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!