Weekend Update!

Oh, it's Monday.

Thankfully, I only have 2 days of work before vacation starting on Wednesday!

This weekend, I wanted to relax and pack for the upcoming trip.

I did none of that...

Saturday, we went out on Chris' family's boat in Annapolis.

Isn't it nice?

Just kidding.

Can you imagine?

It was gorgeous there as usual and such a nice day.

Me about to go tubing. I did more falling off than anything...

"She's off"
Haha.


Get off the phone, Chris!!! Bad.

On Sunday we got some stuff done around the apartment, went grocery, shopping, and I packed.

Apparently I'm only bringing one swimsuit.

I didn't pack at all.

I really don't feel like it and I'm not sure why. 

Am I planning on throwing everything in the suitcase 2 hours before I leave for the airport?

Possibly.

I usually pack for trips a month ahead of time. I guess I'll be wearing that swimsuit for a week straight. What is wrong with me?

This seemed like a much better idea:


Dinner on the balcony (Using peppers grown on the balcony! Full circle!)


Curling my hair without heat. It worked, but I didn't get an "after" pic because we had to run out to the store. Coming soon!

These were amazing. Tutorial coming later this week!
Chris even helped me for this post :)

Linking up with some lovely ladies for Weekend Update... Dana, Sami, and Leeann!

I hope everyone had a fantastic week!

High Five for Friday!

Finally! It's Friday!

I have a lot of work to do today... have to finish a lot of things up before my vacation next week!

Have I mentioned it's been about a year and a half since I've taken a vacation?

Yeah... no wonder I'm looking forward to not having to go to work getting away for a little while.

(Kidding, co-workers, if you are reading this! Obviously there's no place I'd rather be!)

I really am going to miss my guy though!

Anyway.

Here are some fabulous things from my week.

{one}

I ordered these shoes online and they were even better in person...

Love the colors. They will be super comfy for walking around Disney for a week!

Nike Eclipse Wolf Grey/Hot Punch

& they're on sale right now!

I also got these flip flops by Sanuk...

Made of a yoga mat!

They are super comfy, but a little bulky. I'm not sure if I'll keep them. 

Does anyone have these and can let me know if they're keepers?

Sanuk Yoga Mat (White)

Luckily, if I want to return them, Zappos.com has free shipping for both orders and returns!

I have returned a pair of shoes to them before and it was quick, easy, and I got my refund promptly.

(This is not a sponsored post! I just really like Zappos.)

{two}

According to Chris, we have a green onion farm on the counter.

I think it's awesome.

{three}

Bertolli Frozen Meals: Thanks for saving me from making dinner last night. I only have one pan to clean.

We sprinkled some feta cheese on top and it was so good!

{four}

Kale!

I'm clearly stuck on food this week.

I bought a huge bunch of kale (for less than $1!) and we ate it with several meals this week.

I've pretty much mastered the art of cooking kale on the stovetop. 

Lucky you, in case you were wondering, I'll teach ya! It's easy peasy.

Rinse and tear kale into bite sized pieces. Shake out or use a salad spinner to get rid of the moisture. Heat 1-2tsp olive oil on a pan (My new cast iron pan is my fav!). Throw the kale on, sprinkle with garlic powder, pepper, and sea salt. Toss in pan for 4-5 minutes or until kale turns a bright green. Make sure it doesn't wilt! 

I like it a little crunchy, so not completely cooked. That way it's not a mushy and gross.

I've also made kale chips in the oven. They are pretty good but not as good as eating it like this, in my opinion.

{five}

Time to gather the travel sized cosmetics!

Thanks to Birchbox, Bath&Body Works, and Target, I'll have plenty!

{Hoping I get my August Birchbox before my trip}

I hope everyone had a great week!

Linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk!

Weekend Update

I'm a strong believer that for every couple busy weekends, I really need a weekend to relax! 

This weekend was just that. 

We caught up on housework, errands, and all that fun stuff. 

Chris and I even got library cards for the county we now live in, and that was super exciting. I was like a little kid and immediately picked up 3 books and wanted more.

I've been trying to read more, and with hardly any tv on during summer, it's the perfect time.

I read "Room" in less than 24 hours. 

I literally couldn't put it down. 

I've heard great things about this book, but honestly I don't usually like reading books like this because of my job. I'm glad I took a chance on this one because I won't forget it anytime soon.

We also went furniture shopping. Ugh. We need a couch for the 2nd bedroom/office and are limited with space so it's been fun trying to find something. There were a couple possibilities but we didn't buy anything just yet. During our drive around the area, I saw this old Arby's sign. So cool!

I don't know why I love old things like this.

Then on Sunday, a miracle happened.

I finally cut my hair.

Yeah, it's been a while, I get pretty attached to my long hair. However, with an upcoming trip and being so darn tired of styling it, I decided to chop! What do you think? (See my sidebar pic for how long my hair was just a couple weeks ago)

So, speaking of that upcoming trip. On a completely last minute whim, I decided to join my Mom and little brother Jake on a trip to Disney World. 

NEXT WEEK.

I managed to find a cheap plane ticket and the hotel is already booked. 
I felt extremely guilty about it at first, because I never do anything like this. I plan trips out months ahead of time, save money, and all of that. Luckily with my promotion and a couple other things that fell into place last week, I decided it was possible and something I couldn't pass up.

I was already a little bummed out because most of my family is in California right now for my Grandfather's birthday. I couldn't go because plane tickets were ridiculous and I didn't know about my job situation when tickets were being booked. However, Chris and I are going to CA in the fall to see everyone so we'll make up for missing this trip.

I am pretty disappointed that Chris can't go to Disney too, but he doesn't have as much vacation time (I have 3 weeks!) and it was just too last-minute.

I'm so excited to spend time with my mom and Jake. I don't get to see them enough and I think this will be a trip that none of us will ever forget.

{source}

So as I approach this full week of work, I'm just going to be wishing that it was next week already. I should probably make a packing list and make a trip to Target...

Since I'll be away for a week, is anyone interested in guest posting? I know, I'm not giving you much notice. I'll be gone next Wednesday 8/15-the next Wednesday 8/22 so if anyone is interested please let me know!

Of course, linking up with Sami, Dana, and Leeann for Weekend Update!

I almost forgot to mention this, how is that even possible?
Head over to Gumdrops & Gloss for an amazing giveaway!
I'm so excited to be sponsoring Niki this month. She is one of the first bloggers I "met" and is seriously so sweet. Welcome to my new readers as well! I hope you like it here :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Sunday Social

I'm linking up for Sunday Social again this week!

1. What is your favorite fall activity? 

Pumpkin patch, apple picking, making fall desserts!

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?

Washington Redskins!

Well... I'm from Maryland, that's why. Yes, Maryland has its own football team (the Ravens) but a true Marylander roots for the Skins :) They're the OG's of the DC Metro area. Also, Chris is a HUGE Redskins fan so how could I not be?

Skins shirt Chris got me last year

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

Everything's haunted! There are ghost tours everywhere in Maryland and tons of old stories about haunted places. Chris and I are going to the haunted pub crawl in Annapolis soon (it was his birthday present!) and I am so excited. MD also has great orchards and haunted forests all over! It's also gorgeous with the leaves changing during fall.

4. Fav fall outfit staples?

Boots boots and more boots! Also, layering! I layer in the summer anyway because I'm always freezing cold. Fall just lets me layer without people giving me weird looks for wearing long sleeves 24/7.

For example... I could live in this outfit the whole fall season (and winter)

{source}

5. Things you are looking forward to most about the upcoming fall season:

Everything I talked about above! 
Also, I'm taking a trip with Chris to California to see family sometime in October/November. My grandparents, brother, uncle and aunt, and Chris' brother and sister-in-law all live out there. I spent a lot of time there growing up it feels like a second home. I can't wait to visit!

6. Favorite Fall Holiday? Traditions?

Agh it's a tie between Halloween and Thanksgiving! Both are so fun... candy, food, and family..what could be better?

Chris' jack-o-lantern last year. Quite frightening...

Usually I'm not too excited for fall but writing this kind of made me accept that it's coming whether I like it or not! And I'm going to choose to like it!

Football, food, friends, family, holidays, and travel... bring it on!!!

Welcome to my new readers! 
I hope you stay a while and am so glad you're here.
Have I mentioned how much I've enjoying making new friends from blogging? You all are the best!

Thank Goodness for Friday!

As always, I couldn't be happier for Friday!

This was a really long week for some reason. It was busy and just drug on...

I'm looking forward to some down time this weekend.

Lets get to the best things from the week!

{one}

I'm loving my casual outfit from earlier this week.

I'm lucky enough to work from home 2 days a week. When I do go out to see clients on these days, I can wear jeans! Sweet gig huh?

White tee, Watch: Nordstrom Rack, Summer 2012

Necklace: Old Navy, Summer 2012

Belt: NY&Co Summer 2012

Jeans: Express

Flats: Lucky Brand

{two}

This is my lifeline throughout the work day:

No, this picture isn't stretched out. That's really how big my Starbucks tumbler is.

My brother got it for me for my birthday and it's been love ever since

(Sweet tea in there of course, I guess I technically am a Southern girl :) )

That's one of my homemade coasters!

{three}

Chris picked these throwbacks up from the store the other day...

So good and only 50 calories each, so not bad!
Pink is my favorite.

{four}

As I was sitting in traffic today, I noticed I was driving on a race track.

Yep, the Baltimore Grand Prix is in 1 month and they are starting to set up barriers!

Part of the race track is on the street in front of my office. Is that cool or what?

{five}

This little journal.

Thanks, TJ Maxx! When I don't want to drive the extra 5 minutes to Homegoods, TJ Maxx always pulls through with stationary and home items!

I also got this spatula

{find the lemon cookie recipe here!}

As an added bonus to the awesome things from this week...

Niki @ Gumdrops & Gloss is hosting a MAJOR group giveaway this SUNDAY, 8/5 at 12:01AM, EST.

I may be giving away something pretty fabulous :)

There are 11 prizes. You won't want to miss it!

So, don't stray too far from blog land this weekend. You won't regret it!

I'm linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!