Christmas

I really like the holidays and have dedicated that past week to all things Christmas and cheerful (NO Grinches allowed). For the past seven days I've been gazing at beautiful trees, eating too many treats, and celebrating some awesome traditions! 

These cupcakes are from Crumbs in Glendale, CA and if your ever around these parts this place is a must. Forget everything you've heard about Sprinkles and other cupcake shacks because there is no competition in taste or design. They have everything from standard favors to cupcakes that taste like cosmopolitans and pumpkin spice lattes. 

Before you ask the boot was 4 or 5 bucks at Target, go get it! My boot was quite the hit at the ugly sweater party one of my Co-workers hosted. Nothing is better than a good themed party where everyone really goes all out on their attire. I especially loved the sweater above with the Santa beard. The girl made it herself by sewing on a costume beard she found at a Party City. 

Of all the fun/season/Santa friendly things I did in the past week nothing could top going to Huntington Harbor for the boat parades. Matt and I got invited to view the parade from a friend's waterfront home and as you can see the view didn't disappoint. Every year residents of the harbor elaborately decorate their boats, yachts, and even paddle boats in hopes of beating out one another for the gold. We were beyond impressed and super disappointed that I only had my iPhone to document this great event. I kept joking with Matt that one day when we are old and rich we'll live here and smoke everyone year after year:)

This one was my absolute favorite!

 Mama and Baby reindeer!

Open For Business!

Happy HUMP day my friends! I have a little something to get you through your midweek blues and keep you entertained while your suppose to working and studying for finals:) 

Without further adieu I bring you my Esty shop, Vera and Jane (CLICK IT)!! I've been collecting vintage pieces since my grandmother gave me one of her mother's suitcases in the 5th grade. I named my shop after my grandmother, Vera and great grandmother Jane (who I got my middle name from). They are my style icons and biggest inspirations! They are the kind of women who never leave the house without shoes that matched their handbags and red lipstick.

(The suitcase that started it all)

Today I'm launching 15 pieces in hopes that you'll love my treasures as much as I do! I plan to release another 10 items next week and hope I'll be able to continue at that pace. Please check it out and become one of my admirers!

Thanks for being apart of this little dream of mine!

Instagram Fun and Exciting NEWS!

Speedy Updates on My Life:) I'm suppose to be studying for finals! ekkk!

Current cat daughter Cali/ New cat son coming this Saturday! 

Since Matt and I are scared of children we thought this was the best way to expand our little family! He is a Russian Blue and we have yet to come to an agreement on his name:)

Nerd Penguins/ Drunk Santas

I'm so excited for all things CHRISTMAS! Where's my holiday playlist?

Here are some of the decorative pieces I've picked up so far this season. If you top guys they are currently being sold at Target for $6!

Disneyland/ Best party set up ever!

That's just us hanging out with The Hulk at Disneyland! I'm hoping Santa...cough cough....Matt will bring me a Disneyland pass for Christmas:) The bottom picture is from one of the best themed parties we've ever went to. Our friend's wife had chocolate wine and spiked hot chocolate to go with all these great treats!

My Peeps/ Awesome Cyper Monday find!

My friends and I at one of my favorite restaurants the day after Thanksgiving. It feels so good to have go many great friends in my life! I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving and made many memories!

My grandest update is that I will be opening Etsy Shop week! This is something I've been considering for a long time and can't believe it's actually happening! I have lots of great collectables and vintage pieces that will be on sale just in time for Christmas!

Keep checking in for more DEETS!

Change

I have spent too many years making my friends, family, and school second if not fourth to work. With all honestly it is the nature of the beast and my generation is growing up in a time where it is completely  normal to hold multiple jobs,  covet the latest and greatest material things, take out hefty school loans, and see "debt" as the dead beat friend you allow to devour all your food, live in your wallet and occupy your mind at all times. With all the things going on in my life I've realized that above making money I just simply want to be is a good wife, friend, and daughter. I want to have the time to hear my grandparent's stories, to laugh with my parent's, to make dinner for Matt, and to one day have a child that wasn't raised in the care of another woman.  I want to clear out the clutter in my current lifestyle and make room for a happier and more fulfilling one. I no longer want to feel like I'm racing through my days just to make a buck.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for this realization and the actions I've already taken to change. I'm thankful for the desire to attend mass and the excitement I have to just be with the people I love.

This Monday marked the first day of my new pace of life and I spent it unpacking my mom's wedding dress and reliving her special day. I think I'm off to a beautiful start.

Friday Letters

Dear Breaking Dawn, Hater gonna hate but I love you, always have and always will. Are you really over? Because my friends and I who've attended every one of your midnight premieres wouldn't mind another movie. Just promise me you'll think about it? Team Edward for life.

Dear Homeowners Associate, Matt and I don't exactly hold the best/any record of attendance at your meetings but with your recent transgressions against style and good taste, I'm forced to emerge from the shadows and begin flexing my Unit 4 power!  I appreciate our freshly painted community but would have certainly campaigned against the person(s) who chose a color palette inspired by Gerber baby food. Shame on you! Martha Stewart would have your head!

Dear Taco Bell and Wine, You're the Two Musketeers and the two best friends anyone can have! Thanks for keeping me sane when I ran out of gas this morning after attempting to fill up at three stations where I was met by closed doors, caution tape and out of order signs. Today was my day off and so far it has been spent in all the wrong places.  

Dear Matt, What are you doing in 168 days? I'm thinking it would be cool if I wore a pretty white dress and kissed you in front of 250 people. Oh and then maybe we'd could dance and have some cake? Let me know if your free. XOXO.

Dear Blog, In the next week we'll start hanging out on a regular basis again. Pinky Promise!

I'm ALIVE!

I'm back from my temporary death! I came down with something 2 week ago worthy of the stomach flu record books. It sadly ruined my Halloween and took me away from having any blog fun with you fine people! Now that I'm in tip top shape I'm right back to what I do best, SHOPPING! Can you blame a girl?

I present you with my $37 dollar outfit

(Sweater-$6, Tights-$9, Necklace- Thrifted $2.50, Bracelets- Thrifted @ quarter each, Clutch- Thrifted $3 Boots-super old thrift $16).

I recently came across the most amazing non-profit thrift store that supports children and adults with mental disorders. I found it online and was a little apprehensive about going since it is located in one of those areas where you triple click the lock button on your car alarm and pray no one will rob you. After shopping like a mad woman (nearly everything from the above outfit is from here) I spent a good 20 minutes talking with some of the program leaders and learned that the store is run completely by volunteers and they receive strong financial support and product donations from Los Angeles' elite.  They receive so many donations that they close the store every 2 months and bring out stored donations in their proper seasons. I was invited to return on November 19th to their Christmas open house party. I was excited to meet such passionate people and find a place where I can possibly donate my time, my old goods, and spend my money on a good cause,

You Spin Me Right Round!

My life is a broken record spinning over and over - eat, sleep, work and school on the turn table of eternity. Since my fate is sealed till Christmas break, I will continue the speedy revolutions and do my best to rise in the morning. Whenever I feel like things are getting too heavy, I have to kick my friend Nancy and all her negativity to curb. This normally involves pitchers of black coffee, crushed monster cans rolling around my car, and the man taking me out.

I'm so thankful for my industrial Sam's Club sized fan of a man piece (actually read the above quote). If it wasn't for our Groupon date and 99 cent store shopping spree I would have spent the evening with a freezer burned meal in my sweats.

We went to a finger licking good hot stand, do you see that grub above? Besides the bun and dog mine was topped with lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, roasted garlic aioli and avocado. Matt's, The O.G. Thai Slaw Dog included chicken sausage, peanut-coconut satay dressing, cilantro-carrot slaw, peanuts, and sesame aioli. Gosh that meal made me happy.

Afterwards we walked across the strip mall and into the 99 cent store for some corny Halloween decorations. Have you ever traveled up on down the aisles at one of these stores grabbing all things silly and fun because everything is ONLY a dollar and then end up wasting 30 dollars? Waste or not, we are proud owners of a skull oven mitt, cat naps calendar, hot pink hangers, and dry bricks of noodles.

I don't know what your Monday was like but mine was worth every dollar (or every ninety-nine cents, if you will).

Target $$$$

(Top- Matt's, Skirt- $11 Target, and Wedges-Tom's)

I rolled into Target yesterday to pick up some essentials and hopefully stumble upon an isle end clearance treasure or two. I've prohibited myself from wandering to women's clothing because their ticket prices have become a little too rich for my blood. I understand Target's new marketing plan and that over the past so many years they've worked to elevate themselves... I get it, but I'm a baller who likes to budget. Also, something doesn't well with me about dropping $50 on a piece at the same place I buy my low priced toilet paper, toothpaste, and microwaveable popcorn.  Anyways, this ombre skirt caught my eye and I was terrified to check the price and to be informed that I'd have to choose between it or brushing my teeth. GOOD NEWS it was an internet return (didn't know that option existed) and was only 11 bucks! I had a dinner date with some of my finest ladies and couldn't find a top to wear with my skirt so being pressed for time I improvised and tied up one of Matt's. I felt cute so therefore I'm considering my efforts cute.

Lastly, I battled an hour and half in traffic to eat what seemed like 5 pounds deep dish pizza with these beautiful people. All night I constantly found myself gasping for air and wiping away tears between laughing. We are always that group who is a little too loud and a little too happy!

October

I really and I mean really like Halloween. I actually just plainly enjoy all holidays. I believe all things in life should be celebrated to the fullest and with that said the little free time I have between working full-time and attending school full-time has been spent snatching up goodies at Michael's and the grocery store. I swear Michael's is more dangerous and lethal than the mall on pay day and chugging energy drinks. I get the jitters just thinking about that place. How is it that I can easily exchange multiple 20 dollar bills for glitter pumpkins, candle holders, glue sticks, elaborate stickers, candle holders, $1.00 note pads...need I say more? Own up my friends, you know you've been there.

Some fun things I picked up and placed around the condo.

Rocking Halloween from my purse to my booze! Matt and I got together with some friends on Saturday and had a Halloween themed party complete with pumpkin cake, pumpkin beer, pumpkin carving and pumpkin tortilla chips! We had the best night and laughed uncontrollably the whole time!

Oh and these are just fun. 

We love our friends pups!

I wish I could come around blog land more often but for now this is all I got with the little time I have.

Palm Springs

Welcome to The Saguaro, Palm Spring, CA

Matt and I spent the weekend at an amazing hotel with a ultra chic 70's vibe. Upon arriving one can expect to see the rooms and grounds covered with vibrant colors, period furniture, black and white art/photos, and guests sipping on fresh fruit cocktails. This boutique style hotel is definitely a playground for the young and trendy.

How cute do we look? I'm rocking a new lace dress from H&M and Matt is wearing one of many sharp coats he inherited from his father. I love that my man enjoys dressing up and dinning out as much as I do. Matt insisted on picking the location and he did not disappoint. We dinned at a mainly outdoor restaurant which was once the former ranch of the old Hollywood actor, Cary Grant. The courtyard we dined in was utterly romantic and the meal was unforgettable. We both agree a million times over that we've never had a finer glass of wine or plate of food. We spent a good two hours tracing through the highlights of our relationship and laughing about our beginnings. We both have demanding schedules but we keep our relationship strong by celebrating the time we have alone to truly date each other.

Thanks for a great weekend babe!

Friday Letters

Dear Old Wedding Dress, I’m sorry I mislead you to believe our trip in the car was to begin the necessary cutting and snipping. You were my first love but not the love of my life. It’s not you, it’s me. I promise you’ll make another girl very happy someday. I’m breaking up with you.
Dear New Wedding Dress, Don’t mind the above false sorrows, my heart mended the day I met you. I can’t believe your mine foreeeeeverrrrrrr….like in the movie Sandlot when the Squints says “Forrrrrrrevvvvvver, forrrrrrrreverrrr” in slow motion and all dramatically. 

Dear Palm Springs, I can’t wait to party and sweat in your heat. NOT. Can we please work something out? I’d like to enjoy my spontaneous vacation with my main squeeze.

Dear Fiancé, Thanks for keeping my head above water during this past week. I feel that with you standing by my side there is nothing too bonkers or stressful that I can’t overcome. I’m currently singing a certain song in my head and thinking of you, “So darlin’, darlin’ stand by me, oh stand, stand by me (and I’ll always stand by you) Oh stand, stand by me.”

Dear Sewing Teacher, Thanks for requiring us to bring a mini fortune worth of supplies to class and then having us make something to put them in during a single period. I think I handled it pretty well, especially since I was one of two students who turn in a finished piece.

Closed

Open

Nailed it!

Dear  New Followers, I love you and can’t wait to get to know you! Have a great weekend!

Break Time!

I was studying and writing a paper until I realized I had a blog worthy top and necklace on. It seemed like a good enough reason/excuse for me to take a break. I take frequent loooooooong breaks. In the last hour I booked a hotel room in Palm Springs for the weekend (Mini Vaca HOLLA), played with my cat, ate a few Gobstoppers, and began writing to you fine people:)

Back to my cute upper half...I picked up my shirt and necklace at a sample sale in Downtown LA for 5 bucks each! I'm super obsessed with jewelry right now and couldn't be more pleased with my find. I have so many old and ready to part with "finds" that I've been thinking of opening up an Esty shop to liquidize some of my jewelry and vintage collection. I hunting for treasure at thrift stores, sample sales, and fleas markets so much that if it goes well I might start shopping for vintage and trendy pieces to sell on the regular.

It is 10:30pm and time for me to get back on the grind, adios amigos!

Matt and Cali not looking to pleased about helping me with my homework!

Wayan's Brothers

Love him.

Love them.

Saturday was pretty normal we just hung-out with our celebrity friends and went out to dinner (HA, if only).You can omit the former from that claim and accept the latter as the only truth. On Friday I caught wind that the Wayan's Brothers were scheduled to perform at a Improv in Orange County over the weekend and jumped at opportunity to see the pair in all their glory. Matt and I both grew up watching their comedy show and recently discussed how hilarious we found them both to be. We lucked out and were able to secure two VIP meet and greet tickets which landed us front row seats and a little time with the boys after the show. It was pretty wild to be in arms reach of the guys throughout the entire show. Their performance was definitely a crowd pleaser that had me crying, hyperventilating, snorting, and laughing.

 I love that I'm marrying someone who is spontaneous, playful, and believes in truly dating one another as much as I do. Every weekend lends an opportunity for a new adventure and I forever someone to take them with me.

Say Yes to a Cheap Dress!

Are you familiar with the show Say Yes to The Dress? If I could hear your replies I'd bet that wasn't even a necessary question. Kleinfeld so generously donated 2,500 wedding gowns to the fashion program I am a part of at Cal Poly Pomona. We have been given the freedom to use the dresses in any beneficial way.

So if you or someone you know is in the market for a wedding gown, and you happen to be in or around Southern California, we will be selling them to the public on October 12th. The dresses retailed from $1,000 on up to the price of a small car, but we've now deeply discounted them - prices range from $300 to $750. While some are older styles, others are couture gowns and right with current trends. If your interested email me and I can arrange an appointment for you to see them before the set date. This is an amazing opportunity for my program and I'd love any help spreading the word!



Like a Boss

I don't have much to share today. Really, just the same old song on repeat - but it's a beautiful song. Matt and I had a lovely dinner tonight, and I'm heading out for drinks with one of my girlfriends shortly. I'm perfectly content, but I needed an excuse to share my outfit of the day. Hope you enjoy!

(Jacket: Nordstrom, Necklace: Forever 21 and proudly picked out by Matt, and dress: Thrifted $5)

Oh hello Cat Daughter

I feel like a boss marching around in this get up.

I'll catch up with you all soon. Ciao!

-Mgmt.

:)

(Heels-F21 $18, Purse- gift, and dress-Nordstrom Rack $25 from $185 Holla)

Always the guests never the bride and groom...well, at least until our turn in May. We've been lucky enough to celebrate many happy marriages this year and Saturday was no exception. The Jones wedding was an extremely intimate tearjerker and the stage to some of the best speeches I've ever heard. I had many moments where I thought to myself, "Oooooo you should write that down". 

After the wedding I went to my friend's 27th birthday party that came complete with a Slip and Slide (forever young)! The eight year old in me was jumping for joy while the rest me was sure that participating would lead to a broken a bone. I had a YOLO moment (just kidding, I think that acronym should die) and decided to fly face first down the yellow and purple pastic. It feels good to just let go once in a while:)

Friday Letters

Dear Big Books, I like you and I cannot lie. Well, I've learned to love you and hope you’re worth every over priced penny. Dear Soul, a big chunk of your square footage has been sold to the man down stairs to pay for my education. Hopefully it's just good-bye for now. Dear San Francisco, did you miss me? I just booked a flight and will be back exploring your windy streets in early November. I can't wait for your food, shopping, nightlife, and adventures. Dear Matt, thanks for always kissing and telling me you love me at least 20 times a day. I think you’re quite the dish and It's good to know the feeling is mutual. Oh and I broke the garbage disposal but it's OK because you love me? Dear Wedding, you're 7 months way and I feel like I've been engaged for two years. Can we work some magic and do something about this? Dear Weekend, I'm so glad we get to start our three days of fun together! We have a wedding, birthday, brunch, and a alligator slip n' slide waiting for us!

Random: I need these two shirts.