See you next year.

Today is my favorite day of the year.

It's one of those days where I wish I still worked in customer service.

I loved handing people their order out the drive through and saying, "See you next year!"

The look on their face was priceless when they made the realization.

2012 was amazing.

Going to Europe.

Paris, France- Eiffel Tower

Rome, Italy- Trevi Fountain

Paris, France- Eiffel Tower

A roadtrip up to Alaska.

San Francisco, California- Chinatown (If I remember correctly)

Oregon- Crater Lake

Seattle, Washington- Space Needle

Yukon, Canada

Checking off the biggest thing on my bucket list:

Kissing Oscar Wilde's grave.

Paris, France- Pere Lachaise Cemetery

A fantastic year!  

Coming up for 2013?

- Finding a great job (Hopefully sooner rather than later!)

- Moving out?
- A trip to Iceland

I hope you all have a safe and fun New Years!

Birthday Celebration.

My birthday was a success yesterday!

(Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes!)

I had some of my friends over for a little dinner party.

I tried to do a little bit of decorating.

I made some Apple Cider Sangria.  I found the recipe via Pinterest (of course!).  

But I think it definitely could have used a bit more brandy.  

It was absolutely delicious, and I will have to make it again.

On the menu for the night was an assortment of "gourmet" grilled cheese sandwiches.

Guacamole Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich

French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Sweet & Spicy Caramelized Onion & BBQ Grilled Cheese

And also a few soups to pair:

Bella Minestrone Soup

Autumn Harvest & Butternut Squash Soup

Tuscan Tomato & Basil Soup

I wish I could tell you that I made everything from scratch 

(I was planning to make the bread from scratch, but I haven't made bread in ages,

 and I didn't want to risk it).

I bought the soup from Vons.  All of them were amazing!

I wanted to try all of the sandwiches.

So, what I did was make a few of each, cut them into a few pieces, 

and we all got to have a few bits to try them all.  

Well, not really try all of them.  I only made the guacamole one and the french onion one.  

They were both so good...but we were all so full from them that we didn't have room to eat the other ones!

However, this morning my friend and I made the Caprese one and that we delightful as well!

And of course, my birthday cake!

I really had the best time.  I didn't take any photos during the party because, I mean let's get real...those 10 bottles of wine weren't going to drink themselves!

We stayed up until 3 am!  Completely on accident... 

We were playing Cards Against Humanity

It's like Apples to Apples, but for adults!

AND you can totally download it for free and print it out at home! 

We were laughing for HOURS playing the game!

At the end of the night we thought, 

"Hey, let's open another bottle of wine...Yes!  Excellent idea...oh wait, it's 3 am!"

Do I look different?

Take a good hard look at my face.  Go ahead... I'll wait...

 Even though I wouldn't ever call this my favorite picture of me.

But today marks my 26th year of life.

Yes, today is my Birthday!

I'm having a little dinner party with some of my friends to celebrate.

I feel like your birthday is a time to reflect on your life for the past year.  

New Year's is a time to do that as well.

Being born so close to New Year's- I only really have to reflect on my life once a year. Woo hoo!

I always thought my life would be different at this age.  But one thing is for sure- I definitely thought I'd be able to put on mascara without getting it all over my eyelids by this point in life!

Arghhhh!

How was your Christmas?  

Mine was full of present opening, breakfast eating, coffee sipping, and yelling at my brother.  Wait, what?  Yes, for some reason he likes to pester me.  So, Christmas morning sounds a bit like this:

Daniel. 

This is my warning.  Very serious.

Stop it. 

STOP IT!. 

Daaanieeeel. 

MOOOOOOOM!!!!  

Mom comes in and gives him "the look".  Yes, my brother is 35 and "the mom look" still works on him.

The thing that I look forward to every year is getting razors and shaving cream in my stocking.  

I'm easy to please apparently.  

My sister in law seemed surprised to hear that the one bottle we get at Christmas lasts me all year.  

She asked what happens when I run out.  

My answer?  

I stop shaving my legs...hence why I hadn't shaved for 2 months! 

Is this TMI?  

The good news is that I have freshly shaved legs! woo hoo!

I have a dinner party coming up on Saturday that I am hosting, so I will be busy busy getting ready for it!  I am so excited! 

Christmas Lights

Get ready for some of the most horrendous iphone photography:

I went out with my family to go look at Christmas lights.  There is a neighborhood near where I live, where every single neighbor goes all out with lights. 

They put on little skits, or sell hot chocolate and other goodies, and just have the most wonderful holiday spirit going on. 

However,  we went WAY to close to Christmas and it was WAY crowded.  But, We still had a great time looking at all the lights.  I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

What I wore when it was 45 degrees.

I feel like California only just recently got the memo that it is Winter.  I went out with some friends for drinks last night, and let me tell you...I didn't get the memo that California got the Winter memo. 

I wore a quarter sleeve cardigan and sandals.  I don't think it would've been too bad if we hadn't decided to sit outside due to the horrendous band that was playing inside, and we knew we wouldn't be able to talk over them. 

Unfortunately, no pictures of the night- bad blogger is bad! 

But, I am going to go look at Christmas lights tonight...so I hope to bring back some awesome photos for you guys!

End of the world.

Angus Stone: "End of the World"

I was going to post this tomorrow, but then if the world ends tomorrow you wouldn't get to enjoy it!  So, here you go!

It's ok Thursday #6

Linking up again today with Amber and Neely for It's OK Thursday!


It's OK...

...that I ate like a 5 year made me dinner last night.

brownies and hershey kisses?  Dinner of champions.

... that I thought I'd give a different pair of shoes a shot for my run but they ended up killing my ankles

I'll just have to go back to my old ones until I can afford some good running shoes

...that I still haven't gone Christmas shopping.

I have like 5 days, maybe its not even necessary with the world ending tomorrow.

... to hide then scare my pup when I hear him walking down the hallway.

Maybe that's why he hates me?

... that I haven't eaten breakfast yet.

It's only 10:20...and that's ok, right?

I ain't no trend setter.

I may be behind in the times- hence me joining Instagram (follow me yo!) just yesterday! But, I have also just recently gotten into using Spotify for my musical needs.

I went out for a run (and walk haha!) yesterday, and I am just so tired of the music that I already had on my ipod so I thought I would give Spotify a shot.  I felt like this was super risky since I tend to skip skip skip a lot of the songs on my ipod.  But, I was pleasantly surprised! 

Instagram: Pre work-out

 I went with the club/electronic genre radio station and I really liked it.  Here are some songs that popped up:

T-Pain feat. Ne-Yo - Turn All The Lights On 
Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza ft. Tinie Tempah
deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire - Ghosts N Stuff
Sak Noel - Loca People
Swedish House Mafia - One (Original Mix)
deadmau5 - Some Chords

Disclaimer:  I am not being paid my Spotify to say these things about them.  But, if they wanted to throw some cash my way for it, I wouldn't be opposed to it. lol

Instagram: Post work out

So, if you are in dire need of some new music I'd say to give it a try...I mean, it is free so why not!  And also, invest in the type of mirror I have...It makes me look way skinny! haha!

Having friends makes it easier.

I was reading over on Kassie's Blog about her #operationredbikini challenge, and I just thought that that was the most delightful thing!  I will definitely be participating in this since I may or may not have a bikini that I bought before this past summer that I thought I would fit into, but then didn't do anything to make that goal!  And so, obviously/embarrassingly enough it didn't fit come sum sum summa time.

Image found via Pinterest

So, fun news.  I just signed up for this really cool website.  IDK if you've heard of it?  It's called Instagram? I know, I know I'm way ahead of the times jk!  Find me here  Let me know who you are so I can check out your photos as well!  Also, I only have one photo up as of the writing on this post haha!

Image found via Pinterest

I'm actually really thinking of doing a half marathon.  Like, seriously contemplating it.  Anyone thinking of doing one as well?  Or the #operationredbikini challenge? Let's be fitness friends! But, seriously...hit me up if you are interested!

Image found via Pinterest

I'm thinking some sort of giveaways will be in order as I hit different mini goals on my way to the main goal.  What do you think?  Who doesn't love a good giveaway!

Crocheting machine.

I have been quite the crocheting machine as of late.  I was given a HUGE bag of yarn this week.  I got right to making this wine cozy with some of the Christmas yarn in the stash.  My mom asked if she could give one to the lady who had given me all the yarn, and of course I said, "yes"!  She liked it so much she asked if she could buy some from me!  It is always such a huge compliment when people want more! haha!  I thought I'd get a little creative with some of them.

My photography skills are lack-a-crackin'...so I am going to blame it on the lighting.  Seems legit.

Christmas is coming soon! I ventured to Toys R Us...and that was a delight!  Seriously though.  I really love angry holiday shoppers...they are SO entertaining that I just can't help but smile and laugh!

I'd like to give you some more Christmas cheer with what else than more Sufjan Stevens!

Sufjan Stevens: "Hey Guys!  It's Christmas Time!"

Cookie time it's cookie time!

Anyone recognize that quote? (you know, I feel like most of my post titles come from movie quotes....I'm seeing a trend here!)  Troop Beverly Hills anyone...anyone?  Just me? Ok...moving one.

Yesterday my family got together to do a bit of cookie decorating...I'm fairly certain I ate about 231 cookies.

Arghhh typo in the watermark!

I thought I took photos of the finished products...but I think I got too caught up in eating them!

My nieces made these adorable gingerbread houses... aren't they they cutest nieces you have ever seen in your entire life (ok ok I am sure your nieces are very cute as well!)?

My brother decided he wanted to see how my camera worked...I don't think he was doing it right for some reason.

Sometimes... extra large pictures are just not a good idea.

Just because you can crochet something, doesn't mean you should.

I spend some time almost everyday looking for different things to crochet since I love doing it.  However, I have come across many different items that I just think, "whaaat theee??" why would anyone crochet that.  Here are some gems...Let me warn you now, these sights can never be unseen! (Also, sorry if you are reading this at work! And also sorry that you are working on a Saturday!)

Shark Slippers.  I knew I was afraid to walk on the tile after watching Jaws for a reason!  Sharks can get you any time any place! (I have a slight phobia of sharks haha!)

Breast Beanie. What is the purpose? I don't understand!

Crocheted shorts for you and wait!  You can make some crocheted shorts for your man as well!

Ok this next one is really the reason I am writing this whole post...brace yourself.

A. Crocheted. Jock. Strap.  That's right my friends. Oh, you want the pattern you say?  Find it here!  It is only $6.00.  What a steal!

Let's say it together, "Just because you can crochet something, doesn't mean you should!"

Infinity Scarf Tutorial

I am so excited to do my very first tutorial post!  I made this scarf for Helene's giveaway last week, and I thought I would share the pattern with you guys!

I had initially started this scarf from a pattern that I had found, but as I was doing it, it wasn't turning out how I wanted.  So, I kind of just winged it and it turned out awesome!  So, for those crocheters out there check out this pattern!

The scarf is very long (about 45" long when connected.  So, if you don't connect it to make it an infinity scarf it would be 90" long) and wraps three times. It is about 5" wide.

Infinity Scarf Tutorial

You will need:
15.75 mm/ Q Hook
Super Bulky Yarn (I used Lion Brand Yarn, Hometown USA)
I know it's bad, but I don't gauge my stitches.  Sorry.
Tapestry needle to weave in tails.

CH 120
Sl St into first CH to connect
Make sure the piece isn't twisted before connecting

Round 1:
CH 1
SC into each stitch around
SL St into first st

Round 2:
CH 2
TR into each stitch around
Sl St into first st

Round 3:
CH 1
DC into each stitch around
SL St into first st

Round 4:
Repeat round 2

Round 5:
Repeat round 3

Round 6:
Repeat round 1

Don't forget to sew in the tails!

This is a super easy pattern and perfect for beginners.  If you try it let me know how it turns out!

It's OK Thursday #4

Linking up with Amber and Neely for It's OK Thursday!


Its OK... 

... that I'm still crying about not getting the job.

Thanks for the email confirming I didn't get it.  At least I don't have to sit here and wonder at the slight chance that I had another shot at it.

... that it doesn't feel like Thursday.

I feel like it should be Tuesday or something!  That what I get for taking extra days away over the "weekend"

... that I haven't done any Christmas shopping.

Honestly, I love going closer to Christmas.  Angry Christmas shoppers are my favorite!

 ... that I haven't done any Christmas shopping.

I'm putting this down again because it really is ok!  My sis in law already finished her shopping and my nieces asked for more stuff, so now I don't have to pick something random! haha!

... that all the TV shows are going on hiatus until next year.

I'd like to think this would help me watch less TV, but I doubt it. 

Don't mind me.

You. Guys.  I think I am seriously depressed that I didn't get that job.  I have never wanted a job so badly before, and blowing the interview is the biggest disappointment.  I've blown interviews before, but I was always secretly happy because they weren't what I was looking for.  But, this time is different because it was such an ideal job that it stinks that I don't think I got it.  I just need to move on I guess. wah wah.

My model for the day.  Look at him taunting me!

In other news.  Can I please tell you how jealous I am of some other bloggers?  Is this inappropriate to talk about?  When I read other blogs (and your blogs!) I get really jealous of their photography skills!  Like, I always wonder if they took a class or are self taught.  So, can you help me out and tell me all your secrets on photography?  I really want to develop some awesome photog skills (I don't think working at Disneyland as a photographer really counts....but I suppose gives me a leg up? Who knows!).  Share yo' secrets with me! I think that would help to cheer me up a bit! haha!

Aaaaand I'm Back.

Sorry for being a bit MIA (ugh I wish I was MIA she's so cool! haha!)

I know I've shared this video on here before, but I just love it so much.  Sorry I'm not sorry.

Thank you so much for your sweet comments wishing me luck on my interview yesterday!  I really have no idea how it went.  If I had to guess, I'd say that it wasn't good though.  But, I have also had interviews where I thought I rocked it, and then didn't get the job.  So, there is still a chance that I will get to go to the next round...I just don't want to get my hopes up, ya know?

I only have one picture from the weekend where my friend and I went to Christmas in the Park.  Our friend was working the hot chocolate booth and hooked us up with some delicious hot chocolate (that may or may not have included a bit of hazelnut Bailey's! Yuuum!)

Give me a bit of time to catch up on your blogs!  And hello to my new followers!  Thank you for stopping by!

This could be you!

This could be you:

Hiding behind a tree (in a cute handmade crochet scarf!)

Keeping warm (in a cute handmade crochet scarf!)

Sitting in a park on a Fall afternoon (in a cute handmade crochet scarf!)

Standing in a park on a Fall afternoon (in a cute handmade crochet scarf!)

Laying down in leaves (in a cute handmade crochet scarf!)

Is this the most narcissistic post I have made to date?  Quite possibly yes!  But, the good news is is that this could be YOU in this cute handmade crochet scarf!  All you have to do is hop over to Helene's blog and enter to win in her HUGE giveaway. What are you waiting for it ends in a couple days!!!

Also, let's meet that gal behind the camera!  My dear sister!  What a cute moose, makes all the boy moose say waaaaah!

This photo was too funny not to post, sorry sister!

Also, could I ask you wonderful people to send some good juju vibes my way?  I have a job interview on Monday that I am super excited for! *Fingers Crossed* that I can land this job!

Finally finished- Crocheted Blanket and Pattern

I know I have mentioned that I was working on crocheting a blanket before on this blog, but honestly I'm too lazy to look back at the posts to link them here.  Geez, I act like I do things all day.  Oh the joys of unemployment!  I'll have to share going to the temp agency story with you sometime!  That's a whole post in itself.

The good news is, is that I finally finished the blanket I was working on.  This is the first blanket I have ever crocheted, so I'm pretty proud of it.

This couch is big enough to seat 2 people.  When we first got it, I told my parents that I was going to gain 600 pounds because the couch would still be able to fit me!

Trying to take a photo of yourself is a lot harder than it looks!  Also, I'd like to say I'm sans make-up but in reality I didn't wash of yesterdays make-up so there's that.

I ended up making it a bit longer than the pattern had because I hate when blankets won't fit around my feet and up to my shoulders.  I also added the fringe on the ends.  Initially I was going to sew in the tails, but I ended up liking the fringe look so I added more danglies (thats the proper term lol) to make it look fuller and more even.

Want to make one for yourself?  Or even for someone for Christmas?  Check out the pattern here!

It's ok Thursday #3 and Giveaway Winner!

I'm linking up again today with Amber and Neely for It's OK Thursday!  Please see the last section of the post for the giveaway winner!

It's ok...

...that I don't really know if this is the third It's OK Thursday that I have participated in.

But I made my best guess at it!

... that I watched Pocahontas last night

Flash back to me in 1st grade having my first "date" to see this movie!

...that the Pocahontas writers were grossly unaware of what actually happened in history.

But isn't that most all Disney movies anyways?

 ...That I kind of like Taylor Swifts new song.
Shhhh... I won't tell anyone if you won't!

...That now I feel like I have to justify that I really do like "good" music (look at me being a hipster!)
"Days" The Drums
 

 ^^^OB-sessed with this song!

And now on to what you have been waiting for!  The winner of my first ever giveaway is..... Erica from Caught on a Whim!

The winner was determined using super high technology aka putting names in a cup.

Thank you everyone for entering my little giveaway...I hope to have more in the future!

Also, if you would like a handmade scarf or headband like the one in the giveaway shoot me an email and we can work out prices...I'm still trying to decide if I should open an etsy shop or not!

Giveaway explosion!

Hey everyone!  Today is the last day to enter for the giveaway I am hosting on this blog! 

Check it out here!

I will be announcing that winner tomorrow!

Also, I am so excited to be included in the group giveaway over on Helene's blog.

Check out the Christmas comes early Giveaway!

Now, because I am a horrendous person (well, some of the time at least!) I hadn't sent in a picture of the scarf in time (wah wah!)  But, here is a picture of the scarf that I am giving away!   

It is a red (perfect for the holidays!) Infinity Scarf handmade with love by me valued at $30!  It is long enough to wrap three times or looks pretty darn cute wrapped two times.  I'll be able to take pictures of what it actually looks like on when my super expensive and exclusive photographer sister has a free moment to help me out since I can't figure out how to work the self timer!  That will most likely be this weekend!  

Thanks for visiting my blog new friends!