Christmas came early!!!

I was so excited when I got this tweet from the lovely Makaila from Distinctly M. 

I hurried over to her blog real quick to see what she was talking about and saw that I had won her Flaunt Jewelry Giveaway. I was so excited and could hardly contain my excitement as I patiently waited for it to arrive. M was quick to wrap it up and get it shipped out, then I just had to wait for the UPS truck to drive up. It got here last week and it's even more AMAZING than it looks in the pics.

 The packaging was so pretty, I almost didn't want to unwrap it

 But of course I unwrapped it and look at how BEAUTIFUL!

And how cute are these push pins? 

I can't wait to find the perfect spot for it in my room and give my jewelry a gorgeous place to hang. 

Want one of these beauties for yourself or for the perfect Christmas gift?! Head on over to Makaila's etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/DistinctlyM. 

P.S. If you aren't following Distinctly M, what is wrong with you?! She's gorgeous, sweet, talented, creative and funny! What more could you ask for?!

Also last week, I was on IG and saw a picture of my friend Cori in a scarf she had crocheted. I asked her when she was sending me one. She so sweetly asked me what color I wanted and then a couple days later sent me a picture of my new scarf AND matching head wrap and asked for my address. I got my package in the mail a couple of days later and couldn't wait to wear my new winter accessories. 

I told her I wanted a neutral color and she picked this PERFECT color!

Cori is in the process of setting up a shop to sell her handmade scarves and head wraps and believe me you will want to get one or two or 10 for yourself. I'm already thinking I need these in mustard yellow now.

Happy Monday! Two weeks until Christmas Eve, yippee!!!!

Favorite Things November Edition

I can't believe that November is almost over and there's only 25 days until Christmas!!! I wish I could say that I had all my Christmas shopping done, but that's a big fat NEGATIVE! Oh well, I've still got plenty of time right?

The last day of November, means it's time for Favorite Things with Ashley.

#1. The Navajo Sweater from Kiki La'Rue

I think I actually got this sweater the last of October, but since it was too warm to wear it, I'm counting it as a November favorite! Unfortunately, this sweater is sold out, but there are MANY other cute things available at Kiki La'Rue. Check out the Oh My Stars Poncho that's one of the number one things on my wish list!

#2. Thanksgiving!!! 

I made my very first turkey this Thanksgiving. Since it was just going to be four of us, I just made a small turkey breast. Not to toot my own horn, but it turned out DELISH!!! I was a very proud little turkey! Our turkey day was full of pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting for breakfast (I made that too), turkey, stuffing, hot rolls, mashed potatoes, etc for lunch, some good wine, being in our comfy clothes by 3 PM and playing cards all afternoon.

#3. Christmas Movies

This canvas looks perfect by the Christmas tree! 

#4. Black Friday Shopping

I didn't do the traditional midnight or 5 A.M. Black Friday shopping, but I did get some sweet deals! The sad thing is (well not really sad for me, but sad for my Christmas shopping) that I only got things for myself.

#5. The Starbucks Rewards App

5 more stars until Gold!!! Woohoo!!! Starbucks sure knows how to pull people in. Not like I didn't love going to Starbucks before, but now it's so much fun to see that new little star drop into the cup!

Happy Almost December!!! Bring on more Christmas movies, Christmas lights, Christmas cards, etc... Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!!!

Random Wednesday #3

I'm  over at my MIL's baking Christmas cookies, so I'm going to keep this short and sweet! 

I really wasn't planning on blogging today, but I got over to my MIL's (across the street) and we started talking about the Voice and she said, "I can't find my Adam Levine picture in my phone. It's gone!!!" So of course, I just HAD to go back through my find and find the picture for her. And what kind of a friend would I be if I didn't share this picture with all my bloggy friends?

Could Adam Levine be any hotter?!? I mean seriously, just look at that! I watch the Voice because I love singing, but..... it doesn't hurt that I get to see Adam Levine's face every week (Blake Shelton isn't so bad either). 

There ya go... short, sweet and to the point! You're welcome!!! 

Bun Tutorial

I've had a few people ask me how I get my hair into the perfect bun, so I decided to do a lovely little tutorial to show you just how easy peasy it is to get the perfect bun (or at least what I think is the perfect bun). 

This is my first tutorial and my first vlog, so please don't laugh too hard!!! 

Whew, that was embarrassing!!! I better hit Publish quick before I chicken out! Now, go ahead and tell me how hard you laughed.

Random Wednesday #2

Since I got a text from Shanna last night asking me where I had been with blogging, I decided I better get my booty on the computer and link up with her!

With Thanksgiving tomorrow and Christmas right around the corner, I've just been a busy little bee getting ready for the holidays! 

Since I know we are all busy getting ready to stuff ourselves with turkey tomorrow, I will keep this short and sweet. 

1. Is it terrible that I'm kind of ready for Thanksgiving to be over so I can decorate for Christmas? I have always put my decorations up the weekend after Christmas and always take them down the weekend after New Years. Growing up, I never had a real tree (my mom was allergic), so I got my first real tree my first year living in California. I don't know if we didn't water the tree enough or what, but our tree was pretty much dead by Christmas. Any tips on how to make the tree last? 

2. I am getting old! I can't even clean out a closet/pantry without hurting myself! Our dining room closet has needed cleaned out for about the last 3 years, but instead of cleaning it we just add to it. Monday, I finally decided it was time to clean it out (a nice two hour project). While cleaning, I must have twisted wrong or something, because I pulled something in my rib cage area. It hurts to take deep breaths, sneeze, twist a little too much etc. I went into the living room to lay on the floor and stretch and this happened... 

Apparently, Peanut thought I wanted to be his bed. 

3. Breaking Dawn part 2, need I say more?! If you are a Twilight fan too, you will most likely agree that this was the BEST movie of all of them! Also, if you read the books, what did you think of the twist? I LOVED it! 

4. I am debating going out for Black Friday. Has anyone heard of any great deals? 

Speaking of Black Friday deals, Kiki La'Rue has a great deal going on now through Sunday! 

5. Yesterday, I picked up Indian food and took it to Katrina's to hang out with her and the kiddos. One of the best things about hanging out with a 3 1/2 year old and a 2 year old... getting to pretend like you're 5 again. 

I'm thankful for... Technology, my family, WINE, Twilight (Edward),  fabulous friends, God and books. 

And I'm especially thankful for all my wonderful blog friends!!! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving full of food, family and many things to be thankful for! 

Kiki La Rue!!!

Have you all heard of Kiki La Rue? If not, you're seriously missing out!!! Becka, the owner, has AMAZING taste! The best part about Kiki La Rue, everything is super affordable! 

About a month ago, I got super lucky and won Erin's (Everything According to Erin) giveaway for a $50 credit to Kiki La Rue. Excited doesn't even being to describe how happy I was! Choosing what to get with my credit was the hard part seeing as I want everything! But... I finally decided and here's what I chose. 

Anything Goes Tunic - Red - The best part about this tunic, it's only $22!!! It is so comfy and cute! I also accessorized it with the Wide Sideways Cross Bracelet and the LOVE Encrusted Stretch Bracelet both from Kiki La Rue!!! 

And... 

Navajo Sweater - I had been waiting and waiting for it to be chilly enough to wear this and it finally was!!! I can't even count how many compliments I got on this sweater. It is so cozy and warm!

Here are just a few things on my KLR wishlist:

Purple Piko Top

La' Rue Jeggings - Dark Plum

OH MY STARS PONCHO

Roma Infinity Scarf - Mustard

And oh so much more!!! Head on over and get your shopping on! Or do what I'm doing and start creating your Christmas wishlist to give to your husband or boyfriend, friends and family! When someone asks you what you want for Christmas now you can say, "Anything from Kiki La Rue!!!"

The best bridesmaid dress EVER!!!

I have been a really bad blogger.  I have all sorts of excuses like I was in a wedding last week, I don't really blog on weekends, I have been busy, etc. None of those are really good excuses, well except for the wedding. Being a bridesmaid in a wedding is an acceptable excuse for not blogging, right?!? A couple weeks ago, I said I would blog about a surprise birthday party I planned, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I promise I will (even if it is a month later)! But today, I want to talk about the A-freaking-MAZING bridesmaid dress I wore at the wedding. 

I was so thrilled and honored when Melissa asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Melissa was my first real friend here in California. We had both moved here from the Midwest around the same time and we formed an instant friendship. She was a bridesmaid in our wedding and I also had the privilege of being part of her and Ryan (her husband) getting together. More on that later, this is about the dress.

So... when she first told me how much the bridesmaid dress was going to cost, I about had a heart attack. Melissa said, "But.... you can style it over 15 different ways and I really think you'll be able to wear it again." We've all heard that right?!? I was skeptical about being able to wear it again and just how easy it would be to style this dress 15 different ways. After the order was placed, Melissa found out the dresses wouldn't be here until one week before the wedding. I worked in a formal wear store for over 5 years, so that totally stressed me out (I can only imagine how stressed she was). What if something was wrong with the dress? What if we needed alterations? The dresses arrived on October 26, exactly when scheduled and exactly one week before the wedding. I picked my dress up, brought it home and immediately started trying to style it. It was seriously SOOOOO easy! I did 5 different styles in 5 minutes. I could not believe how great the dress looked and how stinking easy it was. I planned to have the dress hemmed to right above the knee after the wedding and the best part about it is the sales associate said that since the dress is just spandex and there is no hem, you can just cut it off yourself! This is by far my most favorite bridesmaid dress EVER! There were 8 bridesmaids and we all had the dress styled at least a little different. This dress was TOTALLY worth the money. I'm honestly excited for the next time I can wear it. 

Brides, if you are planning your wedding and don't have your bridesmaid dresses picked out yet, I totally recommend Two Birds Bridesmaid. 

Happy Birthday Blog Sisters!!!

Not one, but two of my favorite people were born on this day! 

Happy, happy birthday, Dusty and Justyn!!! I love both of you ladies to the moon and back! I am so glad to be part of this little blog world. If it weren't for blog land, I wouldn't have met some of the best friends a girl could ask for! I'm so glad both of you were born and that I've had the pleasure of getting to know both of you. 

Is she not one of the prettiest ladies you've ever seen?!? And she's just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She's also one of the funniest people I've ever met! She can turn one of the worst situations into something funny. She always knows how to look on the bright side of things. If I'm having a bad day, I know that Dusty will either give me some great advice or say something so damn funny that I have to laugh and can't help but forget about whatever was upsetting me. One day, I am going to make it to Nashville and we are going to go out honky tonkin until the wee hours and we're going to laugh until we pee ourselves! Until that day, I will look forward to our daily chats. I love you, twat waffle!!! 

Another beauty inside and out! Justyn and I bonded over our love for wine. We both enjoy a nice bottle glass every now and then. We've had one super fun happy hour FaceTime and I can't wait until the next! Justyn is also another funny lady, just check out her blog and you'll see what I mean. And she also knows how to cheer me up. These girls are so much alike, no wonder they were born on the same day! One of these days, Justyn and I will meet and we will share a bottle or three of wine and probably do and say the most ridiculous things! I love you, blister!!! 

Head on over and wish these lovely ladies a happy birthday!!!

Favorite Things October Edition

I can't believe this is the last day of October! I am sooo NOT feeling Halloween this year for some reason. I don't feel like dressing up (which I'm not) and I don't feel like handing out candy. I would blame it on the fact that I woke up with a terrible stomach ache, headache and fever, but I wasn't even feeling it before then. I'm the Halloween Grinch this year. 

The last day of the month means linking up with my gorgeous friend, Ashley! I missed this link up last month and was so sad, so I wasn't about to miss it this month. 

Here are some of my favorite things from October... 

#1. Nashville

I have been looking forward to this show since I saw the previews about 3 months ago. I LOVE country music, so a tv drama about country music seemed right up my alley. So far, this show has not disappointed me. I can't decide which character I like better, Juliette Barnes or Rayna James. 

  #2. Memories

I found a couple discs of pictures from 2006-2007. It was so fun looking back at all those pictures and reliving those moments. I had just gotten out of a bad relationship and was having a blast enjoying my new freedom. 

#3. Getting to meet Joshua Radin

Getting to see two of my favorite artists, A Fine Frenzy and Joshua Radin, in concert was amazing! Actually getting to meet and get a picture with Joshua Radin made the concert even more memorable. 

#4. Lagunitas seasonal ale, Brown Shugga

I have been so excited to try this and now I know why. It is delicious!!! By far my favorite Lagunitas beer!!! Too bad it's only around for a few short months a year. 

#5. Taylor Swift's new album Red

I am absolutely in LOVE with this cd. In my opinion, it is her best album yet. There isn't one song I don't like. I'm especially loving 22. Every time it comes on, I crank up the volume and jam out. It just makes me feel young and carefree again. 

A few things I'm looking forward to in November: my friend Melissa's wedding, trying out some recipes from my Everyday Paleo cookbook and of course Thanksgiving. What were some of your favorite things this month? Head on over and link up with Ashley. 

A little bit of this and that...

October has been a pretty busy month, so my blog has been getting neglected. Poor little blog is starting to feel lonely! This week is a busy week getting ready for my friend Melissa's wedding, so this poor little blog will probably be on the back burner for one more week. 

A few things I've been up to over the last week... 

Filled out my ballot while having a glass of wine

 Went to Target to get Taylor Swift's new album, Red. It's been on repeat since Wednesday. Love it!!! Thanks Shanna for telling me to go buy it. :)

Before going to get my hair done. 

After getting my hair done. Long layers and bangs!!! 

Took a trip to the pumpkin patch. 

   Got a rare picture of this pretty kitty that usually lives under the bed. 

Also, went to lunch with my friend, Lacey, for her 30th birthday. Planned and successfully pulled off a surprise birthday dinner (more on that tomorrow). And went to the most fun 2 year olds birthday party. 

What have you all been up to?

A Fine Frenzy AND Joshua Radin

A couple months ago, my friend Katrina text me saying that A Fine Frenzy was going to be in concert at Wells Fargo. I immediately looked it up and saw that it was not only A Fine Frenzy, but Joshua Radin too!!! I text her back and told her I was definitely in! Girls night, great music and drinks... What more can a girl ask for?! 

Last night, Pri, Carly and I met at Katrina's for some pre-show drinks and then we walked to a nearby pub before walking on to the concert. 

Of course, the bar was our first stop once we got to the concert. We met the cutest older gentleman named Joel. The next time we went back for drinks he said, "There's my IPA girls". We told him his wife would probably be jealous that we were flirting with him and he told us he was widowed. :( 

We headed into the concert to our seats. It's a small venue and we were in the 7th row!!! First up was Lucy Schwartz. She was adorable and had an amazing voice. 

Before the concert, Katrina said, "If A Fine Frenzy sucks live, I'm going to punch her!" Luckily, Katrina didn't have to do any punching! She was beyond AWESOME!!! Our only complaint is that she only performed songs from her new album and none of our favs. 

And last, but certainly not least... Joshua Radin! For some reason, the crowd was insanely dull. No one was standing up or singing along, so we decided to get the party started. We were dancing queens and singing along at the top of our lungs! A few times, he actually stepped away from the mic and was just singing to the crowd. You know an artist is amazeballs when they aren't even singing into the mic and still sound great! 

After the concert, we saw a sign saying "Buy a Joshua Radin t-shirt and you get to meet him". So what did we do?! Of course, we bought shirts and waited in line with all the other groupies girls. Once we finally got to meet him, he said "You were the girls dancing. You are what kept me going." Seriously?!? How freaking awesome is that?! 

It was the PERFECT girls night!!! 

If you've never heard of Joshua Radin or A Fine Frenzy, check out these videos of two of my favorite songs. You won't be disappointed! 

And my new fav song right now by Lucy Schwartz

Happy Friday!!!

Weekend full of movies

Jeremy was out of town this weekend, so I spent pretty much the entire weekend watching movies. 

Friday night, I went to my friend Katrina's and we made the MOST delicious Fall adult beverage called Spiced Caramel Apple.  I would not be a good blog friend if I did not share this recipe. 

Spiced Caramel Apple

2 oz ginger liqueur

1 oz caramel vodka 

2 1/2 oz apple cider

Rim martini glass with cinnamon and sugar and set aside. Add ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into martini glass. 

Easy peasy and oh so delicious!!! We tried it with both regular apple cider and spice cider and decided we liked the spiced cider better. And after a drink or two, we started mixing equal parts ginger liqueur and caramel vodka, oops! 

While consuming our yummy drinks, we decided to watch What to Expect When You're Expecting. I thought this was a great movie! It was funny when needed, but also a little sad at times. After the movie, we thought it would be a brilliant idea to walk to a local dive bar. Trina's husband was a little worried and thought we were crazy, but we assured him that with a couple of Maglites no one would mess with us. It was a great night! 

Saturday, I was nursing a terrible hangover headache. What better to do when you've got a terrible headache than lay on the couch and watch movies all day. I watched Eclipse, Field of Dreams, She's the One and Cry-Baby. Cry-Baby might just be one of the cheesiest movies ever, but my cousins and I used to watch it when we were younger and loved it. 

Sunday, my MIL and I went to see Pitch Perfect. I love love LOVED this movie. I'm a huge fan of musicals, so this was right up my alley. We laughed so hard and decided that it was just a great movie all around! Unless you just completely hate music, I highly recommend this movie.

After the movie, we decided we might as well rent a couple more movies. So we rented The Five Year Engagement and Katy Perry: The Movie. I'm not ashamed to say that I loved the Katy Perry movie. It was fascinating hearing her back story and also seeing behind the scenes of the concerts. Russell Brand is a douche! The Fiver Year Engagement was good, but not great in my book. MIL and I agreed that the first 30-45 minutes and the last 30 minutes were great, but they just drug out the middle too long.

It was a super relaxing weekend!!! I'm not sure I've watched that many movies in the past month! 

What did y'all do this weekend?