Bridge Walker

I stumbled upon these pictures from last summer and they made me feel very a) nostalgic for all the fabulous bridges in Cincinnati and b) wishful that I was tan again.

 It is really starting to feel like summer now and what better way to kick off the shorts wearing season than rocking a pair in white? Somehow, tomorrow is already June so I will be enjoying the fine weather be being outdoors in hopes that my bare legs can catch some rays.

A Night at the Movies

The Fox Theater in Westwood

On the carpet

The paparazzi

Found our seats!

Last night, I attended my first ever Hollywood movie premiere. I know right? It was the world premiere for The Internship with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson and I am still grinning about it! It was completely awesome and I am so grateful I was lucky enough to attend. My roommate from college has an uncle that works for Fox and it is their movie so he invited us along. There was a red carpet with velvet ropes and everything! We watched the stars arrive and since the movie is all about an internship at Google, Vince and Owen showed up in a Google maps car, the kind that drive around the country getting street views? It was really neat. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any good pictures of them because they were too far away and we were ushered inside before the two leads had even made it down to our end of the carpet. We had to take our seats for the screening the suited up security man told us. We walked in the doors of this beautiful old theater and I was handed my very own bag of popcorn and a Coke to go with it so basically, I was in heaven.

I really had no expectations for the movie itself because honestly, I didn't know what to expect, but it was absolutely hilarious! The whole audience was laughing throughout the entire film. It is one of those movies that I will have to watch a few more times to catch all the funny one liners but it was such a fun night and a really amazing experience. I am still a bit star struck and find myself thinking "is this real life?" Welcome to Hollywood folks!

A Place Where Volkswagon Vans Call Home

One week from today my siblings will be here and I am getting so excited! It will be their first time in the state of California in general so I can't wait to take them around. As I was planning where to all take them during their week long visit, Long Beach sprang to mind and going again this weekend onlg confirmed its place on the agenda. I scored some cateye sunglasses, there was a VW van show for Memorial Day plus free ice cream, sidewalk sales, and random street performers too. It was a ton of fun and I am sure my brothers and sister will love it just like I do.

Manicure Monday

I rode my bike to the beach today, packed my book, and enjoyed the sunshine. When there is an extra day in the weekend, it's all about relaxing. Happy Memorial Day one and all!

At a Snail's Pace

These are my little snail friends. They come out to visit after it rains and I always love to see those cute antennas peeking out from their shells. We do not have these creatures in Ohio, or if we do, I sure never saw them. All we get after it rains are earth worms and the not-so delightful smell that comes with them.

These snails embody how Fridays seem to go. Inching along, getting by with each passing hour. I am hoping this lovely long weekend takes a cue from these guys and goes reeaaalllllll slow like. No need to rush on by, let's just enjoy the extra time shall we?

Summer Fun on a Budget

Memorial Day Weekend is the kick off to summer, that great weather time of year that makes everyone want to get out there and do, do do! But I have been wanting to save some money without missing out on all kinds of fun. Instead of sitting inside, telling myself I can't leave the house for fear of blowing my budget, behold! A whole list of options to keep me entertained and on point with my dollars and cents.

1. Spend the afternoon reading magazines at the library. Added bonus: You can rent books, movies, and TV series’ for free!
2.  Head to your local park and play a pickup game of basketball, volleyball, even frisbee and make new friends in the process.

3.  Head to the dollar movies! Look up a theater in your area and get ready to watch recently released on DVD movies on the big screen for the price of a Redbox.

4.  Want some peace and quiet? Go fishing! Pack a cooler, sit by the water all day, and catch some rays at the same time.

5.  Check out an open mic night. Comedy shows, poetry readings, live music, and usually a cute place that hosts, all for free.

6. Make dinner with friends...with a twist! Each person brings an ingredient and together you whip something up incorporating all the items.

   
Need some more inspiration? Pack a picnic and go to the park for an afternoon, try hiking or rollerblading, ride bikes and pratice peddling with no hands, visit Sam's Club for Sample Saturdays, concoct a new signiture cocktail using whatever juices and liquors you have on hand, or host a good old fashion camp out, bonfire and tents included! 

You can still have loads of fun while on a budget so get out there and enjoy the summer months without breaking the bank!

A Case of the Mondays, Except it's Wednesday

This is the third day this week I have worn my hair up. It has also very much been a week of pants. I can't seem to wake up but work continues to be piling up so it appears that the days have continued to pass by despite my opposition.

I did get my room picked up last night so that's better than falling face first into my bed right? Oh, and there is leftover Easter candy that has appeared at work so things are looking up. Don't mind me as I reach for more egg-shaped treats. Like, a lot more. The chocolate kind specifically.  

Manicure Monday

I had my first hot dog of the season tonight, right off the grill. Hellllooooo summertime! 

Friday I'm in Love

I scored these sweet wedges while killing time before the wedding last weekend and I am just loving the green suede action!

Here are some other things I am currently loving:

Crying while watching The Office series finale last night. They were happy tears.

Had a four day work week which made Friday come much faster today.

Took a trip to Hobby Lobby with the roommates and I mean, how can you not love that place?

Actually unpacking my suitcase within a few days of my return.

Getting video messages from my friend who just discovered the iPhone has this capability.

Not so much love for:

Being groggy all week due to the fun times had with the family in NC. 

Not being able to fit my comforter in our washer meaning I have to actually go to a laundrymat.

Trying to be more responsible with my money and stick to a budget. 

All my sitcoms ending for the season making my evenings too wide open.

Can I just tell you how excited I am to sleep in tomorrow? Like really sleep in, where I just stay warm under my covers and refuse to leave my bed untill I am good and ready and then, only when there is the promise of bacon and eggs downstairs. Ah, weekends, god love ya.

Hotlanta, The ATL, or Simply Atlanta

Visiting the World of Coca Cola

The vault that houses the secret formula

 Behold: the secret formula!

Old timey Coca Cola car



Highlight of the visit: sampling Coca Cola products from around the world. These are from Africa and they were my favorites.




European options. The Beverly was terrible.



Going in for the classics

My lovely cousin and Atlanta host.

Grabbing a freshly bottled Coke

Major nerd moment: Since Coke if such a huge sponsor of the Olympic games, they have many torches on display. This one is from the most recent London games.

Speaking of the Olympics, had to visit Olympic Park, created for the 1996 games hosted by Atlanta.

Statue with the father of the modern Olympics. Don't mind my hair making me look like I have antennas.

Called "the Quilt of Nations." Basically a canopy of flags from countries around the world.

An Atlanta landmark, The Varsity is a huge drive thru with classics like simple hamburgers and awesome onion rings. They also have the Varsity orange drink. Delish.

Margaret Mitchell's house, author of Gone With the Wind.

Fox Theatre aka the Fabulous Fox

I did not realize how much I could like the south. Atlanta was a lovely city. It may have to do with my tour guide being my cousin Laura and getting so much one on one time with her but we had a ton of fun exploring the city and hearing all the southern accents. I got to do a lot of Olympic themed things which was a real treat. Seeing some of the soot left on the Olympic torches was too cool. I mean those were actually used! I was geeking out about it. And then getting to try so many different Coke products in the tasting room was really neat. We "traveled" to each continent sampling the different drinks. My favorite was Bibo Pine Nut from South Africa. I was alarmed by the name but was of course going to try all of the flavors and it ended up being pineapple. We walked around the city and enjoyed the sunshine and catching up. All too soon it was time to head to the airport but it was a nice mini vacation while it lasted.

What's Old is New Again

Shirt: American Eagle, Pants: PacSun, Shades: F21

I have had these Army green pants for literally years and decide to resurrect them this Spring. Thank goodness I found them in my trunk of pants because they have proven to be a fantastic for all occasions. They are more roomy than my typical skinnies and with the cropped leg, I can wear them with sandals or a low bootie. Does it get any better?

Southern Wedding Bells

I mean, who doesn't love a wedding? This was my first one in a barn and it was rustic and pretty with the old barn floors and criss cross doors. And the best part? It was filled with my family so if it had been held outside in the pouring rain I would have loved it. We ate, we drank, we danced our buns off and soaked in the love everyone was showering on the newly weds. Oh happy day!