THE LITTLE THINGS 3/24/13

I have a lot of things to be thankful for in the grand scheme of things, but try to focus on the small stuff once a week.  Here's my weekly recap:

- SPRING.  Rain, shine, I don't care.  Spring has sprung and, even in California, there is definitely a noticeable change in the air.

- Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupons.  My ex came by this week to pick up the last of his things (I've been storing them for quite some time) and I found myself without pots and pans.  I'll review the cookware I snagged (for a KILLER deal) in a couple months after I get some good use out of it :)

- Bloglovin'.  I'm sure you've heard, but Google Reader will go bye-bye as of July 1.  I've officially made the switch and actually love it.

- All of my families.  Church family, studio family, work family (dysfunctional as it may be), friend family, and of course my "real" family.  My schedule may be hectic, but I have so much support coming from so many directions - it's awesome.

- Cheap manicures.  Oakland may be in the news for violent crime on a weekly basis, but this $10 manicure I'm sporting is still in tip-top shape after 5 days.

What's the deal with the picture above?  In less than a month I will be celebrating with four fabulous girls in Las Vegas for my best friend's bachelorette party.  Watch out.

Happy Friday, friends!!

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THE LITTLE THINGS 03/17/13

Okay, this week was a doozy.

And, to be perfectly honest, I was this close to writing a bitter version of TLT (oh my gosh I just created an acronym.  I must be cool) of all the stupid small things that pissed me off this week.

But that really isn't the point, now, is it?

It's the opposite of the point.

So, without further ado, here are the few bright spots in a dark, moody, stressful, frustrating week:

- Pi Day.  Heck yes that picture is of me.  Heck yes I have a tattoo of pi behind my ear.  If I weren't eating like a cave lady right now (more on that another day), I would have made a pie.

- Hard cider.  Getting gluten free people drunk since... I don't know when.

- Getting RSVP's for my best friend's bridal shower.  I love weddings.  Good thing, since people love having me in their bridal party ;)

- Food bloggers.  Inspiring me with recipe ideas on a daily basis.  Paleo petite vanilla bean scones?  Why thank you, Slim Palate.

- Gorgeous weather.  73 degrees when I was driving home from work on Wednesday.

- The Biggest Loser.  Honestly, if happy tears were worth money... I could retire.

Hope your week was better than mine.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

THE LITTLE THINGS 3/10/2013

Another week, another list.  It's good to have a grateful heart, you know.

Here are a few of the little things that have made my week:

- An amazing first experience with acupuncture.  More relaxation, please!!

- A free top-off on my glass of wine during a mini girls' night weekly ritual.  Extra tip for you, sir.

- I wore a white shirt on Wednesday and didn't spill my green juice, my coffee, or any drippings from my delicious turkey burger on it.

- Whole green juices.  Just wow.

- We get longer days.  Not super excited to lose an hour of sleep, but extra sunlight after work makes me so happy.

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THE LITTLE THINGS 3/3/2013

Good morning, March.

I, first and foremost, am shocked (or shamrocked?!  okay, that was bad) at how quickly this year is flying by.

My primary goal for March is to take it easy.  I have an insane couple months ahead of me and feel no guilt about being self-indulgent this month (in a time spent on myself kind of way, we can talk about budgets some other day).

Here is a brief list of the little things I'm thankful for this week:

- I get to see my beautiful niece tomorrow.  In two months she has absolutely captured my heart and I feel so blessed to be able to watch her grow.

- I get to see my sister tomorrow.  One year ago today she wasn't even pregnant yet.  Today she is a fantastic mom.  I am so proud of her.

- For the most part, I have a great boss.  He had a financial adviser come talk to us this week to give us an overview of the various types of investment accounts (both retirement and otherwise) and some broad suggestions on how to set ourselves up for financial success.

- New friends.  It is so hard to make new friends once you're in the groove of real life and not only have I made a few lately, but they are proving to be amazing women that totally inspire me.

- Old friends.  I got to spend some much-needed quality time with two of my best friends this week.  I am so lucky!!

- Pedicures.  Oh my gosh, yes.

- Alone time.  I walk the fine line between an introvert and an extrovert and, for the most part, only meet the needs of the latter.  I would love a Friday night that includes yoga, a bath, a glass of wine, and a book.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to pencil in a date with myself on my calendar for tonight...

Have a self-indulgent weekend ;)

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p.s. so not a coincidence that the image this week is from Ireland

p.p.s. so not a coincidence that the image this week is from a retirement website (planning ahead...)

THE LITTLE THINGS 2/1/13

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It's the little things in life that can make or break a moment, day, week, month, year.

My goals for 2013 are to choose quality over quantity and joy over jealousy.

That being said, I'm going to try to take a few moments every week to catalog the little things that brightened my week.  Hopefully at the end of December, I can review these posts and remember how accentuating the positive made for a joyful year.

- I got a Jury Duty summons and didn't have to report.  In fact, NONE of us did!!

- I received a hand written note from my insurance claims representative thanking me for my business after my car got broken into last week.   A HAND WRITTEN NOTE!!

- I bought myself some yellow tulips and put one bud in the new (to me) milk glass vase my sweet boyfriend bought for me at an antique shop last weekend on our mini-getaway to Sonora.  It sits on my nightstand to brighten my nights and my mornings.

- I started planning my best friend's bridal shower.  Details will be shared in the coming weeks/months.

- The home team (ahem, GO NINERS!!) gets to compete in the Super Bowl this weekend for the first time since 1995.

My favorite links of the week?

Victoria posted this recipe last week for homemade queso (the photo alone got me drooling) and you can bet I'm bringing it to the Super Bowl party this weekend.

Design Bright (my real life best friend!!) posted a fantastic roundup of red and gold gear for the design savvy football fan.  I am dying over those flats.  Can I get them by Sunday?

Have a SUPER weekend!!