The Day Has Come To Retire My Orange Shorts

Welp. It's here.

My LAST day of work.

After working at Hooters for five years, six months, and some odd days, I am retiring my shorts and leaving my fun, easy job behind. Don't get me wrong, I worked my tail-feathers off, but I would be remiss in saying that it wasn't worth every penny.

I'm in three of those photos...can you spot me?

It's going to be crazy saying goodbye to all the friends I have made in the past three years, and all the memories I created in those damn orange shorts. I'm just happy I don't have to wear those shorts this weekend, because for the first time in years-
I won't have to work Superbowl! 

I must say, I feel bad about this years match up, though. My whole family is rooting for the Seahawks because my cousin is a scout for the team, but between living in Colorado and my girl Anna being married to Wes Welker, I'm going to have to go for the Broncos. Plus I'm pretty sure the Broncos are going to whoop up on the Seahawks, and we will see how that #1 Defense really stacks up under pressure.

Yep, I totally name dropped today, and I don't even feel bad about it. It's not like I've ever met Wes himself. I just think is wife is a badass, and I love her. Fun Fact: Anna was Miss Hooters International in 2005. She's kind of a big deal...

Now, it's time for me to go make that moneymoneymoneymon-ay, and then take the Birthday boy to Denver for Jo Koy. It's not like we should be doing anything important like packing or anything. I mean hey, we've got aaaalll the way until...shit...we have less than a week left. How the eff did that happen?

So who are you rooting for?

I Can't Wrap My Head Around It...

Tell me, how has January flown by already? Not to mention, how has so much happened in such a short period? Seriously...mind-blowing. Based on how things are going so far, I'm leaving 2013 behind as the last year of what I thought was my youth, and now I seem to be headed towards a year of rebirth.

+ The impending move

+ Will's new job

+ A new balance in our relationship

+ Taking the time to find myself

+ Overall transition

Change is terrifying, and yet everything seems to be falling in to place. I'm going to go out on a limb, and say that I think this means that we are right where we are supposed to be in our life. I still don't have a career at 28, but Will says that I'm not 'allowed' to stay at Hooters, because it's my turn to take my time figuring out who and what I want to be. More importantly. he demands that I not stress about a thing.

This is why I married this man...
He's the only one that can boss me around and doesn't bow down, which fits my theory that women don't really want the bad guy. They want a take charge kind'a guy and one they can't manipulate. An equal, but one that we can look to with the problems that seem impossible. Cue cheesiness: He's not just my husband, he's my hero ;)

Three days left, and I'm out of a j-o-b. Or as Will puts it, I'll be taking care of him, and that really is a full time job. I'm looking forward to the challenge!

PS. You can get a double dose today, so head over to Sparkles and Shoes! Kelly had surgery, so go wish her well.

I Need A Detox

Do you know what really sucks about moving?

Eating all the crap that's in the pantry when you run out of the healthy stuff, and eating out so as not to buy more crap right before the move. I feel like an elephant.

Speaking of which, we have also been trying to use up a bunch of gift cards, and we finally made that happen by having a Gift Card Crawl on Saturday. What is a Gift Card Crawl you ask? It's like a pub crawl, only you are visiting restaurants and bars that you need to use up your gift cards at. I wouldn't be surprised if you have never heard of it, because we just made it up. Whatev, it worked! We drank and ate for hours, and it cost us next to nothing. As a matter of fact, we still have $21 dollars left at Carrabba's. Did you know they have a great Happy Hour? Neither did we.

I avoid white processed crap and fried stuff like the plague, but I just couldn't say no to Cowboy mac'n cheese and sweet potato fries. Let's not talk about the chocolate dipped fruit and marshmallows I had before bed. WTF, am I pregnant?

And that, y'all, is why I need a detox.

I actually have a photo shoot tomorrow, and while I would normally freak out after all I've eaten lately, this time I don't have to, BECAUSE I am BEHIND the camera! That's right, I've been asked to take some more pichas, and I'm just as surprised as you are.

Meet Miss Jessica Martinez on the left. Technically. they are both Jessica's, and both beautiful. What a coincidence? Martinez needs some bikini shots for her portfolio, and I was second pick asked to do it. Thank you to the real photographer that couldn't do it. Muhaha.

Eek...Wish me luck!

Proof That We Are Getting Old

I'm going to take you back to last Saturday night.

We knew we wanted to go to dinner, and then when we were invited to an MMA Fight, we decided that a full night out would be fun. After some deliberation, we decided to try out a Mongolian BBQ called HuHot, Buck came over, and off we went.

We happen to love Mongolian BBQ, so all was going smoothly...
That is, until Will suggested we go by the Super Liquor store and Redbox instead. We went from ready to party to even more ready to chillax on the couch in about two-point-five seconds, and this is when I realized that we are officially old. I mean we've been cancelling plans for years, but cancelling them after we are already out? That's a whole 'nother level. At least we were rested for Sunday Funday!

We went to lunch at one of my favorite places {cross that off the Colorado bucket list} and attempted to hike one more time since the weather was sunny and 50's.

We didn't actually take into consideration that the sun would hide behind Pike's Peak cutting our hike short, but we were proud that we braved the cold for at least a little bit in spite of our shorts. Lesson learned, mind the sun, and always layer.

Tuesday night, I made Cheeseburger Pizza which is Will's favorite, so that turned into his cake. I'm going to pretend that Cheeseburger pizza is healthy{er}. Yeah, let's go with that.

As you know, Will's actual Birthday was Wednesday, so we took the dog to our favorite park, and it was very nostalgic. We have spent a lot of time in this park for the last three years, and are definitely going to miss it when we move. It has become somewhat of a 'secret' place, and I think every couple needs a secret place.

Other than an accidental nap I told you we were old, Will loves Mexican so we planned dinner at Hacienda. It was another place we hadn't tried yet, but we loved every bit of it!

The plan was that I would have one margarita and drive, so that he could drink it up. However, as we were walking to the truck, I realized that I shouldn't be driving. Thank goodness Will only had two, and he got a kick out of me not being able to drive after one. Hey, safety first people! As I look back on the last week, I am filled with warm fuzzies. We were able to experience new things, revisit some places for the last time, and it practically felt like we were dating again. It was a fun, flirty, Birthday week, and his Birthday celebrations aren't even over.

We may be old...But we are ridiculously happy, and I wouldn't change a single thing.

The Real Star Of This Blog...

Today is Will's 29th Day of Birth, and I would love for y'all to celebrate with us. We all know that he is pretty popular around here {for good reason}, so let's wish him well!

Let me tell you 'bout my beeest frand...

He puts up with all my crap.

Let's me take a million pictures of him, with him, using him.

Still gives me butterflies.

Kisses me so that my foot 'pops'.

My hand fits only in his.

He holds me when I cry.

Makes me laugh when no one else can.

Has grown into a greater man than I could have imagined.

Sexier than I imagined too...

And he somehow makes me proud every day in every way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope that waking up to the following will show him a small amount of my gratification. I have a feeling that it's going to make him feel pretty happy considering I'm incorporating whiskey, food, and a comedy show...his three favorite things!

Cheers to many more birthdays and many more adventures. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you! You sexy studmuffin, you ;)

Sincerely Your Ever-Loving Wife,

Ultimate Blogger Happy Hour!

I totally called it, and I should have put money on the Bronco's and Seahawks going to the Superbowl. Although, based on how the Seahawks played last night, it may not be much of a game. It's cool if Seahawks muster a win, because my cousin is a scout for them {hello bonus!}, but I won't mind if the Broncos spank'em either. It would be a great way to end our time here in Colorado! Onto the real reason we are here...

There are too many bloggers that I love to count, but two of my favorites are Erin from Living In Yellow  and Helene from Helene In Between, and this love has been solidified during the epic Blogger Happy Hour we had last Thursday. What a concept...ten potentially tipsy bloggers, thought provoking questions, tried and true answers, and lots of giggles.
Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

Now, excuse my nervous face, and enjoy some highlights that stuck with me. I won't give away all the secrets because if Blog Happy Hour had a code, that would be a no-no, but I can document a few snippets and wet your appetite.

1. Allena asked, "What does one do to get out of a slump and beat writer's block?"

Consensus: Take a break, relax, read other blogs for inspiration, draw from experience like life's little moments, and if all else fails, visit Buzzfeed.
My two cents: I have a Test blog that holds hundreds of my saved drafts. Some hold just a title, perhaps a sentence, or if I'm lucky a whole raw post. However, bringing them to life is a whole 'nother topic.

2. Brianna asked, "What do bloggers expect and appreciate most out of sponsorship?"

Consensus: Most sponsors just appreciate getting an adequate amount for their money. Whether it be a $5 button or a $50 package, it just needs to balance. An interesting fact that I didn't know, is that sponsorships seem to be shifting from bloggers to businesses, so we all need to find ways to appeal to them, as well.
My two cents: Personally, when I {was doing} sponsorships, I shared bloggers stories that showed how 'Perception Is Everything', which made it more 'organic and natural' to my blog. Bloggers come to your blog to find you, so if you have your guests post on your regular topics or incorporate them into your posts like Kym does, it will feel more natural.

3. Eva asked, "Do you recommend participating in link ups? How do you actually get anything out of them when bloggers don't actually visit other blogs?"
Consensus: Even if others don't participate, you can visit blogs and initiate conversation. If they don't pick up what you are puttin' down, just move on. 

My two cents: I join them for inspiration, but mostly to support the blog hosting it. I do think that one time link ups with a specific topic gets you the most notice. Also, don't participate constantly or it will seem like you can't come up with your own content.

4.  I asked, "Is BlogHer really worth it?"

Consensus: No. BlogHer likes to be exclusive, so you miss out on other opportunities, and they have too much control. Try Adsense or other advertising ventures.
Helene, actually has BlogHer, and even she warned, "Your sidebar is prime real estate, and it takes away from that."

5.  Jessa How do you promote your posts and how much should you?
Consensus: Pimp that shit out. Every social media has a purpose, and yes, Pinterest is an awesome medium. Just try to have pin-worthy pictures to really utilize it. Erin, suggests creating hashtags to link back to yourself, and I heard that if you rename the photos, they will pop up more on Google.
Interesting fact: According to Kym, a Tweet only has a life span of 25 minutes, so don't feel bad about Tweeting throughout the day. Maybe just Tweet different aspects of the post.

6. Kym What are your feelings about giveaways?

Consensus: Giveaways can be annoying, and can be a hardship on your sponsors after paying good money to sponsor you already, but we all seem to agree that if they are spaced out and are an option and not a demand of sponsors, then they are worth it.

7. Michelle How do you make tutorials, how-to posts, and general information appealing?
Consensus: Use your voice and speak to your audience. niche blogs are a slower start, but over time they hit their mark. Think to yourself "What would make me interested?"

My two cents: Incorporate the how-to's or tutorials into a fun post. For example, I bet you didn't even realize that I included my DIY Fringe Boots Tutorial into the party recap to capture everyone's attention. Sneaky sneaky ;)

8. Paulina Is it worth posting to Buzzfeed? Is it worth the negative responses?
Consensus: Either you are going to post and it will go unnoticed, or if it makes to front page it will get a lot of hits, which will be good and bad. Could be good to add to your media page, but it isn't always worth the negativity.
Helene: We are all putting ourselves out there on a daily basis, as it is, and people are going to interpret things based on their own experience/knowledge. We must all be prepared for negativity, but that doesn't make it any less hard to handle.

Through this, I actually realized that I know more about blogging than I thought, but a wise blogger knows that there is ALWAYS more to learn. Plus, who doesn't want to have a girls night without even having to leave the comfort of your bed? I call that a win. Now I just wish I could do every blogger happy hour, because each one is going to have new bloggers, new questions, and new opinions. After taking five pages of notes, I realized that the amount of information and inspiration is just flippin' endless.

Thanks again Helene and Erin! Love y'all.

What'ya think? Obviously, I'm open to more advice on these topics!

If An Italian Accent Turns You On...

Okay, so I like really, really, REALLY want to tell you about the online Blogger Happy Hour I participated in last night, but that will have to wait until Monday. Helene, Erin, and the girls were kick ass, and it's going to take the whole weekend to recap.

Luckily, I know that you ladies love when Will visits the blog, so he's here along with our new Italian friend, Jacobbo {yahko-bo}. In case I forgot to mention, Adair went to Italy once and forgot to come back. That might be Jacobbo's fault...But really?
Who wouldn't want to stay in Italy?

Long story short, we had a fabulous time on Wednesday with lots of laughs, but the best part wasn't until late in the night. You see,  Jacobbo turned out even more entertaining than just his Italian accent. Like when an Italian meets a Texan with prominent ears:

Ooooh, it kills me EVERY time. I just...I can't.

It's a good thing that I don't go for accents. I have a good ol' American boy, and I wouldn't trade him for the world. His sexiness, his humor, his intelligence...Le sigh...For those of you that aren't familiar, meet the boy behind the blog. He's kind of a big deal.

1. What was your favorite movie of 2013?
I would have to go with a tie between Lone Survivor and World War Z. Although, Janna wouldn't know about World War War Z, I have to watch scary movies alone :)

Yes, World War Z is scary to me, and this is how I feel about scary movies:

For the record, I didn't like Lone Survivor either.

2. What is your all time favorite movie quote?
One of our favorite games at work is quoting movies, so picking one would be impossible. I'm going with a few favorites. 

"Bring me another Mai Tai!"

"He didn’t bump you. He didn’t nudge you. He rubbed you. And rubbin’ son, is racin’.” 

3. What is your favorite type of movie? (Action, scary, comedy, etc)
Obviously I love a good action movie, what guy doesn't? But these days I'm just happy to see a movie that has an original plot, I think the last one I really liked was Stranger Than Fiction.

4. What is your New Year's Resolution?
I can't say I have a New Year's resolution... I've never really been a fan of them. I'm just looking forward to spending the next month hanging out with the wifey and focusing more on our workouts. 

5. Finish the sentence: This year I will....
Prove all my buddies wrong and not wreck my helicopter the first time the Army lets me fly. Haha

Yes, let's not wreck while flying a helicopter EVER. Kapeesh?

It's almost this guy's birthday, so perhaps the Birthday shenanigans will start this weekend. I have a feeling there are going to be many Birthday shenanigans, and he's kind of awesome, so I'm happy to oblige. Anyone up for a hike this fine weekend?

Gonna Party Like It's 2005

Well hello, surprising day off!

One of my 'wifeys' happens to be in Colorado today, and I am not missing the chance to snuggle my boo! It's been five years since I have seen her, and that is just too dang long.

I don't care that it's not #ThrowbackThursday; I'm going to share a few blasts from the past, because you have to have some insight into why I'm so excited that Adair is in town. It takes me back to my College days...cough five years ago cough.

Obviously, we don't take anything seriously, and following that theme, I bestow this bonus photo on you...check out my sweet Jorts:

You better believe I still have them, and I will still rock them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I wait for the boys to get off, I'm going to have a me day.

First, I'm going to work out and drink the last Zeal Protein Shake {YUM} that Kathryn B sent me, and then I'm going to de-winterize my skin with this new product from Rodan + Fields that I won from Kait.

This is my second time using the Micro-Dermabrasion paste {there's enough for two uses}, and it makes my face feel SO good. Have you guys tried Zeal or Rodan+Fields products? I'd also like to know what your favorite face washes are. I think I need a new one, but my face is so sensitive that I'm scared to try anything. For example, anything with Salicylic acid makes my face go NUTS, and if you haven't noticed, almost every wash has that. FML.

Ciao Bellas!

This move just got real...

Our rental company scheduled a showing last Friday, and we got swarmed! I guess it doesn't surprise me because our rent is hella cheap, but it definitely made me realize that this move is creepin' up on us. We did get some packing done this weekend, but the best part was brunch. In case I haven't told you, brunch is my favorite pastime in the world, and Broadmoor Brunch is my end-all-be-all. The fact that we will have to leave it behind makes me a very sad puppy.

Doesn't Buck look nice? You should have seen what he showed up to our house in...Camo from head to toe with a black tie. And a cowboy hat. Luckily, he was only semi-serous, so I dressed both boys appropriately. Obviously, I think Will turned out the best. 

You just can't beat sinfully delicious food and amazing friends. We may have spent two hours indulging ourselves, but we managed to have some laughs and make good memories in between bites. Seriously...I'm going to miss these people.

Sidenote: Weiser just farted, and it was loud. And now it smells.

Completely unrelated to brunch or Weiser, Courtney who blogs over at From Here To Eternity, sent me the cutest picture EVER! We have been a bloggy friend for quite some time now, so back when she was preggers I sent her a fun little package. I try to think outside of the box by sending gifts that kids can grow into, and Mia FINALLY grew into her pimptastic little shoes. Hey, it's not my fault she's extra tiny for her age. All that matters is that she's perfect, she looks awesome in her kicks, and I'm in love.

Let's just say, if I knew my kid would come out that cute...I'd get pregnant tomorrow.
Will, don't take that as a challenge ;)

Okay, time to get back to packing. Only three weeks left! Yikes...

My Paradise

Ten days into the New Year, and I already know that I have started this year off right! I spent NYE with the sexiest man I've ever seen, our move is pretty much planned, and this trip to Florida was one for the books.

This recap is picture heavy, so I'll try to let the pictures speak for themselves ;)
For your sanity and mine...

We spent the afternoon shopping {had to hit the VS Semi-Annual sale, fo sho'}, but the real fun kicked off with dinner at this new place called S3. It is located directly on the beach, so S3 stands for Sun, Surf, and Sand. It was delish, but they did NOT know how to make a good mojito. Just sayin'.

Jessica was too tired to go out after that, but my girlfriends Rachel and Dani showed up at just the right time. We reminisced over the ol' College days, and then it was downtown for some action. We ran in to old friends, made some new friends, and danced to an awesome Blues band. Just like old times.

I've only known Rachel for about five years, but she's one of those friends I will always have. We just click, ya know? Not to mention...we know far too many secrets about each other.

Before we go any further, I just need to bask in the yumminess that was the food we ate. We consumed more goodness than I even thought possible, and I'm still salivating. Even the room service was bomb.com. Especially cheeseburgers at 7AM after gambling all night.

It was rainy on Saturday, but that didn't stop us. I hit the gym, we went to the spa, and then I attempted to get my hair cut. I had a good time at the salon, but the actual hair story will have to be saved for another time. It's a doozie.

Rested and happy, we headed to Hard Rock Hotel and Casino only to realize that Jessica left her ID back at the hotel. That was kind of important, so we just ended up with less time to grub at Cafe Martorano. This made me sad, but George Lopez was at 8PM! In hindsight, George Lopez sucked, and I would have rather stuffed my face with more Chicken Marsala and meatballs, but you live and you learn. Anyone seen Lopez live? More importantly, has anyone actually enjoyed George Lopez live?

Whatev...we were just happy it was over so we could hit the Blackjack tables! Hence, why we didn't leave the casino until 7AM. YOLO.

Obviously, we slept half of our last day away, but we still managed to hit up the pool and beach before it was too late! You know...there is something about Florida beaches that can make me pop out of bed against my own will...

Having one of my signature drinks helped a bit too ;) You should try it. It seriously tastes JUST like a Pina Colada, without the extra 500 calories.

The last thing I ever expected out of this trip was to jump in the ocean in January, but when in Rome...We are the only three that did it, so that makes us the champions.

Where did the random guy come from you ask? Well, let me just explain that in SoFlo, we tend to make strangers into BFF's, and we just so happened to make friends with a nice group of people that afternoon. In turn, our plans to stay in on Sunday night, changed to limos, dinner at Casablanca {one of my favorite restaurants EVER}, and many shenanigans.

In the following picture, you will see the gang, the Canadian country singer Joan Kennedy top right, and my little brother bottom right.

I would tell you more but it's not blog appropriate ;) Tell me in the comments if you want me to send the rest of the details to your inbox! Let's just say...the trip ended COMPLETELY different than I expected. I think I may try to rest a bit this weekend...maybe.