If you really new me . . .

sister love

You would know:

I walk on my tippy toes... 

a trait I inherited from my dad.

The only thing that makes my little green monster 
come out is hearing of other peoples travels.

I hate shopping.

I love airports.

If I could only have one talent 

I would choose dancing.

Although I am quiet and often awkward in social 

situations I am secretly a complete attention-whore.

I truly do not care if I am liked or not. I like myself. 

My family likes me. My husband loves me. 

And that is all that matters.

When it comes to music I can take it or leave it. 

Sometimes I go weeks without listening to any.

I underestimate my talents.

I do not wear my hair up because I am self conscious 

about my ears. I was teased in elementary 

school about them constantly.

Doing any type of volunteer work for people less 

fortunate does not make me feel good. It makes me 

feel incredible guilty for the things I have.

I am not the type of person that thinks 

"that can never happen to me"

I can't talk about me feelings without crying. 

I don't like to be touched.

I once swallowed 20 live goldfish for a dare.

Which brings me to my next point. I really want to go on

 Fear Factor, or the Amazing Race... 

or any other reality TV show 

(there is that attention-whore talking)

I could eat Taco Bell everyday.

Puppies. Enough said.

I rock out to Britney Spears and Spice Girls

 probably more then I should admit.

And I will leave you with this . . .

I can't touch the lint 

in the dryer.

Special Monday

That moment when you see someone that looks just like you, and they see you too, and you know you are both thinking the exact same thing and you just sit there staring at one another and then you suddenly start to feel really uncomfortable and you both walk away really fast.

It's Sunday! Let's get Social!

What up! It's Sunday, which means I'm linking up with Neely and Ashley!

Here are this week's Q's:

1. What is your dream job?
You know, I am incredibly lucky because I am living my dream job. I manage the design department for an up and coming handbag company. I design, I produce fashion shows, plan photo shoots but the best part are the people I work with and working for a company that truly cares.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd still keep the job I have now- it's that good. But I would take time to travel more and I would get more involved with humanitarian efforts in third world countries.

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don't know if I even want to admit this but when I was in elementary school- I wanted to be a model, just because I wanted to be pretty. Sad.

4. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Network. A lot of time it's about who you know and not what you know. Also, school does not prepare you for real life- don't let this throw you off.

5. Biggest pet peeves either in life, blogging, or at work?
Life-  slow drivers and racism
Blogging- blogger "rules"
Work- politics

6. Biggest fears?
Not living my life to the fullest.

Thanks again Neely and Ashley!

Gloating

Dress: sheinside.com or Zara; Shoes: Zara; Bracelet: Express; Bag: Miche

I need to gloat about this dress. This dress that I covet. My $89 Zara dress that I found on a Hong Kong based website for only $30- but I won't bore you with that story again you can read about all that over here if you want to.

$30 dollars people! $30!!!

I don't know about you but I have been feeling quite restless lately. I know I just came back from a three week trip to Spain and I should feel lucky and grateful for the opportunity since I know not everyone is that fortunate but I am dying to get out of here again.  Spain did not cure or even gently relieve the travel bug that is growing inside of me.

But this time I need third world. That is more my style. I'll do Europe when I am old. But for now I need adventure and dirt.  If going to the restroom consists of a hole in the ground then sign me up!  And that is not a joke!

Husband was teasing me with the prospect of doing some humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic next spring and now my hopes are up. Fingers crossed!

Back from Nashville

Skirt: Ebay; Shoes: Charlotte Russe; Belt: Zara; Top: F21; Jewelry: Icing

It's official. No matter how many Honk Tonks my co-workers dragged me out to- there is just no country in this girl. Sorry Nashville.

Country fashion however- I can get into.

The last week has definitely been a world wind of hard work and lots of fun. But more to come on all that later- I have a puppy to go cuddle...

happy to be home.

A letter to my neighbors.

Hi there.

First off, let me just say that I am happy that you have a sex life. Good for you. But really, you need to be more considerate, considering you do live in an apartment. I’ve been very patient with your activities since you have moved in, but lately it has become too much. 

I need my sleep and frankly being woken up by what sounds like a screaming banshee and construction work going on at midnight or 3 am like it was the other night- well- it is just not cool.

Having nightmares that your bed is going to crash through the ceiling and crush me is also not cool.

I’d really appreciate it if you would it keep it down after 10 pm.

Thanks!

Your sleep deprived and disturbed neighbors.

Children

My nephew and I.

Neely from a Complete Waste of Makeup wrote a post today titled "Selfish" and proudly declared she doesn't want to have kids.

There was a time in my life I would have completely echoed her sentiments on this topic. There was even I time where I didn't believe in marriage and love- that is until one day that little thing called love punched me right in the face and no matter how much I denied it- it was there- and once genuine love takes place that whole "why do people even get married" thing started to make a lot more sense.

I've gone back and forth on my feelings of having children. I, like Neely and many other woman, are selfish. I need my "me" time and I don't want to share my husbands time and I can be stingy has hell when it comes to money. The hubs and I have been together 10 years now and we are use to our schedules, use to our lifestyle- a lifestyle we enjoy and we know that the introduction of kids would most definitely change that.

But it came down to this: I don't ever want to regret not having children. It's not a risk I am willing to take. It's a too big of a thing to have regrets on. I know this may not be the best reason for deciding to have children but I have never heard anyone say they regret their kids but I have heard of those that regret their decisions not to have them.

I often joke that I want to experience the being pregnant part and even the birthing part (I blame this on The Business of Being Born Documentary- it changed my whole view on giving birth) but after birth I wish I could then give them to someone else to raise until they are grown since I love the adult relationship I have with my siblings and mom. I love getting together for family dinners and planning a girls movie night out to drool over the Magic Mike boys. I can't wait to have that one day.

When I shared the above thought with my mom recently she made a great point- she said yeah but it was all the hard growing up and raising you stuff that has created the memories and bond that we have now... the challenges in life, the selflessness, the sacrifices, the heartache, stress, and worry makes everything about our family that much more sweeter and made us have the bond that we have today.

I'll be 28 this year and I am in no hurry to start busting out any babies anytime soon but what I do know is that having children and being a mom is not only an experience but also a challenge that I'd be lucky to have- one day.  

Special Monday

This Monday I bring you an awkward public bathroom moment.

To preface the story, let's just say it was that time of the month for me.  I had gone to the restroom at work to uh.. you know change out my tampon and as I had just finished you know umm.. (okay now I am making this awkward all over again) I had just put the new tampon in and as I was taking out the applicator, it drops to the ground and rolls under to the occupied stall next to me.

Please just kill me now. 

Sunday Social: Handbags

Here we are again! Another one of Neely's Sunday Social's and the topic is handbags . . .

Favorite handbag you've ever owned?

Yikes- I should probably say the brand that I design for- which is truly the last handbag a woman will ever need. Hello, interchangeable and stylish.

But.

If I am being completely real with you, it’s my beloved Prada bag that the hubs brought back for me from Italy. I’d show you a picture… but it’s trashed with over-use (pre-MICHE days of course) and that is just embarrassing.

Dream handbag you lust over?

Damn. I should probably say MICHE. But again if I am being honest it has to be the Proenza Schouler PS1 large tote in white.

via

Perfection.

Daily essentials in your purse or work bag?

Is it weird that I don’t know how to answer this? I have a million things in my bag but the only essential thing in there for me is probably my wallet . . .

What's in your purse?

 1. Day Planner

2. Hip Bag- for when I don't want to haul around my whole purse

3. Make-Up Bag (who knows what's in there)

4. Pouch with ballerina flats folded inside

5. Camera

6. Tripod

7. Sports bra (this is not an everyday item. I only made it to 9am this morning with it on before I had to let the ladies loose)

8. rubber bands for my braces

9. & 10. Lotions

11. & 12. Lip Gloss

13. Mace (you never know)

14. Hair Pick

15. Pain Reliever

16. Wallet

17. Sunglass Case

18. Reading Glasses Case

19. Hair Tie

20. Nail Polish

21. Nail File

22. Clippers

23. Tweezers

24. Cocktail Ring

25. Protein Bar

26. Ear Phones

27. Keys (missing from photo)

* Lap Top/Power Cord/and iPhone are usually in the handbag too.

Thanks Neely for another awesome link-up!

In LOVE

Shoes: Charlotte Russe; Pants: Zara; Shirt: sheinside.com

I heart this shirt so freaking much, it is ridiculous. A friend pinned it on Pinterest, I repined it. Followed the link to a Hong Kong based website and purchased it up in a heartbeat!

Okay well maybe not in a heartbeat but I did add to it my shopping cart quicker then you can say... well I don't know quicker then what but you get the idea. After the shirt was safely in my cart I browsed the site to see what else they had. I was in the market for a something fun to wear to my work conference.

That is when I spotted the dress I have been coveting from Zara! The dress that will look so ah-mazing with my new Zara shoes! And it was almost $60 cheaper! Say what?!?! Meant to be right? Or too good to be true? I've fallen for that scenario before.

I noticed that the pictures were the exact pictures from the Zara website, I then noticed that all the pictures for all the clothing on this site were from other clothing companies. The whole too good to be true thing was looking to be more of a possibility.

I quickly did a search of the website. Read reviews from others that have used it, checked all the scammer sites and in the end I decided to give it a shot. You pay through Paypal which made me feel a bit more assured.

And at the end of the day I decided I would either be out a little bit of money or I would have my dress for a fraction of the cost and a fun unique shirt! Worth the gamble for me.

And the gamble paid off- two weeks later I received my purchases and was more then happy! And did I mention- shipping was free?

Double bonus.

A crazy week ahead

;

Shoes: Macy's; Pants: F21; Top: F21; Bag: Miche

Right now, as you are reading this, I am  on a plane to Nashville. Where I get to spend a week with about 1,500 Miche enthusiasts! I can't wait for all the hard work, passionate people, and tons of fun!

The amount of work that goes into pulling off one of these events is insane. One of my biggest responsibilities each year at work is to make sure our Fashion Show and our Design Studio are a huge hit. No pressure, right?

This year has been a little more crazy then usual. Where as we usually only do these events once a year, this year we are doing it twice, you can check out the one from February here. This is also the first year that we are taking our event on the road!

So Nashville here I come!

Social Sunday Link- Up (even though it's not Sunday)

Who loves a good link up? I know I sure do! I tried to participate in Neely's link up yesterday but was having technical difficulties and could never get blogger to work so therefore am linking up today.

I just couldn't bare missing out.

Here are this weeks q's:

1. Best trip I have ever been on?

Cusco, Peru. This was my first trip outside of the U.S (mexico doesn't count) and not only was it my first trip outside of the U.S. it was also my first solo trip. I spent a month venturing around Peru all by myself and it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.

More to come on this trip...

2. Best idea for a girl's weekend trip?

Okay, okay, I know by looking at the pictures below you are thinking, I would never go on trip with this girl but hang on just a second. This place is called Mystic Hot Springs and is only a 3 hour drive away- so it makes for an easy get-a-way.  I know it looks a little random, staying in an old bus, and bathing in giant tubs of natural hot springs which btw works wonders on the skin but you also have river rafting, biking, hiking, and fishing near by.  You with me?

Who doesn't want to take a ridiculous trip back into the 60's and 70's?

via

3. Best idea for a couple's trip?

Hands down. Road trip. I love a good road trip with my man. This commercial says it all.

4. Best vacation on the cheap?

This has to be a tie between Moab and Bear Lake. Both are just a few hours drive away from me. If I am feeling like I need some adventure I go for Moab. If I just need to get away and relax then it is a weekend on the lake.

5. Place you most want to visit?

Does everywhere count as an answer? If I have to pick one... then I will say Egypt. But really... it's everywhere.

via

6. Vacation necessities?

Camera.

via

Thanks Neely for hosting this link-up!

Special Monday

A couple of summers ago as I was driving down a busy street, I pulled the visor down to block the sun from my eyes and as I did a spider, yes a spider, fell from the visor and down my shirt and into my cleavage. 

This wasn't any little baby spider either. So Naturally, I freak. 

Somehow I manage to pull off to the side of the rode without killing anyone, jump out of my car and like a maniac I immediately begin to strip off all my clothing. 

Luckily this was a few summers ago, If It had been this summer I am sure I would have been the butt of  many "bath salt" jokes. 

As I sit there on the side of the road half naked, my hair a mess, and breathing like I had just ran a marathon, I look around at the audience I have acquired and I... curse my husband. 

The night before I had given him a lecture for parking the car in the garage with the sunroof open. I had specifically said that spiders could get in the car. But of course he thought I was just being a paranoid woman. 

Yep, paranoid. 

Work Stuff: Coastal Escape

Here is the Stylewatch video that we filmed on my little work trip to Santa Barbara.

Have a great weekend everybody!

What's this?

Shoes: Zara; Pants: H&M; Top: F21; Bag: Miche

An outfit post? So unexpected, I know.

I am  not sure how I feel about outfit posts anymore. I'm not saying I am not going to do them anymore- because who are we kidding- I like having pictures of my self and it does motivate me to make conscious decisions about what I am putting on my body- which husband says is a must in my industry.  I can't imagine many husbands telling their wives they need to shop more- but mine does.

However, I  do feel like a fool and a fake when I take my pictures. It's so awkward and I have become even more self-conscious. It's only fun when I find someone willing to take my pictures for me- someone to laugh and make fun of me and be silly with- and of course mock me for my self-centered act. Those pictures turn out the best anyways.  It will only be in those instances that I will post an outfit picture. For me to enjoy my blog it needs to be real to who I am and for me, real is not me and my self timer. The above picture will the last one of those.

My Travels

There was something special about going back and documenting my most memorable moments from my trip to Spain. It was like going back and having the opportunity to relive those moments all over again. Capturing these experiences in word is something that will never fade, it's something I can go back to every time I need a little get-away.

I'm not sure why this has been the only trip I have decided to relive through the art of writing, I've enjoyed sharing my stories so much that I want to go back and see what I can capture from all my past adventures as well as have a place to share all the new places that I have yet to see. 

Happy Travels.

Basque Country: Part I / Part II / Part III / Epilogue

San Sebastian

Catalonia: One to laugh about later

The Inflight Flight

Catalonia: There's a man in our room

Catalonia: via pictures

Madrid: The Beginning

Madrid: via pictures

Toledo

Segovia: The Carousel 

Segovia & Avila

Barcelona

Barcelona: A Day of Gaudi

 coming soon.

 coming soon.

 coming soon.

 coming soon.

coming soon.

Barcelona: A Day of Gaudi

via pictures.

Casa Batllo

Casa Mila

Sagrada Familia

Park Guell

Special Monday

My flight to Spain was a special one. Between the brownie incident and this, I was ready to jump, good thing we weren't sitting in an emergency exit row.

As the flight attendant was walking through the cabin doing her checks, I handed her my garbage and asked her if she could "delete" it.  Proof right there that I spend way to much time with on my electronics.

Barcelona

I have been thinking a lot about what I wanted to share about our Barcelona experience and the truth is I was just not a fan. It is overrun with tourists and finding good food felt impossible.

The highlight of our time in the city was the two-bedroom apartment we rented for the week (and the amazing shoes I found at Zara). We spent a lot of time in our cozy little apartment; lounging, watching awful 80’s Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris movies- since that was all that played on the English channels.  We did laundry, cooked our own meals, ordered pizza- well tried to order pizza. It took three tries but we finally did get pizza delivered. Husband was on a mission with that one. 

We simply kicked backed and lived in our quiet little apartment. We did stroll the streets, we did make it to the beach, we ate out, we shopped for gifts, and we saw all the Gaudi sites but it was the apartment that I liked most about Barcelona- oh and the amazing slightly melted Snickers bar that I picked up at the Metro. 

Segovia & Avila

via pictures.

Alcazar castle. Walt Disney's inspiration.

 

 

walled city of Avila.