Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Awkward:

• Thinking Wednesday was Thursday.  Seriously, all day long I thought yesterday was today.  And it wasn't.  So here we are.  2 Thursdays in 1 week.  If only I could have 2 Saturdays and 2 Sundays too. 
• Planking.  I told you about how I lost my "planking virginity" this week.  And you might say, what took you so long.  Well friends, because it is so awkward!  It was first, and probably last planking experience so enjoy it. 
• The consequences of swimming.  I recently started swimming again cause it's seriously one of the best workouts ever.  Unfortunately it leads to getting water in your ears, and standing there trying to get the water out is not a pretty sight.  I also smell like chlorine all day long.  And then my car smells like chlorine. 
• Having the person that lives below me come a-knocking.  I thought she was coming to tell me my music was too loud or something.  "No lady, I will not turn down my Disney tunes so beat it."  Actually, she was just coming to see if she had pliers she could borrow.  Which I did.  Which is also a bit awkward since I've never used them in my life! My staple gun is about the only "tool" I use on the regular.
• Having your boss call you at 7:00p.m. while in the middle of cooking dinner.  I had 2 pots going on the stove while trying to drain my rigatoni.  "If I lose you, it's just cause I dropped my phone in a boiling inferno.  No big deal."  I guess most people would let it go to voicemail, but what if he didn't leave a voicemail?  Then I'd have no idea why he was calling.  And it would drive me crazy.  I stress about random things!

Awesome:

• My Disney Pandora station.  I mean seriously, is there anything better?  Hakuna Matata people!
• Losing 4 pounds.  And having someone notice.  And before you go saying "You don't need to love weight" like so many people, save it!  I wasn't trying to lose weight; just trying to tone up.  I've just been eating better and working out more.  
• Golfing.  Normally I would say I hate golfing.  I'm the person that throws their clubs (ok, not really.  I stick to throwing tennis rackets...over fences...that must be returned by the mailman on the other side...but that's another story).  Anyway, I can say I've been hooked on golf and here's why.  I finally started hitting some really good shots, and it makes me want to hit more good shots and keep getting better!  And seeing as an insane amount of business deals happen on a golf course, I better keep practicing!
• The Help.  Read the book.  See the movie.  It will change your life!
• The delicious meal I made last night.  Creamy chicken and rigatoni! And I didn't even drop my phone in the sauce! 

Waiting on the Weekend

Shirt: Rue 21, Jeans: Charlotte Russe, Watch: Kohl's, Earring: Claire's

Is it Friday yet?  No?  It's only Tuesday?!  I live for weekends, but honestly, who doesn't?  While everyone on the East coast was waiting for Irene, I was soaking up the sunshine in Denver.  

Saturday I went shopping and bought a gold watch at Kohl's.  It's exactly what I've been looking for.  A little bling, and only $20!  Doesn't get any better.

That night I met up with my good friend Lauren and we had a delicious dinner at Elephant bar.

After, we picked up her brother and went on an adventure to downtown Denver, where we had a fabulous time (and I lost my planking virginity).

Sunday consisted of a little bit of studying for the GMAT.  The math section is so overwhelming! 

Sunday afternoon I had a golf date with my dad to try out my new clubs.  This was the first golf outing where I didn't wanna throw my clubs or kill myself!

Hope you all had a great weekend!  Now we get to look forward to a 3 day weekend! (Well, not me, so enjoy it for me!)

Fashion Friday - Fringe

So for this week's installment of "Fashion Friday," I'm loving fringe!  Bags, purses, shirts, vests, I love it all!  It's so hippy chic, and adds movement to any outfit.  I've been loving this trend for awhile, but just this week picked up my first fringe item.  It's a black t-shirt with a tribal print on the front, and fringe along the bottom.  So cute and easy to wear.

That's the other thing about fringe, it's so easy to wear.  The fringe instantly adds interest to your outfit so you don't really need to do a lot of accessorizing.  The other thing, is I would keep the number of fringe pieces per outfit to a minimum.  One is probably sufficient!  Don't go overboard people!

This bag has a hippy/western feel and I love it!  This would be great with jeans and a t-shirt and riding boots.

These fringe on these Louboutins is very subtle, but fabulous nonetheless!

I love this look.  So bohemian!

This is similar to my shirt. You can get this shirt from Urban Outfitters 

Gotta include newlywed Kim K!  Even though this is so casual, the fringe makes it fun and chic. You can get this Sam and Lavi sweatshirt here.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  Hard to believe summer is almost over!

  I'm gonna go enjoy the sunshine and show off my fringe! 

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Can't believe it's time for another Awkward and Awesome Thursday!!

Awkward:

• Wearing a skirt on a windy day and giving the Budweiser delivery drivers a free show.  That's how we roll over at Coors.  "This butt's, err Bud's for you."
• So last week I told you about those awesome new shoes I got.  Well, naturally I decided to wear them out Friday night.  I paired the booties with skinny jeans and a flowy top.  Relatively casual, but not according to these Breckenridge peeps.  You should have seen the looks I got.  Which, I guess when it comes to fashion in a place like this, means I did something right.  At least that's what I'll keep telling myself.
• Someone searching "Fedora's for big heads" and being brought to my blog.  Yeah, yeah I have a big head, what're you gonna do about it!
• Getting a text message from a someone Saturday night and having no idea who it is.  Then, about an hour remembering who it is, but feeling so bad for not remembering said person, and not texting them back.  Oops!

Awesome:

• So while I was getting all those weird looks about my fabulous outfit, I did get one girl that loved it.  She was from Denver...obvi...
• Bringing out my inner fashionista!  I have this dress that I'm not really feeling, so I decided to wear it as a skirt.  I wish I had pictures to go along with all my outfit awkward/awesome moments.  Sorry!
• This shirt!  Cause I mean let's be honest, running does suck.  Even if you choose to run like I do, it still sucks.  Until afterward, and then you can't wait to go again.  
• My amazingly supportive friends.  I have to host a lot of events in bars and it can be pretty awkward, but luckily I have friends that try to make it whenever they can.  I've even scheduled events to fit their schedules!
• How I Met Your Mother.  I just finished season 5.  If you've never seen it, get your priorities straight!  My Avs friends will appreciate that I just saw the Bang Bang Dance episode in its entirety.  

• Rafael Nadal on David Letterman.  The guy is one the of top tennis players in the world, yet he has remained so humble.  And he is the face of Armani.  And, he has an autobiography.  I need to get that asap!!! Since he's the love of my life and all.  When I studied abroad in Spain, I went to Majorca just in hopes I would meet him and we would fall madly in love.  Ok not really, but it definitely was a factor we took into consideration!

Sarah's Key

I truly enjoy reading, and one of my favorite genre's is historical fiction.  I also love books about the holocaust.  I realize this is kind of strange since it's one of the darkest times in the world's history, but I find it fascinating.  It's one of those historical events that is so mind boggling, that I feel like I need to know more.

I mentioned this to a friend and she recommended Sarah's Key.  My other friends and I decided to make it our book club book and we all loved it.  It was one of those books that immediately catches your attention; I couldn't put it down.  

It centers around the holocaust in Paris, and tells 2 different stories.  Little did I know that Paris took part in the round-up and deportation of thousands of Jewish families, who were then sent to Auschwitz.  This story brings to light the French involvement, as well as the fact that the French has kept this hidden.  Although the book is fictional, it depicts true events.  

One story that is told is from Sarah's point of view, and journey to try and save him after she locks him in the cupboard to try and protect him.   She and her parents are arrested, she tries to make her way back to him.  The other story is told from Julia's point of view, who is writing an article about these events on the 60th anniversary of the round-ups.  

If this is a genre and topic that you're interested in, another good novel that takes place during the holocaust is Stones from the River.  

I'm reading another book that takes place during the holocaust, The Zookeeper's Wife and it's a true story.  It's a New York Times Bestseller, and the story is a rather positive one considering the circumstances, but doesn't have enough drama for me.  Hence my preference for historical fiction.  

My Boy

Ok people, we're getting personal today.  Ok not really, but I just have to show you the love of my life! 

Riley!!!  Aka Riley Roo, Riley, Bubby, and "The Boy."

Hard to believe my boy is 6 1/2 years old!  

We got him in St. Louis, just a few months after princess Murphy passed away.  (She was my mom's favorite dog ever!)  We were in St. Louis for Easter, and we were going to look at schnoodles on the drive back to Denver, but we decided to go to this other place.  I instantly fell in love with this calm, precious, teddy bear looking boy!  Little did we know that was not the way he would be when we got him home.

My mom has hated him ever since.  Mainly because he is the same type of dog as Murphy (Wheaten Terrier) with a completely different personality.  The poor guy can't help himself though.  Thanks to bad breeding, he is "special."  We're convinced he has OCD and ADHD, which he takes medicine for.  This means he has tons of energy, and goes crazy when someone comes to the door!  Some days it can drive you crazy, but most days you can't help but laugh.

As much as my mom has threatened to get rid of him, she never would because of all of his problems.  He also has very sensitive skin, and a sensitive stomach.

When I was home a few weeks ago, I noticed he was looking a little chubby.  My mom took him to the vet (see, she really does love the little guy) and we found out he has a thyroid problem!  So now, more medication.

He can be a terror sometimes, but mainly he's just my boy.  Lovable, hilarious, and a sweetheart.  

This is Riley in my room at my parent's house.  He's taken over since I moved out!  I would have him, but my apartment doesn't allow dogs. 

"The more boys I meet, the more I love my dog."

Kara's Kooking - Summer skillet lasagna

I made this last weekend and it delicious.  The only complaint I had was that it needed a bit more sauce.  I would recommend adding some store bought tomato sauce to give it a bit more flavor.  I would also not use as much ricotta cheese as the recipe calls for.  Also, the bigger the skillet, the better!  The noodles need their space to simmer!

*Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped fine

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes

Salt and pepper

10 curly-edged lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch lengths

1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch chunks

1 small yellow squash, cut into 1/2 inch chunks

1/4 cup shredded fresh basil

1 cup part skim ricotta cheese

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Drain tomatoes into a 2-cup liquid measure. Add water to tomato liquid to make 2 cups. Add tomato/water mixture and 1 teaspoon salt to skillet.

Scatter noodles into the skillet, layer tomatoes over the noodles and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, covered, stirring occasionally (so the noodles won’t stick!) for about 10 minutes.

Stir in zucchini and squash, cook, stirring now and then, until noodles and squash are tender, about 8 minutes. Add basil and half of the rictotta cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese to the noodles, stirring until the sauce is creamy. Dollop remaining ricotta  cheese over the noodles, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Here is the original recipe.

Fashion Friday - Go Nude!

Princess Kate has made us a nation of nudists!!
Well, when it comes to our shoes at least.

Every woman should have a great pair of nude pumps because they are the most versatile shoe there is.  They look particularly great with dresses and skirts because they elongate your legs (not that that's a problem for Kate Middleton).   Patent leather seems to be Kate's favorite style (Prada to be exact), but suede is a another great option.

If you want to add a little more drama to your look, you can go for this Jimmy Choo strappy number, or a YSL platform in beige suede.

And if you want to be super edgy, these Christian Louboutin studded slingbacks are to die!!  (and a Kim Kardashian favorite).

I love this outfit on every level!

*Disclaimer: I do not own a pair of YSL or Louboutin pumps.  Shocking, I know!  But let's just say they're on my bucket list of things I will one day own...even if I have to sell my first born.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

So I got this idea from my favorite blog in the whole wide world!

Awkward: 

• Standing in the shampoo aisle at Walgreens itching my head.  "No ma'am, I do not have lice."  But seriously, no idea why the back of my head has been so itchy.
• Trying to hang up Coors Light streamer things.  Ladders and heights are not my thing.  Thank goodness for a nice boy that helped me (and laughed at me in the process).
• Doing girl push-ups in public.  I don't think that needs an explanation...
• Checking my phone every 5 seconds to see if I have a special little text message.  I've checked it 3 times while writing this.  (Kidding, but seriously, I'm about to chuck my phone out the window).  Anyway, don't judge.  This is a judgment free zone. You know you've been there :)

Awesome:

• My new anti-itch Neutrogena shampoo.  My head still kinda itches, but damn, my hair has never been so voluminous or felt so clean!
• Pulling down the Budweiser and Bud Light streamer things so I could put up Coors Light ones.  It's the little things people! 
• These beauties! They're not too high, and wedges are by far the most comfortable heels out there. 
• Finding a great pair of trouser jeans at the Gap Outlet.  Not only did I find them in "long," but they were on sale! Booyah!
• Being motivated to go to the gym.  Seriously, is there anything better than actually wanting to go to the gym?  Ok, probably, like winning a million dollars, but you get the idea.  I haven't had to bribe myself with Starbucks, and I even turned down happy hour to get my sweat on!  Who am I?

Earth Song

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

 ~Native American Proverb

This is one of my favorite quotes, and it speaks to the fact that we all need to do our part to make sure that Mother Earth is still around for our children, and our children's children.  

It's pretty obvious that the earth isn't too happy with us.  From the earthquake in Haiti, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan that has wreaked havoc on the world, the tornado in Missouri, the drought in Somalia; these are just a few of the natural disasters that have recently occurred.  People can say all they want about global warming being fake, or a conspiracy, but think about the 42 million people that were displaced by natural disasters in 2010 alone.  

Even if you don't believe in global warming, there are a few things that we all can do to help make the earth a better place. 

1. Turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth.  This can save up to 8 gallons of water per day, or 240 gallons per year!! 

2. Carry reusable canvas bags when buying groceries.  This lessens litter that accumulates in the environment, saves marine life who are affected by improperly displaced plastic bags, and reduces pollution.

3. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.  This saves energy, which in turn saves you money.

4. Unplug your cellphone charger when you're not using it.  When electronic devices are plugged in, they are still using energy.  

5. Use energy efficient light bulbs.  They use 75% less energy than standard bulbs, and last 6 times as long!

6. Go vegetarian one night a week.  If everyone when meatless one night per week, the US would save 100 billion gallons of water and 70 million gallons of gas! More info here!

7. Use a reusable water bottle.  Plastic water bottles are not only bad for the environment, but they're bad for your health too.  My favorite is my Sigg.  If you're worried about tap water not being clean enough, check out ultra violet wands that purify water in seconds.  

See?  Simple changes that are painless.  Do you do any of these regularly?  What else do you do to make a difference?

Now I leave you with "Earth Song" by Michael Jackson.