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11.26.2013

Everyone should have a Friendsgiving.

According to my instagram feed, Dom and I were two of many who hosted Friendsgivings this weekend!
This was our first year having one, and I have a feeling it will be the first of many.
{Bonus points if you do a Native American and Pilgrim theme}

We made it easy on ourselves and had everyone pick a dish to bring so we only had worry about the turkey and the pies.  It was our first time attempting a turkey, and Dom wanted to try a new "upside-down" recipe that was supposed to make it extra juicy (it did!), so we were really nervous. We would have had 14 very hungry people if it didn't work!  There was no need to worry, everything went perfectly. :)


{had to...my favorite outtake in the history of ever}
 {Food!}


{Mustache will be gone so soon!}

The holidays are always so fun, but living far away from family can also make them super stressful.  We had so much fun having friends over (minus Tallie and Alicia :( ) so we could kick start the holidays with lots of food, laughs, and no traveling!

 I really think everyone should have a Friendsgiving.  Not only is it so fun, but it's a great dry run before you have to host a big family holiday!  This way you know if you mess something up everyone will still love you.  The same can probably be said about family...but if yours is anything like mine or Dom's, they will never let you hear the end of it! 

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!  I scored 2 days off from work, so I'll be doing a quick 36 hours in NY.  Keep your fingers crossed for me driving in that snow!

11.22.2013

Delicious Scentsy Gifts...{70% Off!}

I am a self proclaimed candle lover.  I absolutely love coming home at night, lighting some delicious smelling candle, and curling up on the couch to relax.  Sometimes I even go a little candle crazy and have way too many candles burning with way too many smells and suddenly my house smells like Bath & Body Works exploded. But I digress...

I had heard of Scentsy before, but never tried it, or known anyone who had.  So, when Kim from Kimberly's Korner contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing some I was so excited!  Anything that is pretty and makes my house smell delicious is something that needs to be in my life.

 
Kim sent me the scent Cider Mill, and a warmer that makes my Florida loving heart so happy.  The smell is light but delicious, and gave my living room the perfect amount of smell in minutes.  Just enough that you know it's there, but not enough to be overpowering.  Even Dom commented on how good it smelled!  I love it because it's cute and smells good, and Dom loves it because the on off switch is fun to play with... hey, whatever works!

Kim's site has so many different options for warmers and scents.  There are fun colorful warmers, and deluxe fancy ones for all you classy people out there...and everything in between!  There really is something for everyone.  With the holidays coming up, these make for great gifts for others, or yourself.  The best part? This weekend Kim is running a sale with up to 70% off!  So, if you've thought about Scentsy but never tried it, or have someone you still need a gift for, this is the perfect opportunity! 
Plus, if you buy some and accidentally send it my way I won't complain. :)

Start shopping now!

*I was sent the warmer and cider mill bar in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

11.21.2013

Santa Baby!

I don't know about you, but to me it seems like the minute I go on a budget I immediately find myself surrounded by things I want.  It's like I'm a magnet for cute "totally me" things that leave me sad and suffering from serious FOMO.  Or, in this case, with a very long Christmas wish list.

A little birdy told me that Santa sometimes frequents my blog, so I thought I'd share a few things I'm hoping Santa leaves for me this year!  I mean, I moved to PA and all, so I'd say I've been really good.

In an effort to make our Hunker home as homey as possible, I've started seeking out cute home decor ideas.  I find no matter where I look I'm drawn to bright, Florida-esque things, but I'm going to embrace it!  Shop Dandy has some of the cutest decor that would not only liven up our Pennsylvania home, but also look amazing if we get to head back down south!

I have also made it a conscious effort to stay bright and sunny no matter the temperature outside.  As Lilly said, "No matter the weather, live like it's spring!"  My favorite way to do that is with bright jewelry!  I've always kind of stuck to pearl studs and no necklace, but lately I've been venturing into statement necklace territory and I don't think I'm looking back any time soon!  I have been loving T + J Designs recently, and have my eye on almost all of their necklaces! The pictures are coming out a little dark, but the pieces are so bright and lively...I just love them!

Lastly, Lulu's.  Have I been living under a rock?  I just discovered their site and literally fall in love with everything I look at.  My style is evolving as I'm figuring out how to transfer my summer clothes to winter without sacrificing my love for color and brightness, and I love how versatile their selection is.  One minute I'm planning a layered winter outfit, and the next I see a skirt I just can't wait to wear on our vacation to Puerto Rico!  3 words.  To die for.

Needless to say, I'm excited for December 25. :)  I also want to point out that this is in no way a sponsored post, I just really love all three companies and my entire wishlist is made up almost entirely of these three places (and Lilly, of course ;)).  What are you wishing for this year?!

11.19.2013

Every Brunette Needs A Blonde Best Friend.

I absolutely love that quote. 
I also believe in it with my whole heart, since some of my very best friends are blondes.
This weekend I headed to Manassas, VA to celebrate my best friend/college roommate/sorority sister Bennett's 25th birthday!  I could not be more in love with her new little town, and it was just so much fun catching up!

Over the course of the weekend there was a whole lot of wine, laughs, puppy snuggles, and junk food.  Dom would have cried if he saw the haul we brought home the first night! Reuniting with a best friend just can't be done over a salad.  Sorry!


On Saturday we started the day with my first ever trip to Nordstrom Rack. Holy moley it was heavenly.  Can we talk about the 2 $70 sweaters I snagged for $10 each?  Or the gorgeous scarves I snagged for $11?  Even though I had to resist the most perfect Kate Spade bag to ever grace this earth (down from $500 to $230!!!) since I am still on a budget...it was still amazing.  My new life goal is to make sure I never live in a city without a Nordtrom Rack!

After our quick and dangerous shopping trip, we headed into DC!  Bennett and I went to GWU together, and it was so amazing and sad to be back on campus.  So much has changed (for the better) but it still felt like coming home.  We compared it to seeing an ex boyfriend you're still in love with.  You're excited to see them, but you know it's going to break your heart at the same time.  We were so nostalgic and sad that we're grown up and not in college anymore!
{Our townhouse senior year, this new Burgers, Taps, and Shakes place on campus, our sorority house, GW!}

{Every graduate gets a brick, after a LOT of searching, we found ours!}

Afterwards we headed back to Virginia for some more wine and chick flicks.  Have I mentioned I never wanted this weekend to end?  Before I left on Sunday, we had to go into Old Town Manassas for a photoshoot!  This is the best we could do with just the two of us and my timer. :)






 Can I just be southern now, please?!

I am so excited Bennett is less than four hours away now, instead of 4 states!  There will definitely be more weekends like this to come, and I just can't wait!

11.13.2013

Currently...

Reading... My Instyle magazine with J Law on the cover.  Absolutely love her, and love all the holiday fashion.  Bring on the glitter!

Eating... chips and queso to the face.  Sometimes you just need something covered in hot cheese.

Coveting... These sparkly bow pumps!  I don't know how much longer I can go without these in my life.


Looking forward to... SEEING BENNETT ON FRIDAY! I haven't seen her since New Years and that's just not okay.

Super excited about... maybe popping in for a day trip to DC with Bennett to visit our alma mater and one of my very favorite cities!

Planning... a whole lot of trips for this coming year.  Puerto Rico 2, maybe 3 times, and Mexico if I win the lottery.  Have I mentioned Dom and I spend money on travel even if we can barely afford food? Like Carrie Bradshaw says, it feeds us more. :)

Missing... Florida life.  Every day it gets colder, and every extra layer I put on reminds me of why I promised myself I would never live anywhere cold!

Anxious... to find out if Dom's transfer gets approved!

Listening...to this version of Red. I absolutely adore Alison Krauss, and it just gives me chills!

 

Embracing... the holidays!  I'm ready to get my holiday cheer on!  Just need to get out of my bahumbug mood first. ;)

Drinking... Hot chocolate with Dom's peppermint creamer.  Most glorious thing ever.

Thankful...for amazing friends I have made here!

Wishing... I had wine in the house.  We've been out for weeks. Who am I?


11.12.2013

Cute Old Men and SNOW!

Happy Tuesday, friends!
Just popping in to say a quick hello before getting back to the grind...I'm working 7 days straight from 3-11ish (last I checked I was PT?!)and have a million school projects right at once! 

I really wanted to share this picture with you from work yesterday.  We had a big celebration for Veterans all day, and all day they ate for free!
I wish I had remembered to snap a picture before we closed and some decorations were taken down.  It was a red white and blue explosion...and it was awesome.  I have never seen the restaurant so full, and everyone who came in was decked out in their military gear and couldn't wait to tell everyone about their story!  We even had one sweet old Marine who was there from literally 11:00am until about 10:30pm and was asking every single person coming in if they were a Marine! Then he would stop them and chat about the good old days.  It was too cute! 

We met some really awesome people, including some WWII vets, which is really special since there aren't many around anymore.  There was also one adorable little man who told me he was a veteran of the Revolutionary War...and promised to share his anti-aging secrets with me! ;)

Then, I woke up this morning to another surprise...SNOW!
 Not going to lie...I'm already over it.

Growing up in NY I would always love the first snow, but then want it to be summer.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't click my heels together 3 times and hope to wake up back in West Palm.  I might be a New Yorker by birth, but there is not a drop of New Yorker blood in me!
Case in point- Dom and I trying to move our cars this morning..."Um, I think we should by those snow brush things..."


It's going to be a long winter.

11.08.2013

Five on Friday: Screenshots and Blates!



ONE// The first and most exciting...I got to meet Cari from Adventures of the Roberts on Wednesday!  We met at Station Square in Pittsburgh for lunch and it was so much fun.  Cari is amazing, and Breanna is almost too cute to handle.  The girl isn't even 2 and a half and she's more stylish than I am!  I wanted to steal her...but I resisted. ;)  I'm so happy to have a blogger so close, and I can't wait to see Cari again asap!


TWO// I had my first meeting for the University of Alabama's Distance Student Dietetic Association yesterday, and my nerdy side was so excited.  I can't wait to network and stay involved in a nutrtion related community.  It's hard to be a distance student sometimes, but I love how hard 'Bama tries to make you feel like you really have a community.


THREE// I hurts me to say I haven't seen the CMA awards yet! I'm being the most amazing ever a good girlfriend and waiting until Dom is finished with his exam so we can watch together (awww).  Not going to lie, it killed me!  Even Party Nana texted me how dedicated I must be to not watch it.  But, according to my twitter feed, Carrie's legs stole the show.  Maybe it's a good thing I have 2 extra days to hit the gym before I watch...

FOUR//  W.T.H. For some reason, my phone plays this song every morning at 6am.  Then today it happened at 11:30 too.  I have no alarms set.  I didn't even know I had this song on my phone.  I can actually guarantee I don't have this song on my phone.  I don't know how to make it stop!!!  The only person I know who would have the Hair soundtrack is my brother, and my family has a habit of syncing our phones all the time...so maybe somehow the cloud is trying to wake me up too?  Dom thinks this whole situation is hilarious.  I, for one, think it's really creepy that an unknown subject is singing me good morning when it's still dark out.  I work nights for a reason, people.


FIVE//  I love seeing what people google to get to my blog.  Not only is it amusing, it's also good to know when you should stop blogging about your boyfriend trying to kill you because it's attracting scary people.  Anyways, this week's are just killing me.  "I can't believe Disney is just dumping."  Dumping what?!?! I must know.  The suspense is killing me.  Also, I very much hope Florida Georgia Line googled who would be their perfect girlfriend and found me.  I am more than ready to take that job. Love you Dom.



11.07.2013

Skinny GF Baked Potato Soup

Kind of like the only certain things are death and taxes, the only things you can blog about when nothing is happening are fashion and food.

Today, you get food. :)
I made this recipe earleir this week and it is divine.

I love a hearty soup when it's cold outside, but they can be so heavy and bad for you that I end up feeling like a blob afterwards.  This soup used cauliflower as the base, so it's still thick and satisfying, but you won't feel bad when you lick the bowl clean. :)

I made it in the slow cooker, but if you want to make it quickly, all you have to do is the follow the same instructions, but do the adaptation below!

Skinny Gluten-Free Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
 Makes 5 servings.

-2 Russet Potatoes
-1 small head of cauliflower- stem removed and cut into florets
-1 1/2 cup chicken broth
-1 1/2 cup low fat milk (I used Lactaid and it was fine!)
-6 tbs chives
-4 strips of bacon (we used turkey bacon) cooked and crumbled
-1/2 cup sour cream
-At least a cup of cheddar cheese...more if you're like me!
-Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

-Pierce potatoes with a fork and microwave for 5 minutes.  Flip and microwave another 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
-At the same time, steam cauliflower until tender. 
-In a food processor or blender, blend cauliflower, 1 and a half of the potatoes, broth, and milk.  I left out half of a potato to peel and cut into chunks for the soup.  If you prefer soup without chunks, go ahead and blend both potatoes.  
-Pour into slow cooker.  (At this point, if you are not using a slow cooker, bring mixture to a boil, then lower to low, add 1/2 the chives, 1/2 the bacon, and a halndful of cheese.  Then cook for 5 minutes).
-Add sour cream, a handful of cheese, 1/2 the bacon and 1/2 the chives. Mix well
-Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
-Pour into bowls, and sprinkle with chives, cheese, and bacon.
-Enjoy! :)

*Recipe adapted from here

11.06.2013

You Know You're an Adult When...

...you plan couples dates!
Last Friday we planned a dinner with Tallie, her boyfriend, Adam, and another couple we met at the big fiesta last week.  I feel like it used to be my friends plus significant others, or Dom's friends and significant others.  It make me feel so old that Dom and I have actual couple friends.  I love it!

Since going out is a rare occasion here in Hunker, I took the opportunity to get all dolled up.  Even if we're not going anywhere fancy, I always get excited when I can get dressed up.  No, I'm not girly at all!
 I know I complain about living in a small town a lot, but one upside?  The Phillip Lim for Target bag I've been going back and forth on was already on clearance for $20.  I took that as a sign from above and I am thrilled.  It's huge but structured so it still looks put together when I fill it to the brim!

Last minute one couple had to cancel, but we still had an amazing time with Tallie and Adam.  There was a long wait for a table, but this restaurant will text you when your table is ready (how cool?) so of course we went to a pet store and looked at puppies.  Normal, right?
These two almost came home with us.  It took a lot of self control!
Then, it was gigantic margarita time!
#bromance.

The rest of the weekend was filled with studying, assignments, pancake breakfasts and some work.  I was all rested up for my 2 shifts before another 2 days off.  This whole only working part-time thing has it's perks. ;)

Before I go for today I just have to share a picture from my Halloween.  I worked the closing shift, but Dom promised he would set out a bowl of candy for the trick-or-treaters.  In my head, I thought he would put it out on a chair with our cute little Trick-or-treat sign or something.

When I cam home at 11 I saw this.
Way to make the children feel welcome, love.


11.05.2013

Let's Get 'er Done!

 While we're on the subject of embracing November, I figured it would be a good time to set some intentional goals about making the most of the month, and check in on how I'm doing with my October goals.  I must say, having my goals published definitely makes me stay motivated!  Not that anyone is actually checking up on me...but you know. ;)



1. Help Dom raise money for No Shave November.  If I'm going to have to look at that 'stash all month long, he better raise a lot of money for cancer research.  His team has already raised $200, which is awesome.  If you feel like donating, you can follow this link!

2. Throw a Friendsgiving! We have one planned for the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and I can't wait.  However, Dom got a little ahead of himself and invited 12 people! Our table seats 6.  Hopefully by then we will have figured something out!

3. Make at least 1 new meal a week.  Cold weather crock pot recipes are so easy and amazing, so I need to take advantage of the cold and make them!  Plus, my lack of excitement in my life has made blogging a little more difficult.  If I start making yummy things I will have a happy boyfriend, and more blog material!

4. Be more intentional about blogging.  Blogging makes me happy, simple as that.  However, it can be stressful.  I think I let that take over and ruin the fun for me.  When I decided to just not worry about anything and write whatever I want, I got a flood of ideas for blog posts.  Sure, they might not be super exciting for anyone but me, but hopefully they are, and I'm just excited to get my passion for blogging back!

5. Help my best friend celebrate turning 25! She's the first of our friends, so it will be a big one.  I can't wait to spend the weekend with her!

6.  Get home to visit. We have Thanksgiving Day off, but I won't know my schedule for the days before or after until the week before.  I'm hoping to have a few days so I can get home and see my family!

7.  Have our Christmas tree up by December 1. I'm going to squeeze every inch out of the holidays that I can!

8. Use all my cute fall clothes that were stored away all last year and make some cute outfits!  Fall fashion is the best, might as well embrace it while I can!

9. Try to get most of my Christmas shopping done by December 1.  This will make it more fun, and a lot less stressful!

10. Wear lipstick when out in public. It makes me feel like I really have my life together. ;)


 Now, let's see how I did in October!

1. Focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.  Done! We made it through Dom's 3 months of torture and are now enjoying Dom only have class 2 days a week!  We have lots of pancake and pj breakfast mornings now :)

2. Try not to cry during Dom's White Coat Ceremony.  Done and done! I was proud and definitely got chills, but I was too happy to cry!

3. Get healthy! A work in progress.  Still going through tests with my doctor, but I'm making a conscious effort to eat more, and I can definitely feel a change in my energy.

4. Get strong! I'm crossing it off because I succeeded in getting into a routine, but it will be a goal forever!  I've been going to the gym 3-4 times a week and doing strength training, and every day it gets easier.  I'm going to be ready to rock that bikini in Puerto Rico come December!

5. Be more intentional about housework. Halfway crossed off. :)  I have definitely improved, but I have more to go.  I'm better at laundry, and have been really intentional about keeping the kitchen, and living room clean and decluttered.  My upstairs, however, could still use some TLC! 

6. Celebrate Dom turning 24!  Done :)

7. Buy makeup remover. Lol. Yes, this was accomplished ;)

8. Spend more time on the couch drinking wine and snuggling Dom.  Yes! His new schedule makes this so much easier! Sometimes our quality time is in the morning or afternoon, but we always have it.

9. Get our gallery wall finished by the time everyone comes for White Coat.  FAIL. Okay, so it wasn't for a lack of trying.  I have all the frames and pictures picked out, but we can't get them to print in the correct dimensions without being all pixel-y, so we are working on other options.  

10.  See the massive rubber duck in Pittsburgh.  Yes!  You can read about that here!

What are your goals for this month?

11.04.2013

Embracing November

You know the old saying, "If you can't beat them, join them?"
That's my mindset going in to November.  While it is no secret that the cold months are not my favorite, but the holiday season is my favorite (okay, tied with summer) so I'm going to do everything I can to embrace it.

That means driving 15 minutes to get a Starbucks hot chocolate even though I could make some at home, because the red cups make me happy.

When I come home cursing PA for its gray and brown cold rainy days, I light a candle and snuggle under a blanket, because the cold outside makes the inside that much more cozy.

When stores go all Christmas crazy and skip Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, I embrace it, because the feeling of the holidays makes everything better.

I don't know if this will be our only Pennsylvania winter, or if we'll have 3+ more coming.  So, I am going to embrace it.  Let's not get ahead of ourselves, I still wish I was by a beach in sunny Florida, but if there's one time of the year I think the North has Florida beat, it's the holidays.  

There's nothing quite like sitting watching it snow while you're all safe, warm, and cozy inside.  That's something that just doesn't happen in Florida.  So, while the majority of the time from now until April I will be bummed about the cold, I am going to appreciate the little moments that make the holiday season feel like it did growing up.  Warm blankets, millions of layers, fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and yummy holiday smells. 

November is a month for giving thanks, and I sure have a lot to be thankful for.  First thing first, it's time to strap on my thermal, fluffy, heated big girl panties and start embracing November. 


p.s. Some housekeeping: I changed my twitter handle to be consistent with my insragram, so now you can follow me both places and watch me "embrace November" @robinavocado!

11.01.2013

Five On Friday: Lilly, Drugs, and a Concussion

Rabbit Rabbit! How in the world is it already November? 2013 is flying.  And I'm kind of okay with that.  On that note, I think this week was one of the fastest in the history of ever. It was also one of the most random in the history of ever.

ONE. Everyone likes an excuse to relax and veg on a couch all day, but I wasn't expecting the excuse I got on Tuesday!  Just before 8am I got a text from my friend aka blonde twin Tallie from a hospital in Pittsburgh.  Turns out on her way to law school in Pittsburgh that morning she got rear ended full speed by an SUV and suffered a concussion!  Thank goodness besides the concussion there weren't any other injuries (unfortunately the same can't be said about her car).  Both our men had exams that day, so I put my nursing genes (thanks, mom!) to work and we spent the day relaxing and NOT sleeping.  I became the queen of keeping her awake!  The really random part?  Somehow during the accident her wallet flew out of the car.  Or at least that's what we hoped.  Basically, somewhere between when she got hit and the hospital it was gone!  We knew it was a long shot, but we decided to drive back to where she got hit (right outside a Pittsburgh tunnel) just to check.  And wouldn't you know? It was right there!! 3 hours since the accident, happily sitting on the side of the road waiting to be taken home.  So lucky.

TWO.  Holy moley. Work on Wednesday.  Let's just say I thought it would be an easy shift since we were really slow.  I went to make sure everything was in order in the women's room before we locked up for the night and walked in on a woman snorting something in the stall with crushed pills all around.  I left to, you know, give her her privacy (what else would you do in this situation?!), and was met by her server who said he had just walked up to her table and she was getting mad at her partner for calling the wrong person to get her "fix."  Awesome.  Stay classy, Monroeville.


THREE.  I wish I could give more details on this, but basically I was given an awesome and exciting opportunity to work on a movie being produced in Pittsburgh.  First off is a sponsored event on 5th Ave in Pittsburgh in December.  I'm so excited to get to get my girly glitzy side out planning something fancy!

FOUR. Dom is meeting with the Dean next week to further discuss transferring.  It's still a long shot, but a little bit of hope is keeping us going! I'm trying not to think too much about maybe being in Sarasota this time next year...but I can't stop thinking about maybe being in Sarasota this time next year.

FIVE. The most amazing thing in the world also happened to me this week.
I just can't.


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