Thursday Crush

Good Morning Dolls! Hope everyone is having a good week so far, I can't believe my birthday is just over a week away! CRAZY!! It's bittersweet for me because as much as I love my birthday it also means summer is coming to an end- boo! However with some cooler weather that was in the forecast recently it got me to thinking some of my Fall staples. I decided to share my Fall basics and link up with Danielle for

Here are essentials that I cannot live without in the Fall season.

Fall into basics by jessie-ingoglia featuring cashmere hoodies

What are your fall essentials?? Is it just me or is it crazy that we're getting ready for the next season already. Time flies! 

I'm also linking up with Carolyn for her 

And this week I'm obsessed with Essie's Fall line up, here's a peek 

I loved so much that I walked ran to my nearest store who I knew would have the collection out and purchased Ms. Fancy Pants (adore the name) and Recessionista. I cannot wait to sport these new colors. 

Vaca Countdown

So if you've been following my blog for awhile you know that I take a lot of vacations (not my fault, I've been with my employer for almost 7 years so I accrue a ton of vaca) however the last two vacations (one in June and one in July) were stay-cations. So I needed to take one vaca before the holidays were in full swing and anyone who works or worked retail knows that you need a vaca before the holidays and one right after and a stiff drink or two in between. So I needed to get my butt in gear in organizing my next vaca, since my big TO DO on my July stay-cation was to apply for our passports- I wanted to head out of the country and have a date with me, a beach, sunshine, and a drink. The hubs didn't care where we went because let's be honest have I ever steered him wrong? Nope. So I have been really wanting to go to Mexico because I haven't been there since I was like 8 and let's be honest they have some amazing deals plus I wanted to try All-Inclusive. The hubs wasn't keen on the idea at first but at the end of the day it was my choice and I knew he wouldn't say no to a beach vacation, who would?? 

So off I was talking to co-workers, friends, even strangers on their input on Mexico and other beach vacations. The overall conscientious was that Mexico was a fun place to go especially if you wanted to do all-inclusive. So Mexico it was! Thankfully one of my co-workers has been to Mexico the last 2 years so she gave me some good ideas on what city to stay and what hotels were good and bad. 

While I narrowed down my search I felt pretty confident in my choice and I was ready to book! While I consider myself pretty savvy with booking my travel online I was a little hesitant since this was a international flight and all-inclusive so I decided to go through a travel agent. I have to say I felt like I got a steal of a deal! As soon as we finalized all the small details I was ready to book and literally as I am about to pay my phone rings and who is it? The hubs- who all along didn't have a care in the world on where we went or what we did but now all of a sudden decided he wanted to make a appearance (which wasn't welcome) and ask a million questions. I told him what he wanted to hear and figured if they don't have what he wants what is he going to do leave?? Nah. Plus he is really easy to please. So where did we decide to stay well I think these pictures speak for themselves because it's paradise! 

The hotel is called Iberostar and this resort is located in Cancun. 

I mean can I leave tomorrow please?!? This trip cannot come soon enough! The best part is that a ton of sports are included which are important to me because let's be real I totally plan on working out everyday and they offer yoga too! Score! I'm planning on hitting the tennis courts, wind surfing, running, oh yeah and lay by the pool. Haha. 

So I need some advice because I haven't traveled outside of the country in some years- do I bring my iPad?? Don't really want to leave that at the pool. Do I bring my Kindle?? Do I just buy paper back books?? Do I bring my cell phone? I can't use it because I don't have international calling but I can use it in the WiFi areas to send some e-mails to friends and family letting them know we are still alive. Plus I could use it to take pics and funny videos. 

Thoughts?? 

Erin Condren has done it again

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is having a good start to their week. So lately I have been looking for a notebook for me to keep track of my posts, ideas, and what I want to write when. I found that since I have been doing different link up sometimes I forgot to publish them to join the link up or I did double posts. So my hunt began for something to keep me organized. I headed to Target since I thought for sure I would find something there especially with back to school in full swing- but NO luck! So I kept my eye out but nothing was going to fit all my needs. Then one day I got an e-mail from Erin Condren on some new goodies they had for back to school so on a whim I clicked on it. Well that was a mistake because I found exactly what I was looking for! Here are some photos from her website:

This is just perfect! I have my month at a view calendar plus lined pages and blank pages so I can do rough drafts of my posts, draw inspiration for new posts, and jot down when I'm going to do what posts. LOVE LOVE LOVE! Didn't love the price but thankfully I had a $10 off coupon code so it made it more manageable. So after sitting on it for a week I finally decided to take the plunge and order it. So it says it should ship out the week of August 23rd and I can't wait! I'm excited because on the top I have my name and then underneath my blog title name- thought that would be a fun touch. 

Here is how I keep track of what I'm writing and ideas currently- in none other than my Life Planner from EC. 

Not the most practical method but it was managable for the time being. 

When I googled other people who had the notebook I came across another blogger who ordered it and had some great photos so I'm borrowing her photos until I actually get mine so you can get a better idea of what looks like and its functions. 

So thank you Tiffany for letting me borrow your photos. So I have to ask what do you guys use to keep your posts and ideas organized?? 

Manni Monday

Good Morning! Ugh it's Monday, now I know what it feels like to have a weekend or in my case yesterday off and have to go back to work on Monday. I now understand that dreaded feeling of going back to work on Monday. Anyways on a brighter note because it's Monday that means I'm once again linking up with Glitter & Gloss for

So I decided to take a break from the no-chip manicure for a bit because I wanted to let my nails breathe. So I went for a basic manicure and I can't even tell you the last time I got a regular manicure it has to be at least 8 years! So it as heaven to actually have my natural nails soaked and cut vs my fake nails drilled and filed. So since with my new dress code for works calls for "natural" nail color I was on the hunt for a good natural but still had a little color. I finally came on none other than Essie and the color called Miss Matched. 

Here is what it looked like on my nails:

Def one of my new favorites!! 

Sunday Social

Good Morning Lovely Sunday- I can say lovely Sunday because I'm actually off today, Woo Hoo! While I have lots planned for this lovely day off like:

-Spending time with my mum
-Go on a long over due 30 mile bike ride
-Go for a run
-Do a Facetime with my best friend who lives in Austin because it's her Birthday!

That's a lot to do but I can't wait. So anyways let's get started for what really matters because as we know Sunday means it's



Here are this week's questions:

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gosh this is hard! I think I would have to say either Lou Malnati's pizza (if you're from Chicago you know what I'm talking about- if you're not from Chicago then you're missing out!!) or Portillo's Chopped Salad. Yummy!!!!

2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?
Ugh I have such a sweet tooth- to me a meal isn't complete unless you have dessert Shh! Don't tell my trainers this but I would have to say my guilty pleasure is Sprinkle Cupcakes! We just got one in Chicago about two years ago and thank god I don't live in the city or work in the city because I think I would go there everyday. However here are some photos of a recent trip there:

3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?
I'm not one to be a big risk taker when it comes to food, I like to know what I'm eating and I always have to smell my food if I'm unsure about it or if it's new. I guess though the craziest thing I've ever eaten- well took a couple of bites was when I was in Australia and I had a ostrich burger. I did not like it. And we tried Kangaroo- it tasted like chicken but considering I was just hanging out with Kangaroo's hours before out of the goodness of my heart I couldn't bear to eat it all. 

4. What meal reminds you of your childhood?
I don't have one specific meal but I would say Sunday dinners remind me of my childhood. My parents were divorced but my mother being the wonderful woman she is always made a full 5 course meal every Sunday night so we could have family night with my dad. I know cherish those dinners because I lost my dad when I was 12 and it meant a lot to me that they were willing to put their differences aside to have a family dinner with my once a week. 

5. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it:
I don't have a story behind this other than a good friend of mine who I met at none other but the gym sent me this recipe because she knew I was handicap when it came to cooking and the kitchen, and let me tell ya it is a easy recipe! 

Banana Bread or Muffins

3/4 cup sugar

2-3 bananas (mashed up)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 cups of flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla 

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 bag of chocolate chips (I may use white chocolate next time, so I will let you know how that turns out )

Preheat oven to 325. Mix ingredients in order. Pour into nonstick loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes o r until toothpick is dry when inserted into bread.

MUFFINS: Pour mix into cupcake cups, about 1/2 way, Bake at 325 for 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top. 

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Friday Letters

Hello Friday! It's so nice to see you again this week, I'm actually working an opening shift today so I can celebrate the hubby's Birthday that was on Tuesday. Once again I'm linking up with Adventures of a Newlywed for

Dear Vaca: I know I take a lot of you but it's really not my fault I have to take one every 3 months so I don't loose out. I know such a hard thing to do but it does get hard to manage I swear! However with my last two vacations staycations I was determined to go somewhere that had a beach and warm weather. So on Wednesday I finalized our vacation to Cancun Mexico! I cannot wait! Oct 21st cannot come soon enough. Be on the look out for a post more about this upcoming vaca.

Dear Hubby: Happy Birthday again even though your Birthday was on Tuesday I just think you deserve a shout out again. You always amaze me how you give me full reign on a situation but then at the last minute you decide to add your two cents. Not sure what I'm talking about? Let me elaborate. . 

Situation #1: When we were re-doing our master bedroom you told you didn't care what I did as long as you got your California King size bed and I gave you that. However once I bought all our decor and started arranging our room suddenly you became a interior designer and decided to show yourself. You weren't welcome. 

Situation #2: I wanted to go on a out of the country vacation that included a beach- you told me you didn't care where we went to just tell you the dates and what to pack. Simple enough I can live with that. Then I decide on where we are going and when and I am at the travel agency about to pay for the trip and you get this sixth sense and decide to call me and now ask a million and one questions about where we are going and again suddenly become the jet setter with a opinion- again not welcomed. 

Just trust your wife I have never mis guided you. . .yet. 


Dear Work/Boss: Thank you for a fabulous year-end review. I always go in thinking the worst but then again I think we are our own worst critic and I defiantly was happy about my review this year and my pay increase and my bonus. Thank you! I promise to deliver even better results this coming year. 

Dear Mani/Pedi: You're so blissful and you were exactly what I needed today! That pedicure felt amazing! Can't wait for my manicure next week, already counting down. haha.


I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Bare Necessities

Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far and just think tomorrow is Friday for those who work M-F. I lucked out and had yesterday and today off so I'm soaking it up! This week I'm double dipping and doing two link ups. So my first link up that I'm excited to share is with none other than Framed Frosting for 

I'm actually very excited because my real life best friend Chris

is co-hosting this week!

So here are some things that I'm just lusting over this week. 

Bare Necessities by jessie-ingoglia featuring summer makeup

I am loving the natural colored palettes! I personally have the Stila one and I am truly obsessed with it. I almost wear it everyday. Although after going on Polyvore it was very hard not to run to my nearest Sephora to stock up on more palettes! I have come a long way with how I wear my make-up. I have gone from wearing a ton to now going to more a simple and natural look. I am very blessed (thank you mother!) for having beautiful skin and not having to do any major skin regiment. Any day I'm not working or on vacation I love going with no make up and most people think I'm wearing some. I'm very glad that I have made my revelations in how I wear my make-up and can't wait to continue on my natural look.

My second link up is with SillyHappySweet for her

So for my favorite thing that I'm most obsessed about would have to be hands down Essie nail polish. However my favorite color is Topless & Barefoot. I have always been on the hunt for the perfect natural color and never found the one until I found this color. Here is what it looks like: 

Here is what it looks like on your nails

Is it not the perfect neutral?! I think so!