Homesick

     Only six days until KC and I head out on our much needed vacation! Nowhere amazing or too exciting, just going to good ol' Indiana to visit my family and welcome the newest addition into our family (my sister is having another baby!). At this point, I'm just hoping she goes into labor soon so that it'll be here when we're there; her due date is Sunday. I also need to do some baby shopping before we get there, so knowing the gender would be a great help as well. We're only going for four days, but I'm super excited to see my friends and family back home. I haven't seen them since June and KC hasn't been for a year.

     I absolutely LOVE traveling/flying. There's just something so exciting about being in an airport with all the people coming and going. It's also a great place to people-watch. I like sitting at my gate and just watching people come through; wondering where they're coming from or where they're off to next. And then being on the airplane is just magical. I mean, if you sit and really think about it, it's amazing how a huge metal plane carrying close to 200 people can just lift up off the ground and take you to another city in the matter of a few hours. It blows my mind every time!

     Whenever it gets close to the departure day, I start to get homesick and really miss my family. I'm not really one to miss "home" but when I know I'm going to see everyone soon, it just sets in out of nowhere. I love living in Las Vegas with KC, but sometimes being far from family really sucks. It doesn't help that I haven't made any friends here yet. I really need to get on top of that. A girl needs girlfriends! All my requests to get my friends back home to move here have been denied. Time for plan B!

We took a couple extra days off after we get home from Indiana so we can relax and enjoy time together without the hustle and bustle of traveling before returning to work. I'm so thankful KC thought of doing this! It'll be nice to just sleep in, not have anywhere to be, and lounge around with no worry in the world. Lord knows it's overdue!

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

xoxo

Our Love Story: The Beginning

     The story of how KC and I met is actually quite short, simple, and sweet. However, it is pretty bizarre, unique, and VERY....unexpected! I have to go back a little bit first.

     About two and a half years ago, I was living in Arizona and had just completed my first half marathon in January (2012). I was motivated and ready to keep running, so a couple of my girlfriends and I signed up for a 5K in Las Vegas in May (Devil Dash). We decided it would be the perfect excuse for a much needed girl's only weekend.

     We got to our hotel (The Rio) late Friday night and the race was Saturday around noon. The next morning we went and ran our race, and let me tell you...I almost died! Never, and I repeat NEVER! run an outside, middle-of-the-desert, no shade race in Nevada in May. It was miserable and we almost passed out due to heat exhaustion (I'm being serious!). It took me over an hour to finish because I had to keep stopping for water and to regain myself to keep from passing out. After the race we went back to the hotel to re-hydrate, rest up, shower, and get ready for a night on the town.

     Side-note: Normally, I'm not one to go out clubbing. Getting all dressed up, waiting in long lines, and buying overpriced drinks to dance on an overcrowded dance floor, just doesn't sound appealing to me. However, we were in Vegas and none of us had ever really done the nightclub scene before, so why not?!

Sorry for the blurriness

Rooftop of the Rio at Voodoo

     We got all cleaned up, put our dresses on (yes, I bought one especially for this night which I haven't wore since), makeup on, and headed out. First stop was Voodoo since it was on the roof of our hotel. We enjoyed the music, but especially the amazing view of the strip lit up in all of it's glory. Next stop was 1 Oak Nightclub in the Mirage. We spent quite a bit of time in here; mainly because we didn't want to wait in any more lines. This place was pretty fun. It "rained" glitter all over the dance floor at random times and apparently a Prince from another country came in at one point, but I can't confirm that. Finally, we were clubbed out, so we headed to Margaritaville. This was more like it and right up our alley.

 On the way to Margaritaville, we were waiting to cross the street in front of Harrah's and McDonald's coming from the Mirage (this is our spot now; every time we pass it, we mention that's where it all started). It was late and we'd had a few drinks. This "guy" was walking towards/behind us to cross the street opposite us. When I saw him, I grabbed my friend and told her he was hot! She then turned around and TOLD the "guy" I said he was sexy. OMG! I was so embarrassed. When he turned to look at us, my other friend noticed he had a Phillies hat on (she's a huge fan) and started talking to him about it. I, in the meantime, took off across the road to escape the embarrassment. When I got to the other side, I started walking towards Margaritaville and two seconds later, this "guy" was right beside me, taking my hand in his, and started asking the basics; What's your name? How are you? What are you doing? Etc. Before I knew it, we were down the street and had lost my friends. We turned back to find them and found them talking to some basketball players. I found out this "guy's" name was KC and he had been on his way to meet up with some friends (which I later found out was a blind date that he blew off after running into me). He took my number, kissed my forehead and left.

     My friends and I eventually made it to Margaritaville around 2 or 3am. We had another drink and then my phone buzzed. Text message. It said, "Hey its KC. Can I see you again?" At this point in my life, I had been through a lot of guys who turned out to only want one thing from me, so I had written off guys. So I replied, "If you come find me." He asked where I was, I told him and 10-15 minutes later, he showed up! I was not expecting it at all. We talked and had a drink until the girls and I were heading back to our hotel around 4am (we might or might not have shared our first kiss that night). Once we got to our room, my phone rang. It was KC making sure we made it back safely and asking if he could see me the next day. I definitely went to bed with a smile on my face that night!

     The next day, KC met me at my hotel and we went to an Italian festival. It was a lot of fun. We spent a few hours together and then I met back up with my friends and he left. We went home the following morning and I really thought that would be the end of it, like a weekend fling come and gone. BUT, he continued to text and call me. Talking to him seemed so natural, like talking to an old friend. We had so many common interests and bonded really fast. I ended up going back to see him the following weekend (that's another story) and so we became an official long distance relationship.

I moved in with KC about a year and a half later and now we've been together for almost two and a half years and still going strong!

xoxo

It's the Simple Things

   

     Life is filled with many ups and downs; sometimes more bad than good. I've learned to enjoy the little things that life has to offer. It’s always been the little things that mean the most to me. KC is pretty lucky because it doesn't take much to make me happy. Here are a few of my simple, little pleasures in life:

1) Receiving snail mail
     I always get filled with excitement when I check the mailbox and there's something for me; even if its just a bill. I check the box EVERY day, even when I know there's more than likely not anything in there.

2) Finding or winning money
     Winning just a dollar on a lottery ticket is enough to make my whole day. It reminds me that I do still have a little bit of luck left. Also, finding a penny on the ground is always a good thing; it doesn't matter if its heads or tails, the fact that I just found a penny is enough luck for me (they can really add up!).

3) Making the yellow light
     Nothing is better than making it thru the light and not having to wait 5 hours for it to turn green again. Luckily, we have crosswalk signs that countdown to when the light is gonna turn red, so I know exactly how much time I have to speed up and make the light. :)

4) Hearing the right song at the right time
     It always puts me in a better mood when I hear that one song that’s been stuck in my head all day or when I hear a song that describes exactly how I feel at that exact moment.

5) The pull-through parking spot

     What’s better than getting back into my car and being able to just drive forward?! I don’t have to mess with the hassle of backing up and trying not to hit anyone (one of my worst fears).

6) Realizing I have more time to sleep

     I love when I happen to wake up for some unexplained reason and think it's time to get up and ready for work only to look over at the alarm clock and realize I still have two hours left to sleep. Those two hours are always the best sleep of the whole night!

7) People watching

     It’s fun, what more can I add. I'm so glad KC enjoys doing this as well.

8) Being right

     This one is rather rare to me, but on those few occasions where I actually am right; it definitely fills me with a sense of satisfaction.

9) A beautiful view

     Nothing helps me gather my thoughts more than an amazing view. It really opens my mind to all kinds of questions and ideas. I absolutely love being able to see the mountains everyday; that's one of the major reasons I moved west.

10) Reminiscing with friends about old times

     It's always great to have a blast-from-the-past with close friends. You really get to see just how far you've come since then and how things are beginning to pan out. A good laugh (or cry) always does the heart good.

11) Receiving a compliment

     Who doesn't walk away with a smile on their face after someone unexpectedly gives you a compliment? It makes any ordinary, average day into a fantastic, couldn't-be-better day! Plus it boosts the self-esteem a little bit.

12) Jokes

     I love having a good laugh every now and then, especially on crumby days when nothing really went wrong, but nothing really went right either. A good laugh can totally change my attitude in a second.

13) The celebration in the instant something makes sense

     I've always been the last to laugh; things always seem to go right over my head. Now that it's been explained to me for the third time, I still just don’t understand. Everyone else seems to get it, except me. THEN, out of nowhere, the dots connect and I finally get it! It’s a great feeling.

14) Relaxing outdoors at night

     I like to sit outside and just look at the stars above. Just listening to the stillness of the night and thinking about how big this world really is. So beautiful.

15) Making someone smile

     I always feel better about myself after I make someone else’s day a little brighter. Their smile or their laugh, in return, just made my day mean something.

16) Finishing what you started

     I'm known for starting a lot of things at one time, so it takes me longer to complete them all. The feeling I get when I finally accomplish a task is very satisfying and such a relief. The feeling of finishing something makes the long process it took to get there, totally worth it.

xoxo

Running 101

     I am not, by no means, a runner. I never have been, but I have always secretly wished I was. I honestly don't think I was built to be a runner, but for the last month, I've been "training" for the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon. I say training in quotes because I haven't been doing a very good job staying on top of it everyday. I completed the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Phoenix about 3 years ago; it was rough, but totally worth it. I had so much fun, besides the major soreness/pain I was in afterward. I guess that's what I get for not training for it. This is also why I decided training for this one coming up was a must!

     Let me back up a little bit. A few years ago, I started running in various 5K's, 10K's, and the half. I was never very good, but it was so fun being in the runs and being a part of something. Flash forward 2 years; I haven't ran or participated in a race for at least 2 years. I decided I wanted to get back into shape and doing 5K's again. I signed KC and myself up for one that was a few of months ago, but some things came up and we weren't able to attend. Then about 2-3 months ago, a good friend of mine text me and convinced me to do the Las Vegas half with her (I'm a sucker for saying yes to people who want me to do things with them; what can I say, I like to think I'm adventurous).

     I know now that I should have started training THAT day, but I didn't think it would be as difficult as it turned out to be. I knew I was out of shape, but in my head I thought I could strap on some tennis shoes and go on a 3 mile run for my first workout. Boy was I wrong! I think I barely made it a mile, and that was with stopping and walking quite a bit. My shins were hurting, my ankles had shooting pain, and it was extremely hot (that's what you get for running in the summer when the sun is still out and you live in the desert). I only ran/walked a mile 2-4 times a week for the first 2 weeks of my training. I was finally able to throw some 2-2.5 mile runs in there the following 2 weeks, but it was hard work! Thankfully, I can tell that I'm improving each and every time I go on a run, so that is keeping me positive and keeping me going. I think the core training I'm also doing is helping a lot too.

     I wanted to gauge where I am with my training, so I signed KC and myself up for a 5K our church was having. It was last Saturday. I actually did better than I expected I would do, but I still have a ways to go. I was so proud of myself. I was only 10 minutes slower than KC! He placed in his age group and got an awesome medal. So proud of him!! Then, his bib number got picked during the raffle and he got a $25 gift card to a small runner's shop. It was a really good run and we had so much fun!

Showing off his medal!

     Today I went to look for a new pair of running shoes. I'm currently using a cheap pair I got from Walmart and I knew they weren't going to cut it. On top of that, I know I'm basically flat footed and that was playing a huge part in why my ankles would kill me every time I ran. I researched running with flat feet on the internet and discovered I should be wearing a certain kind of shoe that supports my lack of an arch and ankle. So, at this shoe store (the one KC won a gift card for last weekend at the 5K), the clerk measured my feet and watched me run so he could see how my shoes were supporting me...they weren't. He had me try on a few different pairs before he was happy with the way I ran and how good the shoes looked...support-wise. Just putting them on and standing up, I could tell they were super supportive and would help me with my running/training. I bought them right then and there! They're Asics, which I heard are great for running.

     I'm really excited to try them out! (Yes, I said I'm excited to go running) I really hope these shoes help me run further. This next month, I'm hoping to run 4-6 miles each run...or at least twice a week. I only have about 2 months left before the half. The only problem I'm faced with now is this scorching heat that we have during the day. If you think running is tough, try it in 100 degree heat...it's almost impossible! I've been running at night, but I don't feel comfortable out late by myself so I've had to drag KC out with me. I'm going to try to start running early in the morning because it's actually really chilly out then.

     Anyway, if you're thinking about running or you're already running, but experiencing pain; I highly recommend having your feet fitted for the shoe that's right for you. Also, remember that you don't have to be the fastest or go the furthest. As long as you're getting out there and exercising, you're doing great! Believe in yourself and you'll go far.

xoxo

Football is Back!

     Being that I'm from Indiana; I'm a Colts fan. Being that I'm a Colts fan; I'm a Manning fan, so Broncos are my #2 team. Every off season, I anxiously wait for the new season to begin. I start a countdown and everything. Football is so much fun and crazy exciting. I'm not sure how anyone could not like it! There's just something about putting on that jersey, gathering around the TV to cheer on your team (and yell at them for bad plays), and eating junk food. I'm so glad that KC enjoys watching football as much as me!

     Speaking of junk food; KC and I's must have for the game is some kind of dip with chips. There are two that we absolutely LOVE and one is a sausage and cream cheese dip (I'm not sure what it's really called but it's delicious!). I thought I'd share it with you all in case any other football fanatics need something new to spice up their game day rituals. :)

     It's super simple, I mean, if I can do it, anyone can. There are only 3 things you need (besides the chips of course); 1 lb of sausage (we like Jimmy Dean), 1 package of cream cheese, and a can of Rotel.

     First, you brown the sausage and then drain the grease.

     Next, you add the block of cream cheese and the can of Rotel (I don't drain the Rotel).

     Stir/mix it all together, until the cream cheese is completely melted.

     Now it's ready to serve! I dump it into a Tupperware container so any leftovers can be easily put away (just snap a lid on it and pop in the fridge).

     See how easy that was?! This is why I love making this so much. It's quick and tastes amazing! KC could eat it everyday if I made it for him. I hope you all enjoy it!

Go Colts!!!

xoxo

Product Review: #VitaVoxBox

     I'm an influenster. This basically means that I'm a product tester. Every so often, I receive a box of "goodies" aka free samples in the mail to try. I test all the samples out and then give my feedback to the brands/companies about what I think of their products. I also share my opinions and experiences on social media platforms to help spread the word about these new products. This time around I received the Vitality Vox Box (A "vox box" is what they call these goody boxes).

• First Degree Advanced Burn Cream:

     At first I didn't think I would have much use for something like this, but then I realized that it can be used to treat so much more than just burns. It can also help reduce the appearance of scars and help sooth razor burn. It works wonders! About two days after receiving my vox box, I burnt my finger on a hot pan when I was cooking KC dinner. I used First Degree right away and had instant relief. I now keep it in my bathroom and use it to prevent/treat razor burn after my shower. Ladies, you really need to give this a try! #BurnsHappen

• Playtex Sport Fresh Balance:

     I don't know about you, but I'm the type of girl who finds a brand/product that works and then sticks with it forever. I never would have discovered Playtex Sport if I hadn't received a box in my vox box. The first thing I noticed was the amazing scent when I opened the box and the best part...it lasts! I put the 360 degree design for protection to the test. I popped one in and went for a run and other various exercises. I approve! These are great, especially for active girls. They are extremely comfortable and you won't be disappointed with this purchase. #PlayOn

• Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum:

     This is one of those products that I wouldn't normally use. Maybe it's because I'm not old enough to worry about wrinkles and such, but I tried it out. It was okay. Not something I would run out and buy as soon as my sample runs out. I have noticed a slight change in the smoothness of my face since I started using it. One thing I don't really like about it is the smell/scent; it could definitely be better, but it's not too horrible. Another thing I don't care for is the way it makes my face feel sticky right after applying. It's just a feeling I don't like to have. I would say, if you're worried about aging and wrinkles, definitely give this product a try and see if it's a match for you. If you still have a few years before you start worrying about that, just opt for a good facial moisturizer. #FlawlessFuture

• Pure Leaf Iced Tea

     If you're like me...sweet tea is a weakness. I could drink tea all day, everyday. I received the lemon flavored Pure Leaf Tea in my vox box. It was amazing. It had the perfect balance between the lemon flavor and tea flavor. You can really tell it's made from real brewed tea because of how fresh it tastes. I was so excited to go out and buy some of the other flavors that KC and I went to the store tonight and bought the sweet tea and the raspberry ones. Can't wait to taste them! I only got to drink half of my sample bottle. I put the other half in the fridge to save for later. When I came back, it was gone! Turns out, KC tasted it and realized how good it was then drank the whole thing. Men! #LoveOfLeaves

• Softlips Cube

     I tested the Fresh Mint flavor Softlips Cube. I love, love, love it! Living in the desert means having lip balm at all times is a must. If I go a few days without it, my lips look awful; dry, cracked, and peeling. My favorite part about the Softlips Cube is the cube-shaped package. It's so cute and totally fun! The top twists on and off with ease and the flavor is amazing (they also have pomegranate blueberry and vanilla bean). I think KC likes it too because he always kisses it off right after I put it on! I keep mine on my desk and use it throughout the day. My lips have never been smoother. A+ #GetCubed

• Bikini Ready Energy Gummies

     Recently, I started training for my second half marathon, so this product couldn't have come at a better time. Unfortunately, I only received two gummies, so I can't say how they work long term or if they really do help you lose weight (you're supposed to take two gummies everyday). However, I can tell you that when I did take my two gummies, I definitely got an energy boost! It was really great. I'm probably going to go out and buy a bottle to see if they can help me with my training because, let's face it, some days I have no energy or motivation to get off the couch! They also claim to boost your metabolism which I could really use. I'll have to check back in on this after I've used them for a longer period of time. #BikiniReadyLifestyle

     Here's a link to check Influenster out on Facebook and be sure to "like" their page while you're there! Link Here

xoxo

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes"

Labor Day Weekend

     We started our Labor Day this year on Friday night with a nice, refreshing glass of Redd's Apple Ale (if you haven't had it on draft yet, you're missing out). I convinced KC to take me to the strip since this is the only place we've been able to find that has the tasty ale on tap. We walked around and enjoyed people watching and seeing all the new things that had popped up since our last time there. I swear, there is always something new to see every time we go down there. This time we saw what they are calling Silent Disco. There was a stage with a DJ and a lot of people dancing, but we couldn't hear any music or anything; hence the term 'Silent Disco' I guess. They were all wearing headphones and that's how they knew what they were dancing to. You couldn't even hear the DJ when he talked into his mic; it went straight into the headphones. It was really fun to watch! I'm sure we'll try it out sometime. I did find out that KC isn't good at walking and holding a full glass of beer at the same time. I'm pretty sure a quarter of his drink ended up on the ground. So funny!

     Saturday we slept in and had a much needed relaxing morning. Then we had our First Step graduation. First Step is a small group at our church that we've been going to every Saturday for the last eight weeks This Saturday was the final meeting. Afterward, KC got baptized! So proud of him! Then we set off on our Labor Day road trip to Arizona. I drove. After commuting back and forth so much in the beginning of our relationship, I could make that 4.5-5 hour drive in my sleep! We got to AZ around midnight, so we just relaxed in the hotel and watched TV. I might be used to the drive, but it always wears me out.
   

First Step Graduation Shirts

About to get dunked!

     Sunday we had lunch with my older brother. KC finally got to meet him. Unfortunately, my sister-in-law couldn't come, so she'll have to meet him next time. Now the only immediate family left to meet him is my little brother. They'll meet next month when we go to visit them in Indiana. After lunch, we were able to hang out for a couple of hours with my friend, her husband, and their new baby boy. He is precious! Definitely a big baby, but he'll make a great linebacker one day. :)

     The rest of the trip I took KC around to places I used to hang out at when I lived there. Boy, have things changed! It was a really fun and relaxing mini-vacation. I love being able to take trips with KC and it's always nice to get out of Vegas for a couple days. We always have so much fun together. Once we got home Monday evening, we lounged on the couch and watched Netflix. I definitely had a great Labor Day weekend, and was NOT ready to go back to work Tuesday morning.

xoxo