Back To The Real World

After a crazy wonderful weekend such as LAST weekend.... it is usually so hard for me to get back in a normal routine.

It's almost like I'm going through a de-tox.

From family.  From busy schedules.  From cake.

Except for "busy schedules" is my middle name.

Our house is so quiet. 

We are back to a (semi) healthy eating schedule.

I got my hair color fixed. ( so much better.... I will actually go back to her now.  maybe.)

And I worked out!  I went to boxing class.  It has been almost a month.  I'm dying right now.  And my legs have already turned in their resignation.

It was SO hard.  Like flipping the biggest tires I've ever seen across the floor hard.  Like jumping rope for three minutes straight and then dropping and doing one trillion push ups hard. 

I missed it so much.  And I'm sure they missed me too.  Even though I was running late and I got yelled at first thing.

I seriously want to be a boxer when I grow up.

I spent today getting caught up on me.  Which means... doing laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, getting caught up on work, and laying out by the pool. 

I even took a nap in my favorite float.  It was so relaxing.

And then I spent the early evening coming up with delicious meal ideas for the summer. 

Inspired by these surprise gifts...

These gifts were awaiting me when I got home Sunday night.   Our houseguests, The Martins, left them for us as a thank you for our hospitality.

They were completely unnecessary.... but oh so amazing.  And thoughtful.  And incredible.  And generous.

And I may have just screamed outloud and ran around the yard in circles.

It was truly OUR PLEASURE to have them stay with us.  We enjoy having them around SO much!

This is what was inside the bags....

All from Williams Sonoma.  My Aunt Sandi went "red themed" as that is my favorite color.  Salsas, bbq sauces, spatulas, spices, pizza crust, and the list goes on.

You better believe that I will be posting some recipes soon!!  I can't wait!!

And speaking of thoughtfulness and generousity.... Bethany's boyfriend, Teddy, gave us a very nice bottle of wine as a thank you.  Again... not necessary... but definitely a brownie point for him because it was our first time meeting him.  I would say that we absolutely approve!!

We always have the best company.

I love my family.  :)

I ended my day with a glass of this...

Created by Bethenny Frankel - one of the Real Housewives of NY ... just in case you live under a rock.  They are healthy (er) than regular maragaritas and super yummy.  Bethany and I were supposed to try them over the weekend... but, as usual, we ran out of time.  So, I drank one in her honor today and decided that it was for the best because that means there is more for me.

I've got a long time friend/co worker coming to stay with us tomorrow to help me get better settled in my new store.  Good thing that the house is still clean from the weekend.  We've just got a few more days of acting civilized and then it is back to throwing my clothes on the floor and drinking straight out of the milk carton.

Except I would never do that because I would end up spilling it all over myself.

Wedding details will be coming soon.....  

Just Married

Introducing...... The Bundricks!

The wedding came together perfectly.

And we had more fun last night than what should be allowed.

I will post more details as soon as I get my strength back.

And my senses.

But just know that it was a HUGE success!!

Congrats Shannon!!  I was THRILLED to be a part of your day!

Celebrating My Sis

Four months ago this happened....

Randy proposed to Shannon.

It was epic.  And beautiful.  And there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Randy has a way of doing that to people. 

I only wear waterproof mascara when I know I'm going to be around him.

I couldn't ask for a better brother (in law).  I couldn't ask for a better husband for my sister.  I couldn't ask for a better Dad for the kids.

We hit the jackpot with Randy. 

And we are all better for it.

(I hope Randy knows what he is getting himself in to!!)

We spent the day celebrating the bride.... with manicures and pedicures...

 Lunch at the Olive Garden...

 Practicing the ceremony...

 And having dinner at Alfredo's in Chapin.

(And I need for you to know that the chocolate cake was UNBELIEVABLE!!) 

(And you all know how I feel about chocolate.)

The other great thing about family events..... all the people that it brings "home".  I'm so excited to spend time this weekend with all of our family!!

But I'm even more excited that my sister has finally found the man of her dreams!!

The Night Before The Event

And all through the house....

Not a creature was stirring...

Not even a mouse.

Except I feel I should be honest.  There is a frog on the loose.

Even though he is outside.

Our BELOVED Froggles has returned from his winter slumber.

And is here just in time to welcome our guests.

Other things that are here to welcome our guests...

Our massive plant collection.  ( It is out of control!!)

And a (semi) clean house.

I have never claimed to be a good housekeeper.

I save all my energy for my workplace.

It is a good thing that it is just family coming over.

They will still love me any way.  Right?

We have food.  And drink.  And clean sheets.  And entertainment.

And air conditioning.

I think we are all set.

I'm looking forward to this weekend!!

It will NOT disappoint!!

Stay tuned for family, food, and fun.

But before I let you go... I must tell you about what we had for dinner.

Because it was pretty good.

It was from Chipotle.

The restaurant named after my favorite pepper.

It is pretty much next door to my workplace.

And it has been begging me to come in and try it.

A day like today was perfect... because I had a million things to do tonight and I had NO time to cook.

It was good.  Like healthy good.  It is kind of  hard to explain because it is not your usual "covered in cheese" "smothered in grease" kind of Mexican place.

Instead it is organic, local, and fresh. 

Which makes my skirt fly up.

You can read all about it here.

Kev got a steak burrito.  I got the "special" which was grilled chicken, cilantro lime rice, corn salsa, and pico de gallo.  With a side of guacamole.

It was delish.  And the guacamole was YUM.

It was a perfect meal for a busy night.

With plenty of leftovers. 

And now I'm off to get some sleep.  I need all the rest I can get.

This weekend is gonna get crazy!!

Busy and Blonde

My sister is getting married on Saturday.

My family is coming in to town on Friday.

I only have two more days of work before the festivities  begin.

I am ecstatic!!

And exhausted.

I've been doing everything in my power to tie up A LOT of loose ends at work.

Starting a new job the same time that a major family event was taking place was probably not the best idea. 

But it will all work out in the end.

Especially if I get a little help with making food for the reception and shower.  Wink.  Wink.

To top off my already busy week.... I had to find a LAST MINUTE hairdresser because I had to cancel on my usual one due to my work schedule.  And the last minute one went a little crazy.  With blonde coloring. 

In fact, my "just a little touch up to cover my gray" turned in to an all out brassy blonde helmet.

It's a good thing that I'm the wedding photographer.  It will ensure I won't be in any pictures.  :)

The hairstylist recognized her mistake immediately... and is going to fix it at no additional cost.  However, the problem is that I am OUT.OF.TIME.  Meaning that I seriously do not have a second to spare until Friday morning. 

So, brassy blonde it is.  Good thing the wedding is out in the country.  :)

Other than that, I haven't been to the gym in a week and my eating six healthy meals a day is nonexistent.

But the job is great!! And things are coming along. 

And every thing will be back to normal SOON!

Unless Kev buys a motorcycle. 

Because I've only told him about one bazillion times that he CAN'T have one.... and yet every time I look over at his computer screen... he is looking at motorcycles on line.

Yes, Kev.  If you are reading this... I know what you are up to.

And I'm not o.k. with it.

Stay tuned for pictures of the festivities.... I will have a LOT to talk about!!

Got Flies?

I've had it!!

With flies... that is.

I mean there is only so much "love every life" that I can tolerate.

Why do they have to be so annoying?

A couple of them got in to my house!!! And have been buzzing around ever since.

I can't even walk in to the kitchen without getting a "how do ya do?" from one of them.

I've got too much going on to deal with them right now.

So, I decided to do an age old trick of orange juice.

I say "age old"  and I probably mean "my age old".  Because it is possible that I came up with it.

You never know.

Anyway,  I filled a champagne glass with orange juice. 

And just sat and waited.

And waited.  And waited.  And waited.

For days, I tell ya.

And then it finally happened.  My juice mesmerized a fly.

 And that was the end of him.

And I felt victorious!!  And I jumped around the kitchen screaming.  And I embarrassed Kev in front of all of his vegetation.

I couldn't help it.

And just in case you want another picture of "proof".... here ya go...

Goodbye annoying fly.  Goodbye forever!!

And now if I can just catch your brother....

Then we would be back to normal.

Oh.  And maybe it would be wise to NEVER ask for champagne when you are at my house.

You could be drinking out of a fly catcher.

Take Out And Tired Eyes

Whew!  What a week so far!

Starting a new job - especially when it is a "clean-up" situation - is exhausting.

But also rewarding.  And fulfilling.  And fun.

Even if it has given me dark circles under my eyes the size of tires.

And reconnected me with my long time nemesis... caffeine.

It is only temporary, though.

I will be back to my crazy self in no time.

Besides working.... I've managed to make it to the gym.  Once.  For a spin class.

I rode as hard as I could to make up for all the days of NOT going.

And then I went to The Fresh Market.  Actually, I have been there three times this week.  Because I can.  And because I love it so much.

And while we are on the topic of food.....

I thought I would mention our new FAVORITE pizza joint.

I was referred to them by a friend.  A friend who knows how much I love pizza, all things organic, all things local, and all things healthy.

And then as luck would have it... they showed up on Groupon.   Which forced me to order one.... or three.

I'm a little obsessive.

I chose the California one.  All fresh veggies on a whole wheat crust...

Kev ordered the Mexican inspired one.  Complete with avocado.

Let me just say that we were in heaven.

Pizza heaven.

And the only thing that I would change about them was their size.  Because we could have eaten WAY more.

Other than that delightful pizza story... I've got nothin'.

Unless you want to hear stories about dust bunnies, learning new computer systems, and my unmanageable gray hairs that are spreading like wildfire.

I sure hope that I have a chance to get my hair done..... before the wedding next weekend.

Otherwise people might be asking whose granny I am.