Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Better late than never right?

Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  We just got back from a great trip to St. Louis, hence the A&A delay.

Awkward:

• The amount of people at the mall 2 days before Christmas.  I mean really, do people leave their shopping until Christmas Eve?  I was done with my shopping by Thanksgiving.  
• The constant stream of words like ox, zip, and dove going through my mind due to my recent Scrabble obsession.  
• The "Chuckie" doll that shows up at family gatherings.  It used to be my Grandmother's, but for whatever reason the family has held on to it.  As I opened my White Elephant present, he was staring back at me.  We tried to leave him, but someone snuck him into my dad's car.  The best part is that my dad found it while rummaging through his backseat late at night looking for an umbrella.

• Celebrating our Colorado Christmas with Wesley the plumber and Tom the CBS news guy.  Long story short, we open gifts before heading out of town.  That night our water heater went out and needed to be replaced immediately, and the news asked to use our porch for a story about parcel theft.  Needless to say, a Christmas for the books.

Awesome:

• My new ipad!  I'm loving it and wondering how I lived without it.  I was a skeptic for the longest time wondering why in the world I would need one.  It's great for Twitter, playing Scrabble, and for reading.
• The Night Circus.  If you're looking for a great book that combines Harry Potter, Water for Elephants and The Hunger Games, this is it.  
• The Adele cd/dvd that I got in the white elephant gift exchange.  I love her!
• Harry Potter DVD box set.  I got all 8 movies and can't wait to watch them all again!
• Being able to celebrate Christmas with my extended family.  I was able to meet 3 new cousins and see everyone else that I wasn't able to see last year.  
• Finally getting a good family picture!  My mom has been trying to get a good one for probably a year now and we finally got a good one.  

Five Things

Today was one of those days where I just didn't want to get out of bed.  My day got a little better once I had some coffee, which would taste so much better coming from a "Grumpy" mug.  Note to self, must find that mug.  Here are a few other things I found enjoyable on this fabulous Friday! 

Getting my hair cut like this next week.  Thoughts?

These NineWest boots are perfect for a Colorado winter

Orgasm by Nars.  The best blush.  In the world.  Period.

A black and gold watch is going on my wish list.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

I'm so excited for this week's edition of Awkward and Awesome Thursday.

Awkward:

• My friend and I were having drinks and catching up about life.  Somehow we started talking about this guy we went to high school with that we didn't even really know.  20 minutes later who walks in?  The guy.  I was going to be awkward (cause last week I promised I would put myself in more awkward situations for the sake of my blog) and go say hi, but realized he would have absolutely no idea who I was.  You went to Mountain Vista right?  So did I.  That's a level of awkward I won't go to. 
• As my friend and I were leaving, said guy from high school and his friend were getting picked up from the restaurant/bar by his mom.  It'd be 1 thing if it was 1:00 a.m. and you needed a safe ride, but it was 9:00 p.m. and they hadn't even been drinking.  And I'm not here to judge, but seriously, one of you couldn't borrow your parent's car? Then to top it off I hear, "Thanks for picking us up." Again, not judging.
• The other day, a certain former Colorado Avalanche captain cough Joe Sakic cough came into my place of work.  I tried to act cool about it but I mean come on, the guy is a hockey god!  Anyway, one of my coworkers asked if I could make guacamole for Joe's table.  Seriously? Absolutely! I'd love to.  Oh my gosh, never again!  I literally had to use two hands to place the bowl on his table I was shaking so bad.  I usually make conversation.  Nope, could't do it.  Then, homeboy didn't even say thanks!    
• I walked into the bank and the lady behind the counter was like, "I really like your outfit."  I said thanks.  Then she says, "I like your sweater.  I like your boots.  I love your accessories."  I say thanks again.  Then she says, "I love it all."  I look up and I ask, "What's the date?"  She tells me, then says "Well I have to go now."  Ok lady, are you that upset I didn't acknowledge your obsession with my great outfit?  
• I had a laughing fit at physical therapy the other day when my therapist hit the nerve that runs into the funny bone.  It felt like I was being tickled (which is the worst!)  Even though I'm laughing, I hate being tickled.  Then my therapist asked, "Why are you turning red? Are you ok?"  It was torture.

Awesome:

• I mentioned "Plastic Land" which greets everyone when they enter the neighborhood.  (In middle school, it was humiliating cause we would pass it every day on the bus, but I've since learned to appreciate it.  And have also learned my father would like to pass it on to me one day. Can't handle that responsibility!).  Anyway, the other day, we received a note in our mailbox from an anonymous family telling us how much they love it and look forward to it.  My dad was thrilled and would frame the note if my mother would let him.

There are 13 various figurines like this lined op on our fence

• Ghirardelli Peppermint bark.  This stuff is delicious and addicting.  
• Tim freaking Tebow on the People website.  You know you've made it when you're on people.com  Literally just saw he's on the website again today.  Love the guy, but this is getting outta control.  
• We did a gift exchange at work and my secret santa got me a Colorado Avalanche scarf.  It's amazing and it was such a great gift!  It's so nice when people put thought into a gift.  That's what it's all about!  I went all over the place looking for a University of Nebraska for my gift and the journey was well worth it because she loved her gift!

Fashion Friday- Neon!

I'm obsessed with neon colors right now, especially neon pink and neon yellow.  It can be used as a simple pop of color in a bag or pair of shoes, or it can make a big statement with either color blocking or a simple dress.  My favorite aspect of neon colors, it makes me look super tan! (which is saying a lot).  

POPS of COLOR

STATEMENT PIECES

COLOR BLOCKING

 So many different ways to wear this trend.  What's your favorite way?

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

So today's post will be rather short.  Clearly I need to put myself in some more awkward situations for the sake of my blog and my loyal readers!  I'll work on it!

Awkward:

• Trying to cut limes with a dull knife and everyone freaking out that I was going to slice off my thumb.  It went a little something like this... 

• I wore my hair in it's natural state the other day (which is a mix of curls and waves) because I was too lazy to flat iron it.  I've never had so many compliments at work.  They called it my "sexy" hair.  When I wore it flat ironed, they all asked "What happened to your hair?"  Guess I have to give the people what they want. 

• Knowing virtually all of my Christmas gifts since I've been with my mom when she's bought them.  I don't care thought because this year I'm way more excited about the gifts I've picked out for my parents!  Giving is definitely better than receiving!

Awesome:

• Over the weekend my good friend and I went to the Avalanche and Red Wings game.  The Avalanche won, which was very exciting.  But the best part was that I started a "Red Wings suck" chant all by myself at the end of the game.  

• Realizing my scarf is the perfect accessory for Avalanche games.  When I bought it at Forever 21 it didn't even occur to me that it was Avalanche colors.  I'm clearly off my game. 

• On Friday I get to play dress up for a charity gala.  I never get to dress up so it will be so fun.  Now I just have to figure out what to wear!

• Leaving for St. Louis in 2 weeks.  It's been about 2 years since I've seen my extended family so I'm very excited to see them all, especially all of the new additions to the family.  I am however dreading the, "Are you dating anyone?  What are you doing with your life?" questions.  

• One of my tables leaving my $20 on an $85 check.  Thanks bunches kind sir! 

Fashion Friday- Faux Fur

Winter weather has finally arrived in Colorado so it's time to break out the winter wear.  One of my favorite trends is faux fur vests (I think jackets are a little overboard).  I'll admit, I have yet to take the faux fur plunge but it's because I haven't found the perfect piece.  However, this post (and the snow on the ground) is inspiring me to continue my hunt.

How comfy and cozy do these look?!  I now understand why my friend's sister considers her faux fur pieces her "comfy clothing."  I personally choose men's sweat pants, but maybe I'll improve my lounge wear.  Never know when prince charming might come knocking.

Original post here. This is how I would do faux fur!

This is from Quiksilver.  Buy it here!

 I love the different textures of the vest and blouse.

From Topshop.  Get it here.  I could live in this!

Love this look from Sydney

Sidenote:  Please don't wear real fur.  Animals are truly tortured all in the name of fashion.  

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Riley is learning how to recycle.

It's a work in progress.

And he looks good doing it!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

My apologies for the very long A&A Thursday hiatus.  Life and Thanksgiving got in the way!

Awkward:

• The route I took to Boulder today.  I hit every major street (University, Broadway, Santa Fe) and highway (I25, 36, tollway) in order to try to beat the traffic.  I literally zig zagged my way there.  And it still took me 2 hours in the snowstorm.
• I let it slip that I know all the words to "Getting Jiggy With It."  I was forced to prove it while on a date.  

• I was playing my "Michael Jackson: The Experience" game the other day (which is all sorts of awkward) and I was out of breath after 2 songs.  Clearly I need to hit the gym.
• I might have arthritis in my collarbone.  I'm 23 years old.  How is that possible? Getting old sucks.

Awesome:

• Taco night tonight!  It's a rare occurrence in this household so it's kind of a big deal.
• Old news, but a couple weeks ago I went to the Avs game and was chosen to be part of an in-game promotion for Qdoba.  These things always happen to me. Example.  
• Steak and Shake has arrived!  You're welcome people!  Why, you ask?  I filled out a comment card in Tulsa asking Steak and Shake to move out west.  Sure, 4 years later.  But still.  They're here and it will change your life!
• Finding $20 in my car that I thought I had lost.
• Plastic Land.  You can call us the Griswolds.  My dad puts 13 plastic holiday figurines on our fence that greets everyone as they come into the neighborhood.  The best part is blowing a fuse when I'm drying my hair after dark.
• Last night my parents and I went to dinner and left the guy a really good tip.  He then offered to buy us dessert.  Can't say no to that!
• Harry Potter.  'Nough said!  I'm reading the whole series again. I'm on #3.