Get to Know Me Survey

My friend and fellow blogger Heather recently tagged me to do this About Me survey. I have always been obsessed with these things, since my live journal and myspace days, so of course I had to do it!!

A. Attached or Single?

Married!

B. Best Friend?

I always try calling Louis my #bestie, but he thinks its weird. So, I'd say my best friend is definitely Lucy.  I can't imagine life without her. She makes me smile and feel loved every single. day.

C. Cake or pie?

More of a pie girl. Hot apple pie with ice cream, yes please! I love cake but I'm picky about the icing. Mmm Ice cream cake.

D. Day of choice?

Summer Fridays. I never heard of them until I moved to New York. Some companies up here let you have a few free days on Friday. They are amazing!! Beach days..fun days!

When I'm having a week without a Summer Friday, then Saturday is for sure my day of choice. I typically have my long run on Saturday mornings, go to the market and stock up the fridge, and then do something fun in the evening. I normally take off from working out on on Sundays which means it doesn't really matter what time I go to bed...but alas, I'm old and usually still fall asleep around 10. 

E. Essential Item?

If you know me you know about my weird essential item. Ear plugs. Absolutely cannot sleep without them. I'd also include an eye mask here but I can make due with putting a tshirt over my eyes. Also, face sunscreen.

As far as beauty essentials?

This Yves Saint Laurent Concealer is the best. You just need a tiny dot and it covers all imperfections.

Guerlain highlighter. I try not to wear foundation or my normal face powder during the summer and go for a lighter look. The concealer topped with highlighter makes for a shear, super light finish that doesn't get all melty in the hot weather. 

I also wear blush and mascara most days, but I can do without them so I must say they aren't as essential. 

F. Favorite color?

I don't really have a favorite...I like warm yellows, oranges with lighter blues for my home. All of my kitchen stuff goes with this theme. If I saw an item like a key chain and had to pick out of a bunch of colors, I'd probably go with pink.

G. Gummy bears or worms?

Meh...don't care about either. All I ever want is chocolate.

H. Home town?

Orlando, Florida. 

I. Favorite Indulgence?

Ice cream or Chocolate are my go-to treats. Or Fancy Pizza---the kind that's thin with delicious veggies on top and very little cheese...not greasy and makes you feel like you could maybe be in Italy. I've never been so that's just an assumption. Italian pizza could be greasy and have tons of cheese for all I know.

J. January or July?

January is fun because I'm normally hyped up from the holidays and excited for fresh start/ new year. Also, it's Louis's birthday so we go to Peter Lugar and do something fun.

Other than those things, I prefer July...because it's warm and summer time. Summers in New York are the absolute best. People wait all year for it and really live it up when it arrives.

K. Kids?

I love kids. Really, really love them. I've always felt like I was meant to be a mom as well. Right now I'm loving life just how it is but who knows what the future (days, weeks, months, year?) will bring! For now...I get my fill from these lil faves...

(our bffs kids and godbabies!)

L. Life isn’t complete without?

Louis, Lucy, our parents and family, hugs, laughs, and daydreams. 

M. Marriage date?

9/2/12 our anniversary is coming up!

N. Number of brothers/sisters?

One sista bird.

O. Oranges or Apples?

I can eat 5 oranges in one sitting. Obsessed with all citrus so much that it makes my mouth hurt. But an apple with peanut butter can't be beat either. If I have a choice though, I'm going with the orange. 

P. Phobias?

Enclosed spaces that I can't get out of - subway, tunnels, sometime elevators. Being trapped somewhere....like if there's a fire and I can't figure out a way out. Sharks. Anything that lives under the water...I want nothing to do with any of it. Also, a vile shrimp or wretched mayonnaise. Triple vom.

Q. Quotes?
Unfortunately most of my favorite quotes are inside jokes. "Hope ya like VAY-gen!" "Don't get used to this." "Do I smell a mocha?" Hello, Charsy.

I'll explain one. Once Louis and I were in our room at his mom's house, and she was pulling all of these amazing items out of the closet for me. Beautiful headbands, handbags, belts, makeup...and he was all, "what, I get nothing?" So she pulled out one of those things you put behind your head on the airplane, tossed it over and said, "DON'T GET USED TO THIS!"

she's the funniest!!!

R. Reasons to smile?

No reasons not to! Blessed with so much - love, great friendships, a great job, plenty of food, nice home, health, and opportunities. So grateful. 

S. Season of choice?

Best part of living in the northeast? The seasons! Although they do make the year pass super quickly. Summer or the first part of winter. I love the holidays and getting to see family, eat delicious foods, see the city decorated and looking beautiful....but come February I'm over it! I don't really like spring because I'm always just dying for actual warm weather by then.

T. Tag 5 People.

Don't have 5 to tag...maybe my sister would enjoy doing this?!

U. Unknown fact about me?

I have never broken a bone in my body. *knock on wood*---me either Heather!

Hmmm...seems like everything is knowns. A woman of few secrets. Once I lived in Nashville and interned at the management company for Vince Neil of Motley Crue. I also had a nose ring.

V. Vegetable?

I love vegetables!! Almost all! My not so favorite veg is asparagus. When I was growing up for some reason I was served cold mushy asparagus out of a jar with a side of mayonnaise. I have no idea who came up with that awful combination but I think of it every time I see asparagus. I can kind of enjoy it still, just not my #1 choice.

W. Worst habit?

Instagram. I'm so addicted. I sometimes annoy myself with how much I am checking things on the phone. 

X. Xray or Ultrasound?

Uhhh....well if I was going to have a baby maybe I'd love getting an ultrasound so I could see that lil creature...but since I'm not I'll say neither. Hate any medically related procedure.

Y. Your favorite food?

Smoothies, fancy pizza, enchiladas, peanut butter, chocolate

Z. Zodiac sign?

Gemini

That's all about me! Now, I have a summer friday today so we are off to the beach to take advantage of this HOT weather!!

I Like It: If you haven't read this, read it!

I recently was searching for a good book to read. And by good I don't mean my typical choice of a cheesy, over the top romance novel. To my defense, those really are the easiest books to find, get sucked into, and stay focused on during my subway ride when people are yapping loudly and ramming into me because they need to get off at - Union Square. Yeah jerkwad...Im getting off at union square and EVERYONE IS GETTING OFF AT UNION SQUARE. Plus, lately all the popular, steamy, romance novels have a sequal so when I'm done with one, zero effort is required in finding my next bit of reading material.

 

I was at the airport when I finished book #3 in a series not worth mentioning, and as I was scrolling around through the NY Times bestsellers I stumbled across this lil gem. Sure, I've heard of the book, but I've read very few memoirs, if any? As discussed, I'm a - by default - romance girl...but really more of a suspense girl - what is taking Gillian Flynn so long to write her next book??? So anyway, I LOVE Mean Girls (once I was even called one) so I thought what the heck I'll get this book.

 

And now? Step aside Kristen Wiig because Tina Fey has replaced you as my dream BFF. I sometimes shy away from comedians and comedy...and you will rarely hear me laughing during a book, movie or tv show. I didn't "laugh out loud" during this book either, but I found her story to be full of wit and humilty and she's amazingly dry and real. Basically, she says things that I want to say and that I know I'll be thinking....someday. How do I know? Because I already told you that we are basically the same person. Louis says this is why people love Tina....she's relatable. I say, nah, we are going to be great friends.

 

If you're a girl, get this book. If you're a working girl, definitely get this book.

 

What amazingly awesome good books have you read lately?

Full Body Workout - Cardio, Strength, & Endurance

When it comes to exercising, it's easy, and also good to an extent to get stuck in a routine. For the past three years, there have been some things that I've stuck with (insanely early workouts) and some things that I have experimented with - MySore Yoga, Cardio & Circuit Training, Cardio Only (and by that I mean the elliptical..a lot of the elliptical), Cardio switch ups (stairs, elliptical, walking at an incline, intervals on treadmill) and specific body parts per day type workouts. Lately, I'm doing a lot of high intensity cardio and full body workouts that require very few, if any machines. I've also become obsessed with running. I never imagined that would ever happen, but it officially has. I love running! It's not something that came naturally or easily for me, but this year I've been doing a lot of it, setting goals for myself, and slowly pushing myself to run longer and harder. 

Recently, I've gotten some questions about about my fitness/health routine. Usually I'm asked things like, "why are you always juicing?" "what is in that juice?" "does it taste disgusting?" Well, let me assure you that I'm not on an all liquid diet I simply love smoothies and juice, how they taste and how they make me feel. I also love the convenience of them - sip while you get ready, while you're at work, while you're on the go. Regardless of all that, I have been getting some fun questions about exercise. It's something I haven't talked about too much in this blog, but that's a big part of my every day life and has been for quite some time. So, I'm happy to share some of what works for me, with you! 

Here is a workout that's become one of my favorites. I do a variation of this a couple of times a week, along with a few days of running only. 

There are several ways to modify this so that it's easier or harder, this is really just a framework or guide that you can follow. 

You're an expert: Add an additional 2 miles at the end of the workout. Up the # of burpees. Grab a heavier kettle bell. Hold planks for more than a minute. 

You're overwhelmed: Start out with intervals of walking/running or doing some kind of high intensity cardio for 15-20 minutes that you feel more comfortable with. Start with 10 burpees. Modify the burpees. 

Someone asked me yesterday, "what is a burpee?!" Well, skip to about 2:45 on this video for a good example. Don't worry, my burpee is no where near as beautiful and springy as that! There are a few variations you can do of this, for example take out the pushup until you have the strength/endurance to add it back. You can find descriptions or videos for any of the exercises  above online, or I'm happy to explain if you have specific questions. 

Well, that's it!! Tomorrow is a rest day for me. I'm looking forward to some extra sleep!

Days with Mama Bird

There's just something about Moms...something comforting and wonderful. Especially my very own.

This weekend I got to visit my sweet mama in Charlotte. It was the best. We ate delicious, healthy foods, and maybe a few treats. We sat on her beautiful front porch and talked away for hours. We went to  church and I was able to meet some of her new lovely friends. It is really interesting to me just how similar we are - we enjoy the same things and every feeling that I've had, I really believe she's experienced at some time or another as well. Perhaps this is normal for mothers and daughters, but I feel like we have the most special bond and I'm so very grateful for that.

I didn't get too many pictures, but here are a few. Some you will notice look quite similar to the ones that I take on a daily basis, because we are just alike I tell you! We drove around and looked at houses she lived in and schools she attended. She wouldn't let me get out of the car to take any photos but I was able to get this picture of a house she lived in as a little girl.

And here are the rest, just bopping about and doing our thing. 

 

I was quite sad to leave yesterday afternoon. Not to come home, but to be once again far away from her. I'm still sad thinking about it today. This happens every time. I pray that one day we can have weeknight dinners and weekend coffee dates together and mainly, that our visits aren't so few and far between.

Also, here is me and my girlfriend curling our hair.

Just kidding. I'm sure I've showed you this before, but you see, we are twinsies!!

Love you, Mom. Please move to New York.

I like It :: Loves from the Oscars

I always mean to watch awards shows and glamourous events that are being televised, but normally, I forget. This time however, I did not forget and I was so happy that I didn't. I LOVED watching the Oscars. Louis and I had our own little Oscar party at home, and decided to bring out our natural beauty by enjoying refreshing face masks. He now claims that the face mask gave him a break out, but I keep telling him that his body is just trying to get rid of the toxins and dirt in his pores. Obviously Beauty 101.

 

Anyway, I'm by no means a fashion expert BUT - I had a few fave looks from the evening that I will share. Apparently I'm a fan of neutrals, even though I rarely ever wear creams/pale colors myself. I thought these girls looked the most gorgeous out of everyone - from their hair and makeup to their dresses. So beautiful!!



 

 

 

 

 

I know Anne Hathaway has gotten a lot of bad reviews for her acceptance speech...but I say give her a break. She's dramatic...she IS an actress. The oatmeal paste diet paid off...look at those collarbones... AND most importantly, her performance was amazing. Now I'm dying to see Les Miserables.

 

 

 

Jennifer Garner looked so, so gorgeous. I loved whenever they flashed to her in the audience. She also seemed so comfortable presenting. A lot of the actors sounded nervous which is understandable since it IS the Oscars, but she looked so confident and had a lovely speaking voice.

 

I really enjoyed all of the performances, thought Seth MacFarlane was adorable, I'm thrilled about wins for Quentin Tarrentino, Jennifer Lawrence, and Argo (those were all my faves from movies I actually saw), and my favorite acceptance speech was Daniel Day Lewis's - he was so humble and quirky.

 

Now I'd like to get my nails done, go to the theater, or watch a good movie. Oh, an update from my life - I'm obsessed with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I never want it to end so I'm trying to read slowly.

Source: All photos from People.com with the exception of the face mask series.

I Like It :: February Edition

1. Ann Taylor Loft Colorblock Dress - Have you been in this store lately? I feel all the clothes in there have become complete dream pieces and very MadMen-esque. I've been staring at this purple and pink dress for a few weeks now, but I'm nervous to go back into the store because I seriously want everything they have.Super reasonable prices as well.

2. Louis & I watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower over the weekend. So. Good. Same producers as Juno, which I also loved. The movie really does a great job at making you feel like a teenager again. It is wonderful to watch, but also heartbreaking. I had a breakdown at the end, but I've been thinking about it since Friday. I think you should watch it, then read the book. Save the best for last because the books are always better.

3. I told you I bought the black Vince Camuto booties, but now I obviously need a brown pair to complete my wardrobe.

4. SO obsessed with instagram and I'd love to have all of my beautiful, awesome, fab, ultra cool photos stuck to my fridge. Magnetic instas?  StickyGram !!

5. This spring and summer I'm really into stripes. I just decided that after finding a million striped items that I would like to wear. This shirt is super cute and looks so comfy. Anthropologie & JCrew have awesome striped shirts right now as well.

6. A list of faves would be incomplete without a necklace from Anthropologie. I love all of their jewelry - but especially anything with that teal color. Looks cute with everything.

7. I really want to do the BluePrint cleanse. I've tried the pineapple juice and it's SO delicious. I'm still trying to convince my finance manager that this definitely falls within our budget. If you are interested in learning about the benefits, then read about it here.

Love my Valentine!

I have always loved Valentine’s Day. When I was a kid I loved picking out Valentine's cards, signing my name and writing super cool notes to my friends, decorating the cereal box (card holder...did anyone else do that in class?) , the pink and red hearts throughout the classroom and hallways,  parties with coca-cola and sugary treats that I'd consume until I'd reached the point of illness. I always loved when teachers had donuts waiting for us in the morning AND an afternoon party. I really liked any excuse for treats since I grew up in a very healthy/sugarfree/fatfree/have a baked potato/and youre never having a coke household. I never had boyfriends as Valentines. Ever. Until I was 18. But I didn’t care because my parents were always the best valentines. When I was 9 my dad got me a cat on Valentine’s Day. She was waiting in my bathroom for me when I came home from school. I named her Marbles. She was my first very own pet and I loved her so much. She died when I was visiting New York City when I was 14. I was so sad. I don’t like cats anymore. Yuck. Those sneaky little creatures. My mom used to always put together a big bag of Valentine’s treats for me. Usually, Russel Stover’s Candy. I’ve mentioned it on here before, but one year she threw a really fancy Valentine’s Day party for my 6^th grade class. We had ruggalah and black and white cookies. So fancy, I tell you! 

Now, since Louis and I have been together (6 years sha-eeesh), I THINK we have cooked every year for our Valentine’s Day Dinner. We don’t just cook a regular dinner, we get the finest ingredients and whip up a whole bunch of wonderful. I also like to make some sort of fun breakfast. This year we had fried eggs, bacon, strawberries and chocolate chip banana bread. And we listened to Bob Dylan. Then we both went to work (so drab) and I for one, counted down the minutes/seconds till I could leave the office and get home to a delicious dinner. Louis bought us aged ribeye, potatoes AND delicious fresh bread from The Brooklyn Kitchen. I picked up fresh mozzarella, basil, and beefsteak tomatoes at Grand Central Market. When we were finally home, I poured some wine, Louis put on a record, lit a candle, and we got to work. Couples cooking makes dinner making and cleaning a lot more fun, for sure. We had the best time talking and bopping around to music, getting cooking tips from Charsy, and then enjoying the most delicious meal. It was so good. I really couldn’t believe it. I’ve never made steaks OR potatoes that turned out that great. Recipes for so much goodness will be featured here over the next few days.

After dinner we exchanged gifts and cards, then lounged on the couch. We had planned to watch a movie, I was hoping for the new Woody Allen film but we were exhausted and suffering from a crazy sugar rush thanks to our treat filled presents, so off to bed we went.

  

 

 

I’m ready for a complete sugar detox now. I ate probably five pounds of insanely delicious chocolatey nuts from Max Brenner which is my favorite chocolate place ever, plus I snuck half of Louis’s gigantic black and white cookie. The black part only of course. I slugged my way to the gym this morning and hopped onto the treadmill for 45 minutes. I ran as hard as I could to hopefully sweat out the sugar but I believe I am still suffering from a bit of a sugar hangover. Liquid diet today. Except that I ate breakfast and will most likely eat dinner. So….liquid diet during working hours, I suppose.

Hope all of you lil lovers had a wonderful Valentine's Day too!

I Like It - Kitchen Envy

Hello. Let me preface this with, I love our apartment. I really do. It's homey, comfortable, cute, warm, peaceful and filled with lots of love. It's been amazing to us for almost three years.

However...

I'm starting to get the itch to redecorate. I've never been good at or had the patience for decorating. I believe this stems from the fact that I'm not very handy. I can hardly hang a picture frame, never painted, unsure about sanding and all the steps for fixing up furniture, etc. I definitely can't put things together and I'm usually over any project before I begin. When I attempt to do things around the house (other than cleaning which I'm quite amazing at cleaning, by the way), I typically end up with giant gashes in the walls, several huge holes within a two inch radius, and most likely nails and screws thrown across the floor along with feelings of rage and frustration.

I had "my" first apartment in college. Mom and dad picked out the stuff, decorated, and paid my rent. I know, lucky duck. My second apartment (my very own), was furnished with everything Ikea - rugs, towels, furniture, bed coverings, I mean everything. That worked out great until Louis and I moved in together and it looked like a full grown man was living with a 23 year old girl in an Ikea furnture display room. When we moved to New York we sold most of the Ikea stuff and decided to start from scratch. We now have several pieces of furniture that I really love. I did okay at the decorating in our apartment when we first moved in, but I have hardly touched it since that first summer. I never feel like investing (we now have to hire a handyman for anything other than changing a lightbulb) time, energy, or money into our place because I'm unsure of how long we'll be here. We aren't planning to move, but I'm sure at some point we will.

Which brings me to...I'm starting to get tired of how everything looks. I want paint on the walls. New pictures. Art. Hanging pots and pans. A new TV stand. Pillows on our couch. A big kitchen table. Pretty vases with pretty things popping out of them. Etc. Until we move or I have a complete change of heart about putting money and time into our current home, I shall live vicariously through the amazing places I find on Pinterest.

And now for some really adorable kitchens:

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 



I try to be realistic about the type of kitchen we might have in our next home. I know that we most likely won't ever have one of those brand new, perfectly shiny countertops with nothing but a vase of flowers on display. But that's okay, because I love having everything exposed. I love pots and utensils hanging from a rack above the oven or island. I love tons of colors - which I've got a pretty solid collection of bright colored things now thanks to our wonderful friends and family. I like a lived in, homey, kitchen.

 

So those are some that I think are amazing. I'm going to keep searching for ideas so that when/if we do ever move or redecorate, I'll be SET.

 

Lovely to daydream!

 

 

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(Please Note: I always provide sources to photos that are not my own, however some of the above found through pinterest did not have links back to the original source. For those, I linked back to pinterest so you can view the chain as far back as you would like.)