The Little Things: All Wrapped Up

With 5 days left until Christmas I am proud to say that I am ready. All the gifts have been purchased and are wrapped, all the Christmas cards have been sent out, and all the candy has been made. Now its time to ENJOY this holiday season!

I am not sure how or when it started but I get a little crazy when it comes to wrapping my gifts. This definitely did not come from my Mom, but has been going on for a few years. All of my presents look exactly the same. Everything has to be wrapped in the same paper with the same bows. I just love how pretty it looks when everything is perfect.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Love,

Eddie, Ashley, Zion and Diego

The Little Things: Friday’s Five Things I Love This Week

1. Dinner Club and Jessica’s Birthday – Thank you Allie for hosting a wonderful Dinner Club this month. And Happy Belated Birthday Jessica! I always really enjoy dinner club and it was fun to celebrate as well.

2. Exercising – I am loving exercising these days. It is really nice to just think about exercising, not having to loose weight or try to really tone up. I just hope I don’t look like one of ‘those girls’ who is only at the gym to meet guys and walks slowly on the treadmill.

3. New Couch Covers – I ordered these in October and they finally came in. We spend a lot of time on our couches eating, drinking and hanging out with Diego. Because of this I have to cover my couches to keep them clean. I use to drape sheets, but those were embarrassing if someone dropped by. I will still take these off for parties, but I won’t be embarrassed any more. 

4. Fresh Hair – I always love my trips to Waves Salon to see Rosalie for fresh hair. There is nothing better than damaged roots and healthy ends. I was going to take a picture, but I just could not do it. It just reminded me of someone too much. (I hope this gets a giggle out of some of you.)

5. Trader Joes Tea Tree Skin Care Line – I recently changed over to this skin care line. So far I really like it and I love that it is all-natural. It took a little while to get past the smell and I hope it continues to not bother me. 

The Little Things: Getting Motivated

Yesterday I spent all day at the Get Motivated Seminar at Tingley Coliseum. It was very nice (especially this time of year) to be able to take a day off from everything, sit back, relax, and enjoy everything that was said. The more notable speakers were Laura Bush, Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw, Rudy Giuliani and my favorite Lou Holtz. I just think he is so cute with his lisp. I thought the best speaker was the second speaker of the day. Unfortunately I cannot remember his name, and they don’t have him listed anywhere, but he really touched me the most. The best part of the day was the fireworks that went off everytime a new speaker came to the stage. The worst part was my sore bottom after 8 hours of sitting on hard stadium seats. It was very enjoyable and I am really glad I went.

Wish he were my Grandpa.

The National Anthem with fire works!

The Little Things: Friday’s Five Things I Love This Week

 Happy Friday! I am really looking forward to this weekend. I don’t have too much on the agenda, which should give me plenty of time for shopping and baking.

1. Holiday Shopping – Most people hate shopping this time a year with the crowded stores and long lines. Crowds really don’t bother me as long as I am expecting them. I love the great deals you can find, and I love people watching (especially the crazy people.)

2. La Croix Flavored Water – I actually really love this water. I first tried it for a healthy option when I need something other than water, but now I want it all the time. The ‘Lime’ flavor is my favorite, and I can sometimes trick myself into thinking I am drinking a vodka tonic. The most surprising flavor is the coconut. It is not sweet at all, but very delicious.

3. The Today Show – There is nothing better than lazy WEEKDAY mornings on the couch with my coffee and the Today Show. I love getting caught up on the news and all the newest trends. It’s a great way to start your morning.

4. Elf on the Shelf – I love this idea, and can’t wait to use it on my kids one day. Audrey and Landon have an Elf living with them named Jack. When you tell Audrey that you want to tell Jack how naughty she has been she simply replies “You don’t have to tell him, he already knows.” So innocent and so funny! Check out this link for some cute photos of Elf on the Shelf. http://www.lilblueboo.com/2011/12/18-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-an-elf-sized-photo-shoot.html

5. Spicy Food – It must be the cold temperatures but I cannot get enough spicy food these days. If it is savory, it must be spicy. I am always adding green chile, crushed red pepper, Tapatio, or Sriracha to everything!

The Little Things: A New Restaurant

Last night we all braved the frigid temperatures to celebrate Katelyn’s Birthday. She chose a new restaurant named Gregorio’s. It is located at Montgomery and Wyoming. Set back a little on the south east corner. It is in the original Range Café location, and is actually owned by the same people who own The Range as well as Standard Diner. The atmosphere is inviting and the prices are quite reasonable, also it was very family friendly. The appetizers and desserts were all very delicious, but most of us were let down by the main course. Unanimously we decided it was the marinara sauce we did not like. Have you been, what did you think?

Stay warm today. It should get up to freezing by the end of the week!

 

The Little Things: The Nutcracker

Happy Birthday to my big Sister Katelyn. I love you.

On Sunday I got to enjoy The Nutcracker Ballet with the ladies. Katelyn, Patty, Audrey and I first enjoyed lunch at Yanni’s and then wonderful seats at Popejoy. The ballet was beautiful as always and we were smart to leave the boys at home. I was also very happy to see that the majority of people dressed up. Good job Albuquerque.

The Little Things: Friday’s 5 things I love this week

Yay for Fridays!

1. Other Blogs – So my favorite thing to do while I eat my lunch these days is read blogs. I have a few friends who have blogs and update them frequently. It is so nice to know what is going on with everyone. There are also many other popular blogs that I love too. A new favorite is Sugar and Charm (www.sugarandcharmblog.com.) 

2. Christmas Music – Tis the season for Christmas music. I just love it. I usually respect the bird and wait until the day after Thanksgiving to start playing my CD’s. I just got the  Michael Buble Christmas. I love him, so how could I not love his Christmas CD.

3. DIY Craft Days – It has kinda become a tradition to get together with my sister and Patty in December and be crafty. We usually make a few presents to give to people and it is really fun. Hopefully this year’s idea works out!

4. ‘Angels’ by Marian Keyes – I just finished this book and loved it. Its an older one of hers, but still really good. Her books always take me a little bit to get into and they are usually long, but when I am done reading them, I am so happy I did. This one did not disappoint.

5. A Chance of snow – I am so excited that it’s probably going to snow. It was suppose to start at 4pm, but now it’s looking like 7pm. I really hope we get a few inches tonight, especially since tomorrow is Saturday and I don’t have to be anywhere to early tomorrow. If it’s going to be this cold, I want snow!

The Little Things: Back to Reality

Zion left last night after a wonderful weekend. All of us are already counting down the days until he is back, 19 in case you were wondering.

Here is a recap from our extended weekend.

Thanksgiving morning started with some football, both on TV and at the park. 

We did go to the Village of Alameda to volunteer, but it was a huge bust. The lady who I set it up with had left early and know one else was aware we were coming. It was awkward to say the least. So we quickly headed out and over to Cracker Barrel for dinner. The food was delicious and the clean up was a breeze! 

Later that night Zion, yes Zion had a strong desire to go Black Friday shopping. There was not anything that he really wanted, he just wanted to experience it. (I kinda did too!) It was quite the experience and we got some good deals on DVD’s.

Friday had us decorating for Christmas, and some more relaxing.

On Friday night, I got to enjoy some much needed Omni time. It was so fun to get together and to catch up. We started out at Apothecary, and ended up at Monte Vista where the drinks were much cheaper and we could reminiscence our college days.

Rosemary, Samantha and Jamie

Sidnee, Ashley, Jessica and Allie

The rest of the weekend was filled with Football, multiple games of Sorry (Its one of the few Eddie and I can stand,) a trip to the Natural History Museum for a showing of Tornado Alley, making homemade goodies, Puss in Boots, family photos, and lots of quality time. 

All of my boys (including Diego) making me pizza!

The labels (all different) that Zion made for Eddie's Beer.

The Little Things: friday’s 5 things i love this week

1. Freezer Organization – I just love this and wish my freezer looked like this. It will soon, I just need the energy to do it.

2. Eddie’s Homemade Pizza – In our house I do almost all of the cooking, except I leave the pizza to Eddie. Not only is it nice to have a night off, but he really is better at making it than I am. We buy our dough from Dion’s and the rest is all Eddie.

3. Earl Grey Tea with French Vanilla Creamer – Hot tea is one of my favorite things about cold weather, and especially this tea. The vanilla enhances the flavor so much. 

4. Three Day Work Weeks – I enjoyed this this week, and will enjoy it again next week. Someone has to stay home with Zion, it’s a tough job, let me tell you.

5. Having Zion here and being together as a family – I really do love one more person in our house. It can be exhausting but I love the way we fit together, all of us.

The Little Things: Happy Thanksgiving

I am really looking forward to this Thanksgiving. I am hoping it is fun, relaxing and drama free. It will just be Eddie, Zion and I this year. My parents are staying in the Bahamas and Katelyn and her family are in Austin celebrating with Brian’s Family.

Audrey got her ears pierced yesterday. Congrats Audrey!

Tomorrow we are going to Cracker Barrel for dinner. I am not going to lie, I was a little intimidated by the bird and I did not want to waste precious time with Zion by cooking in the kitchen all day. To give back to the community we will be going to a retirement community and visiting with some elderly. They are letting us bring Diego, so that will help break the ice. I am really looking forward to this volunteer opportunity especially because it does not involve nasty food. I hope everything goes well.

I am so thankful for everything that God has blessed me with. I have the most amazing husband, family and friends. I am also thankful for a wonderful career and that I have a place to work, especially one I enjoy. I am thankful for a roof over my head and more than enough food on my table. I am thankful for the resources I have to live a fabulous life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Little Things: Zion is Coming in 2 days!

Maybe someday Zion will come to live with us, but until then I will continue to get excited for his trips here. He arrives on Wednesday night, and will stay until the following Tuesday night. I really love when Zion is here and our family is together.

I spent a lot of time this weekend ‘Zionizing’ the guest bedroom and bathroom. That means I put away everything girly and replaced it with boy blues and plaids. I even hung up a few posters. I also stocked the shower with ‘Men’ shampoo and body wash and placed some Axe cologne spray on the counter. I know he is only here for about a week, but anything I can do to help him feel at home can’t hurt. He probably does not even know or realize I do this, but I know someday he will, and I know he will be thankful.

Here’s to a three day work week! Enjoy it!

Last Year's Family Pic!

The Little Things: friday’s 5 things i love this week

T.G.I.F – I seem to be working for the weekend these days, so I am really, really looking forward to these next couple of days.

1. Moroccan Oil – I love this for my hair! The smell is so yummy and it actually soaks into your hair as opposed to coating it like so many serums do. It’s a little pricey but lasts for a long time and is so worth it.

Paradise Bakery and Café - I love this place. I was upset when this opened in Cornado instead of Panera like the rumor was, UNTIL I heard Panera owned it. It is even exactly the same menu and just as delicious. I am thinking I will go tomorrow for breakfast. 

Gel Nails – These are amazing, and even more, now that I can do them at home. They look like a regular manicure but last for two weeks. 

My Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (with extra veggies of course) – So Simple, So Satisfying!

Freshly Groomed Diego – Yesterday Diego spent the morning at the Spa getting his hair and nails done. I don’t think he liked it as much as I would have. He always looks wonderful when he comes home and Arfin Annie’s is the best.

 

The Little Things: the one that started it all

Its Back! I am so happy that Trader Joes has its Vintage Ale! They only have it around this time of the year and it is in limited supply. I have already scooped up a few. 

So Yummy!

Earlier this year Eddie and I were at a Super Bowl Party at Chris’s house where he shared his Vintage Ale with us.  With it being a Dark Beer we were skeptical, but quickly sold. It is amazing. It is so smooth and has the best flavor. The next day I went to Trader Joes and bought a few, and did so on every additional trip. That is, until they were gone.

After really enjoying this dark beer, Eddie and I started trying out different breweries and different beers. We both immediately fell in love with it and realized it was something we both really enjoyed it. So much that we went to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, and Eddie is now a Brewmeister.

The Little Things: Amazing Weekends

Eddie and I had an amazing weekend! It started with a date night on Friday night. We had Chinese for dinner and then went and saw Jack and Jill. We really needed a date night with good food and a funny movie.

On Saturday Eddie finally cracked open his first beer that he brewed himself. It is an Imperial Nut Brown and it is delicious!

Saturday night we had a sleep over with Audrey. It started off a little rough but we drove to Jesse and Carmella’s for the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight. It was nice to see them, and Audrey and Marisa had a blast. On Sunday morning Audrey and I made chocolate chip pancakes before Katelyn picked her up.

The rest of Sunday was spent being super lazy, a little cleaning and a few naps.

It was such an amazing weekend, and the only thing that would have made it better would have been the Jets not losing to the Patriots.

The Little Things: friday’s 5 things i love this week

I am so happy today is Friday! I am suppose to be having a sleep over with Audrey this weekend. Hopefully she will not be naughty so she can come over.

1. Life – last Friday my best friend lost her cousin who was not even 30. It really makes you cherish every day that you have. I am so grateful for everything in my life right now.

2. Lakeside.com – It is a great website, a little random. It has everything from home and Christmas décor to toys. I have not bought anything yet, but plan to purchase a few gifts soon.

3. Adele – love her! Need I say more.

4. Vanilla Rooiboos Tea – It is Tazo brand and you can buy it at Starbucks. You can either buy a drink or a tin full of tea bags. I love it with a little cream and sugar. It is caffeine free so it makes it even better.

5. Electric Blankets – I don’t get to use mine often as Eddie produces enough heat, but with him out of town this week, of course I pulled it out. I love being toasty warm; Diego does too. 

The Little Things: Diego in Guard Dog Mode

Eddie was sent to Hatch, New Mexico for a few days for on the job training leaving Diego and I home alone. Every time Eddie is gone, even if it’s a late night out, Diego goes into Dog Guard Mode. He barks at everything and anything from the heater turning on to the wind blowing outside, and he does so ALL NIGHT LONG. While it is very annoying I like to encourage this behavior, as I know he is trying to protect me. He may be small, but I really do feel safer with him. Also he is a great companion so I am not lonely.

Chillin for a bit!

 

The Little Things: Friday’s 5 things I love this week

Happy Friday Everyone! I will be having a very busy weekend, but hopefully I will get to relax a little on Sunday.

1.     Pi Beta Phi – I volunteer my time to be on the Alumnae Advisory Committee for Pi Beta Phi. As with most volunteer positions it is a labor of love. This weekend in Initiation. While I will be spending a lot of time at the house this weekend and working very hard, it is a great reminder on what I am. I am a Pi Phi for life. I am so grateful for the relationships I have and continue to make through Pi Phi. I especially love my Omni’s and my Little Sister Christy!

2.     Pumpkin Coffee Creamer – I am usually just a half & half person, but this time of the year I love anything pumpkin, and my coffee is no exception.

3.     Lady Antebellum – I recently bought their new Album “Own the Night” and it is amazing. I can’t stop listening to it especially the song, ‘Singing me Home’

4.     Sweater Shaver – My dad had one of these growing up and I thought it was so dorky. However I recently had the need to purchase one of my own, and I am now asking myself why I waited so long. A great $8 purchase, just be careful with thin sweaters, I already ruined one of mine. 

5.     Thanksgiving and Christmas Centerpieces – I have been feeling crafty lately, but have not had much luck. I recently saw this idea for Holiday centerpieces. How hard can these be, right? Plus you can buy the basics and use them for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.