This is 30

I am officially into 30 and you know what? It feels pretty good. However, Sam would say I am going through a 30's crisis as I temporary ombre'd my hair rose gold.

So, aside from all the talk of "do you feel old or changed?" The answer is no, but I have made some changes and am looking to set a list for the big 30. So, here is 30 ...

1. Be more relaxed. Really hoping California life does this for me. I don't want to be so straight and narrow or defined. I want that laid back style. I miss that part of me.
2. Gym + personal training. I have been such an on/off gym goer. Today in fact, I start my commitment to my body. This is a big one since I am going all out and getting a personal trainer two days a week. Big investment, lots of money but in the end truly worth it.
3. Being a little more exploratory with my appearance. Another area I have been pretty narrow with. This weekend, though, I died my hair (although temp) rose gold. I also got my eyelashes tinted. Little things, but it is fun!
4. Travel. My 3 week Eurotrip this year was the best thing I have ever done. I am totally ready for part II. Looking to make a spring/summer trip - maybe South America this year or back to Europe for Spain/Greece
5. Eat better, but don't limit yourself. If there is anything I have learned from living in California thus far, it is that the people here are so damn healthy. I already have my avocado toasts down. Time to jump in!
6. Stay in touch. Man has this been hard since moving to west coast and different time zones from all friends and family. My goal this year is to make the calls, emails and random mail to those I care about.
7. Celebrate. Always remember to raise a glass and be thankful. Celebrate those little moments and remember to tell others the same.
8. Volunteer. I kicked of my volunteer activities with something truly amazing. An old co-worker introduced me to this group of people that meet monthly. We all got together on a Saturday, sat around drinking mimosas, eating cookies and making hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to hand out to the homeless in SF. We also gave out oranges, socks, granola bars. If there is one thing about me you should know, it is that living in NYC and now SF have really opened my eyes. Growing up in Florida, I seemed to never be surrounded by homelessness like I am here and was in NYC. This PBJ Project gives back and in a great way. At first I was a little nervous to start handing out items. But then, I saw how grateful and happy everyone was ... for a sandwich. I won't lie to you, I got a little emotional. What a truly wonderful thing, Sara has created in SF and brought with her to Austin. I admire that.
9. Discover Cali. This is an easy one. I think Sam and I have done an amazing job of really, really exploring every place we have been in; DC, NYC and now we have so many new places to experience on the west coast.
10. Work hard, work harder. I am so excited for the chance to work hard in my new job, put myself out there and prove myself. So I'll say - BRING IT ON.

That's my top 10 for now. I think it is a pretty good start.

Surprises in SF

Have I mentioned that I have the best boyfriend? Also that I am turning 30. Yep, leaving the last of my 20's behind. So that is where this story begins ...

Let's just start with last Thursday night around 11:50pm when I thought he jumped in bed to sleep. Well, that was my best man, Dan. Thankfully I woke up enough to realize this was Dan. :) That could have been weird. So, Dan came up for the weekend. At that time, I thought (or he told me) it was a last minute surprise trip as he found some cheap flights.

Fast forward to Friday afternoon. I get out a bit early to go hang with Dan and Sam. I walk into my apartment and Sam wants to show me something Walter (our cat) is doing. Totally normal. Dan is in the kitchen making a sandwich. All is well. I get to the bedroom and up from the side of the bed pops, Meghan Robinson, my BFF from St. Louis. She starts singing (or talking) the "Hello" Adele song. Next, the closet door in our bedroom opens and there stands Lily Moss, from DC. What?! Both singing Adele now and added by Landis (also from DC, but NYC too) who was hiding in the hall closet. I am not sure if I just sort of blacked out from the surprise or was in shock but WOW. What a surprise. Later that night, two more friends, Christian and Shannon, surprised me from LA and a few friends from SF. We had an apartment full of friends, drinks and food.

This was just the beginning. How did I get so lucky? A boyfriend to coordinate all of this and then 6 amazing friends that spend the time and money to come visit. Major friend love this weekend.

Saturday we "were going to breakfast" and that ended up being a rented party bus that took us to breakfast at the Golden Gate bridge, 4 wineries in Napa and Sonoma and lunch at a vineyard. The day was filled with lots of champagne (and getting in trouble by the bus driver), way too much wine (but can you have too much?) and lots of dancing and singing. To say we were the best group is an understatement. Dan even did a little strip dance. Did I say that out loud?! No clothes (kind of) were removed in the process.

We got back to the city and took a little break and the night continued. Sam rented a private Karaoke room for all of us. This took such a hilarious turn. Turns out we are all pretty bad singers but we make excellent entertainers when it comes to singing and dancing. Sam won best of show for the night with his rendition of Gangnam Style. The girls got pretty fierce too. It was just ... amazing.

Sunday was a rainy (SHOCK) day in SF. Some friends left early in the AM, we had a nice girls breakfast and walked around North Beach and the Embarcadero. It was nice to show everyone our hood and SF.

Later that night we had a nice relaxing and YUMMY Dim Sum dinner, just Landis, Meghan, Sam and I.

Monday I got to spend the whole day with Meghan. Her flight back to STL was delayed a good 3 hours. We weren't complaining. I was wearing my "Rose all Day" shirt so we decided to put it in action. Day drinking with my best? Does not get better than that.

So, yeah, best weekend ever. Ever.

I have been missing my friends something fierce lately and that was exactly what I needed. I felt so much love and happiness this weekend I can't even begin to tell you. I am so truly lucky to have the friends and family (and Sammy) that I do. I love them all.

Now, 8 more days to the real #stacy3point0. Let the separation anxiety from 29 to 30 begin. What is 30 anyway?? I don't feel a day over 25 :)

December

Is tomorrow December already?

How has it been a month that we have been in California? Time really does fly! 

Thanksgiving week/end came and went. I was a little under the weather so we stayed in. It was actually just needed. We have been go go go. It was nice to relax, catch up on sleep and just be. 

Sam flew to LA and bought a car. He is super picky (his words, now mine) so he found one he liked. Lucky him (jealous me) got to spend time with our NYC friends that live there now. Meanwhile, back on SF I visited the Etsy craft fair - it was insane and way too much, checked out the marina area, took a yoga class and did some apartment business

Apartment business (ha)! How many times do I feel like I say; "the apartment is coming together?" IF my freaking cafe dining chairs from West Elm would arrive and I could find a coffee table all would be well in the world (or my apartment). I have really enjoyed decorating this apartment. Sam has hated it. We get a million boxes everyday with new décor. Ooops! But, it is like a fresh start. Feels good!

So, December ... The holidays, my birthday (a big one) and a slower time all around. Makes me reflect on life and be more thankful and appreciative for everything and everyone in my life. I also want to DO something; start volunteering, become a big brother/big sister, just something. I am sure, in time, I will figure that out.

I would say it is getting cold, but it isn't (haha). Same old beautiful, amazing California weather. And I love it! I think I will go get a Christmas tree this weekend. I listened to Christmas music for the first time today and that really put me in the mood. Speaking of December, how is it the holidays already? I have to get on the Christmas shopping!!!

Super win for me, but I put together and pulled off my first campaign at work for our entire portfolio - 3 brands. With some great help of my co-workers. Putting the numbers together now, but it was a great success and I couldn't be more pumped - all within my first 30 days. (Ok, just patted my back and don't even care)!

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Welcome to the (13 year) Gap

I will be 30 this month. I am 6 years younger than my older brother, David. I am 4.5 years younger than my sister, Heather. 4.5 years older than my younger brother and 13 years older than my youngest sister.

I will preface this blog post with fact that I could have a very angry teenage sister on my hands. But, this is my blog and I don't believe anything I am saying is nasty or rude - I am just speaking from feelings.

There was a time, when I lived in Florida, where I got along with my youngest sister so well. Perhaps it was before she was corrupted by the world or had grown into her own. The point I am getting to is that we are in the same generation: millennial and I can't relate. I think and talk about this a lot and not just to her, but in general. This generational gap or difference must take effect, just a few years younger than me.

I shouldn't judge, but it is so hard. I don't understand the mentality of laziness. I had a job at 14, after school, binding notebooks and then another answering phones at a car place and filing papers. I wasn't allowed to get a cell phone until I could pay for it on my own - 16. I think my sister had her first cell phone and computer years before that. I am not jealous. I am where I am because of how I was brought up and I am totally OK with that.

I will tell you what makes me sad and drives me crazy all the same and maybe this gets better with age - how we used to be so close and now we just ... aren't. I will tell you I stopped being "friends" with her for a while as I couldn't stand the obnoxious shares and posts and the immaturity level that came with it. It blows my mind that someone could post pictures of a confederate flag and quotes saying "country girl" when there were very related happenings going on in the world. I am confident she doesn't know the true meaning of a confederate flag and that blew it up for me. I can't stand that kind of ignorance sometimes and from my sister, nope. She said she "hated everyone" on Thanksgiving. I was so sad. Why such a broad, mean statement on a day meant to give thanks? I made a comment (not a mean one at all) and she took immediate offense, then deleted everything. And again, I ask myself. Did I act that way at her age? Since when did this generation start acting like this?

I should be a little more sensitive, I know. I am open to realizing that. But, everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is my blog, so I will choose to talk about it. I have attempted to relate or talk and it just doesn't work, for now. Maybe in a few years we will get along again. Until then ...

Views For Days

Another amazing weekend in SF down in the books.

My friend and old co-worker was here last week and I was lucky enough to get to spend the weekend with her. She was the first to see my apartment, although not finished, I agreed. We explored some my neighborhood for dinner and drinks and had some real wins. I am pumped for the places we tried.

Saturday Sam and I met her on Filmore and showed her what the SF toast scene was all about. I think it is safe to say she fell in love too. Can anyone resist avocado toast or peanut butter, bacon and banana toast? Who thought of these things?! From there we headed on a little walk to Alamo Square, home of the Painted Ladies (Full House anyone?). The weather was absolutely perfect, as always. After catching some annoying perfect blue skies in the lawn of Alamo Square we made our way to the SF Beer Fest in the Mission. Now that was a good time filled with beer, cider, more beer - oh and beef jerky!!! I guess I can't forget about the music, they were dressed up very Christmas-y.

We weren't feeling like ending our day just yet. I know,, we started at 11am, it was 5:30pm and our next stop was Twin Peaks. Who cared if Megan and I both had stylish booties on? We were going to do a little hike to see amazing sunset views of this damn city ... and so we did. Twin Peaks was just simply breath taking. I will be back - again and again.

We finally wrapped up our night (I don't know how we didn't fall asleep) at Waruku. The best ramen of my life. Then Megan and I went to bed and Sam played Playstation. I had to add that it there. So true.

Sunday brought us back to the only Minnesota Vikings bar in SF. Yep, the one 3 blocks from our apartment. Sam makes friends there like it is nobody's business. Must be a Minnesota thing. :) I did lots of shopping for our apartment, pretty much knocking everything off our list - new kitchen table/chairs, desk, closet organization, bathroom stuff, frames. So excited it is coming together.

It's kind of crazy this week is Thanksgiving. We have been so busy that we haven't really been able to think about it. Another fun week though. My good friend from NYC (Amanda) is in town for two weeks so I am so truly pumped to get to spend lots of time with her. She just became an aunt. Time to celebrate, for lots of occasions. I also get to spend Thanksgiving with an old co-worker and friend who was so sweet to invite Sam and I to do so. Excited as I know we will be spoiled. :)

Speaking of holidays ... Christmas is right around the corner. I haven't even had time to shop/think about it. I was trying to get creative with gifts this year. Any thoughts? Things live giving keys, etc.

Next topic on the mind: The gap. I can't relate to my sister and we are in the same generation. When did this change.

Happy One Month to this San Franciscan

Can you believe this tomorrow will be a full month that we have been in California? Time flies!

It has been a week since we have moved into the apartment. I will tell you a few things.

• The food in our hood is beyond good. Nick's Tacos - had them, twice (don't judge us). Pizza, Vietnamese. It is all amazing.
• The bus system is new/amazing/tricky. I never road the bus in NYC, so it was a new experience. I won't lie to you ... after a long weekend of unpacking and all that jazz, a new job and lots of work AND then having a rough bus commute Monday and then getting on the wrong bus Monday evening, getting off in a rough neighborhood - I had a breakdown. Yep, I teared up (just a little bit). 
• Our apartment is amazing. It is newly renovated (as in days before we moved in), in an amazing neighborhood, I have my very own walk in closet (separate from Sam's stuff) and it is just so stinkin' cute!

I haven't quite had time to "want" to or "need" to make friends, just yet. But I did start to think - making friends as you get older gets hard. This is my third time moving to a new city/state and man does it get hard. I noticed myself check out a girl on the bus and ask her about her book because I could see myself being friends with her. I laughed at myself. It's funny the things we do. So, if anyone knows someone in San Francisco that they want to pass off to Sammy or I, please do! I could give you our personal profiles, but if you know us, I am sure you will know if we/they will get along. :)

The holidays are coming - how did that happen? Oh and I am going to be the big 3-0 soon. Sam likes to rub that in. I would rather just skip it. Yes, it is a big one, but I don't feel 30 and I don't believe I look 30. :) Wishful thinking??

We need to start making a list of places to visit now that we are on the west coast. Such a new/different playing field. I think we nailed them all when we were on the east coast - onto the next!

Here are a few to start it.

1. Mexico
2. Alaska - Denali National Park
3. Hawaii
4. Yellowstone
5. Redwood National Park

Ok, I think that wraps up tonight updates.

SL

Cali-fornication (And I'm Back!)

Are you ready to paaaaaaaartay? I am back!

I have been (re)inspired to blog again. I like to think it was taking a few months off or my new (job, city, career move) eh, everything.

I got a new life ya’ll. See how easy that was? Kidding. It wasn’t that easy. I worked my pretty little (okay, big) butt off for this move in my life.

Sam and I have officially moved to the West (best) Coast and the beautiful state of California – San Francisco to be exact. Instead of telling you about our neighborhood, Russian Hill, I just copy/pasted Thrillist’s “Where Should You Live in SF” since we move in tomorrow …

Russian Hill

• Home to the (not actually) crookedest street in the world, hidden staircases, and cozy restaurants, Russian Hill is a favorite spot for people who like the idea of the Marina, but don’t want to live in the Marina.
• Who lives here: Young urban professionals; couples who haven’t had babies (yet); San Francisco families with old money
• Bar and restaurant scene: Polk St has a ton of bars and restaurants and there are cute little cafes smattered throughout the neighborhood. Lord Stanley, Reverb, and Cocotte are all great places to eat dinner and Bullitt and Tonic both have a busy, if not a little younger, bar crowd. Greens is the place to go to watch the game.
•  Public transit situation: There are plenty of buses running through the neighborhood (1, 10, 12, 19, 27, 30, 45, 47, 49), as well as a cable car.
•  Quote from a resident: “I have a car, but I never use it. Everything I need is on Polk St, including groceries, coffee, and booze. If I could stay here forever, I would.” - Meredith M. 

Why SF from NYC? I will quote my BFF, Meghan, “I love cheap rent!” Haha. Because it really doesn’t get more expensive (sadly) than SF. Well, I got an amazing opportunity to interview for a competitor brand (yep, I said it) so I did. Thanks to an old colleague (now my boss) and scored a pretty sweet gig at the brand/home office doing digital marketing. I am pumped. I loved my old company. Obviously. I wouldn’t have been there for almost 9 years if I didn’t, but this was the right move for me at this time. I am looking forward to this new journey and every single dang challenge and obstacle. BRING IT ON! Plus, I get to wear jeans and look stylish and super cute. Duh, bonus! J

So, yep, here we are. Sam and I took about 10 days to explore our new state. We went from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park to the California Beaches of Carmel/Monterey. I can honestly say after that trip, we just looked at each other and said how happy we were to make the move. (PS, Sam wasn’t happy at first since I told him the next location could be his choice.) Oh, and bonus – Sam’s brother, Kyle lives and works in Curry Village (Yosemite National Forest). How awesome is that?! Yeah, you could say Cali was love at first sight and we pretty much fell in love. I guess you could say out of everywhere – this fits our personality the best so far.

Cons (because I won’t lie and tell you everything has been rainbows and butterflies):

·         Time zones can suck and so can a 3 hour time difference with friends and family on the east coast. Gotta figure this one out!

·         Living in a hotel with cats has been … interesting to say the least. Did I mention I can’t wait to move into our apartment?

·         My body clock or whatever is way off. I wake up at 5am (8am east coast) and am tired at like 6pm (9pm east coast). Does this ever stop?!

Really, that is it. The freaking sky is always, always, always blue. The weather is perfect. This is almost a CON for me because it will never give me an excuse to be lazy and have a “do nothing’ day. I know, how inconvenient. SF also has two great things; healthy people (so maybe it will rub off on me) and “toast.”

Hmmm, what else do I have to update. Oh, Sam got a super cool job too – with Blue Apron. Sorry, you can’t have free food, but maybe a discount. I made Sam work for them because I loved their product so much. I am totally and completely kidding. Sam is a bada$$ and got a great job because he is so awesome.

We are getting a car. Yep, it’s been a number of years and a few good cities WITHOUT cars. I hate having a car, but Sam loves driving (probably more than me). So, he is getting a car. He also works near Berkeley so it will make the commute more manageable.

For now, that is it. Excited to share more once we start exploring.

Where In The World Have I Been

That is the big question, right?

The answer is not easy. Well, I guess I should say it is complex.

It started April 14. I left NYC for my Euro adventure (pictures to follow). I undoubtedly had the time of my life. Coming back and adjusting to "real life" was hard, really hard. I did some true backpacking. No nice hotels, just hostels and AirBnB's. :) Here was the itinerary ...

• NYC - London
• London - Brussels
• Brussels - Antwerpen
• Antwerpen - Amsterdam
• Amsterdam - Cologne
• Cologne - Munich (day trip)
• Venice
• Milan

I was in sensory, travel, history, food overload and loving every single minute. I was in heaven. Travel has always been a passion, I do work in the travel industry, but this was amazing. 

I was able to travel part of the time with my boyfriend, college best friend, and another guy best friend and then the other part just my college best friend and I. The dynamics were totally different. The four of us together were an enigma. The energy was constant and exhausting at the same time. It was amazing. With Vicky and I it was calming and relaxing and we were able to just ... be.

There are so many things to say about Europe. It is hard to put them down into words. I guess what I end up at is, I came back questioning if I am meant to live where I am, do what I am doing and be where I am at. Is it crazy that travel can give you so much perspective that makes you question ... everything? It has certainly thrown a little loop into life. 

A few things/lessons/takeaways from my trip.

• Understanding of culture
• Appreciation for simplicity
• Language barrier
• Finding beauty in the little things
• Digital detoxing
• Letting go of control
• Not planning everything out
• Learning to be ok when things don't go my way
• Trying all sorts of new foods
• Realizing I have to take care of my liver :)
• My body can only take so much before she gets sick
• Sunlight truly does make you happy
• Coffee in Europe is better than American Coffee
• A latte is just steamed milk
• Aperol spritz are heaven
• Everyone should eat breakfast the way Italians do
• American's are very impatient people

Some other fun takeaways (no judging). I truly think we all lived with the YOLO motto.

• Amsterdam was my favorite place and not for the reasons most think. It was beyond beautiful, the people were friendly and spoke perfect English and the city was full of so much history. But yes, I did visit the Red Light District, go to a "show," and try some edibles (leave it to me to get sick). When in Amsterdam ... :)
• Germans are completely comfortable with their bodies and I find that beautiful. We took a cable car over Cologne, Germany and found ourselves over a nudist camp. At the end of that camp was a thermal spa. The spa was simply gorgeous. We found ourselves free for a few hours and took some time to relax.
• We made lots of friends in Brussels and even met people from VERO BEACH, FL. This just blew my mind. I mean, Belgium. Oh, you are from small town, Vero too. No big deal! That was probably the best night. I have way too many polaroids. 
• We stayed in a famous chef's house in Brussels. His name is Wim Ballieu and we had no idea until we got there. What an amazing house and kitchen. His home was filled with books and books that he had written. He was gorgeous and mid-thirties, he also had a partner. 
• I met David Beckham. Ok, just the wax version, but it was pretty damn close to the real thing.
• We went to Abbey Road and it was damn hard to find. It took us over an hour to get the perfect setting for the four of us to do the walk across the road that the Beatles did way back when. It was perfect. Sam fell in love.
• Vicky and I had a day stop in Munich before our overnight train. We saw surfers ... in a forest. Yes, you read that right. Now, I am from the beach. This is a first for me and it was amazing!
• I bought more leather bags in Venice than I should have. Wait, can you really have too much leather? Nahhhh.

I miss Europe, traveling, being in confined hostels and trains. I miss Vicky and Dan (not Sam because I live with him). Take me back. Next big trip is for the big 3-0!

Always the Forward-Thinker Who Happens to be Missing the Past

Let me start by saying I don't consider myself a complainer, a negative thinker or a person who talks about something to get attention. I am just a girl, who start a blog and sometimes an idea sparks and I feel the need to write.

So, I read a beautiful and slightly depressing article recently about a long distance relation (or lack of relation) between sisters.

I related a little too much to this article, in a bigger way.

I live 1,156 miles from my family - exactly. Door to door. 17 hours and 46 minutes from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to the little town of Vero Beach, Florida. I miss them, daily. Some days more than others. Maintaining what I would like to call a normal relationship with my family has not been easy.

Family is never easy though, right? They can be loving and supportive or overbearing, irrating and ... invisible. At the end of the day, I love them.

I smack dab the middle child of 5. Older half brother, older sister, me, younger brother, younger sister. With the exception of my older half brother, we all grew up together and couldn't be more different. 

I am 4 years apart from my older sister and younger brother. I have a strong personality, I strive to seek every bit of independence I can, perfectionist to a fault, and always looking for something to prove - whether this be to me or others.

I look at my siblings. My older sister is the most loving mother. When she loves someone, she loves with her whole heart. She doesn't really care about mainstream. She is laid back. She puts her kids first. There is so much I admire about this. I can't believe I am about to say this out loud, but I am not sure I want to have kids because I am too selfish with my time and life. At the same time, I think that is ok to admit. I admire that she gives up her time and does it willingly so that her girls can have a great life. That in return makes her happy.

Ah, then there is my carefree (maybe too carefree little sister). I have missed 6 years of my no 16, going on 17 year old sister growing up. The good bonding years. It makes me really, really sad. But, I can't not live my life. Selfish, again, right? I wish she and I were closer, I really do. I think she is not entering those teen years of not trusting many and being truly rebellious. I really worry about the path she is setting for herself. I know, in the long term, she will ultimately have to decide that. She is such a strong willed, stubborn girl. That can get her so far in life if she puts it to the right things. :)

That brings me to the two people who raised us; my parents. Man, I was such a daddy's girl growing up. I am not sure when that switch flipped and I became my mother's daughter. I suppose some time in my late teens. I got to experience the best of both worlds.

I miss the relationship I had with them. At times, I am jealous of the situation that exists back home; everyone living near each other, spending time together, enjoying each other. I miss out on all that and don't feel included. 

Being so far away and even leaving home for DC almost 7 years ago, I thought "distance makes the heart grow fonder." But, I think in my case, distance has just caused a wedge and sometimes "out of sight, out of mind" is more how I feel. Needless to say, the telephone will go silent for weeks, even months at a time. It is no none's fault. Not everyone can have a picture-perfect family.

That being said, I set a goal for myself, knowing that I will most likely never live in the same state as my family again to be more proactive in my communication. To send a card randomly, a text saying good morning, or even a video message regarding something about my day ... just to let them know I am thinking about them. :)

Cookies, Babies, Hobbies & Europe

Has the New Year kicked off in FULL gear for anyone else? I mean, can I get a minute?

Lot's of excitement already in 2015. This weekend I am off to see my longtime best friend's newwest bundle of joy. He is 4 weeks old and couldn't be more adorable. We are also celebrating her other son, Alex's second birthday at the Crayola Factory!

So so so much work travel this month; Philadelphia, Boston, Pittsburgh - oh, my! It is a must for me to start the year in a good place with my teams. 

I get to make a short pitstop in my old stomping grounds of Washington DC to see some old friends and another new baby edition. If they makes their arrival this month! Fingers crossed!

Oh, fellow bloggers. I am having my very first Cookie Exchange Party. I thought it would be a fun "after the holiday" get together party. Food, cookie decorating, drinking, etc. If anyone has had one, would love advice, input, feedback and all that jazz. I am currently looking for recipes and drinks.

As we are on the New Year trend ... I have a goal of SAVING. I have been pretty good about it and have definitely been spending a significantly increased amount of time at the gym. Win?! The negative? I HAVE to find some hobbies. Hobbies that aren't super expensive. I am pretty open to new things and not picky. I love photography and have a great camera. I took painting for awhile. So, thoughts, idea?? Send 'em at me!

The saving fun comes from the fun Eurotrip in 97 days. Is it lame that I have a countdown? I need motivation, ok? :) http://itsalmo.st/#eurotime

I am going with my bestie from college, Victoria. She is moving back to London (home). Tickets are purchased and itinerary is final! Check out where we are going. Any tips or tricks are welcome. 

#V&S

Happy New Year - Bring on 2015!

Looking at my blog, it is only appropriate that I give it a facelift this month. New year, new look! So, that will be coming soon.

I can't believe November AND December passed so fast. I will wrap them up quickly!

November weather was amazing. I think we left off with my mini reunion with my fave DC ladies. 

November slowly cooled down. Fall weather is my favorite weather. You break out the boots, the scarves, the hats. Ahhh. The pumpkin everything. :) I had an amazing Thanksgiving with some friends in NYC. 

December was BUSY to to the most accurate. Kicked it off with a visit to the ballet to see the Nutracker which was pretty beautiful.

Followed that up with a work/play trip to Portland, Oregon. First time there. I loved it. I mean, what is there to not like about wine, specifically red Pinot Noir wine. I mean, really. Try arguing with me. LOVE at first taste. I would go back a million times and always be happy. This girl loves some quality wine. So, yes, I enjoyed a few days pre work trip with two of the ladies I work with, enjoying all the food and wine Portland has to offer. Yum!

A day after I got home from Portland my dad came to visit the Big City! Talk about a quick turn around. In the past 10 or so year, I haven't really spent much 1-1 time with my dad, but I really appreciate the time with him. We did SO much. All the "true" tourist stuff and some pretty unique things too. I would like to think he really enjoyed himself and the time we had together. I know I reall cherished it.

My birthday came, big 29! I think I celebrate in my favorite way ever! We went to Queen of the Night at the Paramont Hotel. It is a dark debutante ball, an interactive immersion theater. Check out Youtube for videos.  We got all dressed up - see below and went ALL out. I love it and would hands down pay the price to do it again.

Then we moved on to Christmas. Sam and I celebrated in true NYC fashion at a day spa aka bath house (a fancy one - get your mind out of the gutter)! It was nice, relaxing and everything we wanted. We did a super low key dinner and movie day with the cats.

New Year Eve fell in line the same way. We have done the fancy parties and dinners and well, we just didn't want to do that this year. Crazy, right? Nah, we just wanted simple.

I don't really (or have chosen not to) set resolutions. I always, sadly, break them. I already started working out WAY more. Sam checks in on me, which is a great motivation. Other than that I am VERY strictly budgeting myself. No more Starbucks (wipes tears). I bought myself a coffee machine for work. No more weekly mani/pedi. Sad, but so very true. I am breaking habits that can easily be broken. I am doing this for good reason ...

I booked my first international trip to Europe! One of my nearest and dearest BFFFF from school is moving back home to London. :( So, I am going back with her and taking just shy of 3 weeks off work to travel with her. Tentative schedule is London - Brussels - Bruge - Amsterdam - Germany - Italy or Switzerland (still deciding) and France. Wow, wow, wow. I never thought this would happen. As soon as the flight was booked I couldn't stop thinking about it. The planning hasn't stopped, the research, the everything. I know, to some people this may not be a big deal. Growing up my parents BARELY traveled out of state (once, maybe twice) so to travel out of the country was an unknown. :) Any advice is welcome!