A Surprise Blate!

Well, technically, we've had three blates, but Carrie and I only discovered we were fellow bloggers this weekend. Blog, meet Carrie, Carrie meet blog. She's the pretty one in the white dress, top left. {Loni and Meg are pretty too, but they don't blog}

Long story short, she is in Flight School with Will, and she blogs about being in the military, her Army husband, and their travels, including lots of posts about living in Europe. That's right, I totally stalked her blog this weekend. We shared frog legs at Frogz, so our blog friendship is totally solidified and cyber stalking is allowed. It's funny, I was worried about making friends here while not working, but this has been the easiest process ever. I adore all of the women I've come across, and we've already made some great memories.

Saturday was pretty low key, but Will did decide to build a mini gym in the backyard. He loves TRX, and I love watching him work out, so I'm pretty happy about this. Maybe one day I'll try his setup and take a whack at TRX again. I liked it last time, even if I did act all high and mighty when I didn't feel the burn right off, 'cause I was crying a different tune when the pain came the next day. I love the burn!

Other than that, I spent all day Sunday cooking for the USA/Portugal game, and it turned out quite well. My Southwest themed evening was delicious while we all jumped out of our seats at each goal. It would have been the perfect evening if only we had sealed the win and not merely tied, but oh well. At least I will be able to share the cheapest, foolproof, party meal plan to feed six-eight that I have ever come across. 'Merica.

Hashtag not really, hashtag but maybe. Shoes via Target -sold out :(

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!

Do I Have A Style? Seriously...

It is Monday, but the weekend isn't over in the Bogert house. We still have one more glorious day together, and I'm hoping it will never end. I know I'm stating the obvious, but why can't weekends be longer than weekdays? I seriously think we have our priorities backwards.

Thus far, we made some awesome Sangria and Elk sausages, caught up on some Netflix, overworked ourselves in the gym, and hit up Boulder for the first time!

It is quite an interesting little city, and I could probably shop there for days. Basically, they have all of my favorite stores within a three block radius. I can't believe that I didn't buy a single thing. I must have been sleepy from getting up at 5:45 on a Sunday.

Will was actually the one we ventured up there for. We sold the motorcycle because he wants a new one, and we got a new scope for his rifle like he needs one that shoots 500 yards, but I enticed him to meeting up with Sami Girl by offering him beer. We've had this Brewery Passport with free beers for awhile, so we met up with our blog love at the Royal Hilltop Tap Room and killed two birds with one stone. Don't let him fool you, though...he's now a pro at "Blating".

As I look at my 'OOTD' from Sunday, I ponder how I made this choice. How did a skeleton shirt even end up in my closet? I obviously like it, but it seems out of the norm. I've been sharing outfits lately when I participated in the #LIYLookOfTheDay, and it has me wondering...What is my style? I'm not sure if I even have a 'style', but if you can detect one, what would it be?

All I can tell you, is that I choose classic over popular, but if I'm intrigued by a trend, I will try anything that strikes my fancy. I just try to go for things that flatter my  frame, and I definitely go for comfort.  I remember thinking as a youngster that I needed to form an identity through my attire, but now I wonder if my identity is what creates my style? Does one have to fit into a category? Or should you create your own category?

C'mon fashionistas, what do you think?

Oktoberfest To Ring In October!

Well hello Monday...It's so much nicer to see you when I have the day off.
That is right, I gave myself a three day weekend! I am managing part time again, so I have to take my days off when I can get them.

Overall it was an amazing and relaxing weekend. Will made Scallops and Steak for dinner Friday, and then spent all day Sunday creating a new Brisket recipe. I didn't even have to lift a finger in the kitchen all weekend, because we went to Oktoberfest on Saturday! My first ever, actually. I was the DD, but I stole a few sips and decided I like Marzen.

The weather was perfect, the food was great, and we got free beer vouchers for Buck wearing his uniform. He couldn't drink due to being on 24 Hour Duty, and on top of that he doesn't drink beer, so Will was happy to utilize the coupons. I actually just thought of something...ALL the boys in the group got free coupons...Why didn't I get any? I'm feeling discriminated against. For once, I wasn't the one that got the free stuff.

By far, the BEST part of the day, was when Pat reached across my lap and softly took Will's hand as if he were me. We of course, snapped a few photos, and then let Will in on the secret. Oh how priceless:

 He gave me 'the claw', which is my least favorite thing EVER, and I squirmed off the back of the bench. Everyone said it was the most graceful 'fall', but I didn't fall. I threw myself off and Will wouldn't let go! He then said, "I don't know what's worse...that I thought Pat was you or that Pat has such soft girlie hands."

Dear Will, I still love you even though you gave me 'the claw'.

Speaking of Oktoberfest, we celebrated at work recently and the lovely Whitney from Everything Happens For A Reason made a special visit down to see me and the festivities! We have been blogging friends for YEARS and have both gotten to support each other through Deployments, because she is a MilSpouse too! Thanks for taking the time to come and see me, girl. I'm so happy that we are finally IRL friends.

Now that October is upon us, I'm ready for more Fall Festivals. We haven't attended any in Colorado, so they are on my priority list. One of my few requests for my Birthday month, as a matter of fact. I don't plan on having a party or anything, so it's not asking much.

Right, honey?

I'm sorry to those of you that are holding on to the last threads of Summer, but I'm ready for brisk weather, warming scents, strong flavors, Fall attire, and snuggling by the fire. 

Le sigh...

Reunited...

Welcome to the week of vacation recaps!

Okay, Okay, so I know when someone draws out their vacation at a snail's pace it can be a turnoff, but I can promise you that I'm going to be to the point and hopefully share some things that are interesting to people other than my grandmother. By the way, if you think I'm talking about you and your last vacation recap, I most definitely not.
Let's just clear that up.

Okay, so let's start where the trip really started. It was the day before my flight, and all of a sudden my dog sitter {who happened to be one of my closest friends in Colorado} went MIA. Who does that? Who begs to have your dog over to play, promises you that they will take your dog for your ten day vacation, won't take any money when you plead for them to take it, and then just disappears off the face of the Earth? A bad friend, that's who. Thankfully, I have other friends that were happy to take Weiser for the small fee of $150, so the crisis was averted.

Stress is over and it's time to PLAY!

If just jumping into Will's arms wasn't enough, he certainly made sure that his wife felt special after a month apart. In true Will style, he even blew up all the balloons by himself...

"A woman more amazing than I could have ever imagined in my dreams became my partner until eternity...I can't even put into words how happy I am to have you back, lover. You are my rock and my center, of which I could never live without. Thank the Lord I have until eternity to fully enjoy you! Your Eternal Lover, Will"

Obviously, I was most ecstatic about being reunited with my other half {swoon}, but it also gave us the opportunity to spend time with many of our East Coast friends. 

+We visited my SIL and her five chillins.
{Unfortunately, she chooses not to allow pictures of the cuteness via interweb for safety.}

+We helped throw a Birthday BBQ for the Best Man from our wedding.

Feel the love:

+I FINALLY got to meet my "Twin" in blogland, Sarah! 

She doesn't blog anymore, but we still keep in contact, and I just knew that going to Richmond meant that we had to meet. We have been friends for almost three years, and I just love'er. I also love this pub that she took us to.

+Since we were so close to Maryland, I just had to take Will to Baltimore for his first time. Although, I did have ulterior motives... my bff has a new boyfriend and things are getting serious. I needed to check this guy out.

He made it through a night of our shenanigans, so thus far he is getting my stamp of approval. Good show old chap, but mind your p's and q's. Or else.

I can't tell you how great it was to start off the trip with most of our best friends. When you live this Military lifestyle, you really cherish the time you get to spend with the people that matter most. Even if it is for such a short time.

In closing, let me say that the picture quality is much better as the trip goes on, and it's not just ten days of drunkenness and debauchery. As entertaining as that is, the trip is about to go in a totally new direction. Get ready!

The Good And Not-So-Bad Of Last Week!

Happy, happy Monday!

I know that sounds strange, but I had one very glorious day off yesterday and Will forbade me to do anything but relax. He also told me to quit working so much, so I even gave up one of my six shifts this week. I now realize that working excessively is NOT worth it, and I just can't hang like I used to. That and the fact that traveling, working in vastly different Colorado stores, and trying to keep up with everyday life is just too much. Thank goodness for my supportive husband that knows me better than I know myself.

Reasons why this last week rocked my socks:

#1 I got to hang out with this pretty lady for the week:

#2 My new job role is AMAZING.

Like seriously, my boss actually said, and I quote, "It's like you were meant for this job. In fact, you should take my job. You'd probably be better at it." BAM.

So what is it exactly? We are starting a new training program that we are creating from scratch at the same time. It makes it a little tough, but that's kind of why I love it. We are teaching the girls and learning ourselves in the process, and with zero materials or guidelines, we just inspire based off of what we know and love about Hooters. Most of the girls we are training are afraid of "corporate" coming in, but I'm proud to say that I received hugs from them every day and I actually cried when I left the store. In three days I became attached and felt so fulfilled.

#3 We got to celebrate Buck's Dirty 30 in Denver.

We had an amazing dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and then hit up downtown for fun and games! I get really bored just sitting at a bar, so when I saw that the Viewhouse had party games set up, I was in heaven.

I just love us...Mid-night photoshoot using my new remote:

And this is what happens when Buck has the camera. 

Obviously, I was in good spirits.

#4 Will and I started having phone dates every night instead of just texting.

We tend to text a lot, but it's just not enough when we aren't going to see each other for a month. We decided that we need to actually talk on the phone, and it is amazing to hear his voice each night. Every little bit helps ;)

#5 My truck broke down.

I know this seems like a bad thing, but let me break it down for ya.

I actually had to work a night shift at the Kipling Hooters for the first time in YEARS {I'm a 'Day girl'}, so I had a drink after work with the managers. Yes, I drank two nights in a row. When we left, they waited until I got in my truck, and we all headed out. Well, until my truck wouldn't turn over. Thank goodness Chris didn't race off so I was able to catch him, and as we had no jumper cables {dumb on my part}, he took me to the hotel. The next day, my awesome roomie took me back and then my REGIONAL Manager didn't hesitate to help me fix it. It was actually a simple fix, and it just made me feel so good that they all jumped at the chance to help me. I felt so taken care of by people that I barely even know...Makes me tear up as I type this, actually.

I had to thank them, so I picked up a few little cards and this.

{Like my decorating skills?}

I posted that to Facebook as well, and the status read:

"Lesson for today kids: Keep your car battery terminals clean if you want your battery to actually power your vehicular device, and make sure to thank your rescuers with a personalized cookie cake."

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

So yeah...I am feeling pretty fulfilled after last week, and am happy that it helped the time fly by to get closer to wrapping my arms around Will. It also has me excited for what this week holds. I'm working in store through Wednesday and then off to Denver again Thursday. I will be training at our Parker Road store on Thursday, and then we have a Charity Golf Tournament on Friday. I originally wasn't going to work the Golf Tournament, but now they have asked me to sing the National Anthem, and by asked, I mean Volun-TOLD. I'm soooo nervous, and I don't know why. I mean, yes, I always have stage fright, but I'm feeling the pressure! How do I get myself into these things? Sheesh.

Well, I just got a knock on the door from the meter man. I guess we are getting some new "Smart Meter", and he will turn the power off for a couple. I'm taking that as my cue to go to work. Remember kids, Perception really IS Everything, and enjoy your Monday!

The Magic Bullet Is Not A Sex Toy, As Far As I Know...

I can't even tell you how awesome this weekend has been, and the best part is that it isn't even over yet! That means that I am blogging from the Business Center of our hotel, because I just can't stay away.
Unfortunately, you will just have to wait till our weekend is finito in order to get the full recap, but for now I will share a picture from brunch Sunday:



Yep, that's right. We had the pleasure of Miss Sami's company!
I wanted Will to meet her, she knows all the Denver hot spots, and I could talk to this girl for hours, so of course we had to invite her to brunch. As always, we had a fabulous time and she picked the BEST place. Don't worry, there will be more about that later too.

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In other news...

You know I want nothing to do with fad diets, crazy cleanses, or pretty much anything other than healthy lifestyle changes, but this 'challenge' appealed to me because it is simply adding one green smoothie per day. Oh, and because it gave me an excuse to buy a Magic Bullet!

Contrary to popular belief Cough Raven Cough, it is NOT a sex toy...in case you were wondering.

Source: lifelessbullshit.com via Janna on Pinterest

You probably don't know this, but I'm a smoothie queen. I have been playing around with recipes for years, so this is going to be a refreshing week for me. After all, that's what it's all about. A refreshing Spring challenge to feed the body and mind. Or just an excuse to drink yummy stuff.

Are you playing along with us? 

Make sure and visit Kristine and Katherine to join in the fun.
Link up your weekends with Sami and Leann.

The Military Ball

After almost three years in the Army, we finally got to go to our first Military Ball!

What made it even better, was that my friend Ashley was Buck's date. She is a fellow blogger, and although her blog is on hold for the moment, this totally counts as a blate.

Isn't she absolutely gorgeous? My Lebanese beauty...

It was a night of sexy men in uniform:

Dessert before dinner. Helloooo German Chocolate Cake:

And of course, adult beverages!

We even got to witness a proposal!

This dude was so smart to capitalize on the occasion. Very smooth dude...

Dress: J.Crew Bridesmaid dress repurposed

Shoes: Burlington's $20

Necklace: Cheap-O store $5
Stylin' on a budget? Priceless.

It's hard to really put into words what a night like this encompasses. These soldiers just returned from Afghanistan so there was much celebration, and yet sadness was present for the soldiers that didn't make it home from this deployment. It was a surreal experience, celebrating when the fallen will never celebrate again. All we can do is be thankful. 
Thankful for those who serve and thankful for those who give the ultimate sacrifice.

Mostly, I would like to thank my Mr. for returning safely to me. He graduates from his training course today, so I will be enjoying the heck out of him this weekend. I hope you all have a great weekend too :)

A BLATE With KAIT...{lyn}

I would be b*tchin' about going to work on my day off yesterday, but since it was followed by a Starbucks date with Kaitlyn, it turned into a fabulous day!

Don't tell anyone, but I get more nervous for blates than the first date with my husband. Granted I didn't know that our first date was a date, but that's not the point. I mean, this girl is gorgeous and it comes off so effortlessly on her blog. Although, you'd think that I'd be a pro after seven other blates.

Will she like me?
Will she think that I am just how I come off on the blog?
Will I talk to much? Not enough?
Am I dressed Bloggerific enough?
Is my zit popping through the makeup?
{Yes, I did have a zit pop up, unfortunately}



Now...I think we are in "blog love".
It went from grabbing coffee at Starbucks to chatting it up for THREE hours. Our husbands were even checking on us, because they didn't expect us to hang out that long.

Between blogging, chatting about marriage, and the fact that we are Mil Spouses, the conversation was endless. I would give you details about what we talked about, but a) you'd have to be there and b) I'd have to kill you if I told you. One particular topic might be mentioned on Kaitlyn's blog on Friday, so I would make sure to check her out before then.

I am happy to say that I think we clicked pretty well, and I see more blates in the future. We are even hoping for a Colorado Blogger Meet up. It would be epic.
Sami, I hope you are reading ;)

And my final thought, you should wear pearls with your plaid like I did today. It's a Southern thang, but I think it needs to catch on. Keep it classy, everyone!!

Next Step...World Finals!

And no...I am not exaggerating about that.

I am JUST now feeling caught up on sleep and energy after Thursday, so now I am happy to give you all the details of my "weekend". I mean, technically I worked Saturday and Sunday, but the particular days of the week that my weekends fall on, is a technicality.

We can say that I kicked off my "weekend" with a fabulous lunch at CPK with Sami!

[I abstained from the pizza and had a salad...it was hard]

She just so happens to live in Denver, which is so close to me!

We hadn't seen each other in a few months, so it was awesome catching up and laughing about the blog world. It's kind of funny how meeting up with bloggers in real life makes it all so real.

Plus, I am just thankful that it brought this awesome girl and I together!

She had to go back to work, but it was time for my primping sesh to start, anyhoo.

I thought, that since I didn't really have a place to get ready, getting my hair and makeup done sounded logical, but I SHOULD have learned my lesson the last time.

-Long story short-
 I asked to trim it 1.5 inches, she took four.
I asked for big glamorous curls illustrated with a picture, it was straight.
That's right. She curled it TWICE, and I still walked out with straight hair.
WTF? How do I always get these people?

Thank goodness, the MAC chick calmed me down and dolled me up quickly.

I needed extra time when I got lost and for the final curl attempt.

Yep. 

My gps sent me five miles away, when the venue was AT THE MALL. Go figure.

I'm not gonna lie...I was questioning my dedication at this point. If this was a normal contest and in the Springs? I probably would have packed up and gone home. Fortunately, I was an hour from home, and  had a $2,000 incentive to remember. That being said, I curled my hair in a restaurant bathroom, I donned my new $26 dress, and plastered a smile across my face.
It was game time.

It helped that we had a great group of girls; a few of which I knew. They definitely helped brighten my mood. I also thought about having an adult beverage, but I didn't really want to fall on my face.
With my luck that day...it would have happened.

My manager called me and asked how everything was going, to which I replied, "Great, but unfortunately everyone looks amazing", and I wasn't just blowin' smoke. I did not think that I had it in the bag, so I was on pins and needles.

After we changed back into our dresses for the last time, I decided it was time to eat. The best part, was that they called us to the stage quicker than I expected, and I didn't have time to wash my hands. While I clapped as they announced second and third place, all I could think about was how my hands were sticking together with barbecue sauce. When they said my name, I was busy with that and quite surprised in general, so I'm sure that they got some great shots of my reaction. Priceless, I tell ya.

Now that I sound like a big fat complainer, I will tell you that it was all totally worth it.

It makes the win that much more sweet and will be hilarious to retell to the grandkids.

After they handed me a guitar (really?), a bag full of goodies, flowers, a check for two grand, AND tickets to Vegas for the World Finals, I began to hyperventilate and might do so again, just thinking about all of this...I think I'm in over my head, but I'll accept the challenge!

Vegas...I'm comin' for ya!!

Now I hope you all have a fabulous week!

We all deserve it.