Not sure what you think but I feel like this week isn't going by fast enough. That's mainly because I didn't get a ton of rest over the weekend amidst all of my jet-setting and tailgating. #partyhard #firstworldproblems
Speaking of jet-setting, I have an excellent confession for you today and I believe the title says it all.
I am twenty-six years old and I travel with a very sweet stuffed penguin named Willie.
Willie has actually had a few names but Willie is the one that's stuck - seems like a penguin's name, right?
Okay so he's also not just my travel buddy, he's my bedtime buddy too. Call it a cure for the long distance, the sweet guy of mine bought me this a while ago and he's been my companion through the thick and thin. Willie is kind, sweet and doesn't resent me even though I shoved him into a drawer for four months and threatened to give him to mom and dad's golden retrievers as a chew toy.
Willie's perfect for a lot of things including but not limited to the following:
:: Intimate nighttime snuggling
:: My Travel Companion
:: Gives it to me straight (look at those honest eyes)
:: He's a soft shoulder to cry on
:: He has a squishy tummy to sleep on
:: The most ruthless Netflix critic you'll ever meet
:: The best pillow for the long flights and adventures we take together.
I could go on. You think I'm weird, don't you?
Yeah me too.
Hump along with Kathy who is on vacation today, but still showed up to class!
I left out one incredibly important confession yesterday that just struck me as I made dinner last night so let's just get it out of the way now.
:: I've consumed hot dogs every day this week.
It's really not as bad as it sounds - I make a 2-3 egg scramble most nights for dinner and always have some form of protein (usually chicken, sausage, etc). There were heaps of leftovers from the party my mom threw for dad's retirement/birthday/brother's homecoming and I was lucky enough to snag-a-bag of this sweet meat treat for myself.
Now that we have that awkward thing out of the way I can get to what we really want to talk about today.
My Fall Uniform.
This post was inspired by Melissa's October Challenge, even though this specific topic was the prompt a few days ago - I suppose you could say I'm fashionably late? (bah-dum - chhh!)
This fall (and most every fall) my uniform has elements of the following:
:: Sleeved dresses
A dress with sleeves, a waist enhancing detail and pockets is the holy grail of dresses in my book. It's the most flattering, sophisticated and functional silhouette for my body - so why not let it work for me?
:: Simple accessories
I used to be the girl that wore every accessory possible - loud and proud. Dangly earrings, obnoxious bracelets, you name it. My mom used to say that I was a Christmas Tree. As I've grown older (and honestly a little lazier) I appreciate fine accessories that don't draw too much attention or pull the charm from the outfit.
:: Classic comfort
I work in a very casual environment so in the fall and winter 90% of my coworkers are in hoodies, jeans and sneakers. While once upon a time that was my style, I now take the approach that there's an opportunity to make a first impression each and every day - so dress for success. Look good, feel good - right?
:: A Smile
Above all else, my favorite accessory is a smile (okay and maybe my backside). A happy girl is a pretty girl and the smile is the foundation of it all. Something you won't see me without.
How about you pretty ladies - what's your Fall Uniform?
:: I woke up today to see the Blood Moon and found it extremely lackluster. Looking at pictures on the internet is way more cool (mother nature cries). I also giggle at "Blood Moon" because I'm 12.
:: We got new toys at the gym to play with and I'm thrilled to finally have floor space for circuit drills and resistance band pull up practice. The only down-side? They removed the mirrors from the walls! #You'reSoVain
:: Last night I spotted a giant spider in my room on the wall next to my bed. I grabbed my phone for the snapchat pre-kill and lost it. Nothing worse than not knowing where a spider is as you try to sleep with your mouth closed
:: This weekend I'm going to my very first* real college football game / tailgate.
*I realize that sounds crazy for a sporty girl like me but the games I went to in college don't actually count because I never actually watched. Also, apparently it's a thing to wear a dress to games in the South?
:: That's right, in the South! This guy made me bail on dog sitting plans over the weekend after he surprised me with plane tickets and an invite to see where he spent the four five drunkest years of his life. Apparently it's supposed to be a big game.
Confessing is good for the soul - what do you have to spill today?
My real life lady friend Melissa (who also happens to be a blogger) started an October blogging challenge (see prompts here) and I feel like a real punk for not participating or mentioning that I plan to participate.
Well Melissa I'm here meow!
Don't be silly, I'm still unlikely to blog EVERY day in October. Nonsense.
Where I come in as a native Oregonian (born and raised) is with a certification to talk about rainy days. It rains just about every day here (that's not true, but it's the stereotype) so I've seen a few in my day and know how to spend them. #WhenItRainsItPortlands
(oh hey, is that a gif? It's been a while)
Now there's a big difference how my day is spent whether it's a work day or a weekend.
The weekend option includes laying in bed for an extra hour while listening to the pattering of the raindrops outside my bedroom window.
The only exciting thing about the work day option is deciding what rain boots to coordinate with which outfit - because let's face it, even though Oregonians know their rain, they sure as hell don't remember how to drive in it. And I mean they don't remember every...damn..day...that.it.rains.here.
Bah, that's feeling like another rant for another day, so let's get after the inner monologue of my rainy Saturday rituals.
5:30am - "Eff. no. Why didn't I turn off my alarm? See ya never, 5am on a Saturday."
8:47am- "Oh hey rain! You're the perfect excuse for an intentional lazy Saturday!" (goes back to sleep)
9:52am - "Hpffh, ok I've been in bed for 12 hours now (maybe 14, who's counting? Shut up Friday nap haters) What's on instagram? Any new hashtags I haven't checked lately?"
10:40am - "I should make breakfast. Scramble or a smoothie? Or should I work out first? Wait, I need to organize my bookshelf first."
11:04am - [Gets bored with attempted organization - gets wrapped into Netflix]
12:40am - 'Just one more episode"
2:30pm - "damn it I missed breakfast again. And my workout.
3:15pm - [impromptu hallway dance party after another Netflix]
4:30pm - Decides to do something with day, packs up computer and heads to coffee shop - naturally for sitting and more time in front of the computer, but this time with music, headphones and people watching.
7:02pm - [gets kicked out of coffee shop] "I didn't sweat today - how should I sweat? DVD workout or circuit workout, or my favorite arm workout?"
7:32pm - Drenched.
8pm - Showered and impromptu quick run to Trader Joes for nothing in particular, except if there's peppermint things there then ideally I'm quite basic and get ALL of the peppermint things.
9pm - Just one glass of red wine? With candlelight and a book? Maybe with this fancy fireplace?
10:20pm - "Maybe a Netflix movie I've never seen? - but really when does Season 3 of House of Cards start?"
10:28pm - Haha- just kidding. I can't stay awake watching a movie.
And just like that - you've had the pleasure of spending a rainy Saturday with me. Hopefully more of my Saturdays this season will be spent in Seattle with my brother or somewhere in the USA with the man-friend.
Come to Portland anytime for the real thing! It doesn't really rain that often.
I knew that title would get your attention! What's a Wednesday post without a dirty photo of weekend brunchables?
I wasn't originally planning to show up to class today but I seem to have some information-hangry readers. Apparently if you check my blog every 3-5 hours for an update you can flush me out, it's science.
How about we compromise with a brief few sentences for the usual Wednesday round-up of silly things - don't say I never gave you anything!
:: All I ate on Saturday was some divine combination of fried chicken, waffle, bacon, eggs, orange juice and champagne. This place is a Portland must-see.
:: I haven't actually read a book in forever - but when Kristen posted her crazy obsession striking again over Pride and Prejudice, I went to Costco and picked up my own pretty copy of the classic and look forward to reading it!
:: I'm always saying that I want a "pretty" instagram, but then I clog it up with my sweaty selfies. I think this was why I created a fitness instagram in the first place, right?
:: Speaking of - I kind of forgot that I write a fitness blog. Is that a problem? Am I a bad blogger?
:: Last but not least - sometimes in work meetings when I "just can't", I make these silly graphics based on things people say or how a meeting is going... they never get old!
Okay, seriously - get off my internets and go enjoy your PSL's!
For the final day of the month (and of the link-up!) we're going to wrap it all up with what Chelsea calls the "Total Package". Simply put - what's the best thing you do for yourself to be your BEST?
My secret weapons?
Water and clean eating. Boom.
Ever since I made the wise decision to clean up my eating act (by following 90% paleo) and to give my body the respect it deserves, I've reaped the rewards.
I function better.
My skin is clearer.
I have more energy.
I have a healthier relationship with food (and the occasional indulgence).
I'm genuinely a happier and better person to be around.
I'm becoming my best version of me (so far!)
Try it, I swear you'll see the same thing. Tell me all about it!
Plus, if you know me... the sweaty selfies also get me through the day :)
Today we are supposed to talk about firsts with Helene and Sarah.
I was thinking about what I could share with you that wouldn't be awkward like my very first blog post - because let's be real. That was embarrassing and I don't even want to know what I was thinking this would someday become when I published it. A local blog, a city blog, a restaurant blog, a photography/fashion/fitness blog? There's really no telling.
There's so many things we could talk about - like first concert, first job, first love - but I think today you get to hear about my first date... back in 5th grade.
The "love connection" between us two ten year olds was unstoppable. We both went to the same elementary school, we were both tall, we were both class clowns, we both pitched on our respective little league teams and our names both start with the letter "J". Who needed Match.com with those kind of stats?
Let's do this in list form, shall we?
- First Date: Titanic (in theaters)
- Ages: Me, 10 - Him, 11
- Other guests: His parents
- Money he got for his birthday: $30
- Money heI we spent on candy at the theater: $30
- Times hands were held: 0
- Times I avoided looking at his parents: During all the nude/steamy scenes
- Length of time we dated after that: 1 year, 6 months
- Amount of time while dated that we actually talked: probably 25 minutes total?
- # of other dates we went on: zero unless you count middle school dances.
I searched high and low for photos of us at a dance, but then it was bedtime so you'll have to imagine what he looked like. Instead you get to enjoy what I looked like at that awkward stage of life - bonus, I was on a cruise in these photos!
See that necklace? Yeah - he got me that. #YoungLove
I don't know where he is today or what he looks like - but I'm certain he just remembers that I owe him $30 in candy from his 11th birthday.
Bahhh come back tomorrow for a very special Half Birthday edition of Friday Favorites!
I heard a rumor that most of you have the day off from work today so if that means sleeping in - I'm jealous. If that means you're up early and reading my blog - I'm thankful! If it means you're skipping blogging all together for the weekend - go on with your bad self(ie).
I normally would be sharing My Week In Gifs for your Friday entertainment - but my lady friend across the country is hosting a Friday link-up that I wanted to support for four main reasons:
1. She's a loyal reader
2. She's a bargain queen
3. She's gorgeous and funny
4. I'm just starting this post at 9:40pm on Thursday night - cheers for link-ups!
Plus she made this link-up button on her own, isn't it pretty?
First before we talk about favorites - I have to mention that I'm finally getting a haircut this weekend and can't wait to flood your instagram feeds with selfies!!! Okay, maybe I'll just do one but know that my snapchat peeps are going to get at least 10.
I'm going to do my own take on this link-up, hope you don't mind!
Favorite Instagram Interaction of the week:
I allowed my followers to pick which outfit to wear to work Friday. It was a question for me because I love dressing springy on Good Friday, but I also have a work presentation where I want to be taken seriously. Let the people vote!
Helene, bless her soul, was the only one out of 25+ who picked 'left' and I love her for it.
I had an awesome time last week posting about my Instagram confessions - so why don't we play a similar game and talk about my love for Snapchat?
If you're not up on Snapchat don't worry, there's still things for you and yours here in this confession (and maybe I can convert you and you'll add me??)
+ Once I accidentally added someone on snapchat because I assumed his instagram name was the same. I sent something creepy like "look who's stalking who, now!".
THEN the super creepy part was that this person confirmed they didn't have snapchat and later I got a message (that I took a screenshot of!) of a creepy guy I assumed to be high on drugs with a "Who dis be?"
+ I over-snap, not sorry.
+ Snapchat is the app where I take 99.9% of my photos from because I believe it has better lighting. This is also a reason why I over-snap because most of my photos are begging to be sent!
+ My "Best Friend" position is ironically taken by someone I don't snap anymore. And they won't. go. away. No, thank goodness this isn't the same guy I've been sober from (for 47 DAYS now), but it's someone who I purposefully don't send anything to first because I don't want him to get the wrong idea that I'm too clingy (see here)
+ Poor Kayla has had a couple of my accidental not-for-her snaps and she's quite the trooper. Thankfully nothing racy.
+ Yes, taking my phone into the restroom means I'm sending a potty snap to Brooke, Melissa and Kailyn (who else wants in?!?)
+ I won't look at snaps until I'm somewhat presentable in the morning so that I can reply back immediately.
+ The above question is null and void if I have a sweaty selfie to share with my closest ladies.
+ When I share something to "my story" it means I don't want to scroll through my whole friends list. Please don't be offended that you didn't get the original copy.
+ I love snapchat videos.
+ I hate receiving snapchat videos at work when I can't watch them.
+ There NEEDS to be a group chat function so I can see who I'm supposed to reply-all to when I have a witty comeback or it's part of a conversation.
+ Just like instagram, I have more blog friends than real life friends in my snap-list. It's normal.
+ My blogger snap friends have a special folder in Bloglovin' and I'll read your blogs first!
So now that we've got that out of the way - if you snapchat and you want to play along, comment below and we can take our usernames offline! :)
Linking up with the always funny, always awesome Kathy
After yesterday's seriousness over at Not the Average Bear, I have a new serious question for you.
Is there any kind of app on your phone that will tell you what apps you use the most? Like the active time you use facebook, instagram, snapchat or spotify? I'd love to see my usage per day because I have a sneaking suspicion that close to 50% of the reason my phone is glued to my hand is my obsession fangirl attitude toward this social media outlet.
Let's get the shameless selfie plug out of the way first - if you want to find me on insta, click here.
Today all of my confessions are Instagram related because the first confession is that I spend way way way too much time on instagram.
+ When I've exhausted my friends feed I'll go see what my friends are liking, what's on the popular page, get lost in the deep dark depths of a hashtag. Yoga poses I'll never be able to do, a Jen Selter body I'll never have and my continued love for Tara + Johnny.
+ I realize that I am more likely to follow someone I don't know and just met through blogging versus following someone that I know in real life. This could double as a blogger problem, but who else does this?
+ Most of my feed is fitspo, baby bumps and alcohol - which makes me feel very awkward while I'm scrolling at work and people get a glance at my screen. I swear - that girl was just showing off her progress with her squat challenge.
+ Sometimes I look at instagram so often that there's only ten new photos since the last time I checked. I mean I know you guys are living your lives but why aren't you posting that?
+ Oh, Instagram of mine - I wish I knew how to quit you.
Happy Humpday! What do you have to confess about your instagram antics?
There really is no better day than Wednesday in blog land.
Here in Portland it's starting to rain and I know I won't want to get out of bed. I'm pretty sure that when I realize it's Christmas morning Wednesday I'll turn off the four alarms that will be blaring from all around my room, make a protein breakfast smoothie and cozy up to my laptop to jump into as many confessions posts as I possibly can before having to actually shower and get to work.
I guess that brings me to my first confession - showering.
+ I think I've been exaggerated to my whole life, but legend has it that when I was younger I would refuse to take a shower. So on a week like this where we've got spring break, I'd go outside, play in the yard all day, sit in a tree eating leaves story for another day and somehow get away with not bathing for days. At least I wasn't this kid (hey he's from Portland, remember?)
+ Monday night I was browsing the internet when all of my power shut off. Apparently a tree knocked out a line and the entire neighborhood lost power, but all I could think was that it was a personal attack, that a robber/rapist was coming for me. Like usual, first instinct in a panic situation is to reach out to my mom. I laid in bed listening for every indication of a robber outside but you'll be happy I didn't pack up and go running home. However, I did sleep fully clothed in case I would have had to leave quickly.
+ I was carrying around a cup of water at work and had to run into the restroom quickly before a meeting. I realized I was standing there holding an open-top cup of water in the vicinity of toilets and set the cup down on the counter (disgusted), did my business, and left it there. Something about fecal matter in the air didn't make the water seem all that desirable anymore.
+ I don't want to admit this one. Last night I got home at 5pm from work and what did I do? I immediately took off pants (that part is normal) and I took a nap until 8pm. I either needed to catch up on the sleep I missed from the power outage or maybe dance class was really that strenuous. Either way, a win in my book because then I turned to House of Cards and a night with glasses on. Hush.
+ And finally, speaking of sleeping - whenever I see people yawn I instinctively want to put my finger in their mouth. Just because it's funny. It doesn't help that the majority of yawns I see are at work and I don't think the co-worker relationship can go there yet... or ever.
This is what I mean if you're wondering.
And that concludes my favorite day of all the blogging days.
Can't wait to hop around today and hear all of your confessions!
Here we link up with Kathy (and Ryan) and we get to share all of our filthy, dirty confessions. This is still happening today, but we have a special twist in the fact that Helene and Taylor are also hosting a one time link-up for why we can't wait for summer.
Confessions and Summer go hand-in-hand, don't they?
Let's not waste any time and get straight into my little confessions about my plans for this summer!
+ Sleeveless
For as long as I can remember I've dreaded the idea of summer. The thought of not being able to cover my arms with a jacket or cover my legs with pants has always given me anxiety. After the hard work I've put in this year, I feel different than ever before and am no longer afraid.
Out of habit yesterday while I was driving I turned on the A/C when I got warm in traffic. When I finally realized that I didn't need to be wearing my blazer and that I wasn't reeling with anxiety over strangers in traffic seeing wobbly arms, I had to capture the moment of pride with a selfie.
+ Hair
I'm thinking about cheating on my hair stylist but only because I'm ultra jealous of Brooke's new haircut. If she's going to be done talking about it on her blog, I'm going to start talking about it. I don't think my stylist is incapable of doing something so beautiful, but I'm impressed how great her long bob/color turned out.
I'm not planning to copy her because I love my length, but I'm thinking a tastefully untrashy ombre (is this a good idea, help?)
+ Summer Fridays
At my work in the summer, we're allowed to "fit 40 hours in" before noon on Friday, and get to check out for the weekend. This is a blissful exit from the office to either head down to the coast, go meet friends who don't work the typical corporate schedule OR my favorite; go home and do nothing.
These 40 hours aren't really "counted" and it's also a crime to believe that I don't already work 40 hours by noon on Friday every week regardless of the incentive. But, bears will be bears.
+ Living Vicariously
I don't plan to spend much money on travel this summer after the travel I did (for a boy, ugh) during the winter. What's my ultimate plan? To live deviously and vicariously through all of you beautiful people.
Going to Hawaii? Awesome, take some photos on the beach! All inclusive Caribbean resort? Make that two coconut drinks with bright umbrellas! I hope to make at least one trip but please, keep the tan legged selfies coming. It makes me feel like I'm there on that boat with my flippie-floppies.
Is it okay if I sneak in one quick thing I'm not looking forward to? yes, because its my blog.
+ Humidity
Thankfully here in the Pacific Northwest there's not a ton of humidity to go around like you poor ladies in other parts of the country, but I still feel it.
Actually, I don't feel it - my hair does. I can't imagine living in a place where everyday would be the horror that is this gif. Especially if I go un-trashy ombre like I mentioned above.
This was fun, can't wait for summer and can't wait to hop around and find some new blogs today!
