Howdy Partner

             

I went to a rodeo this weekend and I can't stop thinking about how much fun we had! What a blast! We watched cattle roping, bare-back horse riding, and of course, bull riding. Cowboy hats and boots and belt buckles were the norm. The real fun happened after all regular rodeo events, the rodeo dance. Ages ranged from two to sixty-two on the dance floor and let me just tell you, people had some moves! It was so fun to see all the various partners being sent spinning on the floor. My roommate from Texas taught us how to two step and we whirled around the dance floor, clapping and shouting out old country tunes (Thanks mom for always listening to country in the car when I was growing up. Knowing the words to 90's country songs has been a dormant skill of mine for many years now.) We sat on hay bails, ate kettle corn, and danced until our feet hurt. Another example of how unexpected adventures tend to be the most fun.  

Manicure Monday

{Sally Hansen's "Snappy Sorbet"}

Monday's nails have been inspired by the tasty nectarines I picked up at Trader Joe's. I know summer is rapidly coming to a close but there is something about biting into fresh fruit and having the juice run down your chin that really makes me think of childhood, being barefoot and swinging on our tire swing. I am not quite ready to let you go, summer.

The Freakin Weekend

{Loved this flower that naturally faded colors}

{Got to hang out with some friends on an LA rooftop}

{Soaking in the greater LA area}



{A good hair day needs to be documented}




{Kettle corn from the company carnival this week}

It's the weekend and I don't have to put "g's" on things if I don't want to. I caught up with old friends in LA and then had skype dates or phone chats almost every night of the week with some girls back east so I have been feeling a bit nostalgic and a wee bit homesick as of late. The good news is I can distract myself with the planning of next weekend's Big Bear camping and Las Vegas trip. But in the meantime, I may just have to eat homemade popsicles and chocolate Buckeyes this weekend for some Ohio comfort.   

Manicure Monday: Blue Hues

Usually I have trouble leaving Target without the purchase of at least one new nail polish but I have recently started to create and follow a budget and I have had some serious self control as of late. Frankly, I did not know I was capable of such restraint but I left all of these fab colors on the shelf. Of course, that doesn't mean I am not still pining after them but I do have some various blues and greens in my collection that should suffice for now. I am really dying to try the new Salley Hansen Fuzzy Coat line so the "Fuzz-Sea" color may just be my next purchase.     

Manicure Monday



Nail polish: Essie's "Absolutely Shore"

Wearing floppy hats for any and all occasions. It's my new thing. Perks of being by the ocean.  

Friday Delights

{Having some coffee in our breakfast nook}

{The real deal Chicago deep dish shipped a la dry ice all the way to Southern California}



{A surprise package from my sister with notes from the whole family to brighten my week}

 

{Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts to feed my inner 7 year old}



{Enjoying some peppermint tea, my new orange bracelet, and a pug creeping towards me}



The weekend is here yet again and this week, I documented a lot of yummy foods and drinks because, well, it happened. I am planning to watch some Rom-Coms tonight, hit up a flea market tomorrow, and head to the pool to read a book or two on Sunday. Relaxation at its finest.  

A Day at the Races

 

 

I will take any excuse to dress for a theme and going to the horse track this past weekend was a new challenge I was happy to take on. Big hats and cute dresses? Check, check! I opted for this feminine lacy peach number with a delicate trim along the hem paired with my floppy hat and hunter green wedges for a pop of color. The horses were beautiful, there was terrific people watching, food galore, including a food truck bonanza that was a bonus to the day, and the chance to win money, emphasis on the chance as I was not one of the lucky ones. It was great day at the races. 

I Put a Spell on You

As we all should know by now, I love a good oddity and a food oddity makes it all the better. I can remember watching the Travel Channel a few years back when they were visiting a lovely little doughnut shop in Oregon called Voodoo Doughnut. It was quirky, couples can get married there, they put crazy things on doughnuts (i.e. strips of bacon), and basically I vowed to one day see that place in person. Well, that day came when I was in Portland last week and despite having to get up extra early, walking about a mile one way, and then waiting in line for 10 minutes, I am pleased to be able to check this stop off the bucket list. The way I am motivated sometimes is truly impressive. All baked goods cast a spell on me but this was my first time being cast with voodoo and let me just tell ya, I did not hate it.

And yes, the maple bacon doughnut WAS amazing, thanks for asking.

Manicure Monday

Homemade biscuits and gravy y'all! My roommate's mom and aunts from Texas have been in visiting this past week and frankly, they can go ahead and move in because they had scratch made biscuits and gravy plus bacon and eggs ready for us on Sunday morning. Talk about a way to start your day! I guess that's why they call it comfort food.

Oh yea, and I painted my nails a bit of an electric purple for the week. But seriously, those biscuits!

Wine Tasting in Portland

Visiting new places is my favorite. Well, traveling in general really. Earlier this week I was in Portland and little did I know but there is a lovely wine country nearby and I got to experience it first hand. Just look at those views! It was like I was uprooted and transported to some other country. We drank wine, snacked on cheeses, took in the gorgeous views, and even got in a game of girls vs boys bocce ball. We lost but I maintain that for only ever playing maybe once before, I was not the worst participant. And there was amazing local wine so could anyone really lose? Exactly.