Adios Estados Unidos. Hola Peru!

Adios Estados Unidos

I am off to Peru for the next two weeks and I'm very excited :)

After repacking about 3 times, I finally decided on my wardrobe... considering 63 degrees is freezing to me! It's Spring in Peru, but the weather will range from 55-75...depending on which cities I will be in...so it is kinda hard to pack for that weather. 

I have been running around like a crazy person getting ready for the trip...and Guillermo (Mr. Procrastinator) has been a crazy person today...all while I'm sitting by the door with my suitcase :)

Will try to post pictures, blog, and tweet while I'm in Peru...but we will see how that goes. 

Well I am off to dance my booty off, eat amazing food, drink Pisco, create memories, emerse myself in Peruvian culture and have the experience of a lifetime :)

That Time of the Year

It's that time of the year...

Where people wonder where the past 2 months have gone while they prepare for the holiday season

Halloween costumes are planned out...or not

There is an excuse to eat plenty of sweets...from Halloween up until New Year's Day

People are making plans on where they are spending the holiday season

Pumpkin, Peppermint, and Gingerbread are all the rage

Sweaters, Scarfs, and Boots are everyone's fashion statement

Where giving is more important than receiving

You are already searching on Pinterest for holiday treats

You can have 4 generations of women under one roof

The holiday season brings back memories and makes you realize how many years have actually passed

You can always go back home and pretend you never left

It's that time of the year where the holiday season is on everyone's mind

Too Early?

Foodies

Ahh the weekend...is there is anything better? 

This past weekend, my newly married friends sailed back into Miami from their honeymoon cruise and spent the weekend with Guillermo and I.

      Pisco Sours                                                                                                                     Ceviche Sampler & Causa 

We took Lauren and Nathan to one of my favorite Peruvian Restaurants in downtown Miami called Ceviche 105. 

Peruvian food is delicious  if you haven't had it then you are missing out!

Saturday night we decided to  cook instead of going out. While we were cooking we snacked on a sourdough baguette,  rosemary & olive oil cheddar cheese, honey goat cheese and grapes.

Our dinner was pork loin stuffed with basil & sun dried tomato pesto, potato cakes, and a fresh garden salad (picture didn't turn out).  Sorry to disappoint, but most of the cooking was done by Lauren and Nathan, but I did make the potato cakes!

Can't you tell Lauren and Nathan are foodies? This is why our entire weekend consisted of eating :)

Tea Me

I have a confession...

I drank a coffee last weekend and I haven't had coffee in like a year...let's just say it was a bad idea because it gave me one of those nauseous migraines. Another reason why reliving the past is a bad idea...read about my breakup with coffee here.

Moral of the story, if you let something go...don't go back to it. (This includes old habits, old relationships, and maybe certain fashion statements.) 

Anyways, while everyone is obsessing over pumpkin spiced lattes, I am obsessing over tea! No... not southern sweet tea but hot tea, occasionally sweetened with honey.

What are my favorites and what are the health benefits?

My absolute favorite tea that I drink everyday is green tea and Tazo Zen is my favorite.

Health Benefits:

A powerful antioxidant

Provides a natural energy boost and caffeine

Good for your waistline

I love a hot mug of Chamomile tea with a teaspoon of honey before I go to sleep, my favorite brand is  Celestial Seasonings. 

Health Benefits:

A natural sleep aid

Has antibacterial properties, which help fight colds

A natural stomach soother

I am a dessert person, no doubt. But drinking a cup of hot peppermint tea after dinner helps to curve my sweet tooth...seriously it works! My favorite brands are Twinings and Celestial Seasonings. 

Health Benefits:

Digestive aid

Relief from nausea and motion sickness

Fever and cough relief

In the mornings, sometimes I drink Yerba Mate instead of Green Tea. It doesn't have the best flavor but I sweeten it with a little bit of honey. 

Health Benefits:

Rich in antioxidants

Natural caffeine

Improves blood flow

Reduces fat accumulation

Increases mental energy

Dandelion Tea is a great natural detox for the liver and is used for weight loss. 

Health Benefits:

Gets rid of toxins

Flushes out the kidneys

Helps to shed excessive water weight

Helps to remove skin impurities

Good source of vitamins A C & D

My Mom use to give me Sleepytime tea when I was little and well that started my love for tea. These are the main teas I drink, but I love just about any flavor...and the health benefits are an extra bonus! And you can even embrace the holiday flavors...

So why wouldn't you drink tea?

Amor

Many of my friends have asked me what it's like dating someone from a different country...well I've always had a thing for any guy who wasn't American and my fantasy became my reality.

There is nothing wrong with a good ole Southern boy who drives a truck, opens my door, and calls me "darlin' but I've always liked guys who look different than me and have a cultural that I can experience and learn from.

It all started with this Latin hunk...

While the rest of you were crushing on Zack... I was checking out the biceps on Slater. heyyyy

Anyways, enough about the main reason I watched Saved by the Bell...and still do occasionally. 

Dating anyone isn't easy, but when you throw in some cultural differences...it gets interesting. Here are some things I've learned while dating my Peruvian:

You gotta relax and enjoy your life

Family is the most important thing

Learn a new language while you have the opportunity

 "Mi Princesa" is probably the cutest name to be called

It's important to experience other cultures

If your friend needs you, you drop what you're doing

As an American, I know we are selfish people and work is our life, but dating my Peruvian has taught me to slow down and enjoy life and to do what makes you happy. I may still be uptight and a super planner...but I've learned to relax and know that everyone does need some order in their life. 

Wedding Procrastination

One of my best friends is getting married this weekend and I've been running around like a crazy person, my boyfriend even had to remind me that I'm just a bridesmaid..not the bride. I may be exaggerating but being in a wedding 3 states away...and procrastinating is a little stressful. But this week came so fast and I didn't realize how much time I had left.

I hate to admit that I am picking up my dress from the alterations place today and flying out tomorrow night. And I am still not sure how I will fit everything in a carry on...stupid checked bags! While I'm sitting here stressed about basically nothing, my friend is probably not sleeping and freaking out about the fact that she will be married in 4 days!

Getting married sounds like too much work, maybe I will just do the whole Vegas thing (just kidding Daddy!).

While we are on the marriage subject I cannot believe that my brother will be celebrating his 1 year wedding anniversary this month! So happy for him :)

Fall in Florida

My friend Caitlin came to visit me this past weekend and what did we do on the first day of fall? Go shopping...of course...but it was raining so the beach was out. Surprisingly there are a ton of Fall/Winter clothes in the malls here in South Florida...and surprisingly no one is selling white shorts anymore :(

All of the cute sweaters, scarfs, and boots and fall colors did make me a little sad, but then I remembered I hate the cold and fall colors just aren't my colors.

 But I decided that I am still going to celebrate and embrace fall with chai lattes, pumpkin spiced brews, pumpkin bagels, and with the latest fall makeup and hair trends. 

Ponytails

&

Buns

&

Braids

&

Loose Waves

Golds & Browns & Purples & Greys

Over the next 2 months I'll be celebrating three different seasons...Fall in North Carolina (for a weekend), Spring in Peru, and whatever season Florida thinks they have in the "fall". I really don't have much of a fall, but I will celebrate while I can...just not with sweaters, boots, and cool weather. 

Random Monday

Monday blues?

Not me.

After a fun & relaxing weekend spent with friends and my boyfriend..who is now 26! Old right? 

 I am ready for another fun & relaxing weekend with my best friend who is flying into sunny South Florida on Thursday =) This will be Caitlin's second trip to Florida this year...best friend award? I think so...

 I woke up at 6am this morning, did yoga, cooked a delicious omelet and well that put me in a great mood and ready for crunch time this week at work. 

Guys are impossible to shop for, I honestly didn't decide on a gift until the week of Guillermo's birthday. But hey I blame him and his Latino influence (will blog about relationships & cultural differences later this week).

My Birchbox came in Saturday & it was the best one yet. South Florida...we are making Fall happen...well the makeup part of fall :) For those of you who aren't aware of Birchbox, read my friend's blog about it here.   And they have ones for guys too!

I love grocery shopping. I love making my list and planning out my meals for the week and then making my trip to the grocery store, and then when I come home I have food in the fridge! Just one of those random things that get me excited...weird I know. 

What do you think of my new blog design?

Weekly Confessions & Obsessions

Confession...

All of this "pumpkin" madness kind of makes me wish Florida had seasons. I mean nothing beats sunshine, palm trees, and clear blue water but then again nothing beats the feel of a new season. Thanks a lot Pinterest...

And these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars look amazing!


Obsession...

Lauren Conrad's Fashion Week Series on her blog is a little addicting and just makes me wish I had her life even more.  Jealous

Confession...

I am one of those girls that can wear heels for hours....and  proud of that  :) But maybe I did wear heals in college to class and learned how to dance in them for hours...but hey practice makes perfect. Right?

Obsession...

Amy Winehouse! Yes I know people don't like her and blah blah but she has an amazing voice. I've been listening to her for years but recently I've been revisiting her music and  been listening to it every day this week at work. RIP Amy!

Confession...

I know just about every Spanish song on the radio, and I don't speak fluent Spanish. I may or may not dance in my car and pretend I know every word...

Obsession...

Lauren Conrad's Beauty book comes out October 16th and I am so excited! Love her! Isn't it obvious?

Confession...

I hate being the center of attention and I hate giving presentations. 

Obsession...

Shoe Dazzle! Just ordered two pairs and I am super excited about them! I have only heard good things about Shoe Dazzle from friends, so I definitely suggest it and plus it's fun!

I ordered some heels for my friends wedding but I also ordered these to qualify for free shipping...saving the economy one shoe at a time.

Remember

Wow can't believe I haven't logged into Blogger in over a week. 

Why?

Well because I have been feeling uninspired and not to mention stressed & with a lot on my mind.

But one thing that does give me inspiration today is the fact that it is 9/11. No one will ever forget that moment in time 11 years ago and all of the lives that were lost.

Even though no one close to me died on that day, over the years I have met people who were affected and heard their stories.

From the guy I met whose Dad overslept and missed his flight  (the exact flight that was hijacked), to the woman who watched the Twin Towers burn in her review mirror, to the Dad who worked in one of the towers but stayed home sick that day, and to the man who left work to get coffee and then never saw his co-workers again. And let's not forget all of the firefighters, policeman, military and civilians who gave up their life to save others. 

Remember 9/11

The End of Summer

Well it's officially the weekend :)

Not just any weekend though, it is the last official weekend of the summer! Well for those of you who live in states where it actually gets cold, it means saying goodbye to your bathing suit & the beach.

Fortunately, I never have to say goodbye to the beach or put away my summer clothes :)

I will try remember to take pictures and actually plan on blogging about my Labor Day activities, so you can read about them!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Weekend and here is a little throw back for you...

Six Items or Less

Have you heard of Six Items or Less?

If not, it is a challenge where you have to wear only six items of clothing for a month. In other words, a shopping diet. 

Here are the rules:

1. Pick a maximum of six items to wear for 30 days.
2. Once you pick your six items, they cannot be changed for the duration of the challenge.
3. There are freebie items! These include undergarments, swimwear, workout clothes, outerwear, work uniforms, shoes, and any accessories.
4. You’re allowed to wear “multiples” of ONE of the six items so you can do laundry. So, if you have two pairs of skinny black pants that are identical for all intents and purposes, you can wear them! You cannot, however, wear one pair of skinny black jeans and one pair of black dress pants — the items have to be the same.
5. During the 30 days, you cannot go shopping for clothing for yourself.

Well I can definitely not go shopping for 30 days, but I don't know about only wearing six items for a month, I mean how would you choose? You would have to choose items that would be for work and  for going out....too complicated or me....plus I've been on a shopping diet this whole year. 

Could you do it?

Weekly Confessions & Obsessions

Confession...

I have a lot more blog readers than people who actually follow my blog...so follow it why don't ya!

Obsession...

I am so obsessed with Olivia Palermo's blog...her life just seems so fabulous. Jealous

Confession...

I feel like my life should be more exciting... I mean I live right outside Miami. I should totally be living like a celeb

Obsession...

My job entails sitting in front of a computer all day, so I always have music playing. I am totally obsessed with the Norah Jones playlist on Pandora. Her playlist is also good to play when taking a bubble bath with a glass of wine by the way...

Confession...

I've been buying a new pint of fro yo about every week, totally need to quit my fro yo addiction...but frozen yogurt is just like eating regular yogurt right? 

Obsession...

Blazers...you can totally spice up any outfit with a blazer. I get bored with my clothes easily, but pairing a blazer with a bright colored shirt and jeans really adds a nice touch! If only everything I "pinned" suddenly appeared in my closet. 

What is your weekly confessions and obsessions?

Waiting

You know when you haven't seen people in awhile and they ask how you've been and your response is "great just busy"...but what you really mean is "great but nothing new in my life to share." That is how I'm feeling...it has been a slowww summer and well there is nothing new in my life to share.

It's like when you first start dating someone and all of your friends want to know everything about your relationship...then 2 years goes by and a friend asks "so how you guys doing" and your response is "great as usual" but what you really mean is "aren't we always great?"

I'm just in a "blah" phase because there is nothing exciting going on in my life right now. I work a lot, go to the gym, and hang out with my boyfriend and friends and that is about it. All of my creativeness and energy is used at work...so I'm burned out by the time I get home. And can't spend money because I'm saving for vacation...which will definitely be the highlight of my year, but it will be worth it.

So yes I'm just waiting for this really hot & humid summer to be over so the gorgeous Florida winter can arrive (and yes it is lovely!). Once September hits, the rest of this year will be super busy for me....I have Guillermo's birthday, my friend Caitlin's visit to FL, my friend Lauren's Wedding, my trip to Peru, Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Christmas...all within 4 months. And that all involves money, traveling, and planning.

So guess I should enjoy my boring life in everyone's travel destination for now?

Beach Girl

You know the saying "You can tell a lot about a woman by looking in her purse?"  

Well same goes for a beach bag right? Here a few essentials I keep in my beach bag...

 Maybelline Baby Lips

Every girl needs a chapstick with SPF and it makes my lips so soft!

Neutrogena Moisture Shine Tinted Lip Balm - in Fresh

Great if you want a little color on your lips!

Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

This sunscreen smells clean and doesn't feel gross!

Banana Boat Protecting Tanning Oil - With SPF 15

an essential in your beach bag!

Hair Product: Garnier Fructis Style Wonder Waves

For the perfect messy beach hair, spray on after you get out of the ocean!

Add my sunnies & a floppy hat and I'm beach ready!

Sick Day

Anyone who knows me knows that I get sick ALL the time. I have THE worst immune system ever...and I take vitamins, eat healthy, and exercise...so what gives?

Yesterday I woke up with a really sore throat and I wasn't just tired...I was exhausted. I stayed home from work and rested. But I did get some work done, even if I was working in my bed..hey it still got done! So yes... my body forced me to sleep basically all day and lay on the couch and watch reruns of Greek.

I absolutely hate medicine, I am more of a natural remedy kinda girl. Instead of stocking up on NyQuil and cough syrup, I drink hot tea...made with a fresh lemon wedge and honey and take a ton of Vitamin C.

But if I must take some type of medicine, I always take Theraflu tea for a cold or flu. The nighttime tea puts me right to sleep (just make sure you go right to bed after you drink it...lesson learned) and the daytime tea makes me feel more energetic and a lot better.

We all have our "sick food" but it never tastes as good as when Mom use to make it. :( 

My favorite sick food (depending on how sick I am)...

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Vegetable Soup & Saltines

Mac & Cheese

I did request a little comfort food yesterday (thanks boyfriend!)...

Weekend Getaway

This past weekend I was in North Carolina to visit my family and friends. It was a great weekend and just what I needed. Yes even Floridians need a break from Florida once in a while. 

I spend Friday with my Mom and sister doing girl things like getting our nails done, going out to lunch and shopping. Always fun right?

Friday night I spent with my best girls and had a great time. You know those friends you have and no matter how much time has past, you always pick up where you left off? Yeah it felt like high school again...sleeping over, eating junk food, talking about boys, etc. Except here we are about 7 years later...eating junk food, talking about different boys, and work. And we went to Rucker Johns...which was delicious as usual! (Thanks girls!)

On Saturday my family grilled out and had both sets of Grandparents over for dinner. I have missed my Grandparents :(

On Sunday, I went out to lunch and met her boyfriend. Yes meeting the sister might be more important than meeting the parents, because sisters have that bond and a great influence in each other's life...so watch out Trevor ;)

Time flew by way to fast, before I knew it I was on a plane back to Florida. And I always meet the weirdest and most interesting people on planes. Guillermo makes fun of me, because I always talk to people I sit by on the plane...but I don't always initiate a conversation. Do I just look approachable?

Next time I will be in NC will be for Lauren's wedding in Wilmington! I already had a preview of her wedding cake and it was delicious! I feel like I'll probably be stuffing my face at her wedding...

I have missed you all and North Carolina :)

And what would a trip to NC be without listening to a little Eric Church?

When You Get To Where You're Going

There are those questions we ask without realizing how important those questions really are. We ask them to our family members, our friends, and random strangers we meet. You know those really basic questions like:

"Why did you choose that College?"

"How did you two meet?"

"Why did you move here?"

"Why did you choose this career path?"

Basic stuff right? Usually when someone asks these questions to you...well you already know how to respond because you've heard these questions like a million times...I know I already have a set answer for each one.

As I am still new to Florida, I meet new people all the time and the question they always ask is..."What made you decide to move to Florida?" I usually respond with my simple answer, but then I think...it took a million decisions for me to decide to move to Florida.,,,when you really think about it. So lets back up a bit...

Why did I choose UNC Charlotte? Hmm well I got screwed over at my high school and wasn't able to head off to College right after graduation, so I stayed at home went to Community College and worked. At the time I hated it, because all of my friends were off having fun and meeting new people at College. But now I realize it was actually a good time for me to decide where I really wanted to spend my Undergrad years and I had an extra semester of credits. My choice in high school was always UNCW...then I decided on UNC Charlotte because of their business school and I wanted to go somewhere where I knew barely anyone and I think I was born a city girl. 

Why did I choose Marketing, well it was Accounting at first...but that quickly changed (sorry Dad!). I always loved Marketing and learning about it...it is what interest me the most...simple as that.

How did I meet who I met, especially a certain someone? I met most of my College friends in classes and through other friends. I met Guillermo through mutual friends, I've known him since I was 19...but didn't take an interest until a year later.

Why did I move to Florida? I wanted something different, a new city, a new life...and I wanted to be with Guillermo of course, who got offered a job in Miami. I didn't move right away of course, I moved a couple months later...which of course was a huge decision because I've always been an "all about me" kinda girl and "won't move my life for any man" kinda girl...but sometimes there are certain guys who are worth it :) Ohh the things we do for love...

And why did I choose to be a Community Manager/Content Specialist for a Social Media Agency? Well that job happened because of the right connections. You meet someone and then a couple months later they lead you to the start of your career...funny how life works out huh?

But if I never choose UNCC, then I would have never met Guillermo, then I would never have moved to FL, and well I'd probably never be is Social Media Marketing...it's funny how you can make one decision and that one decision begins to map out your life. 

When I get to where I'm going, I'll always remember the people who got me there. The good things, the bad things, the right decisions, the wrong decisions. I try not to regret...because every bad relationship, friendship, or experience got me to where I am today and made me a more stronger and independent person. 

So how did you get to where you are now? 

A Little Bit of Everything

People ask me all the time, especially when I was job searching, what are your positive and negative traits? That is the one interview question we all have down right? "Well I am organized and never leave a job undone (etc...) and I guess a negative would be that I work too hard sometimes." (yeahh right)

I've always hated telling people about my positive or negative traits, because I'm organized but then sometimes I'm not. I'm just a little bit of everything kinda girl...

organized but a mess

determined but shy

loving but selfish

strong but sensitive 

a talker but reserved

accepting but judgmental

big picture but little details

honest but secretive 

patient but impatient

responsible but a tad irresponsible

active but lazy

adventurous but scared

reliable but forgetful

intelligent but I have my moments

confident but not

creative but sometimes unimaginative

outgoing but reserved

Some may say, you can't be two things...well yes I can it just depends on the situation and my mood. But I do know that I am dependable, try my best to be a good friend, friendly, loyal  and a hard worker.

How do you view yourself and your traits? 

Stylish & Poised

I'm in a rut...because I haven't been shopping in months!

So I've been daydreaming, pinning cut outfits, online shopping... but not actually buying anything. I've been trying to save my money for my Peru trip...but I do need some new clothes especially for work...and shoes and jewelry...and of course new clothes for my Peru trip.

So on Saturday I'm going to be a little bargain shopper and go to TJ Maxx for a couple of new pieces. At the top of my list are blouses, because I spend most of my week at work so I need them right?  And well on the weekends I spend most of my time in my bikini or my pajamas so...maybe I need a new bikini? Ugh this is what saving money and no shopping does to me, I get depressed and sad when I see clothes.


I absolutely adore career clothes, I mean pencil skirt, ruffles, collars...it is all so sleek and professional, who doesn't love them? In college, I always got so excited to dress up for presentations, I always felt to poised and professional. So this is what I am daydreaming about right now...

Every girl has a little bit of Joan Holloway in them...am i right?

I wish my hair could do a sleek bun or a stylish ponytail...but my hair never seems to do what I want it to...except for when I wear it down. 

So I'm just daydreaming about the day when I can wear a Joan Holloway dress and a stylish teased ponytail....