Holiday Chic - Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Turkey Day! 

 

 

I am going to start this post as the worst American ever, and tell you that Thanksgiving is just not my fav.  I know what you're thinking... A holiday centered around my food should rock my world....  But here is the deal, turkey is only okay, pumpkin pie is the worst pumpkin dessert there is, and stuffing can suck it.  Plus, after Halloween, it is the only thing standing between me and Christmas.  Granted, it isn't all bad... I love coming home and seeing the fam, Thanksgiving Eve is always a shit show in the best way, the shopping is to die for, and, of course, it kicks off the Christmas season. 

Although it will never be my favorite, I vowed to end 2014 with a bang, and I wasn't about to let Thanksgiving be an exception.   

 

The holidays started early this year with a Thanksgiving Potluck at work.  I was a little apprehensive when I got assigned the god damn Jell-O mold.  Who are we, the Griswalds?  Luckily, my step mom had a recipe for a killer pretzel Jell-O salad that totally saved the day.  I was also totally freaked when a raw turkey showed up with a crockpot at 8:00am that we were supposed to eat at noon.  Uhh... Thanksgiving may not be my favorite, but I want to live to see it!  By some miracle, the bird was finished and carved by the time the potluck started.  I have NO idea how it happened, but it was actually one of the best darn turkey I have ever sunk my teeth in. 

 

Next was a Friendsgiving at one of my best friend's places.  First of all, I showed up with this adorable pumpkin chocolate peanut butter dessert that I decorated as a turkey:      

 

 

I am sorry, but how freaking cute!  I used a peanut butter cup for the body, Reese's Pieces for the feathers, a nutter butter for the head, and pretzels for the feet.  I am pretty darn proud.  Also, please note my adorable centerpiece.  Huge thanks to this crafty lady who is even more holiday obsessed than me!  She makes the most delightful prints, so I lost it when she gave us the "Give Thanks" one fo' free!  Also, her blog is perfection if you're wondering.  Speaking of perfection, the food at Friendsgiving was to DIE for.  Seriously, pumpkin sausage soup, dill bacon potatoes, chorizo stuffing... Such a fun spin on the traditional meal.  I am also totally obsessed with the Friendsgiving trend.  It is so sweet and special and such a wonderful way to celebrate the friends that are more like family.  We had a great time.  Oh, and I loved my cozy and festive outfit for the night!

 

 

I picked the jacket up at Target... It is a 2X but I can't seem to find the link.  The scarf is from Nordstrom.  If you haven't hit up the BP accessories, you have to!  They are totally affordable and absolutely adorable.

 

Then it was homeward bound (hello, Oregon) just in time for Thanksgiving Eve.  Per tradition, we headed to the local bar for some celebration.  I love the energy in Seattle, but there really is nothing like a hometown hangout to make you feel especially loved.  I am not going to lie, I felt like absolute garbage the next morning but it was well worth it.  I pulled myself together and headed to my grandma's to celebrate with the fam.  I hadn't been home in what felt like forever.  It was so nice to catch up with everyone and meet my cousins newest baby for the first time.  Clearly she had to pry the kid out of my arms when it was time to leave.  My sister and I headed back to my dad's for dessert and football.  I am devastated to announce that I was sent into a turkey trance, and napped through most of the game.  Luckily, my Hawks still won, so it was all good.  Then, I forced my parents to watch a Christmas movie with me before I went out with some good friends.... And by went out, I mean I guzzled down an Oreo milkshake and played some shuffle board.  So yeah, I party. 

 

As I sit here, I am winding down from my first round of Black Friday shopping with Tayla, and gearing up to go back out with my Grandma, Auntie and cousin Kayla.  Those loons have been out since 4 am!  They went home for the traditional Black Friday Halftime which consists of leftovers and Eggnog cocktails, and now they're on they're way to get me.  Let's just hope I can keep up!

 

Overall, this has been the perfect way to spend my Thanksgiving.  I hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as I did.  Happy Holidays and let the Christmas season begin!





2014

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, I realized there were a few things I wanted to complete before the year officially wrapped up.  Once again, I love a good play on words, so let me introduce my new list: 14 Things to Finish Before the End of 2014.

 

1. My CPA - My New Years Resolution this year was to become an official CPA.  I have passed the four sections of the exam, but I still have some paperwork to wrap up.  I need to get my ass in gear and finish that up so I can have a comma in my name.

 

2. 15 by '15 - I posted about this here.  Basically, get healthy!

 

3. Get Organized - Living in a 400 square foot apartment, organization is just about the most important thing to make my space functional.  If anyone has any advice, do share! 

 

4. Apply for My Own Healthcare - It is finally time to be a big kid.... Wah wah.... Next year I will be 26, so I won't be able to mooch of my dad's healthcare anymore.  Growing up BLOWS.

 

5. Go to the Doctor While I'm Still on Dad's Healthcare - His healthcare is way better.  I am milking this for all I can get.

 

6. Decorate for Christmas - Since I spend most of the holidays in Oregon, I never seem to decorate my own home.  That changes this year.  As soon as Thanksgiving is over, consider my halls decked.

 

7. Bake - I absolutely love to bake, but work/life has been so out of control that I have barely seen my kitchen (well, with the exception of walking through it to get to my bedroom #studioapartmentproblems).  Until the end of the year, I would like to bake weekly.

 

8. Holiday Partayyyy - My BFF, Bri, and I are both holiday freaks.  There is nothing like festive cocktails, ugly sweaters, and inappropriate games to kick off the season.  Planning will commence this weekend.

 

9. Buy a Tutu - I have officially decided that this is the season of tutus.  I must have one along with a "Pop, Clink, Fizz" shirt like this one, and a few other holiday tops for good measure.

 

10. Lock Down Christmas Gifts - This one is fairly obvious...  I guess I just have to do more shopping.  Rough life. 

 

11. Make Mason Jar Christmas Gifts - A few years ago I made a sugar scrub for a few of my fav girls, and it was a huge success... I haven't decided what my homemade gift will be, but I am looking forward to it.

12. Fill my Frames - I have a beautiful gallery wall behind my bed.... Filled with pictures of people I've never met...  I haven't quite gotten around to removing the pictures the frames came with and replacing them with my own.   Need to get on that. 

13. Pick out a Duvet Cover - For my birthday (in July), my mom wanted me to pick out a duvet cover that she could buy me... Guess who still hasn't done so.  It is time for me to get over my commitment issues and just pick one!

14. Make the Most of 2014  - This is the most broad item on the list, but also the most important.  This year has been one of the hardest I've ever gone through, but also the most rewarding.  While I am looking forward to the new year, I am also excited to enjoy the season, the weather, and the awesome people in my life.

Cheers to 2014!

 

 



Girl's Weekend Happenings

Happy Hump Day!

 

I know it is a little late to be reminiscing about the weekend, but it is happening because I had the absolute best time.   

 

It started out wonderfully.  I had intended to take the Bolt Bus (cheapest way to travel between Seattle and Portland if you ever needed to know), but since a friend was driving down already, I caught a ride with him.  We sipped our Starbucks holiday beverages as we chatted, laughed, and accidentally spilled our coffee.  Whoops!  Even so, it was still way better than taking the bus.

 

When we arrived in Portland, we met up with Cate and did some shopping and had Red Robin for dinner.  Uhhh... YUM!  Sorry healthy eating, please step aside for freckled cocktails and bottomless fries.  Then it was back to Cate's for Say Yes to the Dress and a little cookie dough for good measure.

 

The next morning, Caitlin and I took our sweet time getting ready before breakfast.  She took me to Babica Hen for the most incredible meal there ever was.  Seriously, you guys, I think I died and went to heaven. We both had the "Waffle Waffler" which basically just lets you try TWO of there waffles.  I went for the Fried Chicken and Lemon Berry Almond Crumble.... So clearly I made the right choice.  I mean it, if you're ever in Oregon, you are missing out if you don't go. 

 

The rest of the day consisted of shopping, shopping, and more shopping.  I scored a couple of great deals including these gems:

 

 

Coat: I found this beauty at Target in the Plus Size Section.  I got this in a 1X, but it has a lot of give.  I love the fit and the functionality.  I can easily layer it or wear it alone.  The Target I found this at had it on clearance, and I used Cartwheel (a Target shopper's must have) which gave me an additional 20% off.  Killer deal, but I would have paid full price for this jacket.

 

Top: Another steal which was on sale for $30.00 at Lane Bryant.  I bought the 14/16 because it was the only size available.  I could have gone a size up, but am totally content with the fit.  It is an incredibly soft fabric and surprisingly flattering (#fatgirlscanwearstripes).  Plus, it is a black and white pattern with gold appliques..... So, basically, it was sold before I even put it on.  I am seriously obsessed with this shirt and have already worn it.

 

I picked up a few other items, including way too much jewelry from Charming Charlie's and a few festive treats that will definitely make their debut soon. 

 

Next was dinner with a few sorority sisters.  My Little and our friend AJ joined us for dinner at BJ's (because you haven't lived until you've had a pizookie).  I was thrilled to see the girls, but even more excited to see Owen, AJ's 15 month old love bug.  Obviously we needed to spoil the little nugget, so we put together the cutest reindeer gift bag for him.

 

If there is one thing you need to know about me, is that I love a good themed basket.  So as you can imagine, I literally went bonkers at the opportunity to make a Christmas themed gift for a 1 year old.  Through Target we went.  We had the cart full of jammies, toys, sippy cups, books, and kid approved snacks.  It couldn't have turned out cuter.  We also got some treats for us girls, and sat through an entire meal with bright red reindeer antlers on our heads.  It was perfection.

 

The next morning, Cate and I set out to Craft-a-Palooza... An annual crafting event her and her family attend every year.  A friend of theirs has a group over to her house and walks them each through a few crafts.  The big craft of this year - bowl cozies.  A microwave save little mitten for your bowl so you don't burn yourself.  Genius.  Before Sunday, I thought I was a bit of a craft master.  Nope, wrong... It was a total shit show.  I failed at tracing, I am totally worthless on a sewing machine, and apparently circles are an actual nightmare to sew.  Despite the struggle, I have to say.... My bowl cozy is basically the coolest thing I ever made, and somehow looks totally incredible....

 

 

 Full disclosure, I actually kind of loved sewing... Despite my shortcomings.  Don't worry, I already told my grandma.... She is so proud. 

 

So that concludes my girls' weekend.  I hope everyone else enjoyed their time off as well!

 

Side Note - I clearly ate like garbage over the weekend, yet somehow I didn't gain a pound!  In fact, I lost a few ounces.... So basically... My life rocks!

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

To Know Me is to Know My People

There is nothing I love more than the people in my life.  There truly is no better way to get to know me than to get to know them.  I figured, what better way to welcome you into my life than to introduce you to the people that make me who I am.  Slowly but surely, I'd like to give you all mini bios of all my favs. 

 

In honor of my upcoming girls weekend, I thought I would start with my friend Caitlin! 

 

 

Basically, she is a shorter, blonder, and extra fabulous version of yours truly.  She shares my love of crafts, plus sized fashion, reality tv, and all things wedding.  We can, and have, spent entire afternoons on the couch catching up on every episode of Say Yes to the Dress.  Cate and I met my freshman year of college when we found ourselves in the same sorority.  She was a year older, a year wiser, and a year better at beer pong.  We spent many nights drinking cheap booze, dancing until we were sore, indulging in 2:00 am trips to T-Bell, and Facebook stalking.  She lives in Portland, which is WAY too far away...Thank goodness for unlimited minutes.  She gives the best advice, totally calms me down when I am all worked up, and is totally supportive of everything I do.  I literally can't wait to see her this weekend.  Let the shopping, shit talking, and yoga pant wearing commence.

 

Happy Friday, Everyone! 



15 by '15

Good Morning! 

 

Let me start this post by saying that I truly love my body.  I am a plus size girl with plenty of curves to go around.  Granted, there are days I get frustrated with the way a piece of clothing fits or styles that just don't work for my body... But who doesn't?  Overall, I love the way my cleavage looks in a plunging V-Neck or the way my hips look in a stellar peplum.  I'm a big proponent of loving your body, that isn't what this post is about.  This post is about the fact that I am admittedly unhealthy.  I love all food, both the good and the bad.... Aside from a few select activities, I truly hate to work out... And portion control.... Not really in my vocabulary.  Basically, it is time to kick my big ass into getting healthy.  So what better way to kick start my road to health than a catchy goal... 15 pounds by 2015, hello adorable catch phrase.  

 

I have always had pretty good luck with Weight Watchers.  For those of you who haven't heard of it, Weight Watchers is an awesome program that teaches you to count points (which are made up of Carbs, Fat, Fiber, and Protein).  I really like this method because it is flexible.  If I am dying for a donut, I can have a god damn donut...  It's great!  The problem for me is sticking to it.  It is so easy for me to justify "cheating."  Once I cheat a few times I am like "well.... I'll just start next week."  Next week turns into next month which turns into next year... You get the idea.  No more excuses, this is No Excuse November, if you will. 

Currently, I have 41 points per day (with 49 "bonus points" that can be used throughout the week).  Here is an idea as to what today's menu looks like:


Breakfast
Banana and Yogurt... Keeping it pretty simple.  Fruits and veggies are free, so it is the perfect addition to any meal.  Lately I am partial to Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt which is only 2 points.  Score!

Lunch
Chili with low fat cheese (2 points) and steamed broccoli.  I know you probably think I am a nutcase.  But it is to fucking die for.  SO GOOD.  I really like Nalley Turkey Chili which is 6 points. 

Snack
I always like to have popcorn on hand for a snack.  It is great, because you can have a lot of it.... And like I said, portion control isn't exactly my forte.  I am currently obsessed with Erin's Low Fat Popcorn.  Seriously, you guys, it is freaking incredible.  Perfect snack.  I also brought grapes, apples, and a Special K Protien Bar (3 points).  I am also a big fan to Fiber One granola bars (and all their other goodies) ... But Special K was on sale.

Dinner
Well dinner is a crap shoot tonight because I have to see the god damn dentist.  Gross!  Last time, I kid you not, I was numb for 6 hours.  So basically, dinner will be whatever I can choke down. 


Let's be real, I am totally going to miss eating a giant slice of pizza without worrying about how many points I just consumed...  But I am looking forward to being healthier and having more energy.  I think it is finally time for Weight Watchers, exercising, and copious amounts of water.  If any of you have any good tips or recipes, please feel free to share!  I can use all the help I can get. 

Casino Getaway

This weekend, my friend Tayla and I stayed at the Skagit Casino! 

 

 

Here we are playing slots.  I may look happy, but this girl lost sixty bucks!  Typically I am WAY to logical to gamble, but when in Vegas Skagit County.  Despite being a big ol' loser this weekend, I had an absolute blast. 

 

Highlights included spending time with Tay's family, a 3 year olds dance party birthday, Tayla winning three hundred bones (lucky bitch), excellent people watching opportunities, eating copious amounts of junk food (but paying for it now), being way to obsessed with the Wild Pixie slot machine, gambling with breakfast, drunk swimming at midnight, and visiting an old insane asylum.

 

 

While Tayla was taking family pictures, I got to explore the old barn area of the asylum. I'm a huge chicken with an active imagination, so I totally scared the shit out of myself.   Regardless, I'm glad I went.  After family pictures, I headed back to Seattle and had dinner with some good friends.  Perfect end to a solid weekend.

 





First Date Chic

If you love fashion as much as I do, the first date outfit is just as exciting as the date itself.  Unfortunately, my date was right after work which was slightly limiting, but I was still pretty pleased with the result.  (Sorry about the picture resolution and the fact that I am standing on the coffee table... Full body phone selfies require ninja moves I evidentially don't possess.)

 

 

For the occasion, I went for sleek and simple. I selected my favorite peplum top from Target with my Hydraulic Skinnies from Maurices which I cuffed and paired with black booties from Nordstrom Rack.  I added a chunky gold and pink necklace from Target (which was once confused with a J. Crew necklace, best compliment ever!).  For work, I also wore a light pink lace blazer which was also from Target along with a Columbia rain jacket (thanks a lot, Seattle weather).  After I reapplied my make-up and touched up my hair, I felt very chic and put together. 

So then there was the date.  I was SO nervous.  I recently got out of a pretty serious relationship, so it had been nearly a year since I had gone on a "First Date."  I totally thought about backing out, but I am definitely glad I didn't.  We kept it pretty simple, just grabbed a few drinks and talked.  It was really nice getting to know one another, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again.

Duck Dodge

So my BFF, Bri, is involved with an event called Duck Dodge.  Every Tuesday during Spring, Summer, and early Fall a huge group of sailboats get together for a race on Lake Union.  Once the races are over, the boats all tie up together for a party.  Boats and booze.... Sold!  I have been wanting to go for months, and I finally got my chance.

 

 

 

This Saturday, the Duck Dodge Crew got together for a season ending bash called Rum Run.  What is Rum Run.... Well everyone heads out to The Sound (rum in tow) for a final race.  The race lasts a few hours, then the real party begins.  I was on the committee boat, which means we are in charge of announcing the starts and "crowning" the winners (and downing as many mimosas as possible).  After the race was over, it was time for my "induction" into Duck Dodge....  The Virgin Walk.  A Duck Dodge Virgin is required to go boat to boat and kiss either the Mast or the Master.  Perfect.  I am about three sheets to the wind at this point, great time to jump from rickety boat to rickety boat and kiss as many men as possible, right?  Somehow, I managed to stay dry.... But seriously, what a trek!  I literally have bruises. As far as the kissing went...  Life could have been worse.  Obviously I kissed the captains because this girl doesn't do anything half-ass.  Granted, a few crew members pretended to be captains to get a quick smooch, but what can you do?  While I was off completing my virgin walk, my BFF was busy scheming.  When I got back to the boat she was hanging out on, I was sent to the bottom of the boat to socialize with an imposter captain.  Imposter or not, I ended up with a date for tonight.... Eeek!  By the time he got my number, it was time to return to my boat and head back to land.  Here are a few more pics from the trip.   

 

 



Halloween Chic

Halloween: not only a great excuse to indulge in candy and cocktails, but it is also one of the most exciting fashion days of the year. 

Here was my holiday ensemble:

 

I was seriously OBSESSED with my costume... I've always wanted to be the Hamburgalar, so I was stoked that I was able to throw this costume together.  I scored the dress at Goodwill for five bones!  I mean, what a deal!  The cape, hat, and mask I found at a party store near my apartment.  I grabbed a yellow table cloth which I fashioned into a sash to tie on the hat, then swooped up a red tie from Ross and painted little hamburgers on it.  Due to the weather (and lack of desire to shave my legs) I threw it on with a pair of black tights and some black flats I had in the closet.  Tada!  Childhood dream come true.

Other Halloween Highlights included my BFF dressing up as Ronald McDonald, the hundreds of Trick-or-Treaters in their adorable costumes, stopping by McDonalds and scoring free food, homemade donuts and chili, countless cocktails, a surprise visit from a friend who is going to school in Arizona, and most of all a wonderful night spent laughing and playing games with some great people!

I'm chalking this Halloween up to a win!

How did you guys celebrate?