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.