, although I'd like to think I was that clever and organized, but I'm just not. The shirt was a $7.38 super sale find at Target, I'm just obsessed with that place, and the necklace made my outfit look fancier than it was.

Happy Weekend.

P.S. 
Come 5:30 this will be happening.
And maybe a glass of wine, or three.

PSL Sorta Morning

So it's a far cry from Friday, but lets be honest folks Thursdays during three day weeks are glorious.

Just when you get that :damn it were only half way through thought: you realize...You're wrong. And it's almost the weekend again.

Boo-yah! 

Also this weekend we have some super fun things planned, so I have a little something extra to look forward too.

Last night was dinner with good Friends. Amazing how a random recreational kickball team can really bring a group of gals together.

Dinner was nothing fancy- but this restaurant was on the Food Network, so it automatically gets cool points, and it helps that my Hot Blonde Sandwich was super tasty.

Also what is up with Old Navy having cute things right now???

I randomly stopped by their website (and by random, I mean random, I hardly ever think to check them out) and I found these three gems that seem like they might just need to come home with me.

Here

Here

Here

And although I am not the worlds biggest Starbucks lover but, I am a sucker for the infamous and seasonal PSL (Pumpkin Spice Lattes for you slow pokes).

I waited in the drive through (this doesn't scream American at all) line for 7 minutes this morning. Just for my fancy flavored cup of Joe!!!!

Admittedly.

Totally worth it.

Tuesday's Happiness

This picture from the last day of the fair

This glitter card. Papyrus cards rock.

This craft project I found via pintrest- hello adorable fall comfy look, nice to meet you.

The way we dried Zoey off this morning. In the sink.

This shirt from the anniversary sale. (FYI it ends the 5th).

And sorry I'm not sorry - Fifty Shades Darker

What's Making You Happy Today?

Middle Part?

I decided it was time for a throw back, so I gave the middle part shot this morning.

My hair totally not used to being parted like this  has not rocked a middle part since second grade.

What's happening with that right side? 

So clearly the right side needs some taming, so I might need to try this a little more often to perfect it.
But at least my backside curls ended up complete.  I always struggle with getting my entire head curled.  It's embarrassing when your boyfriend asks you, "Are you going to curl the back?"

Take that back of my head

Also found this shirt at Kohl's, during my maiden voyage Kohl's shopping trip this weekend, and I love the top.  Overall I must admit Kohl's was a disappointment.  I feel a little bit over promised under delivered.  I am thinking it might be a little bit hit or miss ??? Please advise.  But Lauren Conrad got to me with this shirt, so I didn't walk out empty handed.

Also for those of you who have been waiting.  Yup Christmas is here.  The Semi Annual:

Happy Hump Day

Monday: True Life

Here's to Monday. 

And what it had in store for me.

True Life:

I went running at 5:15 am (Thanks Steph!), and made it through the day.  Winning!!!

I read for 45minutes BEFORE going in to the office.  That never happens.

If finished my accounting (at work) two days early, what ahead of the game on Monday?

Was on hold for 1/2 hour with my health insurance company.  Terrible. Also SOLVED NO PROBLEMS.

 

Fond a great new country song.  I might be a little late for this, but listen here.  Thompson Square, I knew I liked you.

Essie named a nail polish after me, awe how sweet! Thanks for thinking of me, so flattering.

Color: She's Picture Perfect

 Caught up with the Bestie, East Coast time difference how you torture our phone dates.

Set up the Bachelorette for series recording, how did I NOT do this last week????

Chipotle Burrito Bowl dinner, check. That's what happens when your kitchen is not finished.  It's almost there :) And It looks amazing.  You did a great job babe!

Played DOUBLE Sorry (I had two colors, the Boyfriend had two colors) and WON.  Damn it feels good to be a gangster.

 

Monday, thanks for passing by without a hitch.