The Chicago Bachelorette

Chicago was in one word: Awesome.

But seriously, I'd go back to that city any time, but I'd stick to summer.

Walking around all bundled up doesn't seem nearly as fun as frolicking around in shorts and dresses, just sayin'. 

So today, I'll leave you with a photo dump, because if we're all being honest, I got back on Sunday night but am still in food coma and recovering from two nights of late night drinking, a friendly reminder that I'm not getting any younger, and my college years are long gone.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have something more for you.

Chicago

Dear Chicago,

I am on my way. 

Sitting on the airplane as we speak!!! 

I am confident you'll be everything I expect and more. 

Don't disappoint. I have big plans for this Bachelorette Party. 

And then my Entire Wardrobe Jumped in my Suitcase

 I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but I am heading to Chicago tomorrow for a Bachelorette party (to celebrate the one in the middle). And you know I'm spending a solid 56 hours there, and somehow my entire wardrobe jumped into my suitcase.  Just how many dresses and shoes can a girl wear in that time frame?  I guess we'll find out. Also packing college dresses and 5 inch heels make me both  anxious makes me nostalgic, as if I haven't mentioned that before.

The Nordstrom Semi Annual is happening right now, need I say more???

What did you buy? I know Andrea just got her orders in!!!

Vinyasa yoga is MUCH harder than I ever thought? Seriously I think I sweat just as much in Vinyasa as I did in Bikram.  Like how the eff do people do this on the daily?

I just made these (the curtains for those of you wondering what 'these' was referencing) this weekend. I was going to post pictures of each step, but I followed the instructions in this link exactly, so there was really no need.  Not to shabby for $41 of fabric.  Crate and Barrel ain't got nothin' on me, now if only our couch were here, oh the excitement of adult life.

Insert awesome couch here!!!

Been tempted by Stitch Fix recently, can't decided if I should go for it, or continue to style myself. 

Any recommendations? Positives, negatives? I'd really like to know about how many items you (all you stitch fixers out there) buy every month, and if you find yourself wearing said item(s)?

I'm more nostalgic than I thought, two posts this weekend with pictures of me with long hair? 

Also while I'm gone dancing in Chicago this weekend, my boyfriend, his Dad, brother, and family friend will be rebuilding our back deck, but if you followed me on instagram you'd already know this. Did I pick an awesome weekend to be gone or what?

A Kiss and A Diving Dog

Fridays are simply wonderful, I am sure you all agree.

 A couple things happening here, in no particular order.

1.

The State fair is here, and I'm beyond exited for the photo booth, cheese curds, and milk shakes.  All of which will be happening tonight. Also I love people watching at the fair, I'd say it's probably second best people watching out there, second only to the airport.

 2.

I'm going to Chicago next weekend for a Bachelorette party, and I'm pretty sure it's going to be one of the most epic weekends of the summer (second to the wedding to ensue of course).  I've been many places, but never there. I am ready for some pizza, pictures at the bean, and roof top bars.  I've heard all of them are fabulous.

3.

Our Zoey girl has been diving a little bit, but yesterday she dove to the deep end of the pool. I didn't catch that one on my phone, but here is a little clip of just how much our dog likes to scuba.

 And like I've been saying for the past three weeks. I promise to give you guys more next week.

When I'm not tired sick, and basically an embarrassment to all bloggers.

Thanks for your continued support.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!

If you need me

I'll be here.

Will return to regularly scheduled programming on Monday.

Happy fourth to all!

South America Vacation Recap

I am going to attempt to do this post in record time. 

I am sure, as you all know a two week vacation includes 539+ pictures, 783 good drinks, and  834 funny stories.  Okay so maybe those numbers are made up, but needless to say it's hard to recap in one post.

We started in Rio, where we stayed on Copacabana Beach:

and visited Christ the Redeemer Statue.

(I could actually see it from our hotel room too, it was so cool!!!)

Clearly a cloud came, and we were basically it in.  It did clear before we left though!!!

Then we got on the Splendour of the Seas in Santos after spending a day in Sao Paulo.
And as a first time cruiser, these were my thoughts: 
Dang this boat is huge
  We're basically getting on the titanic right now
Where do they keep the food for everyone?
Gosh, I wish I knew the science and engineering behind how these things float

 We were at sea for a day and then arrived in Punte Del Este, Uruguay which was beautiful.

And we saw (and touched) the fingers!!!

Remember them from this post?

Our next stop was Buenos Aires (my favorite city of the trip)

It has the most to see and enjoy (in my opinion.  It is a larger city with more history to learn about.

We ate at as steak house there, apparently it's what the Argentinians' are known for, and I devoured three entire plates of short ribs.  Honest to goodness best short ribs of my life.

 Here is my plate for proof:

Our last stop was Montevideo, Uraguay.

It had a mix of old and new architecture, and 15 miles of beach that was full of people and activity.

And here is the 'most epic picture of the trip'

A sunset from our patio

Tell me that isn't beautiful.

So that's my trip in a nutshell.

As a virgin cruiser, I loved it.  I think it's a great way to relax and not have to worry about a thing, because everything and I mean EVERYTHING is taken care of for you.

All your food, housing, activities, and relaxation is accommodated and/or organized by the cruise.

So there are few details cruisers have to be responsible for.

Most of you will laugh, because after a two week vacation I am already talking about another, but I'd love to cruise through the Caribbean and Mediterranean, I think both are great options.

There will be another cruise in my lifetime, it's just a matter of when.

 Until then I guess I'll keep working to bank more vacation days and working out to work off some of my cocktails.

P.S. Here's my favorite picture from one of the nights.

I could have sworn they thought we were famous on the ship, because they took so many darn pictures of us!!!

Vacation Confessions

I am linking with Leslie today for Friday Confessions.

....I'm currently on my first cruise, I am sure I am loving it.  I am pretty sure I am in my bathing suit, looking something like this...

Circa April 2012- Zihuatanejo, Mexico

....with a hand muddled cocktail in my hand, because those are my favorites.

...I am getting more freckly as we speak, and I LOVE it!!!

...My vacation is coming to an end, and it's making me sad, but please don't feel too bad for me, we were looking at cool things like this the entire time.

via

...I was a little hesitant to blow through so many vacation days in one week, but this trip was TOTALLY worth it!!!

...It's going to be so hard to go back to reality aka work in a five short days.

I'm in Brazil

And this is what my balcony is looking at!!!

Miss you all.
Will respond to your comments soon!!!

PS first time posting from the phone. Sorry for any weirdness :)

12 Things To Do BEFORE Your Vacation

So I am no travel expert.

I would say if you had to rate my 'traveling skills' on the scales used to judge a ski slope, I'd be 'intermediate'.

I don't jet set all the time, although I would LOVE too.
 BUT I have been a few places, you may have read about some of my trips here, here, and here.

But I do leave for Brazil in twenty days, #butwhoiscounting
 

This picture is me on day 29 of 30, circa 2008. 
In Munich, hostel-less at 11:30pm.

That being said there are a few tips that I have for you; things that you should do BEFORE you TAKE OFF.  They are really in no particular order, although some might seem more important than others, to me they are ALL important, TRUST me.

1. Scan your ID and Passport and email it to yourself. Then put it in a folder so you always have it.  I named my folder 'do not loose'.  This way if for whatever reason you loose, misplace, or get your stuff stolen, you still have your numbers, expiration dates, etc.

2. Talk to your Doctor.  If you're traveling some place that you've never been, call your doctor and see if there are any additional vaccinations that you need.  Many of these have to be taken a week prior to your take off, so call sooner rather than later. I had to get typhloid for our trip to Brazil!!!

3. Pre-Order your monthly prescriptions. THIS IS A BIG ONE. Especially for us ladies on le pill.  If you will be gone when you would normally pick you your prescription, be sure you call to get a vacation over ride BEFORE you leave, so you'll have all the prescriptions you need before you go.

4. Call your phone provider and/or go into the store.  Often there are small little package you can add to your phone to make talking and texting more economical.  That being said I usually just put my phone on airplane mode, then turn on the wireless, and load up my skype account.  Then I can call people over the wireless for pennies of what you would pay through your plan.  You can also text through skype....yay!!!

5. Contact your bank.  Sometimes when you go over seas, and your bank does not know, they shut off your account when they see any large withdrawals and/or funny locations.  How terrible would it be if you were left moneyless in Europe, Thailand, or Mexico....yeah that would suck  be terrible (my Mom hates that word).

6. Pack a pair of fluffy socks!!! Ladies this one is mostly for you.  But if I'm not crazy, which sometimes I think I am, my feet get SOOOO cold on the airplane.  So after three or four trips of frozen tosies, I got smart.  I packed a pair of fluffy socks in my carry on to wear while in the air.  It's totally worth it!!! I actually found it made it easier for me to sleep on board!!!

7. Ladies - listen up, this one might save your life.  Wear a scarf when you travel.  Why you ask??? Because it's a blanket in disguise.  But seriously there is this staple 'travel' scarf I have it's huge, and expands to be the size of a small blanket.  If I am cold, I unwrap it and wear it over my shoulders, and viola, so warm. Smart, I know - this one makes me feel like a genius.

8. Pre- charge your E-reader. Don't be the dummy who shows up at the airport with a non-charged kindle. I mean they hold charge for SOOO long, for most average vacations you wouldn't even need a charger.  Also be sure that you have pre-downloaded all your books. One or two more than you think you'll need, because if your flight is cancelled, or delayed, you'll need something to  do...you can only people watch for so many hours...

9. For all your online shoppers, please please please don't make the rookie mistake.  Be sure you don't have any outstanding orders that will be arriving while you are gone.  If you do, I would contact the shipping company in advance and/or coordinate someone to get it on your behalf.  Sometimes you have to leave a written note with the person watching your house that says you give permission for them to sign on your behalf.  Some even require an ID.  Look into this!!!

10. This is a oldie, but a goodie.  Make a packing list, and like St. Nick, check it twice.

11. Get your hair did. Let's be honest, vacations are like having a photo shoot daily.  And these pictures will likely be sent to family and friends online, posted on facebook, or put up on your blog. You DON'T want to be the fool with terrible roots, or old color.  Freshen it up!!!

12. Pack extra undies.  Just when you think you have enough (read two pairs/day) pack four more.  There is NOTHING worse then not having a clean pair, nothing...

Think that's about it ladies.

Hope you all found this helpful!!!

Peace, Love, and Rock and Roll

Peace

 Love

 and Rock and Roll

No, those are not the name of the three puppies, but how funny would that be? 
Back to my weekend post...Remember we were at the cabin??

Similar hoodie here.

This is what a very excited Dog Mom looks like fresh out of bed on a three day weekend.
Why am I excited you might ask...?
 
My baby Zoey girl had the WORST runs this weekend.They aren't joking when they say change dogs have weird stomachs.  
We forgot Zoey's food at home, and she ate the other puppies for the weekend, which DID NOT agree with her. Let's just say the smell of her kennel yesterday morning made my boyfriend puke, and the clean up process including power washing, squeegeeing, washing, and it was not a short one.

I'll leave it at that...Trust me, you do NOT want to know the details.

 This is how she recovered...all day yesterday.
Also

30 days 'til vacation!!!

 via

I mean doesn't this seem like I should be able to meet Jesus,
but I am thinking he's there waiting for me with open arms.

This also looks like fun, and very stressful...

via

That's it.

Oh it's Tuesday...and I didn't even have to work yesterday.

Ah-maze-ingh.

Oh, The Places You'll Go (Part 1)

Nope this is not a Doctor Suess post.

It's about my love for travel.

This will be the first post in my 'mini series' on traveling. 
Thursdays will mark a day that I tell you guys about a trip I've been on (be it domestic or international) what I did, and a funny story to go along with it.
Because goodness knows there's a story from every vacation.

1.

Yes, I've lived locally my whole life, as I am sure you read about here, but I have been to my fair share of cities, countries, and states.

My Mom works in the airline industry (apparently it used to be much more fun and glamorous) but post 9/11 that aspect of the job went out the window, or so Mom says.

I have to say that her job is AWESOME!
When I was little we would go on trips all the time.  MYSTERY trips that is, she'd (Mom) tell us (the brother and I) to back our bags, and off we'd go.

I've seen roughly 30 of the fifty states, and started my international travels at 15 when I spent the summer studying in Germany.

  2.

Mom probably regrets sending me abroad so young, because the trip left me wanting more. 

Don't we All.

But my first day back from my study abroad trip, I hung a list of countries I wanted to visit on the family calendar.
And I started to knock them off one by one.

I'd work all year, and blow my annual income on one long international summer vacation.
I will say to me my travels were worth every.single.last.penny, and every sip of beer, piece of chocolate, or home made pasta.

The only country on the list 15 year old me made, is Greece, which will hopefully be checked off this coming summer, fingers crossed :)

3.


Back on Topic.

Eight years and nine international trips later, I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

 I've seen this much of the world.

Places I have been a tourist in visited:

Germany

Luxenburg

France

Spain

Italy

Check Republic

Hungary

Mexico
Switzerland

Croatia

United Kingdom

Scotland

Ireland

Egypt 

New Zealand

Canada

 4.

My favorite part of travel is probably the food, just call me a fattie.

But to me, it's interesting to see what culture eat, when, and why.

I also enjoy watching their social structures and daily life (read: creepily sitting at a cafe watching people for extended periods of time).

 5.

1. Cairo, I spent two weeks over there, and probably experienced the most culture shock there, but as a blonde female I doubt you find that surprising.
2. Stonehenge. The rocks are just as random as you might think. You're driving on an empty freeway to no where (on the wrong side of the road) and all of a sudden you hit traffic, and see rocks!
3. London Eye. I've done it three times now, it never gets old.
4. Coldest Winter day of my life (excluding ski days). In Berlin posing near the infamous 'Fernseher Tower'.
5. Bungee Jumping in Queenstown New Zealand. Best adventure city ever, we also went jet boating.
6. With a 12 hour evening layover in Paris, this is what you do!!!
7. Remember my most recent international travel from when I first started blogging, here???

6.

I have stories from my travel, all of which I don't want to bore you with, right now anyway.

Plus, by saving them you'll have something to look forward too!

Like when you found out why the police picked me up in Florence, when I slept next to a homeless man on a international border, and how I got kicked out of the Vatican.

Yup, all these stories are true.
 Just you wait, I'll share reveal them all sooner or later.

7.

Where do you Want to go?

P.S. If you want any personal advice on any of these places, let me know. 
I'd be happy to chat your ear off about any of the above listed places.