Hello and happy Wednesday!

Today I'll be linking up with Shay for 'Whats Up Wednesday' - so excited!  First link ups with this lovely lady!

What we are eating this week...

A 'very plain' order of #10

Ever so often, I get to go out on a lunch/dinner date to Pho Van with Andrew. And Sunday it was! It's one of my favorite places - Vietnamese Beef Noodle bowl!  Except, I'm lame and get get the #10, chicken noodle, with just chicken, broth and noodles.  I swear, they all think I'm this crazy lady, but what can I say...I'm weird with food. Once this piping hot bowl of yumminess comes, I add my own flavoring of Sriracha sauce!  Of course, I get an order of the salad rolls and a diet Coke to top it all off. Mmm...makes my mouth just water thinking about this delicious soup!

What I'm reminiscing about....

Day 2 of our 'Spirit Week' [Just us girls].  We sure know how to make work fun!

Day 3 of Sprit Week - Legggggs for days!

My old 'Kroger/Fred Meyer' co-workers and all the good times we had.  Seriously, best bunch of people to work with!  I miss working with them already #sadface

What I'm loving...

This. New. Bag.

This new bag has arrived!  I ordered this for myself for an early birthday gift to myself/congrats-on-the-new-job.  Stole this little gem for a fabulous deal online.  I'm so in love with the padlock style on this bag.  Can't wait to use it!

What we've been up to...

Just working away. Learning as much as I can about the new job [and by the way, I am totally loving it!]  We did have a proud mama moment this week - using the big girl potty!  Who knew you could be so excited to see your child use the big girl potty?  Of course, it has to be her idea to use the big girl potty...and waiting until she's almost 2 is fine with me.

What I'm dreading...

My baby will be turning 2 in February.  Don't get me wrong, I've so enjoyed watching her grow up, but 2?!  Wow...time has sure flown by.  I feel lie just a few months ago she was 2 months old.  I will say though, I am super excited for 2!

Oh...and the dentist.  Went to the dentist the other day, to find out I need to have a filling. Really?!  A filling? So...I'm totally dreading that part. #sugaraddict

What I'm working on...

Becoming a better me!  2016 is my year to shine! I'm excited to see what this year has to offer!

What I'm excited about...

Birthdays!  Celebrations!  As if we didn't have enough excitement during the holidays, we [my sister, my daughter, and myself] top it off with birthdays in January and February - go us!  Although, I will be turning *gasp* 31 [and it's an odd year], I'm still excited!

What I'm watching/reading...

This is the current book I have been 'trying' so hard to get read between bedtime routine and falling asleep at night. It's a struggle sometimes. But so far, I love it!

Currently watching a handful of shows - Younger being one of my absolute favorites right now!  If you haven't seen it (TVLand) go see it!

Also, just finished catching up Teen Mom OG where Catelynn and Tyler got married - seriously, such a gorgeous wedding!

I did catch up as well on the Kardashians.  Yes, it's my guilty little pleasures in life that keep me sane.

What I'm listening to...

At this very moment? Total silence. And it's pure bliss!
But as of lately, it's been the Ke$ha or Sum41 station on iHeartRadio.
Occasionally, I'll throw on the Lil Wayne station for some 'hard-core' rap. [because it's motivating and I can]

What I'm wearing...

Currently LOVING the blanket scarf trend right now!  I love pairing the plaids with the stripes, or the animal prints with bright colors!  Being from the NW, I like to keep my neck toasty warm.

What I'm doing this weekend...

Yes, this is a birthday margarita. Courtesy of last year's birthday outing.

It's the start of the birthday weekend!  In our family, my sister is born on January 25 and I'm on Feb 6th...so birthday dinners and outings typically begin this time of the month.  Which means, Saturday night - first birthday dinner [for me].

What I'm looking forward next month...

Lots!!!  But most of all, for the new job to take off!  I love learning! It's been a little "rough and weird" transition since we all work remotely from our homes.  I'm hopeful this week's training will get me up and running like the wind!

What else is new...

That about sums up life right now - birthdays.  Pretty low key.

Favorite Valentine's Day Treat...

Dove Dark Chocolate squares. Need I say more?

What's even better than the above?  The Dove dark chocolate WITH almonds!  [that's a little added protein, right?!]

Pre-Planning 2016 Goals: I Put the PRO in Productive!

This last weekend was pretty productive.
[I put the pro in productive.  Oh wait...I put the pro in procrastination. Ha!]

Last Friday night I sat down with a pen in hand ready to put thoughts and notes together on paper.

I had been jotting notes down all last week of what it was I wanted over the next year and generally speaking, in life (aka long term goals).

It's been proven that if you write down, visualize and believe in what it is you want in life, you'll achieve it.
And no, I'm not specifically speaking about material items, but who we want to be in this world as well.

That's right, I'll be completing a 'vision' board!

Once I gather my goals and vision for my future, I'll lay it neatly out on a board - my "vision" [or dream] board.  I tend to take my time on these as I like them to be atheistically pleasing to me - especially if its something that will be seen on the daily.

What is a vision/dream board?  
It's a visual representation of everything- your dreams and goals - that you want to achieve/accomplish in your life.

I created one last year and loved it!
I remember designing [I say design because I took great interest in making that thing pretty last year] my vision board a little over a year ago.  I also put down those same goals/visions on index cards,  tucked them in my top dresser drawer, and would occasionally look at them. [I will admit, I didn't take last years vision board as serious or to the extent I should have #lessonslearned]

Black, Lace & Tassels - JJB Style

Hello friends!

This weekend has been quite productive.  Well, maybe Saturday wasn't the most productive, but it was relaxing nonetheless.

One of my very good friends owns a boutique on the west side of town in which I went and visited (once again).  She's always getting new fashion pieces in.  I love going to see whats new and trending! Plus-she lets me model the outfits.

Here's what I found:

I saw this top with all the colors, textures, and designs and had to have it.

Another top that was too cute to pass up!

I am in *love* with this concept of a simple lace design down the backside of a simple shirt.  I mean, I would wear just the top itself without the lace, but the lace adds a little elegance and softness to the top.  I bought both in black and red[dish]. A great casual/weekend top!


LACE, LACE, LACE...everywhere!

This black lace embellished top with sleeves is perfect for the transition into Spring.  I do love black, so naturally, I would pick this top!  This one definitely made it into my wardrobe!

And how could you not pass up these cute little necklaces?!  Tassels. That's all I can say. Definitely a trend of the season for necklaces!

Here are some other looks I found this month, but didn't end up buying. (Hey, I was being very good at keeping a budget this month).

Look at those sleeves?! Simple.

We all know, I'm by no means a hat person...but it's a nice photo accessory.

An added bonus when I visit Janelle James Boutique...I get to see my sister (store manager)!

PS. Happy Birthday sister!

Check out their Facebook and IG pages for the latest fashion arriving!

Janelle James Boutique FB

Janelle James Boutique IG

Janelle James Boutique Website & Blog

Aside from fashion and shopping, I did do some productiveness in the 2016 life planning department.

I will post more from that later this week.

Friday Favorites [Jan 22] Edition

Happy Friday!

Show of hands of people who are thrilled it's the weekend?!  (me*me*me*me)

Not that I have anything fun planned, however I do plan on just sitting back and relaxing.

This week has sure been a roller coaster of ups and downs...and I'm sure glad it's over.

Here's my list of favorites this week:

COFFEE.

Need I say more?  Coffee has been my savior this last week. (There is a slight chance that I may or may not have had more than 1 coffee trip this week.  Shh...our little secret).
This week it's been: A medium, non-fat, x-hot, light foam, sugar-free vanilla latte.

Isn't this the truth sometimes?  Thank goodness I work from home these days...so no one has to deal with this crabby lady in the AM.

YOUNGER.

TVLand's show 'Younger'.  Recently, I caught up on last season up to the current week...and I must say - I love this show! If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest it. I find myself getting lost in this light, fun "non-reality" TV show. #myguiltypleasure

'

I found these online and thought...how inspiring!  I mean...at least this isn't another reality TV show. #AMEN

SUPPORT SYSTEM

This week (and a few weeks back) has been difficult for me.  However, do have 3 of the best support system people a girl could ever ask for - my sister, grandma and mom.  

My sister and I. Best. Sister. Ever. And she's clllll mine.

This sums up my Friday Favorites this week!  

Cheers to a wonderful weekend and a much better week next week!

What were some of your favorite this week?  Share below!

True Confessions of A Mom

Oh Tuesday...how I love you!

My friend (& old co-worker) Jess @ Jessica's Little Bits of Joy had linked up with Momfessionals and I thought, why the heck not!

Being a mom is great and all, but let's me honest here mom's...we all have little things that slide when it comes to our own kids. I have a ton, I'm sure...actually I know I do.

Being a first time mom, I had a great idea of how I was going to parent and exactly how my kid was going to act.

Isn't that farthest from the truth. I laugh now looking back at my thinking...but hey, I was totally optimistic!

Here are my confessional mom-moments:

COATS

I laugh and cringe at the same time on this subject.  I know many moms out there will fight with their kids to wear their coats while others simply could care less.  I'm the one who could care less.  I mean, don't get me wrong here, I care that my child is warm and stays dry from this NW rain, but as we are shuffling out the door in the mornings...I don't care to have a struggle and full on meltdown with the issue.  I simply throw the coat in the diaper bag.  My child however, just loves the rain. (She is a true NW child).  I figure, eventually, she'll learn that it's much colder without the coat and *gasp* want to wear it outside.

Obviously, it was her idea to wear a coat this time. (go figure) #fashionstatement

MATERNITY JEANS

Even though I haven't been pregnant for almost 2 years now, I do have 1 pair of designer denim that I absolutely love and can't get rid of them!  Despite the fact that they have the elastic band...they are amazing designer denim (with a nice elastic band to make my stomach appear much slimmer). #thankyouverymuchjeans

LATE-NIGHT COUCH SURFER

This is another struggle I tend not to fight. It's been decided: my child is a night owl and does not require that much sleep.  Bedtime around here is usually 10. Sucky. And for some odd reason, she wakes up in the middle of the night to go sleep on the couch. Whatever. It's a phase, right? (one could only hope)

CLEAN CAR

Wanna know my secret for cleaning up the crushed up goldfish crackers and randomly dropped fruit snacks?  One word:  Emily.  She's my little car Dyson that cleans up after baby anytime there's messes. #thanksEm

This is Emily Grace. Also known as the car vacuum.

GERMS ARE NOT WELCOME

I used to be a hand sanitizer freak when it came to being clean and touching things in public. Turns out, now that I have a child, I'm the farthest from that. Whatevs. Grocery carts?  Nope, never wipe those down (unless my mom is with me). Hasn't gotten sick yet. Dropped pacifier?  Just wipe it off on the shirt and we're good to go.  Highchairs at restaurants - have you seen how sticky and dirty those things are?  Yeah, gross, but I don't wipe those down either unless its blatantly obvious that it needs a wipe down.

PACIFIERS

Yes.  I'll admit it.  We have a decorative bowl in the living room where we keep my little's stash of pacifiers.  We have like 20. But never in the bowl at once. Some in the care, in the bag, in the purse, under the couch, under her bed. It's never ending of hide-n-seek with these things.

TIME IS NOT OF ESSENCE

I may (or may not) take advantage of time when my mom watches my little one.  Or take the looooong way home just for some added extra quietness in the car.  I think it's normal as moms to just want some peace and quiet and some alone time.  Hey, when my mom says she'll watch my little one for a few hours....you better believe, I am going to do as much "extra" activities I can fit in.

Wheeew.  There.  I've confessed. I feel much better!

But seriously, life isn't all glitz and glam as much as much as we'd like it to be as mothers.  We all have our little secrets that help us get through life with little ones.

What are some of your confessions?!

Warm Ups Are Over-It's Game Time!

Whew, did this weekend fly by after a super fast week or what?

I guess time flies when you're having fun, right?!

Well not exactly.
Don't get me wrong, my new job is exciting and I'm enjoying it very much so!
I'm just not feeling like myself these days. Which makes life and everyday tasks tougher than usual.

This weekend, I started a little "life"  planning and goal setting. 

Things I want to accomplish.

Things I want to re-evaluate.

My 5-7 year goals.

Things to make a better version of me in 2016.

I've tired this in the past, and it usually takes me awhile (if I ever complete it fully as I tend to procrastinate, then get sidetracked and then I get overwhelmed and give up).
This time I really want change (new year, new career, new me?).
That sounds pretty good to me.

So far, I've got my journal, colored markers, pen and index cards.
(I love index cards for the fact that I can write the goal on one side, and add the details on the backside).

I {fuzzy heart} simplicity when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Here's what I'm wanting hoping to accomplish with this life journal:

1. Create a better version of myself  (ways of doing things, list making, planning)
2. Re-learning what makes me happy and refills my happiness tank (as a previous counselor once referred to it as) and how to implement that into my life
3. Writing down goals and accomplish them

I think we can all agree that life can be challenging. Add kids into the mix and life gets a little more tricky and hectic (well...for me it did). Then, add some stressful situations and it can get even more stressful. 

Which is why I want to make 2016 my best year yet.

2014 was practice.

2015 was warm ups.

2016 is game time.

Game on!

More specifics on my goals the next few weeks as I prepare them.

What are some of your goals for 2016?

How do you plan on accomplishing them this year?

What are some of your 5-7 year goals?

My Current Wardrobe Essential Staple Pieces

Oh Monday morning, how I love thee.

Sitting here at my "home office" waiting for the help desk to call me back so I can get logged into my computer with my Starbucks vanilla latte in hand, I figured I'd write a quick post. (It's pretty quite here at the house since my little is at the babysitters.  It's just iHeart radio and me right now).

I had cleaned my closet out the other weekend, and I still have little remnants of it lingering around. (it's a work in progress for me).

I love cleaning.  It makes me feel good about myself - like I've accomplished something. Well, technically I did.

But going through my clothes, eek, there were some things I was hanging on to for dear life thinking, "what if I fit into this by Summer?", or "what if keep this and see if I wear it in the next year?".

Wrong!  Get rid of it.  If I haven't worn something for a year, it's outta there! Done. Gonzo. Finished.

Which lead me to my favorite staple pieces in my closet currently (both business, casual, and weekend wear).

Work:

• Express 'Editor' Pant in black (I get the Barely Boot cut).  Hands down, best dress pants I've owned.  

RECAP: Week 1 of 2016

One word sums up this week: interesting.

This was my first week at a new job.  And from my prior post on Sunday, this was the first week of working from home.

I've worked from home before...when I owned my own business. But this is a little different.  I get to take direction and learn things from someone else...who also works out of their home.

My week went a little something like this:

• Monday- Ice day.  Our city freezes literally when it snows/freezes.  So I stayed home with my little and did a small project for my new co-worker.  
• Tuesday - Technically "first day" on the job.  Met at a local Starbucks to discuss more of the job details and what some of the tasks look like that I'll be taking over.  Then we did some store tours in the vicinity.
• Wednesday - Meeting with the buyer at their GO and a few other important people were included as well. Then I was asked to help complete a project at a sales/marketing company for Friday's meeting. (Which by the way, I had a lot of fun!) My work day ended around 4:40pm (longest work day yet - yeassss!)
• Thursday - I thought I was going to be going back to the sales/marketing company I was at on Wednesday. Turns out, I sat at home waiting for my 'work computer' to arrive. That didn't show up until 3:50pm (which is 20 mins before I had to go pick up my little). Grr. Frustrating, but that's life.
• Friday - Had a 3 hour meeting scheduled (finally! My first real important meeting in a big fancy conference room). However, we {meaning my co-workers} decided it would be best to meet up 2 hours before the scheduled meeting to go over a few things first. So...my 3 hour meeting, was actually a 5 hour meeting.  Not too shabby.  Lunch was provided, which always makes me happy.  

And that...that was my "first" week on the job.  I technically can not use my new work computer yet because I don't have the correct log-in information - say what?!  Yeah, that's what I said.  They did tell me to "enjoy" this down time. I will say, it's hard to "enjoy" down time since I'm used to always going.

Monday will be an up and running kind of day to start off the week - can't wait! (no, really...I'm excited to get this show on the road).

This is what an 'interesting' week of work looks like - all smiles! And still clueless.

What's In My Handbag?

Myself, like many other mom's out there with toddlers, I sure have an interesting group of items stashed in your handbags.  I'm not talking the diaper bag you carry along with your handbag, but just your handbag.  I don't know about yours but my bag is full of...well, random stuff.

My Top 5 Favorite Hair Products

As a girl with long, blonde hair, I love hair products!  I love anything that will give my hair volume and feel like a million bucks!

Here is my list of favorite hair products currently:

1. Pureology Pure Strength Shampoo & Conditioner



I love the way this shampoo and conditioner makes my hair feel!  Managing and styling after use is easy.  Since having blonde hair, my hair is prone to breakage and fading more. I used to use the green bottle of Pureology (Essential Repair) until this replaced it.  No complaints here, except it's a bit on the speedy side, especially for the liters.  However, I have found that my scalp does not like inexpensive, drugstore shampoo & conditioners.  So to save my scalp issues, I spend a few extra dollars.

One Word Sums Up Today: Icy

Here in the Pacific NW when we get bad weather, we usually get snow followed by *gasp* ice. It's nothing like the light, fluffy, powdery snow like the Mid-West or East coast. We get wet miserable weather.  It's not that we can't drive in it...it's just the ice.

Here in the NW, AWD or 4WD vehicles are sought after.  Especially for those snow bunnies who love what adventures the mountains offer.  These kinds of vehicles work wonders in the snow...but once we get the layer of ice...it's game over.  Our whole city freezes. Literally. Schools close, county offices close, roads close, government offices close, power outages happen.  It's a mess. It's not like we get this kind of weather often either. Usually once or twice a year...and that's enough. Plus that's all we can really handle.

And that's just what happened last night.  We had a little snowfall in the valley on Sunday morning. Which, of course, we all freak out, get excited, go out in play in the dusting of snow and we're content (for those of us who don't go to the mountain to play in the snow at least).  But see, then we get freezing rain, which then forms as ice on top of the snow.  Creating this horrible mess Monday morning.

Tomorrow's A Big Day...

Tomorrow is a big day for me.
Life changing.
A new career.
That's right, I'm starting a new job tomorrow.  Eek!

I'm actually super excited, but nervous at the same time.  Another step forward in my new life.

See, this job isn't a typical show up at 8am and leave at 5pm kind of gig.  This is a 'remote' job since there's no regional office in my town. Say what?! Remote? Work from home? Why yes, I would love that, where do I sign up?

Old Friends Make For A Great Evening Out

First 'Momma's Night Out' for 2016 happened tonight.  Two words: much needed!

One of my 2016 goals (or...resolutions as most say) is to make time each month for "girl time" with friends.  Over the last few years, I've slowly let that part of my life slide under the wayside...in a negative way, and I'm ready to change that.

I have a group of some of the most wonderful friends a girl could ever ask for! Some from way back in the elementary school days, a few from middle school, a handful from the high schools I attended and many from my "adult life".

Happy New Year - Let 2016 Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

Happy 2016! The first day of a new year - geesh, 2016 already.  I just want to know - where did 2015 even go?!  Seems like it literally flew by. Nonetheless, I am so beyond excited for the 2016!  I can remember sitting down before the start of 2015 thinking of what I wanted to accomplish during the upcoming 365 days.  I can say, I've checked off a few goals (yah- go me!). One of my 2015 goals was to start a blog.  "Technically" I started this blog in 2015, but didn't physically post. However, I did have allllll year to think about blog ideas and what kind of a blog I would want (that counts as an accomplished goal in 2015, right?!).