Christmas Happenings

December 11, 20141 Comment

Merrrrrrry Christmas everyone!

This being my first official year of being a bon-A-fied MRS., I decided to do Christmas cards. You know the ones. With the picture and the corny little design, usually from Tiny Prints, Shutterfly or in my case, Costco. I felt weird ordering them, it being just the two of us – no kid, no dog, but then I realized that we put on a wedding dammit! And those pictures aren’t doin’ much besides sitting inside albums so share them, we shall.

I encountered a Santa-themed bicycle troupe the other day whilst out shopping for wrapping paper. They were super annoying, but they had Mare Care blasting so it was all good. Sidenote: Where is all the cute wrapping paper? I MEAN. I finally threw in the towel and succumbed to a mediocre snowflake print but COME ON PEOPLE. Of course today I wandered into Paper Source and found the sweetest gift wrap that was ivory with gold polka dots a!na@#%k$@sdnjkawa.

Only in Portland

I friggen’ love The 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family. Last night they showed Elf and tonight, Christmas Vacation. Additionally, there is the option of The Mistle Tones starring Tia Mowry and of course my personal favorite, Holiday in Handcuffs. Oh MJH is just a gem.

And lastly, I might have to rescind my previous statements about my new favorite foundation. I may have found one I like even better…ok I’ll just tell you. Nars Sheer Glow! I mean, duh. How had I not tried this before? It is easily the most beautiful finish I’ve ever seen (if you like a dewy look). So HOT DOG!

All for now! Off to catch the 12 Dates of Christmas!

Inspirational Blogger Award!

July 30, 2014August 1, 20141 Comment

I wouldn’t go so far as to say I am inspirational…

Unless you find it inspiring how much I love cotton candy and blush.

A big, giant, scary-sized hug to Sarah of Our Detroit Wedding for the nom, I truly appreciate it. Sarah is planning a wedding of her own and girlfriend is PREPARED. I wish I were half as creative or driven as she is, when it came to my own nuptials. Go girl.

In terms of rules, I must acknowledge the person who nominated me (check!), list 7 facts about myself and nominate 10 peeps. Honestly though, every time I follow directions and actually nominate 10 others, I never hear back. So I will just be keeping this award all about me!

7 Random Facts About Me

1. I am obsessed with period films (NO. Not movies about surfin’ the crimson wave). You know, the ones set in Britain, usually starring Colin Firth or Hugh Grant or BOTH. Where there’s family turmoil, affairs of the heart and most importantly, good ol’ fashioned romance. A time when holding hands and going for a stroll through the gah-dens was favorable. A world devoid of twerking, sexting and half-inch inseam, high-waisted acid washed shorts.

Favorites Include:

Marie Antionette (obvi)

Sense & Sensibility

Pride & Prejudice

2. I have recurring anxiety dreams (you know the ones) where I am late to my volleyball game and I don’t have my uniform or ankle braces or shoes or spandex and have to borrow everything. If you have ever played a team sport, you know how much it sucked when you forgot something and had to borrow. You were “that” girl.

3. I hate Canadian Geese. They are right above reptiles in my book.

4. I have always wanted to be able to “shoot the duck”. You know this move if you ever attended a Skate Night during elementary school. All the cool kids could shoot that mothereffin duck.

5. I recently purchased a Kitchen Aid in the color Ice and it is the crown jewel in our home.

6. The bottoms of my feet are perpetually dirty. Maybe it’s an Eastern Washington thing, or maybe because it’s the fact that I don’t like to wear shoes when I go outside to get the mail…

7. I just finished the book,”The Paris Wife” and I am now completely obsessed with Ernest Hemingway (or Hem, as I know refer to him). He had four wives, was a raging alcoholic and liked to fight people but for whatever reason I find the man to be intoxicating. Go figure.

All for now! Have a great hump day little fishies!

Happenings

June 21, 20143 Comments

Bryan was in San Francisco for 3 days this week. While he was gone, here is what I did:

Woke up super early in the morning and immediately made the bed.
Painted my nails purple (which is NOT an approved color around here. ~~HUSKIES~~) And let it be said that Zoya might be my new favorite brand of polish.

Watched Orange is the New Black Season 2. V scares the BEJESUS outta me and wtf was the part with her and her son? Like, no V. I definitely DO NOT want to see your sweaty boobs.
Ate an entire box of Fruity Cheerios.
Did one 20 minute elliptical sesh.

mmm

WINNING at life.

While OITNB fed my appetite for racy, over-the-top sensationalized television, I still needed something to wet my wholesome-TV whistle. Enter, The Paradise. Has anyone seen this? It takes place in a period I like to generalize as, the olden days and focuses on a cast of characters whom all work at the “first ever department store”, The Paradise. Basically it’s amazing and the main character looks kinda like Legolas. It’s BBC and is getting me through the weeks until PLL is on. DON’T judge.

We receive wedding gifts to our home what feels like on the daily. Beautiful things are unwrapped, squealed over and then sadly, tucked back into tissue paper and stored for later use #threekitchencupboardsproblems.

I am going through candles like cray ~~kinda like m’programs.~~ Therefore, I visited my BBW during the semi-annual to stock the F up. No such luck. 50% off. 50% percent off!? Like, no! I want $6 3-wicks. $5 3-wicks. I want foaming handsoaps for $2.50 and wallflowers for $5. Maybe I missed the opening days and good deals, because mama wasn’t happy.

My gal Lacey and I went out for lunch to La Provence and had the best time chatting over salads and of course Diet Cokes. The place was adorbs and I kind of wanted to move in. We both got stuff from the pastry cake on our way out because really, how could we not!?

Lemon, Chocolate and Almond Macarons

I FINALLY got the throw from Pottery Barn I have been DYING OVER for like 2 years. It only comes out on the floor during the winter months and rarely does it go on sale. We had a couple of gift cards and decided it was time to take the plunge. Yes, $129 is a lot for a throw but it is worth EVERY PENNY.

What’s in my Bag

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014Leave a comment

I am such a sucker for these.

Whether it’s in a magazine, on YouTube or a blog – “what’s in my bag?” gets me err’ time. Esp when it’s like Cara Delevingne’s bag. It straight turns me into that chick from Mean Girls:

Anywho – onto the goods!

Currently I am using the Tory Burch Holly shoulder bag in vintage vechetta. Pretty fancy name for a brown purse, it was a gift from The Bry and I lurrve it.

Thank you Cards

Thanks Target Dollar Bins!

I always have thank you cards with me for some reason. I mean, you never know when you will be sitting at your desk and realize “CRAP! I never sent my aunt a thank you for bringing me cupcakes last week when I had a cold!!” You see? They are essential.

2. Wallet

Why YES. That IS a senior picture of The Bry himself!

This would be my black Hobo wallet purchased at Jackson Hole Bootlegger on sale. It was a HUGE splurge at the time and has served me quite well over the past 3 or so years.

3. Mini Makeup Bag

Valentines Gift from Bry’s Mom!

Contents include NYX Butter Gloss in eclair, Mac Fleur d’Coral lipstick, chapstick from Whistler that was $6, Rimmel blush and Covergirl blush brush, Yaby concealer, Jo Malone samples in Peony & Blush Suede and a mini Origins mascara. Whew!

4. Various Meds

For my ailments.

5. BBW Hand Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar

How can you not love this scent? I like it all year long. The formula is actually decently thick and moisturizing too.

6. Glasses and glasses cloth

SNOOZE.

7. Various Coupons

99.9% of the coupons I clip never actually get used. When I do remember to use a coupon, I feel SO triumphant. Like, I could have $200 of useless crap in my cart from Target, but if I used a $1 off coupon on ANYTHING I am SUCH the bargainista!

8. Weekly Planner

Let’s be honest. Since there are no kids, job, or house to run (haha, like I ever did that anyway) my planner now contains such momentous events as “last day to use 20% Ulta coupon” or “Dance Moms Marathon”. You know, the IMPORTANT things in life.

Enthralling, I know! What is a staple in YOUR bag??

What We Did Last Weekend

March 18, 2014March 18, 20148 Comments

Hellllo my cotton candy Jelly Bellys!

So, last weekend was kindof a doozie.

Friday I found a pair of wedding shoe candidates at DSW and texted my casual friday OOTD to Megan per usual.

After work, I did not feel like cooking. But then again, I never do. So, we decided to try out North Bend Bar & Grill which is not far from us. Anytime we go out for dinner, I turn into a 12 year old girl on the night of 8th Grade Celebration. I get all excited and want to dress up. So I did (well, dressed up for me).

Kate Spade lipstick in Parisian Pink (a gift from Ray-Ray!)

We arrived to patrons donning Looney Tunes lettermans jackets and women in banana clips. My wine came in a water goblet and was massively over-poured. YASSSS. Bry had a burger and I chose the panzenella. Both were great and we will definitely be back, but I will probably wear a North Face fleece.

We got froyo on the way home and I went insane on the toppings. At home, we switched on a movie and I fell asleep halfway through my pistachio with a chunk of Heath on my lip. ‘Ttractive.

Saturday morning was glorious. As is the case with all Saturday mornings. I finished this book and wasn’t thrilled with the ending.

As some of you may know, Bryan is prepping for CFA III. His third and final exam to become a bone-a-fyed Chartered Financial Analyst. This is the big leagues here guys. The CFA is to Finance as Dumbledore is to wizardry. Or as Miley Cyrus is to buttcheeks.

Wait.

An academic, I am not. So while Bryan busted his behind, clocking hours upon hours watching classroom videos and doing practice tests, I put makeup on. Another kind of studying.

I got Bryan to help me move my vanity back into my new freshly painted lady room. I hung up pastel fairy lights and channeled all the YouTubers I love as I buffed 75 different eyeshadows on to my lids. As evidenced here:

Notice the new white walls??!

After a good chunk of studying, Bryan decided that he wanted to make fish tacos for dinner. I said sure as long as I didn’t have to handle the fish. So we went to the Q and filled our basket with raw fish, tequila and Cholula. Then we came home and Bry mixed up margaritas. You guys. Bryan makes the most PERFECT margarita ever. Of all time. Plus infinity.

Then we decided to have a wedding-update convo whilst buzzing in the late afternoon. It went something like this:

Natalie: “If we have any wedding money leftover after everything is paid for, I want to book a videographer.”
Bryan: “I don’t want a video of our wedding! Who cares??”
Natalie: “Don’t you care about having a video of our wedding we can show our kids someday and watch each year on our anniversary?!”
Bryan: “Our kids won’t want to see that.”

Haahahahaaaa.

Then we had dinner and watched another movie and I fell asleep at 8 PM.

In a word, Sunday was odd. In a good way. We started saying, “Sunday? Funday!”. GOD we are such nerds and not in a good way. Things started out innocently enough. Bry began his studying regime while I holed up in bed with coffee and Dexter (the show, not another man named Dexter).

Then we went to the gym where I halfheartedly ellipticaled through a couple episodes of this new peach of a show:

Then we came home, had sandwiches and Bryan started making margaritas again…

And then we were day drunk 🙂

We blasted gangster rap on the Bose, clinked glasses and basked in the glory of being childless 30-somethings. *Yes, we realize that as soon as we have a child, these days are O-V-E-R. We are trying to take advantage now.

A little while later, we took shots.

I don’t know.

After the haziness faded a bit, I decided it was time to go shopping at the outlet mall. I had two extra 40% coupons for Gap and Banana that were burnin a whole in my pocket. The odds of getting Bryan to agree to a shopping trip with me are about 10,243 to 1 so I was surprised when he said it sounded like fun.

Andiworethisshirt

We both got a few new things and I got a cardigan at Banana for $4.30. No big deal.

After the shopping, I figured we’d make our way home. When Bryan missed the turn for our house I knew our Sunday Funday was not over. He made a few turns and before I knew it, the neon Snoqulamie Casino sign was slowly coming into focus.

Oh law.

Bryan is so cute and I look like Sloth from The Goonies

The place was buzzing. Why. WHY may I ask was a random casino SO packed on a Sunday at 5 o’clock? We entered the casino and I knew I wouldn’t last long…you see, it’s a smoking facility. Bryan went to go see if they had our ol’ standby, video blackjack – while I made my way through the ~~mullets~~ crowd to find the bathroom.

And this is when I found the crown jewel of the Snoqualmie Casino.

THE TOILETS

A fresh piece of plastic just for me!? I wanted to talk to the other women in the bathroom about it. “Did you see the toilet seats!? So cool!!”. But I didn’t. Instead, I went to the bar where I hoped Bryan was feeling the same way I was about having smoke blown in my face by a man wearing a Margaritaville tee shirt 2 sizes too small.

We decided on one drink and one slot machine.

I DON’T understand the appeal of slot machines. It’s like a reverse ATM. There’s not even a cool handle anymore. You just press a button and it takes your money. We lost $10 and I couldn’t take it anymore. END THE MADNESS, I declared.

Kathy ROCKS

We went home and threw our clothes in the washing machine (circa 2005 when we all did this after a night at the bars). And Bryan made us his amazing pizza and we turned on Rush Hour. I promptly fell asleep at 7:30 PM on the couch. Clearly tuckered out from Sunday Funday.

What will next weekend hold?! Cosmic bowling? A trip to Ikea? You just never know with us.

Happenings

March 12, 20142 Comments

Random stories from my life:

Recently, I have gone into the city TWICE for dinners with Bryan. I always feel so grown-up and jet-setting, when I drive into the city for dinner. I like to think that it’s no big deal. I imagine myself a spontaneous, totally together woman who weaves in and out of traffic, tossing my perfectly coiffed hair and listening to french hip-hop. Sadly, that’s not the case with me. I am only willing to brave such journeys at the promise of champagne, a good meal and ALWAYS the ballet. Last time, it was Place Pigalle. A french restaurant tucked away in Pike Place Market which has become a favorite of Bryan and I’s.We shared some delicious food, drank our bubbles and even ordered dessert, a rare but welcome occurrence.

New tights!

Champagne and creme brulee!

Another weekend, we met our friends Lacey and Danny for cocktails at Lot. 3 in Bellevue. We arrived at 4:30 and the hostess was like, “we can seat you but the table needs to be available by 7:30 for a reservation”. In all my years in food service, I have not encountered such a request. But whatevs, we sat down and thought for sure 3 hours would be enough time. But, as drinks with these two go, we were basically planted there. They did make us get up and move to the bar at 7:30 which I did with only a modicum of contempt. Obvs it didn’t stop our party and canijustsay, I love a couple who knows how to GET DOWN. An unexpected round of tequila shots? Hear, hear! These guys always bless us with such great conversation, its easy to lose track of time.

PB&J + Bacon Slider = perfection

My parents bought me a cute little vanity for Christmas. I opened the enormous box on my birthday and squealed with delight. But then. It was broken, so we sent ‘er back. A million years later, the replacement arrived. No directions. No screws. No vanity stool as pictured. The mirror needed to be attached somehow to the table and we did not own power tools. POOP. My mom was in cahoots with the owner so she asked him to please send us directions, screws and the stool. 82198 days later, the stool arrived and then there was the matter of procuring a power drill. MY LIFE. The predicament ended happily, with Bryan successfully screwing the mirror to the base with our newly-purched Ryobi drill. We were both sweating and kindof mad at no one in particular but we did it. And behold! HEADQUARTERS:

So happy and so scraggly

Also, we painted the walls of the bedroom pictured above. More appropriately known as “the ladies quarters”, this room is where I have been doing my makeup. The AWFUL blue color HAD to go, it was so unsettling! So, one weekend I got all motivated and went to Home Depot, picked out a color and that was that. 3 days later I had a perfectly “cottage white” room. YES, it took me 3 days. Multiple coats and ceiling touch-ups were needed. I’m such a homeowner right now!

e1ddaac3-0456-409e-8e75-2711a0d82f5c_300

BEHR Cottage White

And here is how it looks on the walls:

Definitely NOT our house 😦

Upcoming excitements include:

spray painting an old nightstand
mom and megan coming in two weeks to do wedding things!
the bag of original goldfish crackers in my desk

That is all.

Blogmopolitan Quiz

March 3, 20144 Comments

Happy Monday everyone!

Who watched the Oscars last night? Obviously I tuned in for the whole shootin’ match.

I cannot decide whether I want to hang up a poster of Jared Leto above my bed, or double french braid his hair. But seriously, so many great momes. Meryl shimmying. J-Law falling. Liza getting denied.

poor BB

Annnnyways, I saw this little ditty over on this blog and this blog and thought it just looked like a hoot. So here I go

xoxo – N