Monday, August 5, 2013

Battle of the High Tests

My coffee drinking friends: Every wonder how much caffeine you are putting into your body? Well, not all cups of joe are created equal. Although we Americans tend to drink weaker brews, I thought this chart was pretty interesting: 

image credit

What the heck is Deathwish Coffee anyway? Hmm...

I am ashamed (ok, not that ashamed) to admit I drink a lot of coffee. I am close to constantly having a cup in my hand all throughout the day (even at night-a little too close to laying my head on a pillow). See this past week below:







I tend to think that caffeine no longer has an effect on me because I could take a nap right after a double shot of espresso. Really. My doctor seems to agree. She suggested I start drinking half caf and only decaf at night. I started a few days ago with my daily Dunkin. Anyone else have this problem?




Friday, July 26, 2013

A Quickie in 8 Megapixels

I have been meaning to post some photo highlights of the past few weeks, but Instagram is a very jealous mistress. At the risk of redundancy, here are some smart phone captured moments.



Some of my besties and I met up for a tapas-style dinner at The Rebel House. I have been friends with these ladies since the days of (the original) 90210 trading cards.



I have been spending my days off at the beach. I love laying in the sun, but after 20ish minutes, I start to feel like I have ants in my bikini bottoms. My favorite antidote is shelling/shark toothing.  I found this little guy on one of my beach excursions. I wonder what the tooth fairy would leave for this bad boy?


I could (and will) write an entire blog post on my new found love, CrossFit. This is a photo from one of our Saturday workouts. That's me getting my row on in the bottom photo- all the way to the right.

I hope everyone is well. I will be back to check in soon. 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

A Quote Post: On Dreams


"If you don't build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs."

— Dhirubhai Ambani: Indian business tycoon who founded Reliance Industries


A very special person in my life sent this quote to me yesterday, and I had one of those "ah-ha" moments. I embrace these moments when they come because not only are they are few and far between, but they are also very short-lived.

To me, this quote is not about unionizing or boss bashing. It isn't about quitting my job(s) and starting an at-home toothpick manufacturing business. [Although, my entrepreneurial-minded aunt more than doubled her weekly allowance selling cinnamon toothpicks to fellow 4th graders, despite harsh criticism from the Catholic school faculty.]

Truthfully, I love where I work.  I also love my bosses. And I am not saying that to CYA. Only one of them reads my blog, and she is the one that emailed this quote to me.

I am talking big picture, goal setting, what do I want my life to look like, in say, ten years?

This question sounds vaguely familiar, maybe reminiscent of an assignment that was on my fifth grade syllabus.

I have kicked around this very question quite a few more times since my elementary school days. And I am not as naive as I sound. In my short 29 years on this earth, I have certainly learned that life happens and sometimes the grand plans that I make don't. But that doesn't mean I can't make plans, or have dreams, or make plans for my dreams. Right?

Maybe my prescription glasses are rose-colored after all, but my day is much more enjoyable when I feel I am working towards something fulfilling, call it a goal or a dream. So I think I will do it again tomorrow.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Say what? More from One Kings Lane!

photo from Hunters Alley

Pinch me.  The founders of One Kings Lane are launching a new website. Hunters Alley is a resale marketplace for decor and furnishings. You can dress up as the buyer or the seller.


photo from Hunters Alley

Hunters Alley promises a mixture of high and low price points. The marketplace is previewed, meaning that only pieces the Hunters Alley gods deem worthy make the market.  The site offers varying commission depending on your involvement in the sale. The site even displays a nifty "meet the seller" feature.

This site is in the pre-launch phase, so sign up to be the first to see what Hunters Alley has to offer- or as the website much more eloquently states, "to pounce on amazing pieces at the perfect price." 

I don't know about you but I am a SUCKER for all things One Kings Lane. Perusing OKL sales has become a huge part of my nightly online shopping ritual. I am A-OK with adding another fun website to my moonlit browser habit.

Back Aboard

Sooooo...

I decided it was time to start blogging again. I go through these phases when I think I do not have the time to dedicate to a blog post a day, and therefore, I should not blog at all. Sounds silly when I say (type) it, doesn't it? Can anyone relate? Bueller?

Sooooo...

I told myself that a post a day is an unnecessary expectation, imposed solely by moi. I am just going post when I feel inspired, when I have the time.

Sooooo...

Hello again!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Over-due Christmas Photos

I know that I am running a little behind here, but here are some shots from our family Christmas gathering. My brother and his girlfriend hosted the amazing dinner in their home. 




{Gabe-my brother, Me, & Taylor-his girlfriend}
Look at that gorge kitchen- done by the two of them!

 

 Taylor prepared a hot chocolate bar with homemade marshmallows and all kinds of other goodies. Can we say domestic diva? 

{silly family photo}


Even Charlie dressed up. He hates getting his photo taken, so I am the crazy aunt running around trying to capture him with my Canon monster. I wish I had taken photos of the table, but obviously I was more concerned with the sweets! 

That's it for now!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Santa Always Knows...


Even at age 28 (29 in one more month...eep!) I can say without a doubt, Santa always knows best. I have been dealing with a lot of ups and downs lately, and as much as I want a smooth ride, I think I need to just brace myself and go with it. That whole cheese-ball analogy, along with my love for being outdoors made this gift the perfect one for me this year.





-a fabulous retro beach cruiser-




Now, all I need is a basket and a bell and call me a wanna-be 1950's California girl.  I went on a bike ride with my Dad yesterday, and there is something about being in the fresh air and clearing my mind that I find is absolutely necessary for me.  I forget this on a regular basis.  I use to do this running when I lived in South Carolina, but living back in South Florida in the hot and humid temps, I need to get myself re-acclimated to elevated heart rates in the tropics. 

So for right now, I just need to enjoy the ride and not forget that a little fresh air can go a long way.

What did you get for Christmas? I hope it was oh-so-merry!