There's no place like home

The Husband and I just returned home after a two week vacation in Europe. We were mostly in Sweden spending time with family and relaxing. But we also went to Paris for three days. I love vacation! Who doesn't? It is always nice to be away from work, normal routines, have-to-dos, etc. and just relax and not think of anything.

However, I am a total homebody. I do not know when this began for me because I was never like this before. Sure, I enjoyed being home, but I was always the kid spending the night at her friend's house, enjoyed going new places, and I could not wait to go away to college. Heck, I even took off to Texas for school on a whim!

At some point in the past few years I became a homebody. I prefer to be at home most days. I do venture out and enjoy seeing and experiencing something new, but I always look forward to coming back home. Maybe it has something to do with security? Maybe it's because I love my house with my husband and furchild? I truly do not know, but in one sense I think it is okay. There is comfort in my home and I like spending my time here decorating, organizing, cleaning, cooking, reading, watching TV, and just sitting. They say "home is where the heart is" and maybe after all it is true.

So, cheers to your home! 

Life Happens!

As I have previously mentioned...I have a new job! I have been job searching since April and accepted a new job at the end of June. I am still in education, but working as an Executive Assistant at a private school.  This position is full-time, which is a change for me. I love it, but my life has taken some adjusting.

 

Blogging takes a lot of time and now having a full-time position I have not figured out how to work, enjoy life, and blog at the same time. I seriously am in awe of the amazing bloggers who work full-time and run a successful blog!

 

There have been good changes in my life lately, but it definitely takes time to get used to a new schedule and routine. As someone who does not like change, I think I’ve embraced everything fairly well.  I enjoy being busy, but when the weekends come around I am desperate for some alone time and relaxation. 

 

My family has been enjoying Friday nights at a local lagoon paddle boarding and watching Harvie run and play.  I absolutely love summer time and this summer we have been more active and taking advantage of all the possibilities around us. Right now we are preparing for a trip to Europe, which we are very excited about! There will be more on this later so stay tuned.

 

Cheers to summertime!

Engagements!

I have two close girlfriends who have recently gotten engaged. I am beyond excited for them and all that is ahead for these two women!  In my opinion, being engaged is one of the best times in your life. Both of my friends have found men who are their best friends and make them better people.  Each of these couples have dated for a while and I am looking forward to seeing them enjoy this time planning their weddings and beginning their marriages.

My engagement was a very happy and exciting time in my life. I had heard about how hard planning a wedding was, how nothing goes right, and how it can be very stressful. I did not want any of that for my life. I wanted to enjoy being engaged!! Besides, after dating for 7 years, I felt like I deserved to totally savor every minute of planning our wedding and dreaming of a future as man and wife.

It makes me sad to hear about horrible engagements where there is so much stress, negativity, and arguments between couples and families. It does not have to be this way! Stay organized, be true to yourself, consider your fiance, and remember that your wedding is only the beginning of your future. These days it's easy to focus on having the perfect wedding, but really it's a celebration and the true focus should be on your marriage ahead.

Chris and I spent a lot of time talking and dreaming about our future together in addition to wedding planning. It was easy to get caught up in the details, but we made sure to focus on the foundation of our relationship and talk about our future together too.

We were fortunate enough to have family and friends who poured love, well wishes, and happiness into our engagement and future.  I wish both of my dear friends only the best as they plan their dream day and start their happily ever after with their loved one! Congratulations!!

Monica-my adorable sorority little sis and best friend

Candice- my sweet southern gal from my Texas State days

Cheers to Monica and Candice on their engagements!! 

That one time I unexpectedly got a tattoo

Happy Monday!

I am normally NOT a Monday person. As in a do you think they would notice if I just didn't show up kind of way. But, tomorrow is my first Monday at a new job (more on that later) and I am kind of excited! Everything is new and unexpected and for once I am intrigued by this and looking forward to seeing how a new week unfolds.

On Saturday I got a tattoo! It was something I have wanted for a while, but just never did. I didn't wake up thinking "I'll get a tattoo today" instead it was completely random. Chris and I went for a motorcycle ride around town and stopped for coffee. Down the street from the coffee shop is a tattoo place where two of his friends get all of their work done. So, we popped in and before I knew it I was signing my life away and nervously handing my arm over to a stranger to permanently mark. Honestly, this was the perfect way to get my tattoo done because if it wasn't spontaneous I would probably try to talk myself out of it. I LOVE it and am so glad I finally did it!

No, it didn't hurt...it was more uncomfortable. It felt like a bee sting. My tattoo was tiny and took about 30 seconds, so it was completely bearable for me. However, I'm sure it depends on the location on your body and the time your tattoo takes. I cannot imagine sitting for hours, so that would probably be painful. My advice...DO IT if you're questioning getting inked!

Cheers to tattoos! 

Life Lately

It has been a while since you've heard from me. I have just been living life and enjoying it! I still love blogging and have not run out of ideas yet...there have just been some changes and general busyness in my life. There will be regular updates soon. But, for the meantime here is what I have been up to lately...

We went on our first family camping trip! My cousin said it best when she said "YOU went camping?" It's true...I went camping and survived. Chris was impressed. 

Harvie is still as adorable as ever. 

Marissa, Monica, and me celebrating Monica's graduation! This beautiful woman is now engaged!!

Chris and I celebrated Swedish Midsummer.

I love spending time with my husband! He's been a major support for me this month. 

Going Vegan (at least for a meal)

I mentioned in this post about how I've been getting myself out there more regarding blogging. I figured you may want to know more. Plus, I just want to brag a bit about a super delicious experience!

My friend, Kristin, who blogs over at With Milk and Sugar (stop right now to check out her blog, but then return!) invited me to a San Diego Blogger’s Meetup. She's attended events like this before and I jumped at the opportunity to become the next big blogger meet other bloggers.

We ventured down to Point Loma to a restaurant called Native Foods Cafe. They serve fresh, homemade vegan cuisine. I’m not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical at first. I have tried a few different vegan foods, but was concerned about what I would eat. I am a VERY picky eater…those of you who know me well are shaking your heads right now. It’s true. I would love to eat anything and everything, but that is just not me.

I was pleasantly surprised. Everything we ate was delicious!! In fact, I may go again to try new things. Who knows…maybe my next post will be all about my lifestyle change to becoming a vegan (yeah, I don’t believe that either).

Kristin and I decided to share a few things in order to try a variety. The couple in line behind us offered some great suggestions, so we trusted them and were not disappointed. You can see all of our deliciousness below. We had TONS of food. We took food home to our husbands and while I had every intention of sharing with Chris I ended up eating it all for lunch the next day (oops, sorry dear!). But even reheated a day later it was still tasty. 

Just in case I have not convinced you already, go try out Native Foods Cafe and explore your vegan side. You too won’t believe it’s not chicken! 

L: Iced peach tea (mine), R: Watermelon Fresca (Kristin) 

Native Chicken Wings

Nuevo Native Nachos

Chicken Run Ranch Burger

Carrot Cream Cheese Cupcake

Leftovers

Cheers to blogger meet-ups and delicious food! 

This post was sponsored by Native Foods Cafe. All opinions are completely my own. Thank you Native Foods. 

A Healthier Lifestyle

1. Cut out soda and other sugary drinks. 
• Focus on drinking more water. Plus, you won't have added calories with no nutritional benefits.
• Tip: If this seems impossible to cut completely, start by switching out one drink per day for water. 
2. Focus on listening to your stomach.
• It takes time for your stomach to signal to your brain that you are full. Work on eating slowly and focusing on how your stomach feels to notice when you're satisfied.  
3. Plate meals at the counter rather than placing serving dishes on the table.
• You will be less likely to overeat when you do not see food sitting on the table in front of you. This will give you the chance to listen to your body to stop when you're full if you have to get up to get more food. 
4. Add vegetables whenever possible. 
• Aim to include veggies with every meal.  
• Tip: Have a salad before your dinner or throw some vegetables into your sauce.
5. Park in the furthest spot. 
• Not only will you usually always find a parking spot wayyyy in the back, but it also adds a few extra steps in your day. Parking far away forces you to move a little more while also accomplishing your errands.  

My beloved Husband

I am a rather sarcastic person and have a dry sense of humor. Unless you know me well and have been around me to understand my personality, my humor can come off as mean. I'm working on this...maybe.

Anyway, my supportive husband reads every single blog post. I love him for this! He recently mentioned that others may think he's a bad guy based on some of the things I say. I NEVER want that to be what others think. He's beyond wonderful and yes, we do have our quirks and marriage woes, but we love each other dearly and work every day on our marriage. 

So, today I am giving him a little extra loving by sharing some of the things I love about him!

Photo by Greg Helton Photography

1. You tell me I'm beautiful constantly. 

2. You still open the car door for me 8 years later. 

3. You always consider me first when making decisions. 

4. You care for our fur child which warms my heart. 

5. You bring me coffee every morning. 

6. You listen to me. 

7. You're respectful of my choices, feelings, and opinions. 

8. You're a feminist. (not in the negative connotation, but in the actuality of believing in equality for everyone and not putting gender roles on me or yourself)

9. You hold me when I cry. 

10. You work hard to provide. 

11. You are driven. 

12. You're silly and playful.

13. You don't hide your feelings from me.

14. You always ask my opinion.

15. You make me dance with you in the kitchen.

16. You are my best friend!

Photo by Greg Helton Photography

Becoming the woman you were meant to be!

"You are becoming the woman you were meant to be."

My mom used to say this ALL.THE.TIME. She believed when you reached adulthood and started making decisions or changes it meant you were working toward becoming who you were always meant to be. I never really believed this or gave in to her wise words (sassy daughter, I know!).

However, these days I have been making some changes and bold moves in my life.  I feel as though I am actually becoming who I was always meant to be and wanted to be.  Instead of dreaming about the type of woman I want to be I am making it happen!

I am taking more risks. 

Discussing big life changes with my husband (not children). 

Defining my opinions and beliefs.

Started this blog. Attended a blogger Happy Hour and a blogger social event.

Taking a chance on friendships I have had differing opinions about.

Putting up with less nonsense.  

Standing up for myself. 

Discovering my voice.

For the first time in my entire life I finally am starting to feel like an adult!  I know, I have technically been an adult since turning eighteen, but I have never seen myself as one.  Just ask my husband...all throughout our dating relationship he was trying to convince me that I AM an adult.  This is a weird concept to me even though I have been making adult decisions and living an independent life for the past eight years.

I am finally at the point in my life where I feel accomplished, satisfied, and genuinely happy. This has been a process of growth and change, but I am learning to love every single thing about my life and change what I do not like.

Cheers to adulthood! 

Happy Birthday Harvie!

My adorable little puppy fur child tuns ONE today! I cannot believe how fast this year has gone and how much she has enriched our lives. It is impossible for me to imagine there was ever a time when I was hesitant and nervous about adding her to our family.  

Harvie, I love...

your scent

your breath on my arm

the way you climb up my body to lick my face

how you then lick my face nonstop

how you tilt your head when I talk to you

how you jump to get into my arms

how much your tail wags the closer I get to you

your huge brown eyes

your white belly

when your body turns to mush when you're exhausted

how much you love to cuddle

when you crawl under the covers in the middle of the night

your loud snores

your big sighs as though your life is tough

how excited you always are to see me

how you go crazy when I open the treat drawer

when you bring me your toy to play

and when i resist you put your toy on my hand

how much you shake your head during tug-of-war

when you paw at my hand to keep petting you
how you bury your toys under pillows

watching you grow! 

Happy First Birthday Harvie!

Blake Lively Is My Best Friend!

I absolutely adore Blake Lively. 

Via

In my opinion she is beautiful, classy, and embodies a real woman.  I have been in awe of her since the first time we saw her on Gossip Girl in the train station as Serena Van Der Woodsen. 

Via

I like to imagine that we would be best friends. We would shop together, text daily, and on weekends have dinner parties with our husbands.  She just so happens to be married to the most beautiful man (aside from my husband, of course) Ryan Reynolds. So, if he happens to be shirtless at our dinner parties I doubt anyone would complain. 

Via

While I know very little of her actual life I imagine it is fabulous! The woman is gorgeous, loves to cook, and is married to Ryan Reynolds. I don't think life can get much better than being Blake Lively.  

Perfection

Beautiful Couple!

Cheers to the fabulous life of Blake Lively!

San Diego County Fires

My hometown is on fire. Currently, there are 8 fires in the surrounding areas where I live. It seems so weird to me that life just goes on while homes, businesses, and fields burn down.  My heart breaks hearing about these stories and watching the news updates. I can't handle watching the news broadcast a home burning away. Home is where the heart is...this is someone's home, someone's heart. The memories, comfort, safety, and not to mention possessions are taken away by fire. Huge, hot, orange blazes just taking out someone's life. This may seem dramatic, but imagine for just a second that it is your house going up in flames. It's unbelievable! You feel so helpless, but there is nothing you can do.  Some people are able to grab a few things and evacuate whereas others are not so fortunate.

The brave firemen are working hard in the heat and police men are manning the streets for traffic and closures. Local businesses set up areas of refuge for families and their pets. But, how do you even decide what to take in the few moments you do have to gather items? I can't imagine leaving my house knowing it could all be gone by morning.

These homes are beautiful. Some are newly built custom homes. Someone recently reached their dream just to have it burned down to embers. Where do you even begin to go from here? How do you start over, rebuild, repurchase?

I feel incredibly fortunate that my home and my family member's homes are not in danger. Not yet anyway. But this is scary and shocking.

All photos taken from 10 news where you can see others and read about it

Cheers to praying for relief, safety, firefighters, and families! 

Lessons I've Learned on One Leg

After 6 days of nothing but laying with my foot up I am finally healing.  I am now slowly getting back into rock climbing...and by rock climbing, I mean walking up and down stairs. Definitely no more crutches for me and I am working at strengthening my ankle.

Seriously, it's tough not being mobile and able to take care of myself. I've been relying on my servant sweet and patient husband for many things this week. But it has only been one week and I am OVER having a hurt ankle.

However, I have learned a few valuable lessons from having one leg.

1. Mastery of the Flamingo
          I am really good at imitating a flamingo. No seriously, put me in all pink and I bet you can't pick me out of the flock.
2. A Weight Loss Solution 
          It is way too much of a challenge to hobble or crutch into the kitchen, so I just skip it all together. Besides, once I got there it's not like I would be able to stand to cook something anyway. Although, I may need to re-injure my ankle to finally reach my goal weight.
3. Mom vs. Husband
          When you hurt yourself your mom practically orders a helicopter ambulance to get you to the doctor to diagnose her precious baby immediately. Whereas, husbands reluctantly go to the doctor with you all the while trying to convince you you don't need medical attention and will be just fine.
4. People Stare
          While I would like to believe people are looking at my fabulous daily outfit...the three day old sweats and unwashed hair prove otherwise.
5. The Vow "in sickness and in health" has Meaning
          Now that the hubby is forced to cook, clean up, and listen to my every command (get me ice, grab my phone, throw Harvie's ball) he is VERY helpful and accommodating.  Again, I may need to consider hurting my ankle all over just to keep up this service!

Cheers to a week on one leg!

Curbs, Crutches, and Ankles...Oh My!

On Saturday night Chris and I went to dinner with my parents. We gifted them a staycation for their wedding anniversary and they graciously invited us to join them for dinner.  After dinner and checking out their hotel room we left. I walked out of the hotel feeling like a badass because I just covertly stole two free lollipops from the front desk.  I was so stealth I'm already being recruited for my next mission. Stay tuned for that ;).

Meanwhile, we went to the car and I stepped off the curb to get into the car only suddenly I was on the ground.  I had no idea what happened, but was surprised and quickly realized the ground was slanted not flat leading to my fall.  Chris picked me up and put me in the car where I immediately felt pain in my ankle. I made him take off my boot because I figured my ankle would swell and there would be no chance of getting my boot off later.

When we got home I put my foot up, added ice, and took some ibuprofen.  Sunday morning my ankle was huge, bruised, and I could not walk on it without pain. We I debated going to urgent care, but figured I would give it a day or two more and see. After Google searching and realizing my foot needed to be amputated immediately, I decided to go to urgent care first thing in the morning to have my ankle checked out.

Swollen ankle

Turns out it's just a sprain. I was given a brace and crutches and told to stay off of it and in about 6 weeks I should be healed.  Um, excuse me? 6 weeks?!  My life requires two legs and I have a trip planned in a week I CANNOT be out of commission for six long weeks.

At urgent care

My husband aka Dr. Chris claims he could have told me the same thing and saved us an expensive trip to the doctor, but I just wasn't satisfied with that option.  However, I have been following orders with keeping my leg elevated all day long and doing as little walking as possible.  Luckily, my work is flexible and has allowed me to work from home. The downside is that being in bed for five days straight is b o r i n g!! Hopefully, this won't actually last six weeks.

My home office for the week

Bright Side: a lot of time to paint my nails and tons of cuddles with Harvie 

Cheers to curbs and sprained ankles?!

Home Grown Country Music Girl

Growing up my parents listened to county music and since they employed the "my radio, my choice" rule in the car (seriously, who does that?!) I learned to like country music too.  Hearing some songs sends me right back to my childhood and the days of living in Long Beach. For a short period of time I hated that these feelings and memories came back...so much so I started to hate listening to country music.  It wasn't that I had a bad childhood or anything, but for some reason I didn't like the emotions that came over me.  Eventually, I got over that, thank you Lord, and now love love love country music.  

These two particular songs take me right back to being a little blonde haired eight year old playing with my sister in the yard on a warm summer day.  Instead of feeling sad, these days I savor the memories.  

Toby Keith- Should Have been a cowboy

Trisha Yearwood- XXX's and OOO's (An American Girl)

Cheers to childhood memories!

The Story of Harvie

Chris and I wanted a dog for a while.  When we were dating we used to talk about how much we both loved dogs and wanted one eventually.  The only thing was we could not agree on dogs. I grew up with a lab mix, so I wanted a large dog. Chris grew up with a small dog and believed they were the only way to go. When Chris bought our house this finalized the debate since our home could only accommodate a small sized dog.

Thus began the search and compromise on my part. I was not thrilled with the idea, but thought that maybe I could find a cute, lovable small dog out there.  Of course, I browsed Pinterest like most women would and I found a pic (posted just below) of an adorable small dog called a Cavapoo.  This is a mix between a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and a Poodle. I've never heard of this dog, but thought it was too cute and sent the pic to Chris on a Friday afternoon. When we met up that evening he said he found a breeder in San Diego who just had puppies of this same type. We looked at the pictures online and set up an appointment to meet the puppies.

Cavapoo - Found on pinterest

This all moved very quickly from my simply sending Chris a picture. I have sent him numerous dog pics in the past, but for whatever reason this particular one sped up our search.  This was in May of 2013, so we were already engaged and planning our future, so a dog seemed fitting.  Of course, meeting the puppies completely melted my heart.  I feel in love with this one little pup who had a white stripe down her head. She was shy, playful, and sleepy...pretty much the dog version of myself :).

Next thing I know we were placing our deposit and preparing for our puppy.  I picked the name Harvie (it was something I heard once and always loved for a dog) and Chris decided spelling it with an "ie" at the end made it more feminine.  We could not pick her up for 8 weeks and during this time I did nothing but worry, fret, and debate. I was not convinced and my mind swarmed with questions

....what if she changes my relationship with Chris? Am I going to love her? Will she like me? How will this change our life? Is it too soon? Should we be married first? Will she grow or stay small forever? Will I like a small dog?

Learning to walk upstairs - 2013

Chris kept reassuring me and I slowly started to get excited. After bringing her home I was IN LOVE and wrapped around her paw from day one. She has completely changed our life, but all of the better.  Our relationship is stronger and more united because of our fur child. I do anything for this dog and let her get away with everything! I seriously cannot believe there was a point in time when I did not want her. She is the perfect fit for our family and to say I am obsessed with Harvie is an understatement.

Family Photo - January 2014

Sleeping as usual - April 2014

Cheers to puppy love!

High Five For Friday

Another Friday is finally here!

1. Easter was on Sunday and next to Christmas this is my favorite holiday! There's something about spring and gathering with family and friends to celebrate Jesus that is so wonderful.  This year my dad's family came to my parent's house along with three of my moms friends. We celebrated on Saturday and had a great time eating, talking, and playing a few rounds of beer pong.

2. On Sunday we went to a family friend's house for brunch. Afterward, Chris and I met up with his brother, sister-in-law and our new nephew, Oliver. He was too cute and I'm SO glad we are able to see him more!! They sent this picture this week and I died with his cuteness in the huge sunglasses.

3. On Wednesday it was administrative professional's day and my wonderful boss gave me a dog notebook and delicious mint tea.  She is too sweet and I'm going to miss her so much when she leaves. 

4. My HFFF just isn't complete without my fur child.  We took this selfie together this week when she snuggled up with me. Harvie completely melts my heart and I love when she crawls up in my lap. 

5. Thursday night I enjoyed a much needed girls night! I am loving reconnecting with friends from middle and high school now that I live back in this area full-time. I have definitely missed girl chat and it was especially nice after my last few rough weeks.  

Leaving on a jet plane

I typically let my husband book all of the travel for our trips whenever we go somewhere. He is a seasoned traveler and let's be honest, he prefers having all the control anyway. I really could care less, but just to make it not so easygoing for him I gave him some guidelines when it came to booking this year's trip to Sweden. 

1. I don't want to leave too early. But not too late either.
2. I don't want to arrive too early.  But again, not late either
3. I don't want to take a random hopper plane. That's just scary. Update: He booked one anyway! But luckily, it's only for a quick 30 minute trip...pray for me ;)
4. I don't want too long of a layover. But also not so short that we are running through strange airports.
5. I want to sit next to my husband. This is important because knowing him he would separate us just to save a few dollars.
6. I want champagne.

Cheers and good luck darling!

Sorority Life

Joining a sorority is something I always wanted to do.  I did not know a lot about sorority life, but the few things I did know interested me and I was hoping for the chance to join.  Two years before I went off to college I was on a touring college trip with my family for my sister and at one of the schools we saw all of the sorority girls out on the football field.  There were hundreds of women dressed in their particular sorority shirt and my mom said she saw me there being a part of those women.  I knew it would be an interesting experience and when I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona I knew this was my chance.

In each of my classes I scoped out the girls wearing their sorority letters and did my best to position myself next to them hoping to strike up a conversation and learn more. Yes, I know I'm that girl. But seriously, it worked and this was how I met by big sis.  I went to this school hoping to join a particular sorority because I knew people who were a members at different schools. However, going through recruitment is how you find your place. The sorority I initially wanted was not the right fit for me. Every chapter is different at each school and recruitment is how you meet each sorority and the members.  Sigma Kappa was exactly my place. This sorority fit me so well and I was beyond ecstatic to receive my bid.

Greek Week Olympics Day Letters-2010

I could not wait for girlfriends, sisters, fun activities, service projects, etc. The first year was rough and challenging for me. But the second year after recruitment I met my little sis and formed friendships that I still have today.  I met my best friends through Sigma Kappa and learned so many great skills.  Sorority life was exactly what I needed to branch out of my shell, meet new people, and get involved.

Sigma Kappa Zeta Upsilon Bid Day Fall 2009

Seriously, I could write an entire novel about sisterhood and the benefits of sorority life.  Truly, it is not all what you see in the media of drunken girls who party all the time.  There are values, rituals, and standards you are held accountable for and experiences that you would not normally encounter.  I may have had some trials, but for the most part I gained so much more.

5 years later I had the privileged of my best friends/sisters attending my wedding!!

Cheers to sisterhood!

When in doubt, just don't get dressed

There are some days when I just do not want to get dressed. Some mornings the simple act of putting on clothing becomes my Mount Everest where I do not even know how to begin to climb. Okay, maybe I am being a tad bit dramatic. But seriously, how I can so many articles of clothing, but nothing to wear?! I'm sure none of you have this problem, but just in case, I decided to share my Go-To Outfit. This is typically what I throw on after surveying my closet and deciding I just do not care to get creative.  Jeans, a plain tee, and a fun scarf to spice things up usually does the trick for me and off I go to my oh-so-important daily tasks! 

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven

Cheers to getting dressed! 

Liebster Award: Get to Know Your Fellow Bloggers

I was first nominated for this award by J from Bless Her Heart Y'all. I was intrigued and excited so I popped on over to her blog to see what this was all about. First of all she nominated me so this woman is already at the top of my list. Secondly, while reading about the award she shouts out to George strait lovers...ok seriously?! She is now my blogger BFF! But really, check her out because I already am in love with her blog and desperately want to raid her closet.  

Since I am slacking taking forever in getting my life together to post this I was then nominated by another awesome lady Kayla. She too is high on my list for thinking of me and my lonely little blog, so definitely do not leave this post without stopping by her blog Wonderfully Made to give it some love! 

Here are the guidelines for the Liebster award: 
1. Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you.  So, in case I have not convinced you yet check out J and Kayla. 
2.  Answer the 11 questions that the nominating blogger asked you. I'm going with J's questions since she nominated me first. 
3.   List 11 random facts about yourself.
4.  Nominate up to 11 small blogs (fewer than 200 followers) that you follow and believing in promoting.
5.  Post 11 questions for the blogs that you have nominated to answer.



Questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
        I started blogging just for fun and to document things I think/feel/do at this stage of my life. I am young, newly married, and developing my career, so what better time than now to write about life and be able to reflect back one day.
2. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about blogging?

        Favorite: I can say/post whatever I want and I am enjoying finding new blogs I can relate to. 
        Least: Starting to develop and put my blog out there. This is a struggle for me (but I am new).  

3. What is your favorite place to travel to?
          Anywhere that I can lay on a beach with a tropical drink! I LOVE warm weather and the calming peace of the ocean. 

4. Do you have any pets?
        Yes! My little fur child, Harvie. 

5. What are your other hobbies besides blogging?
        Spending time with my husband and pup, Reading, and Happy Hour dates with girlfriends.

6. Sweet or salty?  Beach or mountains?
        Both! But maybe more sweet than salty. Given my answer to #3 definitely the beach!! Plus I grew up living by to the coast, so I am definitely a beach girl.

7. What did you want to be when you grew up?

        I wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little girl (doesn't everyone?) and then since I was about 14ish I have wanted to be a Registered Dietitian.

8. What's your hidden talent?

        I am kind of a good singer. I don’t like to sing in public, but some say I can carry a tune.

9. Your best physical feature?

        I don't necessarily agree, but I get a lot of compliments on my smile, so let's go with that. 
10. Best place to eat out at?

        Totally depends on what I am craving! Some of my favorites are PF Changs, Casa De Bandini, Tin Leaf, and Vietnamese food.     
11. What your favorite songs right now?

        I am SO glad this says right now because my song favorites change almost daily.  Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo & 2 Chainz When this comes on the radio you need to stop talking and start dancing! 



11 Random Facts 
1. I have seen every episode of FRIENDS multiple times and quote the show regularly. 
2. My sister is one of my best friends despite being complete opposites.
3. I am really starting to love reading.
4. I would like to think that I am open to adventures, but really I am always scared of new things.
5. I do not respond well to change.
6. I love the color Turquoise.
7. My college degree, in my opinion, is my biggest accomplishment.
8. My tongue can touch my nose.
9. I think an electric blanket is one of the best inventions. 
10. I love warm weather and especially Summer!
11. When I was little I had my hair cut like Peter Pan. I hate this look, but my mom swears it is all I ever talked about. 

Now I Nominate:
1. Carrie @ Carrie-ing On 
2. Amy @ Lovely Does it
3. Lauren @ Sincerly, Lo
4. Abbey @ The Brighter Side


These are your Questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What do you look for in other blogs?
3. What is your favorite TV show(s)?
4. What is your go-to outfit?
5. If I came to visit you, what would we do?
6. Where would you like to travel?
7. What is your greatest accomplishment?
8. What would be your perfect date?
9. If you could do anything and not fail, what would you do?
10. What is your favorite food? 
11. What 5 items would you want with you on a deserted island?

Who wants to keep up with Joneses anyway?

This is about to get serious, so prepare yourself or feel free to move on!

The hubby and I believe in living within our means. We are by no means rolling in money, but we have planned our life to live comfortably with the money we make.  Just like anyone else we have bills, a bit of student debt, a few savings accounts, and things we like to do/purchase every month or year.  My husband has created a very specific budget with certain amounts allocated to various categories. From what I know, this is the typical family budget. It would be fabulous to spend whatever amount on anything, but similarly to probably most people we just cannot do this.

When my husband was first looking into buying a home he looked in a variety of different areas. He was very specific about what he wanted and how much he wanted to spend. At the time when he started looking he was living in an area that was rather affluent. He was renting a condo (within his rent budget, of course), but the surrounding areas were very nice.  Some may refer to those living in this particular area as the “Joneses” (i.e. expensive cars, large homes, fancy shopping centers, great schools etc.).

After looking at a few different homes in multiple cities within the same region and even placing an offer on one (which he later withdrew due to other circumstances) he found our current home. Our home isn't necessarily in the best area of town. I grew up close by to where our home currently is and the city is rather large and some parts are great whereas others are not. The house was perfect. It was brand new (actually still being built at the time of purchase), had all upgraded amenities, free HOA for a year, all upgraded appliances included, and all closing costs covered.  It was too good to be true and he felt great about the whole process and knew this was the home for him. The actual neighborhood is a cute little area of all the same type of townhouses with a large grassy area in the center. 

The areas around our home are definitely not the best. I feel safe once I am in our actual neighborhood, but I would absolutely be cautious when venturing out.  Not in a need to carry a gun kind of way, but just in the sense that I would be smart and aware. As a woman, you really should be anyway regardless of where you are.

We absolutely love our home. It is perfect for us! It has the right amount of space, plenty of storage, a garage, a great open living room, large master bedroom etc.   We could even start a family here if we wanted (maybe more on that subject another time).

The whole point of this post expressing our home and our way of living is not to brag or show off what we do or do not have, but rather a chance for me to express my frustration (i.e. get ready, vent session coming up!). 

We have gotten some negativity from our friends regarding where we live.  A few of our friends live in better neighborhoods/cities-some of them own their homes, some of them do not. This does not matter to me. I do not pick my friends based on their finances (SHOCKING, i know!). Frankly, it is none of my business and to me character is what counts. Money does not define you. This is a hard lesson to learn and some people never get it. Personally, it’s been a struggle of mine. I used to spend my money on designer items hoping it would attract friends. It did not. Once I started working on myself and cutting people out of my life that I did not need that is when I found true, genuine girlfriends.

It really bothers me that our friends would make comments about where we live. They say things like “it’s not a good area” or “it’s shady” or “the people who live in that area are not good”. These are all hurtful to me. Yes, I am probably over sensitive. My husband can laugh it off, but I am not that person. My home is close to my heart and to have friends (yes, multiple, not one) say something derogatory insults me to the core. I am the first person to say our home is maybe not in the greatest area given our location, but our actual neighborhood is great and I never feel unsafe. Plus I love our home and that to me is the most important.

I would much rather live comfortably in our home than to try and be something we are not just by living in a particular zip code. I am not saying this is what our friends do, but for me personally, I do not want pressure of trying to keep up with the Joneses. I am actually relieved the first offer Chris put in was withdrawn because living in that environment would bring me right back to where I used to be of trying too hard to fit in.  We do not have the advantage of living lavishly.  One day maybe we will, but right now our life works for us based on our current incomes. I can go to sleep every night knowing our bills are paid and if one of us loses our job tomorrow we will be okay for a few months until we get back on our feet. This brings more comfort than I ever thought possible!!  I do not feel like there are things in life I am missing out on. Sure, it would be nice to have a vacation home in different parts of the world or to be able to purchase anything I want, but reality is most people cannot. 

We have a nice home where we will get money back from our investment one day and this means so much to us and our future. I feel so blessed just to have a home in Southern California because I never thought this would be possible. So, shame on you for saying something negative about where we chose to make our home.

Cheers to your own home!

Just so you have a visual this is our home:

Obviously, I'm kidding this is Oprah's home.