Monday Morning Recap

Happy Monday, Loves! I can’t believe we are already back here, and I extra can’t believe I am already writing on the blog. I am counting this as a Monday Morning Miracle!
 

You guys know I hate “living for the weekend”, and I will say that last week I genuinely loved every day. I had a few lovely dinner/drink/dessert dates which always put me in a good mood, particularly when I have the opportunity to try new places. My friend Cole is back in town after being gone for most of the summer, and it is such a treat to have him so close! Since I moved, we only live a few blocks apart; so I am loving being able to walk to his place in under 10 minutes… It almost feels like we are roomies again! The boys’ basketball game was also a blast, and I started keeping stats which was SO freaking fun. I downloaded an app which makes it so easy, and it makes me pay wayyyy closer attention to the game… So we can go ahead and add professional stats keeper to my resume!

The weekend came unbelievably quickly, and I was so glad it did because there was lots of fun to be had. Friday after work I met up with an old coworker for beers at a brewery near my apartment. Drinks were good and the company was even better. Zach, Cole, and Chris met up with us shortly after we started, and we all had a blast doing a little brewery hopping for the evening. It should also be noted that I kicked ass at corn hole, so all the boys who didn’t want to be on my team can get fucked! We hit up Mac-Ds before leaving Ballard where I downed my SECOND McDonalds Ice Cream Cone of the day, and I loved the shit out of every bite. Before leaving Ballard, the boys decided they needed a little photo shoot. I was screaming over every last pic. We ended the night with a little dancing and a lot of sweating! All and all, it was my kind of night.

 

Zach and I headed south bright and early the next morning. Unfortunately, I had a memorial to attend… Never a fun activity, but it was such a beautiful way to honor an incredible man. It was considered a celebration of life, and that is exactly what it was.

After the memorial, my sister and I spent some time with the family before heading up to Portland for a goodbye get-together for Zach’s brother Bryan (who we renamed Bo) and his best friend Alex. Holy shit, you guys… Those boys can party. I won’t go into details, but there were lots of drinks, swing dancing in the street, pizza, late night swims, and a crowded truck bed cuddle party.

 

It was a wonderful, exhausting weekend that could only be followed by some serious couch time Sunday evening. I glued myself to the Olympics with Chris and Cole and couldn’t even be bothered to eat, and you KNOW I’m tired if I’m missing meals.

Anyways, here is to hoping that this week is just as wonderful!

Cheers!

Throw Back Saturday?

Well, I think I have reached a new level of ridiculous. It is Saturday morning and I am finally posting about last weekend. Whatever, I'm the worst... Nothing new here. 

Anyways, last weekend, like all my weekends, was a total treat. It was another wedding weekend, which are my absolute fav. This one was for my cousin (okay, third cousin) Kyle and his beautiful bride Sarah. Kyle is one of those people that even when you haven't seen him in years, you feel like you were never apart. My family used to go on a huge annual Seaside trip, and one year Kyle and his little brother came along. The stories from that vacation are endless, and from then on we were all inseparable.... Even with the physical distance. Needless to say, we were all thrilled to be able to celebrate his special day with him. 

After a night in with my mom, the whole family packed up and headed to Eastern Washington where the wedding was to be held. Four hours, one sketchy snack stop, and one quick trip to the mall later... It was wedding time. I totally won when it came to getting ready because my cousin did my hair and she and my sister tag teamed my make up. Basically, I was obsessed with my look for the night and have about a bazillion pics to prove it... So buckle up. 

Also... Did we want to talk about my 20 dollar dress from Old Navy... Because I do! Deal of the freaking century. 

So the ceremony was beautiful... And of course I cried... And then we headed right over to get a table and a glass (or 5) of Rose. Side note, I am obsessed with Rose this year! 

The reception was perfect and got even better when we discovered the photo booth. The couple did such a great job mingling and introducing  all their guests, so we ended up having an incredible time hanging out with the wedding party.

It was such a special weekend, and I am beyond blessed to have been able to celebrate with my incredible family! 

Cheers to all the wedding weekends this summer!

Seattle Summer Stuff

August already!? Am I being Punk’d! I honestly don’t know how this is happening, but I thought I would share a list of my favorite Seattle Summertime activities before it is too late.

Happy Hours: Is it just me, or was the summer made for early afternoon cocktails? I’m of the “It’s 3:30 somewhere” mentality. Maggie Bluffs is one of my favorite sunny day HH spots. It has a ton of outdoor seating with a lovely view of the marina. Bring on the 6 dollar mojitos!

Farmers Markets: There really is nothing like wandering around an outdoor market on a beautiful summer afternoon. I love picking up a bouquet or two of flowers to brighten up the apartment along with a plethora of fresh produce. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to swoop up a popsicle or two. Lately, I have been loving the Fremont Sunday Market, but honestly Seattle is exploding with adorable little markets almost every day of the week… And if you can’t find one, you can always hit up Pike’s Place!

Parks: Seattle parks really are the best. They are scattered all throughout the city and have the most incredible views. It is so hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to… I think I would have to go with Discovery Park. Again, the views are amazing… And there are tons of hiking trails and open space for activities. Plus, it is pretty hard to beat the beach front and light house. If you haven’t been, it is definitely worth the trip.

BBQs: Growing up, I can hardly remember a summer night that the grill wasn’t fired up. The patio at the new apartment is a game changer, but if you don’t have one… phone a friend. You are bound to know SOMEONE with a rooftop deck… Grab a six pack and get over there!

Swimming: Well, I am pretty sure I was supposed to be a mermaid, so summer swims are a definite must for me. Luckily, Seattle is surrounded by water. If (like me) you have no pool at your disposal, find a beach! I love love love Golden Gardens, but so long as I have a beer and a floatie, I’m good to go!

Dinner: Some days are just too hot to cook. Luckily, there are a ton of fun restaurants throughout the city with outdoor seating and tasty grub. I went to Ray’s Boathouse for the first time last week, and it was an instant favorite. I loved the view (surprise, surprise), and the food was incredible. There is something about seafood during the summer that just hits the spot, and they know how to fry a fish!

Baseball Games: Need I say more? Give me a bleacher seat for an M’s game, and I’m ready to spend a summer night at the ballpark! Twelve dollar beers never tasted so good.

Ferry Rides: I love being out on the water, and since my yacht is in the shop, the ferry is a great alternative. Walking onto the Bainbridge Ferry is super easy from downtown, and such a fun way to spend a summer day. After a lovely ride over, it is so fun to walk around the island. There are a ton of cute shops and restaurants to explore, and even a few tasting rooms for my fellow wine-os. It is a great trip to do at night as well. It is a beautiful ride both directions, and there are lots of fun pubs on the island. Pack up a few blankets and a thermos full of Hot Toddies and you’re ready for an adventure!

This list really could go on and on because the possibilities are infinite. Here’s to hoping that we have another Indian Summer in the PNW and that the sunshine lasts forever.

 

Cheers!

Goodbye, July

You like that little rhyme? Yeah, me too. Anyways, Happy Monday, Summer Loves! I am sad to report that I have no iPhone photos or funny stories from the weekend to share, but I may just have a special treat to make up for it! Introducing, my weekend via hot dogs. Boom.

Friday: The Seattle Dog

After work, Zach and I headed straight for the ball park where I had the pleasure of watching his team win for the second time this season. Can you say good luck charm!? It was a wonderful night to be on the field, and even better to be surrounded by great friends. Afterwards we went out for a few drinks and a Seattle Dog. Talk about the perfect start to the weekend.

 

Saturday: BBQ Hotdog with Bacon and Peanut Butter

I am devastated to report that this was the hot dog that never was… A missed connection if you will. My day started off a HUGE success. Zach and I got my new couch moved in to my apartment and moved almost all of his things into his new place. We had a killer lunch and then made our way to a friend’s birthday party where the coveted PB&Bacon hotdog resided… Upon arriving we realized we should have brought beer (how this was an afterthought is beyond me), so we hooved it to Fremont Brewing to pick up a six pack. The only issue was that there was a shoe sale just before the brewery…. Need I say more? Sixty bucks, one brand new pair of Birkenstocks, and zero beers later we returned to the birthday party. Want to know what we returned to? The end of hot dog time, that’s what! So yeah, my life is rough. It should be noted that this was my first time at Gasworks park and it was totally awesome, so that almost made up for my hotdog heartbreak… Almost. We mingled for a bit longer, then headed to Zach’s haircut where I dipped out real quick for a glass of Rose at a local bar. The remainder of the night was comprised of a happy hour, a torch light parade, more drinks, and Mean Girls. Wins on wins this weekend.

 

Sunday: Mini Pretzel Dogs

Sunday was exactly what I needed before my life gets totally crazy. Although I worked most of the morning, I was able take it to the porch which made everything okay… Even the resulting iPhone crash and dumbass tan lines. I decided to treat myself to a pedicure and shopping trip… Spoiler alert, the only thing purchased on said shopping spree were mini pretzel dogs with fake cheese and it was the best decision of the day! I ended the night with some friends at a local bar and stayed out wayyy past my bedtime, but it was worth every second.

Hope I wasn’t the only one to get after some hotdogs this weekend!  

Summers in Seattle

Seattle Summers are kind of the best. The past few weeks have been a slice around here, and I am soaking up every last drop.

Although I got sick last week, I still managed to cram in a few walks around the neighborhood, a Mariners game WITH Dip-n-Dots (obviously), and a rousing game of catch with the boys. Even though I am still sore from all that throwing, it was a week well spent.

 

 

The weekend was just as delicious. I had an extremely low key Friday after being sick, and woke up Saturday morning feeling much better, and just in the nick of time. My sister came into town to join some friends and I at the Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and Sam Hunt Concert! Old Dominion was there as well, but leaving them off since we were late to the party and totally missed them. Whoops! The concert was just the best and we had a blast dancing and singing at the top of our lungs, plus I developed a total girl crush on Miranda. She’s adorable and I am in love!

 

After the concert, we were blessed with the BEST Lyft driver there ever was and he hauled ass to get us to Taco Bell before it closed. Is it sad or awesome that our after party consisted of Baja Blast and a movie night?

The following day was totally precious. We woke up sans hang overs, so that was awesome, and I made a nice big breakfast. Then we spent the morning walking around a few neighborhoods in the city and popped over to the Fremont Farmers Market where Zach treated us all to homemade popsicles and we sat near the water looking like a post card. It was adorable AF, and we kept the summer festivities going by posting up on our porch for the afternoon. The rest of the day was spent on Cole’s rooftop deck & playing pool in his common room. It was truly the definition of Sunday Funday.

After a perfect weekend, it was hard to get back to work, but luckily I had 3 days of celebrating my best friend Bri’s birthday. We spent a few perfect nights at out and about eating, drinking, and being oh so merry. Such a fun time was had by all, plus it was the perfect excuse to put wayyyy to much effort into wrapping her gift! #professional

After three days of celebrations, I thought I would spend a quite night in… But I should have known better. After getting off work a little early on Thursday, Zach and I hit a happy hour on the water and threw back one or three mojitos while admiring the view. It was a great start to the night! Afterwards, we went to a friend’s barbecue where we were spoiled with a few delicious ciders, great food, and grilled peaches with ice cream for dessert! I know what you’re thinking… Fruit and Ice Cream… That’s way to. healthy to be dessert… And it totally was, but also pretty awesome.

It has really been such a wonderful couple of weeks. I seriously can’t even tell you what a treat it has been to stay in Seattle for a while to enjoy all the summer goodness in our own back yard… Or in my case, back porch.

Happy Friday, Loves! Hope all your summers have been just as sweet as mine!

The Life of a LATE Twenty-Something

Well, guys, it happened. I am officially in my late twenties. Not really sure when that happened … And although I am in total shock over my age, I’m kinda loving 27 so far.

 

I celebrated my birthday with a little wine night at my place with a few friends. I know, I know… So sophisticated!

 

The following Friday we went out for a night on the town which consisted of wayyyy too many drinks, early 2000s hip hop, and about 45 minutes of chasing the Real World crew around The Shelter hoping to get a little screen time. Spoiler alert, you won’t be seeing me on MTVs latest season.... I’m as disappointed as you are!

 

The next night was one I had been looking forward to forever! My sister and mom came up for a little Seattle Staycation and Tyrone Wells concert. OMG, you guys, it was the best night ever. The concert was at Storyville, my very favorite industrial little coffee shop. They sat us right in front. It was such a dream. My mom and I split a beautiful bottle of red wine while Chloe devoured the sweetest little macaroon ice cream sandwich and a few glasses of Rose. Tyrone was absolutely incredible and had us in tears on multiple occasions. After the concert, we hit a new bar where we shared cocktails and a few delicious snacks. We just weren’t ready for the night to end, so we spent the remainder of the evening in our hotel trying to teach my mom how to twerk. The whole weekend was beyond perfect.

 

 

And because I still wasn’t ready for the celebrating to be over, Chris, Zach, and I went to the Mariners Game last night. Great weather, great friends… What more could I ask for?

 

Not pictured… Me eating WAY too many nachos and only drinking about half of this $12 beer, but finding plenty of room for Dippin’ Dots. #priorities

Happy Hump Day!

Dixie Daze

Another summer weekend has come and gone, so it is time for the obligatory weekend update.
 

After an already short work week, I dipped out of work early enough for lunch and beers with Zach before heading south for The Dixie Chicks concert. We arrived with bells, whistles, and Walmart cowboy hats. The concert was to die for despite the pouring down rain, but guess what wasn’t to die for? The half an hour search for the car followed by the TWO HOUR wait in the parking lot. We didn’t know whether to laugh or cry about the five-hour trip home.

 

 Our plans to sleep in were destroyed by Julie’s early morning wake-up insisting that we get out of bed. Time to get the Rainier Days Daze party started. This year certainly didn’t disappoint. Drinks were flowing and reunions were around every corner. It was a blast.

After the whole town congregated at Chevron for a few snacks and beverages, we ended the night at a house party. I promptly crawled into an oversized chair and was the worst kind of party pooper, just silently cursing everyone for not getting the fuck out so I could go to bed. Luckily, one of the guys had a “set up” in the back room that he allowed Julie and I to sleep in. We quickly discovered that the “set up” was nothing more than a stack of pillows and blankets, but at 4am it was solid gold. Collin instantly regretted offering us the haven, and joined us in the backroom. Despite the shitty sleep, the next morning was definitely a highlight. We laid around in the little fort for hours laughing about god knows what and reminiscing about the prior evening.

When we finally drug ourselves out of bed, I headed to my dad’s place to spend some time with him and eat as much Burgerville as I could fit down my throat. Talk about a hangover cure. Let me tell you, I sure can’t party like I used to.

Cheers to awesome summer nights and rough summer mornings.