Lack of Writing...while Bone Holding

Happy Friday friends! I'm attempting to get some writing done this morning, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen with the above going on. I guess I'll have to wait for M to get home. Hope you all enjoy your long weekend!

Currently...

Currently, enjoying the last few days of this extended vacation. And loving my new words of wisdom. 

Currently, watching Gilmore Girls on the couch on a beautiful Thursday morning.

Currently, sitting with the most handsome pup who no longer has his balls who is very angry about the giant cone around his head.

Currently, drinking coffee that I didn't purchase from Starbucks. Yes, I actually brewed it myself.

Currently, hoping that M can come home on his lunch break to visit his girl (me) and puppy.

Currently, finishing up the book Everything Happens for a Reason. 

Currently, hoping that I'm not getting sick since my glands are swollen.

My First NFL Game...

...was not a New York Giants game. I know, such a failure. But because I'm such a good girlfriend, I got M and I tickets to go see a pre-season game on his birthday. There are two different things that I learned about NFL games. 1. They're just a much bigger version of college football, in some cases. But more importantly, 2. M and I can't really watch football together. I don't think we'll be getting tickets to see our teams play each other. But other than that, I just am reminded of just how much freaking fun we have just the two of us. Enjoy some pictures from our night out!

Happy birthday again, M! I'm so glad your birthday was such a fun night in Foxboro!

Lust List

I'm on a spending freeze as we're planning a vacation at the beach for this fall/winter, so we're saving up for that all-inclusive time in the sun with another couple. In the mean time, I've been lusting over a few different items, even though I'm being good and not purchasing.

This Kate Spade Composition Notebook phone cover

The "Dirty Shirley" Lilly Pulitzer laptop tote for my new laptop that I get when I start at CSS

And a cute dress from Lilly Pulitzer to go with my new accessories...

Is there anything that you're lusting over? Do you put yourself on a spending freeze when you're saving up for something big?

Life Updates

Even though I wasn't completely off the map last week, I definitely felt like it. I'm glad that we're home and not traveling for a long time. And I'm definitely looking forward to a week off tackling items on my list. Here are some life lately things that have happened since I've been off.
Had over six celebrations of M's birthday!

Surprised him with one of the new NFL Nike jerseys in addition to getting tickets to the Pats game for his birthday. Look at that smile!

Even more in love with this guy even though he's getting so big. Oh and he's getting "altered" tomorrow, sigh.

Went out on a friend's boat for beers and sunset watching. We were instructed that we couldn't actually put our heads together otherwise you couldn't see the sun...

Got my haircut...and not liking it very much, so my hair has been up since, with the exception of the below picture. Thank goodness for a flat iron that curls my ends. Big hair, don't care!

And that's all for now! I'm off to lunch with my other half from my old job. I'm missing her so much, but am glad we're already making sure to see each other! Then I'm off to run errands this afternoon. Big trip to Walmart! I'm in need of some organizing bins and a food storage bin, per my time off to do list... Check back tomorrow for pictures of us crazies at my first NFL game. You'll find out something that I didn't really think was possible in our relationship.

When I Grow Up...

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Now that you know I'm on a vacation between my previous job and my new one, I bet you've thought, well is this what she's always wanted to do? To find out the truth and random careers I wanted, go check out this story over on HooplaHa!

Oh Hey, Louie!

Happy Friday! I can't believe a whole freaking week has gone by since I've left my job. A week! Well because I'm busy soaking up the sun, crossing things off my to do list, and getting quality time in with my man and pooch, here's some of the latest and greatest of Louie for your viewing pleasure.

Lazy Cake Cookies

I adapted this recipe from the Lazy Mom, whose recipe I found on Pinterest. I usually bring desserts into the office because M just doesn't have a sweet tooth, but I actually had to bring these into the office during my last week because I couldn't stop eating them. I even had some as breakfast before going on a 10 mile run... oops?

Ingredients:

- 1 box yellow cake mix

- 1 bag of chocolate chips

- 1 stick of butter, melted

- 2 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Beat eggs, then mix in remaining ingredients.

3. Spread in a 9X13 pan. 

4. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes, until golden brown. (I like mine on the chewier side, so I only let them get golden brown along the edges.)

5. Enjoy!

Super easy, and super tasty! Another Pinterest recipe success!

100 Years of Oreos

Can you believe Oreos have been around for over 100 years? Me neither! As one of my more recent stories for HooplaHa, I did some taste-testing of a couple different variations. Head on over to read about which type of Oreo was my favorite!

Time Off To Do List

It's Tuesday, and I have a full two weeks before I start my fabulous new job, correction, career! Between my previous jobs, I took one day off, just one! So I'm savoring the summertime, and the fact that there's still so much to do with our apartment, and making a laundry list of things to do and accomplish during my "down time."

Apartment:

- Clean the entire dang apartment (including carpet cleaning)

- Organize and clean out living room closet (including tupper ware storage bins, create bin or basket for all re-usable bags)

- Kitchen (clean and add wall art, buy bin for Louie's food, clean off kitchen table)

- Living room (hang speakers and art, if find art for above the couch) 

- Organize and clean out hall closet (add bins for clothes, move seasonal clothes to top, sort through and giveaway clothes, combine M's junk boxes into one)

- Bathroom (hang photos and finish decorating!)

- Bedroom (organize closet, give away any unworn/unwanted clothes, finish headboard and install, hang photos/art, maybe buy second laundry bin)

Running/Exercise:

- Marathon training 3 days a week, completing the exact workouts

- Cross/strength training 2 days a week (yoga, boot camp, Pilates, rollerblading, etc.)

- Hiking with Louie or play dates with Whiskey, every day

Misc.:

- Get pants that I bought in January shortened

- Re-cover kitchen chair cushions

For Fun:

- Read every day!

- Get some Vitamin D at the pool or beach

- Bake French Macarons from scratch with little sister

- Make marinara sauce from scratch with little sister

- Sleep in once a week

Yes, I realize I have a lot to tackle, but I think that I can do it all, plus some more. I'm going to be working very different hours than I'm used to when I start at CSS, so I'm thinking that I'll plan my days to accomplish certain things during my "work hours" so that I can adjust. I'm excited for the time off and getting to do things for me. A lot of people may look at me like I'm crazy for all the cleaning that I want to do, but with all seriousness, I love to clean and organize! I especially enjoy seeing the completed product! I'll keep you posted as I progress...

Happy Birthday, M!

Dear M,

Happy freaking birthday! Even though this is only the second birthday we're spending together, I know it's going to be a great one. It feels like we've been celebrating a lot longer than just two. Hopefully Louie will be very have today and wake you up with lots of puppy kisses. I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be in your life. You made my birthday so special this year, even if I was mostly cranky the whole day. And you make me so happy every single day. Fortunately, it's a Monday, and we have the day off to do whatever you want! I hope you know how loved you are, not by just me, or Louie, but by everyone in your life. You're the best! So happy birthday!

Love always,
Your roommate/best friend/girlfriend Amanda

Vacations: Go Big...then Go Home

It's my first day of an extended time off between jobs, so I have a little treat for you all...a guest post! I'll let Sarah take it away!

Hi everyone! I’m Sarah, a friend of Amanda’s. I’m so excited to be guest blogging today and to meet all of you, virtually that is. A little bit about myself - I’m 24, I’m from the same town in cozy Connecticut as Amanda and I’m an RN on a maternity floor at a local hospital. While I may lead a crazy life “working” (I don’t consider my job work) 11 pm to 7 am, that does not mean I’m a vampire that doesn't have any fun!

I like to think I‘m one of life‘s #1 fans. I love wide open spaces. You know, those places that you can just stand there for hours and be high on life? Yeah I like those. I'm a big believer that you’ve only got this one, wild and crazy life that is yours, and you can bet your lucky pennies I’m going to live mine to the fullest.  This probably has to do with the fact that I’m an Aries - which means I’m a little crazy and a little adventurous - but, more often than not, I will take the risk if it’ll make for a good story …or a good photo.

My mom has Short Bowel Syndrome (more on that another time), so growing up we were never really the family that was able to go away on frequent vacations. However, my grandparents own a house in Cape Cod - Orleans to be specific - that we always went to every summer. In the past 4 years I’ve attempted to make up for lost time with trips to Italy, Disney World, Dominican Republic, and London. (Side note: London I booked on Thanksgiving and left 2 weeks later - a little crazy and a little adventurous, remember?) In the beginning of August I was able to get away to Cape Cod for a short, but sweet 3 days.

Whether I’m gone for 3 weeks or 3 days, I have one rule when it comes to vacations: if the vacation is going to memorable, so must the photos! You have to big ...then go home. See that rock all the way out in the distance at the beach? Well, I’m going to make you climb it and stand there so I can take a picture of the sunset. Not in the mood to pose for a picture? I’ll take it anyway. You don’t know how to work my camera to take a photo? It’s fine, I’ll explain it in 10 seconds flat.

And in the years I’ve had my Canon T2i and have been doing this, I have yet to be disappointed with my vacation shots. All of the photos in this post are from my recent trip to the Cape. 

And because my vacations come with videos too, here’s the video:

Tell me - What are your favorite vacation spots? What are your thoughts on posing for pictures? Are you as crazy (a little) and adventurous (a little) as I am? 

I will (hopefully) be back guest blogging for Amanda again - I always have plenty to talk about, but in the mean time follow me on Twitter @smstemp (warning - this mouth isn’t filtered), on Instagram @smstemp, and if you’re on Tumblr check me out: smstemp.tumblr.com. I also sell sweaters on Etsy at: smstemp.etsy.com (Shameless plugs over.)

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Cheers! XO

Last Day Inspiration

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Today is my last day at my current company. Today I say goodbye to some co-workers who've become amazing friends and co-workers who have been mentors. Today I say goodbye to a part of my life that was crucial in not only developing my career, but also developing me as a person. I was on this path for a reason, and I took this job because of the potential, the challenge. Now, I'm moving on to where I know I'm meant to be. I'm sad I'm leaving this second home (because your office is like a second home), but today I am choosing happiness. With the sadness of leaving one place, there is great happiness in where I'm headed in life, in love, and, finally, in career. I've been waiting for this moment, this opportunity for so long now. I can't wait to see what it brings.

If you really knew me...

If you really knew me...

...you'd know that I cry at just about anything and everything. I cry for no reason sometimes. I cry watching Bachelor/Bachelorette. I cry when I'm so happy I could burst. I even cried while watching Batman. M judged me for that one.

...you'd know that the bed always has to be made, every day. And even when M makes it, I usually adjust the bedding or pillows to the way I like it.

...you'd know that sometimes I wish I was more of a hippie because of the relaxed side of the personality.

...you'd know how insecure I am when people call me "intense" or tell me to "calm down/relax." It's a characteristic I hate about me, but I need to accept it since I know that's just part of my passionate side.

...you'd know that I'm seriously afraid of being a terrible mother, not because I won't be able to love, but because I have a weak stomach/head and don't handle blood or injuries well (yes, I faint). And I'm the daughter of a nurse, so you'd think this wouldn't be such an issue.

...you'd know that I love to dance. I'm a terrible, no-rhythm dancer, but I love it.

circa 2008

What else do you want to know about me? What don't I really know about you?

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sorry for the messy clutter on our table, that's actually an improvement to be honest

Two thumbs up for this recipe! Seriously! I adapted the recipe from this one over at SkinnyTaste. I'm trying to get us to eat somewhat healthier and actually meal plan. This will not be the last time that this is made in our house.

Ingredients:

- 1 package of chicken breast or chicken tenderloins (I always use tenderloins.)

- 1 package of "Rainbow Salad Slaw" (but you can always substitute with broccoli slaw, etc.)

- 1 small container of crumbled blue cheese

- Multiple glugs of Frank's Red Hot

- Romaine lettuce, washed, but not ripped into small pieces

- Olive oil, for pan-frying

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Pour olive oil in saute pan, enough to thinly coat the bottom and heat at medium.

2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then place on heated pan and cover.

3. Wash lettuce and break up into single leaves. Put on a plate.

4. Put slaw in a bowl and blue cheese in a bowl and set on table.

5. When chicken is white all the way around the edges, flip. Sprinkle with more salt and black pepper.

6. Should only be a few more minutes until chicken is cooked through, but I always cut a piece open to double check. When chicken is fully cooked, pull off heat and out of pan. Pull apart into shreds or small pieces using two forks. 

7. Put all the chicken into a bowl and completely coat with Frank's Red Hot. 

8. And you're ready to enjoy! Just have one piece of lettuce, fill with chicken, slaw, and blue cheese, then eat. 

Let me know if you have tried this out or are planning on it!
It certainly filled me up and tasted good too!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

When the thought of changing jobs came into my ahead so soon after joining my current company, I felt nervous. But then a quote presented itself to me, and I realized that this was the right thing, the right choice, the right change for me. 

"The only constant in life is change."

Life never stops moving, and change comes in all different forms, whether it be your dream job or not. Fortunately, in this case, it is my dream job. I used to fear change. I used to have extreme anxiety when change began (and even my body reacts at times via illness), but now I'm starting to embrace the fact that change is good.

How do you react to change? How do you feel about it?

Nailed It!

To start, thanks for all the amazing and sweet comments on the new job for this girl! I am counting down the days until I start at CSS. I love this blogging community for the support and excitement that everyone feels for each other!

Because I've been feeling very fun and girly lately, I thought I would add some sparkle to my regular pink nails. I'm linking up with Tara and Vicki for The Nail Files, since I actually took a photo of my nails and because I missed linking up with her.

Happy Friday, friends! I can't believe it's already the weekend already. We've got a busy schedule ahead of us (back up to Massachusetts for an engagement party tomorrow night). Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Dreams do come true! {New Job}

I've been hinting here and there that something BIG has happened! And by big, I mean really, really big. This girl is the newest employee of Chicken Soup for the Soul! Yup, the books, of which I've been published in two and a third coming this fall. I grew up reading the books, and since I was published back in 2010, all I've wanted to do was work there. Something in my gut and my heart pulled me towards this company.

I've always kept it quiet on my blog about where I work. I think partially was because I wanted to keep my work identity and my blog identity separate, which now seems silly considering I don't change who I am when I'm in the office versus out of the office. But another part of me realized, when I was interviewing for and accepting my new job, that I finally feel extremely proud of where I'll be working. It's not that I wasn't proud of my two previous jobs because I still worked hard and believed in the companies, but I finally feel like this is who I am. This is where I want to be. This is where I am meant to be. 

While I was on the phone with my dad after I had accepted the job, he made a comment saying how "not many people know what they want to do at your age, let alone are working in their dream industry. Now you will be, and you're only 24!"

To think that I'm going to be living a dream (because I've been wanting to work at this company for so long) seems almost too good to be true. But as my new boss says, "you've had a lot of life experience for someone your age." So I think with that life experience and putting good energy into the world, dreams can become reality a lot sooner than you might have thought. And as Chelsea said, good things do come to those who wait.