Thursday, July 31, 2014

Things That Really Grind My Gears

We all have pet peeves. You know the people, places, things, etc that just really grind our gears and annoy the snot out of us.  Lately, I've found myself focusing on these things instead of all of the things that make me happy so I decided to just let it all out here because, well, that's what my blog is for!  Also, I've decided to keep up the list theme I seem to have going.

10 Things That Really Grind My Gears

1. Rattling noises in the car
OMG this is at the TOP of the list for a reason y'all!  I can't stand when something in my cup holder, dashboard, etc rattles. If I can't fix it right away then I usually turn up the music but unfortunately, that only disguises so much.  The worst is when you can't find the sound and you are just stuck with it.

2. People who refuse to answer emails, texts, voicemails, etc
I was emailing with a colleague last week about a problem with my account. I had copied my boss on the email as well hoping that would ensure a faster response.  My boss replied with an additional problem.  I was shocked when my colleague responded back quickly (it usually takes days for a response) but was annoyed that she only addressed the concerns of my boss.  I figured she'd respond to mine next, but NOPE!  Still waiting for that answer. #aintgonnahappen

3. Repetitive noises
Anything that beeps, chimes, or makes the same noise over and over and over again.

4. Slow drivers in the left lane
Hey, I get it. Not everyone wants to drive 10 mph over the speed limit. BUT this girl does so kindly move over to the right, let me pass you and then you can commence with pissing off the rest of the road warriors.

5. Know-it-alls
You know the type.  These are the people who won't ever let a story go without having SOMETHING to say about it. They've apparently done it all, experienced it all and know everything there is to know about something.  

6. Dishes in the sink
I lived with a friend of mine for 3 years. He was one of the dirtiest people when it came to the kitchen.  He would pile his dishes in the sink instead of opening the dishwasher that was 12 inches to his right. There were several times that I had to do a sinkful of dishes just so I could freaking wash my hands in our kitchen sink.  The worst is when he left for spring break and left a pot full of leftover spaghetti sauce in the sink. Didn't rinse it out, didn't put soap in it to soak, nothing. I. WAS. LIVID!  I'll never understand how someone can be so lazy that they can't just set a plate in the bottom rack and let the dishwasher do the work.

7. "Hey I just emailed you..."
I have known (and worked with) several of these types. They email you and before you can even open your inbox they are at your desk going "Hey I emailed you about..." and then proceed to recite their email word for word.  Dude, you emailed me, I'll respond when I get a sec.  That's how email works.  If you needed an immediate answer then why not just call me?

8. Zits
The fact that I'm 30 and still have them.  If I'm going to have the skin of a teenager, at least give me the metabolism to go with it.

9. Gym hogs
This has been happening a lot lately.  I go to the gym in the morning and have a plan of attack.  I only need 1 little area and a few weights but apparently that is too much to ask for.  I get kicked out of 1 spot by the boot camp class because they decided to be inside today. So I move to another spot and then I get kicked out by a trainer and their client.  The cycle keeps going and going and before I know it, I've wasted  my whole workout just moving around.  

10. Slow walkers
Basically just refer to #4 and you'll get the general idea.

Because I want to end this on a positive note, I'll leave you with this beautiful piece of work.  I mean I could just die over how beautiful this is.



Whew!  Now that I've put it all out there, I feel much better!  Tell me, what grinds your gears?

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

24 Things You Don't Know About Me

Is anyone else having problems coming up with things to blog about this summer?  I know it's been said before but I feel like I sit down to plan out my posts for the week and my brain is like
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I saw these questions on Julie's blog yesterday and thought they made for a cute post.  

Here are 24 Things You Don't Know About Me.

1. I’m happiest when...
I have a house full of people I love sitting down to a meal that I cooked.

2. I’ve always wanted to...
skydive, take a cooking class, go to Greece, get married, have babies

3. My family and I...
are the 1st to push each other's buttons but the 1st to be there when you need it

4. I was a terrible...
Athlete.  I played volleyball in 7th grade and my teammates conventiently kept the ball on the opposite side of the court and away from me.

5. My first job was...
Teaching dance

6. I could probably eat...
Guacamole and queso everyday




















7. I stole...
A bottle of water from The Alamo giftshop in 7th grade on a church trip.  I totally didn't mean to but I got sidetracked (probably by the cute boys in youth group) and walked out without paying.  Whoops!

8. I was born on the same day as...
Channing Tatum and Carol Burnett


































9. My all-time favorite film is...
Dazed and Confused & Breakfast at Tiffany's 

























10. I do a pretty mean...
Hitchkick double clap layout (only my OCU family will know what this is)!

11. I’m still mad...
That I didn't meet Joshua Jackson before he fell in love with his current lady friend. He would have totally fallen in love with me and we could have re-lived Pacey Witter moments for the rest of our lives!



















12. I met most of my current friends...
In college at OCU and in my sorority.

13. I always knew I wanted to...
Get paid to travel and perform. Thank God for dreams that come true!

14. I’m not afraid to...
Start again.  I love fresh starts whether it be a relationship, new town, new job, etc.

15. I make the best...
Guacamole and queso.

16. I have almost no...
Willpower when it comes to good food.

17. I always cry when...
I am frustrated.

18. I’m a...
True Texas girl.

19. I spent 4 months...
On a tour bus living with my crazy castmates.  Actually it was more like 9 months!

20. I wish my folks...
Lived closer.

21. At 5, I was deeply in love with...
Dance and a boy named Jeric.

22. I believe if everyone had a ____ the world would be a better place...
Personal masseuse

23. I can’t stand...
Smacking, being interrupted, know-it-alls and the song Chicken Fried

24. Whenever _______ is on, I’ll watch it...
Sex and the City, Pitch Perfect, Saved By the Bell and One Tree Hill




Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Mackinac Island Recap

Sorry for being MIA yesterday but this girl was tired y'all!  We didn't get back in town until after 6:00 and by the time I went to the grocery, did laundry and made a couple of lunches for the week, I was whopped!

Last weekend 6 of us headed up to Mackinac Island for a weekend getaway.  I had no idea what to expect but I loved every bit of this vacation.  I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.
























View of Mackinac Bridge from the ferry. Apparently the Mackinac Bridge is the only link between the Upper Penisula and the southern half of Michigan (the mitten part) within the state.  We drove across on the last day of the trip and the view was amazing.

Mackinac Island




















After getting off the ferry we walked down Main Street towards our hotel.  Mackinac Island doesn't allow any motor vehicles on the island so everyone gets around by horse or bicycle.  How cool is that?  The only downside is the smell of horse poo is a little overwhelming but you do get used to it after a few hours.

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We stayed at the Chippewa Hotel right on Main Street. It was super cute and very old school.  I didn't get any pics of the hotel itself but got a cute one of the back patio.


















My favorite part of the hotel was the bar/restaurant called The Pink Pony.  Everything is PINK!  The ceiling, the walls, the barstools, EVERYTHING!
















































My favorite part of this bar was their hyper color cups!  When they served your drink the cup was bright pink and as you drank it, the cup turned white.  Ummm how cool is that?
























We rented bikes Friday and biked the 8 mile perimeter around the island.  I hadn't been on a non-spin bike in years but now I want one REALLY bad! I had a blast biking and seeing all of the sites!





































We climbed the 207 stairs up to Arch Rock and the view was absolutely breathtaking!
How nice would it be to be in that boat right now?











































Katie decided to join me for the ride!


























Such a fun day.  We ended the day having a great dinner and doing some drinking and dancing.

I woke up Saturday and had one of the best breakfasts I have ever had at Seabiscuit Cafe.  They had pickle infused vodka on their bar so of course I had to have a Bloody Mary!  I'm happy to say it was amazing but the food was the highlight!  I ordered a puff pastry that had cheese in the middle, a fried egg on top, scallions and a maple bacon chop!  Y'all it was one of the best meals I've had in a long time!
























We rented bikes again on Saturday and biked through the middle of the island but for some reason no one got any good pictures of that day.  Going through the trails was a lot different than staying on the perimeter but we got to see some really cool views that you don't see off of the main road.

Sunday we made sure to stock up on fudge and peanut brittle before getting back on the ferry to head towards the mainland.  Mackinac Island is known for their fudge and at most places there was a line out the door to load up.  The good news is there are places that sell fudge (and other goodies) every few yards.  I made it home with Red Velvet fudge and Chocolate Carmel Sea Salt fudge.

It goes without saying that this was a much needed and appreciated getaway.  Now back to reality!



Tuesday, July 22, 2014

I've Always Wanted to Be in Cosmo

I'll be honest, I was struggling for a blog topic today.  Thank God for Kristen and her post yesterday or I might have been MIA from the blogosphere!  The lovely Erin created this lovely quiz and I had so much fun filling it out.

No clue why it's so small….but I've uploaded it 4 different times and I give up.







Monday, July 21, 2014

Weekending: Beachin, Relaxin, Cookin!

Here we are at another Monday.  These weekends just feel shorter and shorter.  Let's get down to business shall we?

As always, linking up with Meghan and Biana!

Friday night a few of us headed down to South Haven to have dinner and drinks on the beach.  We started at a place called The Idler.



















The Idler is a riverboat turned bar and grill.  We didn't try their food but they make an excellent Moscow Mule.
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After a couple of drinks we headed over to Captain Lou's which is famous around these parts.  We sat out on the deck and got to watch all of the fancy boats drive by.
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After dinner we headed to the back deck at Captain Lou's to listen to a band.  Such a fun night.

Hanging out with my Twin!  Not sure why it turned out so fuzzy.




























Saturday I got up early to take a barre class and run a few errands.  That afternoon Michigan took me on a movie date to see Maleficent.
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We both agreed that it was one of the worst movies we'd seen in awhile. Not at all what I was expecting and so disappointing.  

Sunday I hung out in the kitchen most of the day and am proud to say found 2 more FABULOUS recipes. 

Steak Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce
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Brussel Sprout and Bacon Salad
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Michigan and I both agreed that these were both home runs!

I've got a super busy week ahead between work, teaching 2 barre classes, 1 dance class, and packing for the weekend.  We're headed to Mackinac Island this weekend for a little getaway!

How was yall's weekend?


Weekending

Friday, July 18, 2014

Friday Favorites

Does anyone else feel like this week has been so slow? TGIF for reals this week yall!

too bad nurses don't have fridays! but this is how i feel at end of shift! heck even at patient hand off!
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You know what Fridays mean around here!


Linking up again with Amanda!

Favorite Songs
Mr. Probz - Waves
Such a mellow song with a great beat.  For some reason it reminds me of being in LA and taking dance class at the Edge. #randomthought


Last week on So You Think You Can Dance we got to hear the acoustic version of Sam Smith's Latch.  I loved everything about the song and the choreography of this piece.


Favorite Recipe
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I first saw this recipe on Skinnytaste, then on Fab Fit Fun and then on Ashley's blog.  It looked delicious and I knew I had to make it this week!  I picked up the veggetti and was 100% convinced that it wouldn't work.  Boy was I wrong!  That thing worked like a charm and I had a big bowl of zucchini noodles in NO time!

Favorite Purchase
As you read yesterday, I finally bought a Panama hat.  I will definitely be wearing it this week.

























I also picked up this lovely little lady and she was on sale!

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Favorite Netflix Discovery
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Sometimes at work, instead of listening to music I put Netflix on my phone and zone out.  This only happens when I'm updating spreadsheets or doing something that I can totally zone out for (which isn't often). I was so excited that The Wonder Years has been added to the site!  I remember watching that show every week with my mom and loving it even though I probably didn't understand half of the storylines.  Insert binge watching party this weekend!

Hope y'all have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

The Perfect Summer Trend: Panama Hats

I know I'm a little late to this trend but I FINALLY purchased a panama hat at Target yesterday.

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I've always been a hat person but have usually stuck with baseball caps and summer fedoras.  Since the Panama hat is much bigger than a fedora I am a little nervous about styling it.  I need some outfit ideas for my trip to Mackinac Island next weekend so naturally I did what any girl would do. I turned to the wonderful black hole of Pinterest (you can follow me here).  Here are a few of my favorite ways to wear this cute summer trend.

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Y'all know I LOVE me a good maxi!  I feel like a plain tank and a fab skirt are the perfect canvas to add a fun hat and other accessories. The skit has some major walkability!

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I love the mixing of brown/neutrals with black.  The denim jacket, boots, and panama hat are perfect for dressing down your favorite LBD making it perfect for a Saturday brunch with the ladies.

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Did anyone else think this was Blair Waldorf at first glance?  This look is perfect for a travel day!

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Perfect for transitioning into fall!  I love everything from the panama hat, to the elbow patches on the cardi, and that bright POP of color!  No wonder the gorgeous Abby Doll is one of my fashion icons!

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Another home run from Abby.

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Probably my favorite dress from this whole bunch.  The dress doesn't "touch" you (no hiding that food baby), it has POCKETS, and it pairs so great with the panama hat.  #perfection




Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Wishlist Wednesday

I think it's time for another round of Wishlist Wednesday!

Shine On Tee - Glitter Guide for eLUXE
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I don't normally wear shirts with sayings on them but this summer I've been drawn to that style.  I think this shirt would be perfect with some distressed skinnies and a ton of arm candy!

Multi Opera Bib Necklace - ILY Couture
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I might have shed a tear when I saw this.  Perfect for dressing up a plain white (or grey) tshirt or pairing with a summer maxi!

Mika Lariat - Gorjana
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Chevron Pendant Necklace - Gorjana
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These 2 necklaces would definitely be worn together. Simple and classic.

The Agnes Stag Deer Head - White Faux Taxidermy
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This would look amazing in my bedroom!

What are you wishing for these days?