Sweat

This season's theme on The Biggest Loser is "no excuses."  Yup, add this to the list of cheesy reality TV that I cannot get enough of.  My motivation to go the gym definitely comes in waves, primarily because I don't work hard enough to find time to get sweaty.  Before work?  Lunch break?  After dinner?  We are all busy gals, so there's simply not enough time to get ready twice in one day, I'll say.  But these are just my excuses people!

I've been trying to leave gym clothes, shower shoes and a little bit of makeup in my car, so I have no excuse not to go - even if I can only squeeze in 30 minutes.  Breaking down those excuses one step at a time.  How do you motivate yourself to stay healthy?

Via

Sweat = success.

Weekend Recap

This weekend, my lovely middle sister spent the night.  Her college has an unusual schedule, so she has the week off - lucky gal!  Even though we've seen each other a lot more than usual thanks to recent holidays and family functions, it was a treat to have some 1:1 time.  We spent the night baking cookies, watching episodes of Law and Order: SVU and eating the cookies we made.  Sunday we had just enough time to make breakfast, work on a project and grab lunch before we had to meet my dad so he could take her home to Fresno. 

Top (l-r): Laundry before sissy's arrival; fancy pet food that made us giggle at the supermarket; our main man, Ice-T.

Middle: Cookie making.

Bottom (l-r): Lettuce sandwich shop in Mountain View (cream cheese on a sandwich = heaven); paint project.

How was your weekend?

Thank You Ashley!

Ashley, the fabulous blogger behind Everything is Uncharted, was awarded the Liebster Blog Award yesterday!  If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you absolutely should.  Plus, I happen to know her in real life, so think that gives me extra validity to endorse how awesome she and her blog are.

And she decided to pass on the love!  Thanks for the award, Ashley.  Liebster is German for dearest, beloved or favorite, and the award is for bloggers with under 200 followers.

Here is how it works:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them!

2. Award the award to 5 of your favorite bloggers with less than 200 followers & link them!

3. Post the award on your blog!

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet--other bloggers of course!

 5. And best of all--have fun & spread the karma!

And I will be awarding this to these lovely ladies:

Laura @ Life of Lu 

Dusty @ Girls Love Fried Pickles

Jenna @ A Girl In Toms and Pearls

Kristin @ Kristen's kNook

Angie @ Life of a Housewife

Spread the love!

Summer before our freshman year of college.  Thanks for the blog (and real life) love Ashley!

An Ok Thursday

Time for another edition of It's Ok!  Thanks Amber and Neely.

It's ok... 

... to rearrange furniture, just because.

... to re-read inspiring quotes for a little dose of positivity.
.
.. to feel accomplished when I wear eyeliner and eyeshadow to work.

... to snooze my alarm more than one day a week.

... to check my email non-stop every day.

... to have this photo as my phone's wallpaper.

... to eat a Think Thin bar every day. Simply because they are delish!

... and to eat avocados like an apple.

... to miss my long hair. Even though I miss my short hair when it's long. No happy place it seems.

... to read about 30 pages of this blog upon discovering it.

... to be freaking out about taxes, considering I've never done them myself completely.

... to openly admit I hope to never live in LA again.

 ... to lay on a gym bench after doing the StairMaster for a record 30 minutes.

... to enjoy a Blue Moon after going to the gym. Go figure.

... to embrace all the opportunities life is presenting, no matter how intimidating they are.

Bows and Black and White

Since I regularly head to work before 7 am, I love dressing warm to beat the cold morning blues.  And what better way to get over hump day than adding a bow to the mix?  I usually wear a headset all day, so fitting it over the beret was a fun challenge.

Sweater and striped shirt: J. Crew. Jeans: Rock & Republic. Beret w/ bow: Urban Outfitters. Heels: A'Gaci.

Bow!

Need an instant pick-me-up? Go bowling in five inch heels and impress all your friends. I even got two spares! 

Linking up at a new favorite obsession.

Happy Birthday Nan!

Round two of my trip home to Fresno was an amazing birthday party we threw for my mom's mom, my Nan.  My mom has two sisters and three brothers, and they all made the trip to Fresno from all corners of California to celebrate!  Over a delicious dinner, a tres leches birthday cake and yummy wine, we shared all of our favorite memories of Nan, and everyone shared how she's inspired us.  This lady makes me think I can do just about anything... she raised six kids while working full-time, supporting her hubby, volunteering, and more. 

My cousin Jake and I.

Cousins + Nan.

Love that I can wear slippers instead of shoes with my fam.

Those little birdies spin around a hum the tune to happy birthday.  Love you Nan!

Babygirl was having a really fun time.

Everyone was so sad to go home after our fun parties, so the rain was totally appropriate.  The weekend was "officially" over when I dropped my other sissy off at the BART after we drove back to the bay.

Aren't family celebrations the best?

From One Party to the Next

This weekend, I was lucky enough to head home to Fresno for not one, but two, family parties.  Saturday morning we celebrated my baby sister's confirmation.  I love love love family parties where both my mom and my dad's side of the family come together.   And since both of my parents were raised Catholic, it was really special morning celebrating my (growing up waaaay too fast) sissy.  Between birthdays, sacraments and other holidays, there is so much to celebrate in our big family!

Babygirl and I both wore black dresses, black nylons and black heels.  Great minds think alike?  At least hers was Ralph Lauren and mine was H&M.   She chose me to be her sponsor, and I was so touched to be part of her big day!

My mom, Nan (front), our dear friend Claire (back) and my sis.

My beautiful cousin Ally and my cousin--in-law Katie.

Our favorite first grader had a basketball game during Mass/confirmation, so here we are watching him play on his Dad's iPhone.  Isn't technology amazing?

My "Uncle" Mikey, a dear friend of my parents'  from college.  Friends that become family are priceless.

Gorgeous sissy and a friend.

 

 

 

My other sister took BART and Caltrain and then carpooled with me to make it back to Fresno.  Obsessed!

 Linking up with Life Made Lovely.  Check back for details about party #2 tomorrow :)

Have a Creative Friday!

When I first moved into my first apartment last April, I wanted to call my parents every single time I needed advice on something.  I love my parents so much for letting me call about anything and everything; weird spiders, whether or not wax paper can go in the oven (no!), water pressure, expiration dates, and on and on and on.  Even though my parents were fabulous at the get-go, living on my own for almost a year has made me a lot more self-reliant, self-confident, and self-sufficient.  And creative!  My mom entrusted me these lovely flower pots my Papa brought her from Mexico some time ago, and I figured it would be best to transport them carefully.

I also got creative hanging my scarfs in early December.
Do you use YouTube?  Have more fun searching for videos. 
I want to do all of these crafts NOW to declutter.
Dying to actually make this.

Have a fantastic weekend!

It's Ok Thursday

I think it's really fun to tell yourself it's ok.  Thanks Amber and Neely!

It's ok...

... to jump on the 49ers bandwagon and cheer for them.  SF would be insane if they won the Superbowl!

... to not be able to stop reading Girls Above Me tweets.

... to give your computer's rescuer a big hug.

... to wish for rain so I can wear my rainboots.

... to leave my Christmas tree on the curb, hoping someone will take it away.

... to be jealous that my dad is in Vegas.  Even if it's only for meetings.

... to feel relief when my PG&E bill isn't as high as I was expecting, considering how much I use my heater.

... to be obsessed with my new Tory Burch shoes. Sole searching baby!

... to wake up early just to watch Modern Family before I go to work.
  
... to already be eating Sweethearts.

... to be a cheeseball and get all sappy when dropping my sister off at BART.

... to wear a puffy jacket and scarf all day, every day.

... to try and get my grandma super pumped for her birthday.  Currently, she's just pumped.

Firework art.  What's ok in your life right now?

Take a Minute

Regardless of your stance on the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), I encourage you to take a moment to learn a little bit more about it.  It was really interesting today to see how some of our internet powerhouses used themselves as platforms in protest of the act.  What are your thoughts?

 

Wikipedia.

Google.

More about the protest, via CNN.

A review of the debate.

Gawker: What Even Non Nerds Need to Know About SOPA.

On a lighter note: students (and teachers!) freak out over their lack of Wikipedia.

Tag! Blogosphere Style

Who knew that you could turn an elementary school game into something fun to do on the internet?  Sarah, of Simply Sarah, is one of my favorite new bloggers!  She's cute, crafty, and I love how positive and fun she is.  And her posts about Audrey Hepburn make me super happy. Ashley is one of my friends from Fresno and UCLA, and I love seeing how her blog has taken off!  Check out the video in this post, and I think you'll fall in love with her blog too.  

They both "tagged" me, so here goes!

The Blogger Game:

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

11 Fun Facts

1. I love, love, love Hello Kitty.

2.  Mass texting with my family is one of my favorite hobbies.

3. I have pictures all over my apartment, and switch them out for new ones constantly.

4. I don't own a TV.

5.  I like to bake, but don't enjoy cooking.

6. I drink way too much caffeine... who doesn't?

7.  I used to pole vault in high school.

8.  I wish rainbow sprinkles didn't have any calories (delicious!)

9.  I would love to take up piano lessons again someday.

10.  I check Perez Hilton about three or four times a day.
11.  My three best friends and I from high school call each other the Fab 4.  Cheeseballs for life!

Questions from Sarah:

1. If you could go anywhere, all expenses paid, where would it be? Ireland.

2. What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? Read!

3. Why did you start blogging? To share with my fam bam all the exciting new things that were happening in my post-grad life. And Tumblr got boring.

4. Do you have any siblings? Two younger sisters.

5. What is your most embarrassing moment? Anytime I've ever had to interview someone.  

6. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla.

7. What's your favorite genre of music? Folk/Alternative/Country.

8. Have you been to any concerts - if so which was your favorite? If not, who would you like to see? The Fun.  And I'd love to see Nate live again.

9. Who is your favorite author? Sylvia Plath.  

10. What is one beauty product you can't live without? Mascara.  I've tried at least 20+ in the last couple years, and have yet to find a fave.

11. Where is your favorite place to shop? J. Crew.

Questions from Ashley:

In the event of some sort of disaster what three items would you grab first? Photo albums, cell phone and a few priceless mementos.

If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Apparition, like in Harry Potter.

Who is your favorite music artist/band?  Sorry, can't pick Ashley!

What is your favorite thing about blogging? Learning new things from other bloggers.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen in theaters in that past month (or so)? The Iron Lady.

Do/Did you go to college? If so, where?!  UCLA. Go Bruins!

What TV show is your guilty pleasure? Rock of Love.  All seasons.

Facebook, Twitter, or Other?  Google +.  

Given the option, where in the world would you like to live? Anywhere that's with my fam.

What are you currently reading? The Unthinkable.

You just won 1 million dollars! What is the first thing you are going to do with it?  Pay off college for my sisters!

I'm Tagging:

1. Ally of La Mia Bella Vita.

2. Ashley of Little Miss One Big Mess.

3. Summer at My Gamble in the Wind.

4. Nicole on her (to-be-named!) travel blog.

5. Jo of Seriously JO-king.

6. Angie of Life of a Housewife.

7. Laura of Life of Lu...

8. Ashley of Life Unscripted.

9. Morgan of Monogram Addict.

10. Jenna of A Girl in TOMS and Pearls.

11. Kristin of Kristin's kNook.

Here are my questions for you!

1. Did you play any sports in high school?  If so, what sport?

2. Do you have any pets?

3. Favorite vacation destination?

4. If you could only eat one thing for a month, what would it be?

5. Biggest pet peeve?

6. What is your dream job?  Do you already have it?

7. Who is your biggest inspiration? 

8. What is your favorite show from the 90's?

9.  Do you have a celebrity crush?  If so, who?!

10. What is your favorite holiday?

11.  Describe YOU in one word.

Join the fun!

Just Hanging

One of the highlights of my weekend was "hanging out" with all of my favorite friends from UCLA/ADPi at once.  This is the first time we've successfully coordinated a hangout with this many people. From left to right: Ashley, myself, Britt, Jo, Katie and Nicole.

Courtesy of Google +.

Inspired Friday

I went to see The Iron Lady with my mom and sister tonight, and this quote really made my week.  I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained by Meryl Streep's performance.  And really inspired.

Source.

It's (Still) OK

Loving this link up, and there is plenty to be a-ok about.

It's ok...

... to dream of hardwood floors.  I want them so badly in my next apartment.

... to eat avocado every time you can get your hands on it.  Guac, sandwiched, plain; I don't care!

... to change your table decorations 30 million times because mama is coming this weekend.

... to feel proud of the few errands I squeezed in during a crazy-busy week.

... to vacuum at 10 p.m. When is there ever time to do housecleaning?

... to embrace (and even share) your quirks.

... to let go of negative people in your life.

... to go to the gym when you know your fave Bravo shows will be on repeat.

... to hate writing a 'Thinking of you' card, even if you know the receiver is even sadder than you.

... to wear heels just because you feel like it.

...  to make a 'to-do' list for you and a friend that won't even be in the USA for at least six more months.

... to love dry shampoo.

... to know what 10-4 rubber ducky means, without even Googling it.

... to miss my Blackberry a teeny bit, even though I have a fancy schmancy phone now.

Hump Day

I saw this idea on Eat, Drink, Be a Tourist, and thought it would make a great mid-week post.  I love Wednesdays, because once Wednesday is over, it is almost the weekend!

current guilty pleasure: Bubble baths.
current nail color: Sparkles over a layer of plum.
current playlist: My Augustana Pandora station.
current read: Reader's Digest.
current drink: Sparkling mineral water.
current food: White bean chili.
current favorite show: The Bachelor.
current wish list: More scarves.
current needs: To tie up loose ends.
current triumphs: A rockin' start to Q1 at work. 
current bane of my existence: Soreness from my first kickboxing class.
current celebrity crush: Marcus Mumford.  
current indulgence: Cinnamon apple chips.
current blessing: My sisters.  They are simply the best!
current outfit: Flannel.  And a sweater. And a jacket.  And a scarf.  It's cold!
current excitement: The three-day weekend.
current mood: Grateful.
current link: Otters.

 Source.

Thanks for the idea Kelsey! 

I Made a New Friend

And she is French! Since I'm not quite settled enough to get a dog of my own, I have a tendency to love on dogs I meet, especially the varieties that are my favorite! This gal was waiting for her mommy or daddy to get back from lunch, and I am hoping to run into him or her with the dog sometime to get a name. Although I have a soft spot for Springer Spaniels (we've had four), I am obsessed with the Dumbo ears on these French bulldog pups. My sister even gave me a calendar of sleeping Frenchies for my desk at work, and I may or may not look at pics of them when I need a 30 second break.



PS: Kim Kardashian got replaced in a Superbowl ad by a French bulldog.
PPS: Modern Family has the right idea too. I almost wish I still worked at People to "interview" her myself!


Do you have a dream pet?

2012, I Love You

This weekend, I made a quick dash to SF to catch up with a friend. It was such a perfect day in the city. Although I'm slightly jealous of my fair-weathered friends in L.A. , I was only wearing a sweater in SF — success! I topped off the weekend with a taco night with some of my faves. Here's a few pics from my phone.

Fort Mason, you so purty.

St. Brigid's church in SF. Missing my baby sis Brig!

Bada** group of bikers. I'd love to be able to tear through the streets of SF like they did.

Capped the weekend off with a girl's night. Tacos couldn't be complete without baby Coronas, right?

How was your weekend?!

Jersey Friday

My dad used to have a job where he wore a suit almost every, single day.  The only day he didn't have to dress up?  Casual Friday, baby. Instead of casual Friday, my team currently has a Jersey Friday theme.  And considering my teammates are from nearly every corner of the United States, it's fun to see what teams they choose to represent.  My professional sports fandom is a little limited (as well as the number of jerseys in my closet), so my participation is a little sparse.  Nonetheless, go Giants!

It's Okay Thursday

It's ok...

... to be sad that Christmas is really, truly over.  How many more days until Christmas again?

... to bond with new cubemates over Diet Coke.

... to make plans to see the  Beauty and the Beast 3D rerelease when it opens in theaters next week.

... to eat sandwich wraps for dinner three nights in a row.

... to hide my Hunger Games book until I have the second book on hand to start immediately after.

... to wear my work badge on a lanyard around my neck.  I've misplaced way too many things lately!

... to not make resolutions for the new year.  Resolutions and goals can be made any day, any time.

... to get excited over snail mail, even if it's just from my local congresswoman.

... to be a little sad that Martha Stewart's daytime talk show is coming to an end.

... to think about the amount of time the new CA law banning the sale of alcohol in self checkout lanes at supermarkets would have cost us in college.

... to try something new, like linking up.  Thanks Amber and Neely!

PS: It's ok to eat pickles for snack.  Especially considering Jersey Shore returns tonight.

Follow Your Heart

Maybe it's because I was raised in the age of internet, video games and cell phones, but I have a really hard time sitting still and just focusing on one task.  Does anyone else browse Facebook, watch TV, clean their kitchen and send emails simultaneously?  Multi-tasking makes me happy.

I bet that's why a slew of colored paper was way too tempting as I caught up on all of the reality TV that the new year brought!

I <3 anything that adds spice to my fabulous 1950's kitchen.

Snapshots of NYE

I had a blast in San Francisco this weekend watching the Bruins play in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl and ringing in 2012 with my friends Ashley and Jo.  After the game, everything we did was so spontaneous and made the weekend even more exciting. Here's a few highlights from our fun-filled time in the city!

Ashley and I hung out at an Irish bar before the game that even featured a confessional booth.

We got to walk on the field to get to our seats at AT&T park.  Needless to say, my dad was jeal.

Country cutie Hunter Hayes sang the national anthem.  He is so adorable!

Go Bruins!  Such a close game :(

Kicking off the festivities, my brave friend Jo opened our champagne.  I think Ashley and I might have a dozen pictures of her hard at work between the two us.

Free drinks at The Holiday Inn Bar.  Enough said.

We got to celebrate our friend Danielle's birthday too, making a fun stop at her apartment.  We officially welcomed in 2012 at a karaoke bar, and it was such a neat experience counting down to the new year and celebrating with two really great friends, some new acquaintances, and everyone else at the bar.  The feeling in the air was magical!

A pizza brunch was the first meal we ate in 2012. Such a great idea Ashley!

This fantastic weekend makes me so excited for future NYE celebrations.  2012, I love you already!