NYE: Now and Then

This was Then...
 
Last NYE this is where I was.

This is what I was doing.

And this is what the evening looked like.

This is Now...

This NYE this is where I am.

This is what I am doing.

This is what I am wearing.

Oh, how things change, remember what a difference a year can make from this post???

But hey, I'm excited to be comfy and cozy bringing in the new year.
Those heels hurt my feetsies last year, and the crowds were tremendous.
I have VIP tickets to a fireside seat, no waiting required.

Hope you're happy with whatever your plans are!!!

Here's to a great 2013!!!

Friday Letters

 For your viewing pleasure, and action Christmas picture.

First, if you're thinking gosh that's a dumb picture, you're totally right.
Second if you think the pillow on the couch are fugly, you're totally right again.
It's a work in progress okay. New couch is 2013 purchase.
Anyways...
 I got him the smoker he had been wanting,
and no I am not competing for girlfriend of the year award.
Somehow I have a feeling that all meats I consume in 2013
will be smoked in some way, shape, or form.

Dear NYE,

Two four day weekends in a row.

#lovethis

Dear New Tires,

The money I spent on you would look a lot better hanging in my savings account, hanging in my closet, or on my feet. But hey, gotta be safe right??

Dear Christmas,

Wow. You're gone.

Dear Kindle,
Three books waiting, and a weekend at the cabin.
#imsmiling

Dear Dinner with JQ,

So great to see you. It's been WAYYYY too long!!!

Let's do this more often.

Or lets plan a trip.
Now that I think about it.

planning a trip is the only option.

Dear Zoey+Snow,

Cutest thing ever.
Video coming soon

Dear House,

You're finally coming together.
 Looking more finished.
I love this.

Dear Nadine,

I'm sending all my good vibes to you, Nav, and Archie man.

You need them.

Surprise: Grandmas Do It Best

This is what the World's Best Coconut Cream Pie looks like.

As for taste, well I can't even describe it.

This is all I am going to say.

Everything Grandma's make taste better, DON'T EVEN TRY TO DENY IT.

And this is what a grandmother looks like when all of her children, and handful of grandchildren, surprise her the weekend before Christmas, after she's given each of them specific instructions to, 'stay home and be with their families for the Holiday'.

Just such a great day.

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we went.

She was only expecting me.

I knock. Go in. Sit down.

Then knock, knock.

And the cousins.

She almost started crying.

Not five minutes later.

Ding Dong.

Four of her five (the fifth to visit on NYE) 

There singing Silent Night.

Grandma, yup she's the tiny one.

Tell me her grin doesn't look like the happiest four year old you've ever seen.

 This was probably one of the best things we could have done this Holiday.

Grandma said, it'd make for quite a story for her bridge group on Wednesday.

All I have to say is Grandma, you've made for quite a story,

with your seven kids, grands, and great grand little ones.

Hope you all have something special with your grandparents.

There is truly something about that generation that is so special.

Thanks for everything Grandma.

Just the Best!

What a Difference a Year Makes

Last year at this time I was heading to my boyfriend's family home for Christmas day celebrations.

We were serious then, but it still marked the first major Holiday we spent together.

Halloween and Thanksgiving we spent apart, due to the fact that we both had already made plans with family, etc.

I went over, with a gift for his family (thanks again Mom for making this happen) in hand.

Mom gave me homemade jams and jellies, yeah she rocks!!

Here we are almost 365 days later (This is my Mom and her two sisters, at our surprise Christmas yesterday) and it's funny to look back on that day.

In my head sometimes I watch it like a fly on the wall, and it makes me laugh.

Insert oh what a difference a year makes.

Between our trip to Mexico, weekends at the cabin, his sisters Bachelorette party and wedding, and dinners with the fam, there has been a lot of 'together time'. 

 I chuckle when I look back in awe of just how many memories, 

and how much growth one year can hold.

Simply Amazing.

This year they'll be no more proper sitting on the bar stool politely introducing myself to neighbors and friends, telling them who I am and what I do. 

There will be reflecting on the past year and remembering how many fun and foolish things we've done, and how much we've enjoyed spending time with each other.

This year there is simply more to celebrate, more to be thankful for, 

and more memories to look forward to.

Is this how it happens when you get older??

If so, I'll take it.

P.S. Do me a small favor, think about where you were,

 and what you were doing a year ago...isn't that just amazing???

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.

 

Weekend and What I Wore

Welcome all you Lauren and Lauren readers, thanks for stopping by.

 

Wanted to give you all a little snap shot of my weekend.

I spent Friday night baking Holiday Goodies.

Went back to a staple Funfetti, let's all be honest you can't go wrong with it.

And it's what my boyfriend asked for.

This is what I wore on Friday.

Casual day at work.

And the staple F21 comfy shirt helped me out.

I never would have thought that 'the bun' would be a staple in my style.

Why did no one tell my how easy, functional, and awesome it it earlier?

Also any tips on getting it right ever time?

No matter how much I try,

 it always takes me five plus attempts to get it right.

 

Also remember when I told you about these glasses here??? 

They can make any outfit look way cuter.

If you don't have a pair, get a pair.

They are stylish, a tad hipster (oh watch out), and totally affordable.

Also this weekend, we (my boyfriend and I) may have gone Christmas shopping,

 round two for our Dog.

She'll have a few presents under our tree for sure.

Talk about only child syndrome...

#shesgotitbad

We couldn't resist, we gave her a toy just to hold her over.

She's not complaining about it.

 

Hope you all had an excellent weekend!!!!

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

DIY: Holiday Wreath

I ain't no Martha Stewart, but I did make a pretty festive Holiday Wreath this weekend.

All the supplies are from Michaels and cost me a whopping $20, which is way less than any wreath (ugly or cute) that you'll find in stores around the Holiday season.

Here are some of the supplies I used, nothin' fancy

The wreath it's self was only $7.99

 These are the two main ingredients

Wreath and Wire (it's very thin, easily twistable wire)

I then grabbed a few fake pointsettias, glitter berries, decorative wreath accesorries, none of which exceeded $1.99 each.

Here's a picture of the final product and my dining room craft table when I was done.

Glitterlicious is all I gotta say about that

BOOM

Holiday Spirit for our front door

It's not the worlds best more most attractive door decor, but for $20 I'll take it.

And anything that involves bejewling or crafting makes me happy, 

so let's be honest it was a great decision.

Hope you all had a fabulous day.

I went on a Mini vacation yesterday.

NBD.

More to Come on this later.

Happy Thursday!

 

What I Wore: Boys Shirt Edition Part 2

Remember WAYYY back WHEN I decided I challenged myself to style 

my boyfriend's shirt in a cute way??? 

Here???

Well, it took me a couple months, but as promised I am continuing my challenge.

 The CHALLENGE: to style a men's shirt in a cute/feminine way.

 

Here is the look I came up with for winter.

The classic layering look.

And let's be honest stripes and a Bauble make any outfit look 3,907x more polished.

Here you have it folks- my man look turned girly.

And again the bun, I am getting the hang of it, FINALLY.

It was SOOO comfortable.

And I got lots of compliments on it too!!!

This is how I wore it last time

My boyfriend's shirt with a Maxi

Give it a try.

Wear a men's shirt in a girly way, and send your link my way so I can check it out, and get inspired.

13 days 'til Christmas

Can't even believe this.

A Big Kids Chore Perspective

When were are little you have 'chores'.

You know, those things that your parents asked you made you do to help around the house.

The work you did to earn your $4/week allowance.

A small token of appreciation for the work I did. Granted half the stuff I did probably had to be redone by my Mom, because let's be honest- How great of a mopper can a ten year old really be???

You get the picture.

I had chores through my graduation day. Yup, you know you're the cool kid on the block when you are mowing your lawn (and the neighbors) at seventeen.

#iwassocool

But chores were always a part of my life.

Anyways when you go to college you have more chores.

Laundry that you have to do, fold, and put away.

Room you have to clean and vacuum.

Dishwasher you have to load and put away.

I mean seriously, this is ridiculous.

Then you graduate college.

Life continues.

And hey, surprise, what do you know???

Boom more chores.

When you're a grown up (cough, I am trying, cough)

You do SOOOO many chores.

But adults like to be fancy and use words like 'housework' or 'pick up the house' or 'house work'.

This reads sweep, mop, do/fold/put away laundry, dust, vacuum, pick up the yard, mow the lawn, grocery shop, put groceries away, and the list goes on.

Adults just have glorified names for things.

Let's be honest folks, they're still not enjoyable, and you don't get paid for them.

So really chores just get worse as you grow up.

Whey don't they ever tell us these things when we're young?

Anyways after sweeping, mopping, steam mopping, cleaning toilets, doing laundry, and dishes this is what came to my mind for today's post.

But I'll leave you with this little gem.

Isn't she adorable??

She makes me fall in love with her all over again every single day.

Even if half my chores are related to her (read floors covered in hair).

Happy Monday!

Friday Letters

Dear Christmas Shopping,

After this weekend, I'll be done. I promise.

Dear life as an Auntie,

I can't wait. May can't come soon enough. 

Dear Week,

You flew by. I likey.

Dear This is 40,

I hope you're as funny as your trailer looks.

Watch here.

Dear Zoey, 

One of these days you'll be able to pee without someone watching right?

You're such a weird do. 

I love you unconditionally regardless.

Dear 2012,

Where did you go?

Wasn't I just in Vegas for New Years yesterday? 

P.S. That was fun, don't need to do it again though

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Christmas Spirit

Here's a smokin' hot deal of the week.

Right now this vest is only $15 at F21.

Buy here

and buy quick, I am sure this will sell out fast.

P.S. I am usually a medium, but I got a small and it fits perfectly!!!!

Back to what I was actually talking about, even though I haven't even told you guys yet.

All you Cuties in the blogging world are in such Christmas spirit, and seeing as how I have not even finished my Christmas shopping yet, I am a little behind.

Here are things I have done that were full of Christmas Spirit

Loaded my car with Michael Buble's Christmas album.

My commute is straight sing along, every morning, on repeat.

Don't judge, he has the most amazing voice.

Disneyland in December

Remember when I shared this post with you about my trip???

That place drips Christmas spirit.

Sugar Cookies

I tried a new recipe this year.

It's a keeper, thank to the December issue of Real Simple.

Post will follow for more detail on this.

Here are a few more things I need to do before the Holiday Spirit is Complete

Take a drive to look at Christmas lights

They are just too magical

 

Watch the Holiday, Christmas Story, Home Alone, and Polar Express

(ALL are must sees for me)

Thanks Nadine for reminding me about the Christmas movies I need to see

Hope you all have a Wonderful Thursday!!!!

This weeks has flown by.

P.S. 19 days 'til Christmas.

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.

Trash Bag Me Fabulous

Remember when I told you I was going to the Happiest Place on Earth here?

Well we went.

This is what I looked like 92% of the Day on Saturday

And I feel GREAT about it!!!

We're not going to let a little bit of rain damper our good time.

I brought an extra garbage bag, just in case we were ONE poncho SHORT, 

and we were.

So I donned a trash bag with only one hole, for my head.

I may have looked like white trash.

Literally.

But I was so warm, cozy, and dry in there.

No Arm holes = No penetration = Happy Camper

Here are a few other gems from our trip.

 

This is the best picture of the trip.

Mostly due to our matching shirts.

Yup we were that group.

The matchy matchy ladies

But I'll have you know, everyone wanted to know where they could get one.

Sorry everyone, we got these little babies made special.

We're that awesome!!!

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Magical and Perfect.

One weekend closer to Christmas.

I'd best get shopping...

What I Wore: Fancy Shoes Edition

So I had to stop at Target the other day, and I just walked by the shoe section.

I didn't even walk through the shoe aisles.

But low and behold, at the end, staring me in the face, I saw these little friends.

And knew I had to have them.

I paired them with something simple.

Because they have so much personality themselves.

They'd be great with anything though.

Next vision for these: skinny jeans.

 

I am well aware that there are million DIY for these types of shoes.

But for $32 it just seemed all to convenient.

And I don't currently have an old pair of heels that needed re vamping.

When I do have  a pair, I'll do a fun DIY version.

Hope you all have a great day!!!!

I'll have more about the Happiest Place on Earth tomorrow!!!

We had a blast!!!