What I Wore: Uniform. Again

Happy Wednesday, folks!

The week is just flying by. I feel like this always happens when I am with my family! Spending time with my nephew and niece, who are both under the age of TWO, ensures that there is never a dull moment. I may be away from home but I am still working. I snuck away for about four hours to get some work done and then worked more after they went to bed. I feel lucky to have the flexibility AND work partners that are night owls like me!

As you can see, comfort won out in today's look. I packed clothes that I knew I could wear with the kids and not worry about them getting drooled on, spit up on or have food rubbed into. Haha. Since it is back in the low sixties I reached for my trusty old plaid flannel, jeans and go to booties. Simple, easy and relatively kid proof. 

Uniform. Again 

 Photo Bombed. He thought we were playing. Hahahaha!

What I Wore:

Top: Old Navy plaid flannel

Jeans: Old Navy 'Rockstar' in Authentic

Booties: Mossimo 'Kinley'

Coffee Date/Hang Out Sesh

TGIF lovelies!

I hope that you will join me for coffee today! I am loving this series and the opportunity to share with you all. I am linking up with my friend Alissa, so if you are joining me on this hang out sesh I suggest you go link up and see what other women are sharing!

I am wearing this camo hoody. Again. And these sunnies. I am DYING to get them with the Green Flash lens too.

If we were having coffee today (or tea since that is what I am drinking) I would start off by sharing that I am missing my family this week! Getting to spend a couple days with them is like a tease. Seeing my nephew and niece makes my heart SO happy. I tell you that I was so excited to have my nephew sleep in my room both nights that they were here. And that on the second night he woke up and wanted to sleep in bed with me. WHile I didn't get much sleep that night (how do you moms do it???) I loved the extra cuddles, running my fingers through his curls and watching him sleep. There is nothing more special than those little moments. I would ask you about your fam (if you had one) or to have you share a special moment you had in the past couple of weeks.

 Don't pay any attention to me. Sneak attack! How I slept most of Sunday night.

If I was having coffee with you I would share that I had an interview this week and that I have been applying for new jobs. I would share what a nerve wrecking process it is but even through the nerves I am SUPER excited to start a new chapter in my life. I would ask you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers that the perfect position comes available. I would ask you about your job and where your passion lies. 

Dating and my Work Outs are always a hot topic. I would share that I saw my "future husband" in a Yoga class last week. I would tell you that I have not been that physically attracted to someone like that in YEARS. Now I just have to see him again so that I can get the balls to talk to him. I would tell you how my family saw what I looked like after a hot yoga class and jokingly (well, not really. They were serious) told me that I should only try to talk to him BEFORE class. LOL. I am a hot, disgusting, sweaty, smelly and red faced mess after a work out. There is nothing cute about me. At all. I know that and I am ok with that. I would ask you if you read my most recent Flirty Thirty posts about my dating diary the last few months and get your thoughts on what I shared. I would ask how your love life is and if you have been focused on a diet and fitness regimen.

If we were hanging out I would talk a little bit about the blog and social media. I would share that my blog readership continues to grow and that I am a little overwhelmed by my Inbox. I have so many emails to respond to that I don't know where to begin. Haha. I would share that I am beginning to accomplish some of the goals that I set for 2013. AND I would tell you how excited I am that I hit 500 followers on Instagram! Pretty cool milestone. 

I always have to share what I am dying to buy. So I would tell you that I am in DIRE need of a new pair of running shoes and that I am thinking about buying these in the BRIGHT blue combo. I am also dying to buy these booties after stalking Laura of Ascot Friday's blog and IG feed. Plus my friend Jess has them and I am in love. I still need to buy some pants that fit. I am loving these because of the zippers and my obsession with distressed denim is out of control so these skinnies obviously need to come home with me. And lastly I am dying to buy the Naked Basic palette. I need some matte, neutral shadows in my life. I need to reel my shopping in until I secure a new job. I am hoping you will hold me accountable ;)

I am pretty positive that we would talk about upcoming plans for the weekend and that we cannot believe that it is February already! I have a 30th birthday party to attend and I have NO plans for Super Bowl (yet). I still haven't seen some of the Best Picture nominees and I am DYING to go to a concert. Luckily I will be seeing Pink in a couple weeks. I have started making plans to go to AZ fro Spring Training, I have some Country concerts that I will be attending and a couple weddings coming up. The next few months will be very busy! I would hope that you are planning some fun things too!

Now that I have talked your ear off, what else would you tell me? I love hearing about your life too! Let's chat!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! I hope that you have an incredible weekend! 

Since none of my favorite teams are playing in the Super Bowl I am going to root for the California team....GOOOOO NINERS!!!

Through my iPhone lens

I am embarrassed to admit this but I spent a majority of the weekend curled up watching Homeland. After all of the hype I decided to get caught up. I am HOOKED. The show is amazing, incredible and the acting is just phenomenal. The clincher... Mandy Patinkin is in the show. He has been a favorite of mine for years. I watched all of season one. And started season two. I haven't watched this much TV for years. Dang. I also watched my boys, The Patriots, lose the AFC championship. Plus hit the gym. So I guess the whole weekend wasn't a wash!

2013 has shaped up to be a lot more emotional and intense than I originally thought. I knew that I would be facing a lot of change but it is  creeping up on me a little quicker than anticipated. My dating life has been challenging as of late, I am OFFICIALLY job hunting and really using these stressful situations to push myself in the gym. I have my first goal of losing 10 pounds by March 21. When it rains, it pours! I tend to cope and deal by retreating and spending time alone. I didn't realize that I was already doing that until this past week. It is weird how your mind and body cope and heal without you even realizing!

Since I have spent the past couple of weeks at home, I thoguht I would share some iPhone pics from the past month and share things that generally wouldn't make it on the blog.

Enjoy!

 SO EXCITED to see these two munchkins this weekend. I have Auntie dates planned with the little loves of my life!

Outfit Posts Here and Here

 A pic I took from Women's Health magazine of Emily Van Camp talking about her view on relationships. This really spoke to me!

 A screen shot of a hair style I would LOVE to try but my hair isn't thick enough to look this good! I have hair envy!

 This mani is in my top fave manicures EVER! I love that it is neutral with a slight pop. This mani looked good with everything I wore.

OPI 'Chocolate Moose' with Nubar 'Gold and Brown Glitter' topped with Revlon 'Pink Glitter'

 SERIOSULY can it be Summer yet? I miss it. I love everything about the Summer time and cannot wait. Now you get why I will never leave So Cal again. Living here makes me so happy. I am blessed!

 Christmas Gifts from my friends that all look so cute together! Clearly they all know me SO well. ;)

Fearless necklace is from a local boutique

Chevron necklace is from Lisa Leonard (Thanks Alissa and Pollinate Media)

Grown in California necklace from The Oxford Trunk

 I have OFFICIALLY reached this point. I have turned to the gym and not food.

That makes me feel SO GOOD.

 This is my favorite meal lately. I eat it 3-4 times a week.

Quinoa with black beans, mushrooms, zuchini and red bell pepper

Beets and Goat Cheese.

Clean, Gluten and Dairy Free plus packed with Protein even without meat.

 Happy Monday, my friends!

Back to regular posting tomorrow!

Have a great week. 

:)

Merry Everything, Happy Always!

I want to wish EVERY single one of you the Merriest of Christmases and Happiness Always!

 I am so thankful that you read my blog, find me somewhat interesting and for your interaction! I have been SO BLESSED through blogging and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.

On this day I sure am missing my incredible family, especially the two little ones that bring so much JOY! This is the first year in my 30 years of life that I am not with them on Christmas Day. This has been a year of firsts, following my heart and creating new traditions; so this is one of those times that I am remembering that. I LOVE you Dad, Mom, Carly, Samantha, Adam, Eli and Drew! No matter where we celebrate we hold each other in our hearts!

Thank GOD we have iPhones and FaceTime. ;)

 

 Sending SO MUCH Love!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Xxo, Mandy

 

Hi, Hey, Hello there!

This week is flying by!

As it always does on vacation!

I had every intention of posting daily while on vacation.

I mean, I am in a cabin (a very very large cabin btw) in a snow storm.

But I am learning very quickly that time is not your own when kids are involved. And vacay is now all about the babies (my sister's, not mine). So I have spent a lot of time snuggling and rocking both babes to sleep, chasing my nephew up and down a three story house (told you it was big) and carrying the littlest one in the Ergo for hours. I love those little ones with all my being but man are they exhausting! My hat is off to all of you mama's!

 It's snowing. A TON. Don't I look THRILLED??? LOL!

  So don't mind me while I enjoy my wine and peppermint mochas (homemade, of course) by the fire while reading and watching every Christmas special. I will hopefully get back to posting all about myself (HA!) really soon! 

Hope you are all enjoying the week!

Only FIVE days until Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

YAY!!!

It is my favorite Holiday and I am spending it with my family AND friends!

I am so incredibly happy to be on a getaway in sunny Scottsdale, AZ with my loves! Great company, amazing food and LOTS of shopping! Sounds like the PERFECT weekend to me!

This year I am SO SO SO Thankful that my life is 100% different, for the BETTER, than this exact time last year! Physically, Mentally and Emotionally I am stronger, I am so HAPPY, I have very little stress, I have an incredible home, the most supportive people surrounding me and lifting me up, working towards having the type of career that I have always wanted and I am more care-free and fun!

I am THANKFUL for:

• My Family who loves me unconditionally, supports my decisions and encourages my dreams.
• My nephew and niece for teaching me that love is so much more than a feeling, for bringing so much JOY to our lives and for solidifying our family unit.
• My core group of friends who helped me get through my break up, lifted my spirits when I was down, encouraged me to find love again and supported my fitness journey
• My job(s) that have shown me that I can work AND have a life, what being stress free really means, and helped me hone in on what my passion truly is.
• My trainer for always being there, pushing me daily, telling me how incredible I am and recognizing that he had to get into my head for our process and transformation to really work.
• My lord and savior who has given me the gift of GRACE, loving me even when I fight it and blessing me with such an incredible life! 

I wish you all the Happiest of Thanksgivings!

May you all be blessed!

 

XXO, Mandy

Through my iPhone Lens

Happy Monday, Friends!

I am checking in with you all after a nice weekend with my sister and the babies up on the Central Coast. It was wet and rainy but we got in a lot of quality time, a Pure Bar Method work out class, Thanksgiving with friends and seeing Breaking Dawn Part 2. So. Much. Fun! But exhausting... so you get a photo laden post! That is what everyone wants to see anyways, right? 

My Stella and Dot pieces from this look up close!

 YOU GUYS... I urge you ALL to click on this link and check out all of the FABULOUSNESS that Stella and Dot has! Buy for yourself, pick up some gifts, ask me any questions or for suggestions!! The jewelry is gorgeous, trend right and decently priced. PLUS... I am holding a giveaway for anyone that makes a purchase!

Speaking of Giveaways....

People's Annual Sexiest Man Alive has been named, and it is NOT Ryan Gosling! Haha. I was watching The Notebook on Thursday night and Instagrammed this pic of RG. I got so many GREAT comments. I will share when I write a full post on this year's sexiest man. Keep in eye out!

 SO the WINNER of the $20 CVS Giftcard is JORDAN! Congrats lady! I will be emailing you asap!

 My latest mani... SUPER fun! My nails are ready for the Holidays!

And NO, they were not painted USC's colors for the big game this past weekend. I am not a crazy football fan. Plus I was at a UCLA household, that would NOT have flown! Ha! I am wearing OPI 'Goldfinger' and 'I have the blues for red'.

 A neon and neutral look that I didn't photograph for the blog!
Old Navy Rockstar Denim, Old Navy Sweater (similar in stripes), Kendra Scott 'Rayne' necklace, Mossimo Top, Mossimo 'Kaelyn' Booties

Who says that neon is only a Summer trend?

 LOTS of quality time with my cutie patootie nephew and niece. My nephew is a TOTAL ham, such a love bug and has the best laugh I have ever heard. He is SO much fun. My niece is ALL smiles, loves to be held and is a cuddle bug. I am so blessed to have them in my life!

 He apparently has a sweet tooth! He couldn't get enough of this Pumpkin Pie Push Pop and was sneaking cookies! I may have even given him a shot of whipped cream, straight from the can! Haha. He LOVED it. My sister did not. ;)

I hope you all had a great weekend. I am looking forward to a short work week and another weekend away! I LOVE the Holidays!!

Through My iPhone Lens

It has been awhile since I have shared some of the pics that I have taken while out and about that didn't make it to Instagram. I love having my photos on my phone but I was thinking the other day how sad it is that I will never have that feeling of getting my film developed and seeing the memories that were captured. I hardly ever get pics developed from my digital camera or phone. In fact I have a whole house that needs to be decorated and I have plenty of frames to fill. I was showing someone my house and realized that the only pics I have are a couple years old. So I need to get on that.

Here are some pics from the past couple months.

 L) I was so excited to find the Owl Sweater at Target. I obsessed over THIS LOOK that Kate Bosworth wore last Spring to the Burberry show and I think I can find a way to style it to my taste.

R) This is my casual chic look when the weather cools. Beanie, Henley tee, leggings and flat boots. If I am not wearing something fancier, you will find me in this!

 Top) The GORGEOUS newborn pics of my niece taken by my SO SUPER TALENTED and AMAZING friend. 

Check out her website, Sweet Child of Mine Photography

L) Holding my cutie patootie niece at a wedding at the end of September. I am wearing a Target dress and the Kendra Scott 'Harlow' necklace and 'Danielle' earrings in turquoise.

R) I got to put the babe to bed two nights in a row. First night was on Instagram and I looked TIRED, this was the second night. A lot easier. :)

 You guys... I am O-B-E-S-E-S-S-E-D with this CD. Beyond obsessed. I have listened to NOTHING else since I bought it. I relate to every song especially as I have been trying to find love again. I have DVR'd everything that she has been on. I called my sister for an intervention the other night. Yup. I am 30 going on 13. No biggie!

 I think you are all familiar with the main man in my life. My nephew!!!!

I grow to love him more and more. He really is the most handsome little boy ever! The boy gets his style from me. Haha.

 Lastly... I am ITCHING to dye my hair. I have had it natural for the last year. I am missing being blonde and I think this is a good compromise. I sent this pic to my hair stylist and I am waiting to hear back. I PROBABLY won't change it, but I sure am tempted. What do you think? Should I????????

I pray that you all have a SAFE Halloween. 

I do not partake in the holiday and will be having a catch up dinner with my old college room mate. :)