Is This Thing On?

Time has flown by since I last posted in here. Clearly blogging is not my strong point. I’m hoping that this new season in my life will bring with it epiphanies and insights worthy of blogging more regularly.  What is this new season you ask? I’m… wait for it…. Pregnant!!! (Okay, so since my mom is the only person who reads this blog, it’s more like stating the obvious. But I’ll keep up my delusions that this is some hot blog that people check in on every day hoping to hear what amazing new thoughts have passed through my head.) Pregnancy has certainly opened my eyes to a plethora of topics, and I’m sure being a new mother will bring on many, many, many more. Although, the tricky part there will be getting enough sleep to remember how to turn on a computer.

Let’s start from the beginning: I found out I was pregnant on June 1^st. That day we were headed to a wedding in the valley, and since it was one I was none too pleased about trekking all the way out there for, I decided it wouldn’t be a good day to spill the beans to Jordan given how grouchy I was. Don’t get me wrong, I love weddings, but there are weddings you look forward to and weddings you’re obligated to attend. It certainly didn’t help that a raging headache began at the start of the reception- (prepare for upcoming rant)- Can I just say for the record: You CANNOT have a full-length reception if you are not feeding your guests a meal. Snacks from Costco do not tide us over for four hours. Weddings in which the guests are not thought of are such a faux pas. We’re traveling and bringing you gifts- pay us our due: good eats, cake, and, if we’re lucky, a good show of wedding drama somewhere.

I’m sure by now you’re starting to see the pregnancy seeping through my post. It has not brought with it any sort of grace or patience. And the filter that was hanging by a thread has all but left completely. Sorry if you’re offended, but I’m inclined not to care.

Back to baby… Father’s Day was 2 weeks away and I thought I could hold out and wait to tell Jordan then- how adorable, right?? Well, even before pregnancy, patience has never has been something I was blessed with. The next day I got up early and headed to Target for supplies. I put together my little gift and waited for Jordan to get up. When he came out I asked if he could make sure I spelled his dad’s name right on the Father’s Day card I bought to give to him…….

And then I handed him this:

His reaction: “Does that mean it’s positive? Really???!!”

We skipped church and spent the day celebrating with donuts from the fancy new place on 17^th and wandered Balboa Island.

Ah, the bliss of those who have no idea what’s around the corner.

The First Trimester: There was a lot of napping, whining, yelling at Jordan because he “just doesn’t understand!!!”, and turning into a shut in. Also I looked like a hobo 24/7- actually, that hasn’t changed much. I ate way too much Taco Bell and Del Taco, and whined some more about all the things I can’t eat anymore. Seriously, though, how would you cope with cutting out deli meat, sushi, coffee, alcohol, soda, soft cheeses, anything that suddenly smells funny that you once liked, and did I mention alcohol?!

I had morning sickness from about week 7-13. Not barfing, just a general nausea and feeling like absolute crap every day, all day. At this point I was telling everyone how much pregnancy sucks, and that they should NEVER get pregnant!! So I’d say I was coping pretty well.

I freaked myself out by continuing to take my temperature every morning to make sure I was still pregnant/ not about to miscarry, as per my fertility tracking technique indicated. My poor parents, that’s how they found out I was pregnant; I called bawling because my temperature had dropped 2 days in a row and I was SURE I was going to miscarry. My doctor told me to “STOP taking your temperature!” because it’s not going to tell me anything. And that put my mind at ease until my first ultrasound confirmed a healthy heartbeat.

Here’s another side note: Miscarriages, as common as they are, are shockingly taken so lightly by those who haven’t experienced it. It’s something no one talks about, because it is such a delicate topic, but because the truth of what a miscarriage is isn’t taught, people can tend to be incredibly insensitive about them. Although they are common, they are not run of the mill, and certainly not something to be cavalier or nonchalant about. You may be speaking about it to someone who has had one and knows how devastating they are. Miscarriage is the loss a child. In no way is that something to just ask about or mention casually. To anyone. Be sensitive, people! I may never have experienced one, but I know those who have and have seen the heartbreak.

Alright, 2^nd rant over.

At this point only my immediate family, inlaws, and 3 friends knew. We were pretty good at keeping the secret- who knew!!? But eventually more and more people were finding out and I gave up on my laziness, got cute-ified and had my dad take a picture of Jordan and I for the announcement:

The Second Trimester: The morning sickness subsided, I was feeling much more positive about life, and after seeing this blob turn into a baby in a matter of weeks, was finally starting to feel excited about my pregnancy. Yes we were trying to get pregnant and really wanted it to happen, but let me tell you, in the midst of the first trimester- it was just not rainbows and daisies. It sucked, and although I wasn’t regretting it by any means, I wasn’t feeling the ooey-gooey butterflies about the bundle of joy that was still a million years away from arriving- or so it seemed.

But the 2^nd Tri brought that bundle so much closer. I started compiling baby registries at Pottery Barn, Bel Bambini, Buy Buy Baby, and Babies R Us… so basically, everywhere. What can I say? I’m a shopaholic, and when you’re shopping for things you don’t have to buy for yourself, it’s just so much more fun!!! You can add the things you wouldn’t actually buy for yourself but would totally use if given to you, you can add the $1100 Stokke stroller you’re drooling over even though, unless you’ve invited Donald Trump to your shower, you know you’re not going to get it. Registries are just the best. Planning your nursery and picking everything that will match your “theme”, if you have one, and the perfect coordinating color palate, it’s all so much fun. Few things get me this excited.

Things we have so far:

Orbit Stroller System

Pottery Barn Crib

Adorable Things from the Nordstrom Baby Section (I couldn’t resist buying these)

Bumbo

And a bunch of miscellaneous gifts from friends and family J

Our little one bedroom apartment is sure filling up fast!

The best part about the 2^nd tri: Finding out the sex of the baby….

We’re so excited to meet our darling, Heath Wolfgang Smith in February. But until then I have a hell of a lot more to say where pregnancy is concerned. Stay tuned, friends: I’m hormonal, growing out of all my clothes, and ready to unleash onto the internet ALLLLL my little ponderings, obsessions, and maybe a few frustrations.

A Cookie By Any Other Name?

**Belated post from May of 2012 (I know, what??! but it was too funny not to post)**

I'm going to impart some wisdom on you.... In the past few months I've gained a lot of experience in the realm of Oreo eating, and here is what I have come to discover: regular Oreos don't even compare to Double Stuf Oreos. Everything about them is worse! The cookie tastes funny, the cream isn't as yummy... so if you're in the store and debating over which type of Oreo to buy, I hope that my experience and sage wisdom has helped aid you in your decision.

Furthermore, I have also taken the time to try an alternative... Trader Joe's Joe Joe's... The Good: Less crap sitting in your intestines for years, no lard, and the creamy middle part is actually tastier than the Oreo. The Bad: The cookie part is just not the same- not as crunchy- a little too soft, and not quite as cacao-y tasting as Oreo.

Lastly, I have had the privilege of learning a recipe for HOMEMADE OREOS!!!! I've made them a few times and they NEVER disappoint! Here's the recipe:

For the Cookies:
2 boxes of devil's food cake mix, 4 eggs, 2/3 cup oil
-Mix it all up, roll into balls, place them on a cookie sheet and flatten them. Cook 7-9 minutes

For the Filling:
1 block cream cheese, 1 box powdered sugar, 1Tbsp vanilla extract
-Mix it up

Then assemble the cookies (after the cookies you just baked have cooled) and enjoy!! But beware- they're insanely addicting. Hide them in little baggies in your freezer so you don't go nuts chowing on them day and night.

A Little Game Called Catch-Up

It's been quite a while since my last post- I really need to be better about that.

SOOOooo What's chnged since Christmas? Jordan and I moved!!

Finally- Huntington was getting me down. Not really, but kinda- it's just really far from our friends who all live in the Costa Mesa area. So we moved to Irvine- it isn't quite Newport, but it's certainly a step closer. It reminds me of home... I'm originally from Northern California where its beautiful and green and spread out a bit more... Irvine at least has lots of greenery and things are a little more spread out and it isn't built on a grid like HB. Our new place is a tad bigger but still a one bedroom, but it's been so fun to decorate!! I built my own headboard and painted a wall in the living room... ok so there hasnt been a LOT of decorating yet, but hey, I'm still only working part time and last I checked, crate & barrel hadn't start a scholarship program. Here are the projects I've done thus far:

HEADBOARD:

Here's the bed before... Excuse the mess, we were still in the midst of moving in...

Particle board from Home depot

 Foam mattress cover from HomeGoods:

 Quilt batting from JoAnn's

 Fabric (by Waverly) special ordered from JoAnn's (We went with an outdoor fabric to stand up against body oils on our hands and heads- but it isn't plasticky at all).

 HERE is where we encountered the problem... I had planned on putting the fabric ont he middle section first before doing anything to the wings, but somehow I got ahead of myself and we ran into the issue of defining the corners.

 Had to just make-do.

 And here it is all finished- not perfect, but at least I learned what NOT to do next time!!

Close up of the lamps I found at HomeGoods:

We also painted our bookshelf:

I painted these letters from Michael's and made a gallery wall with LOVE

I made a cord cover with muslin and a hot glue gun!!

I Painted the wall my fireplace/tv is on: Color: Plumage by Martha Stewart

And then I revamped the whole wall! Doesn't it look nice?? Well actually, it looks a little cray cray in this picture... still need to work on the perfect accessories, throws, and pillows, but that will come with room in the finances!

I hung some plum drapes from Target, and 3 lanterns with fake candles (also from Target):

We also bought this beautiful trunk from Crate & Barrel:

 Achilles got a new tag :)

So that's pretty much it for DIYs recently... other than that I took up horseback riding- which I am LOVING!! how could you not- with this beauty as my companion:
It's been challenging but so rewarding, who needs a therapist when you have horses?! Seriously it's the best thing I've done in a long time.


My birthday came and went and now I am officially in my mid-twenties. 25 feels so much older than 24.

I took my little bro to the Zoo for his bday!! It was actually very fun- saw some gorillas and tigers... and a lot of boring animals- all those deer-like/ goat-like things? How many of those do I really need to see??? I wanna see more wild cats!! And a grizzly!!!




Aside from all that, I'm still on the hunt for full-time work. I've only had a few interviews since my last post, which has been disappointing, but I'm confident that the right thing is coming and I'll know when it shows itself. I'm currently waiting to hear back on an interview I had last week! Cross your fingers! If that one doesn't work out I'm going to have to look into what it'll take to become a super model- that seems like it shouldn't take to long, right? In any case, I'll be putting the job hunt on hold until I'm back from Europe.

EUROPE!!!! Jordan and I are going to London & Paris for 2 weeks in May- SO SO excited! His parents are taking us along with them on their very first trip to Europe- Jordan and I have both been over there a few times, so we'll be the seasoned travel guides!!

All in all, life is pretty dang good.

Gift Guide!!!!!!!

'Tis the season to give to the ones you love... now, I know there are a million "gift guide"s out there but believe me- THIS is the only one you need pay attention to.

Here is a well researched list of the BEST gifts this year has to offer for everyone on your list!

Happy Shopping!!

For your fashionista gal pals:

Pajama Jeans are the best combination of function meets fashion- any woman would LOVE to be seen in these fashion-world-shattering gems!

For Your Tech-Savvy Friend:

iCarta is perfect for anyone who's even been spending quality time with the porcelain throne and thought, "Gee, I wish I had some tunes to enhance my toilet experience."

For Your Workaholic Father:

Anychair makes working around the clock an appetizing reality- you never have to go home for bed again!

For The Golf-Enthusiast:

Uroclub- it's a golf club that doubles as a urinal- need I say more?! Includes a privacy towel so you can pee on the green and no one will any the wiser!

For Your Pregnant Sister:

Fetus Cookie Cutter is clever and cute- perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, christmas parties and more!!

For Your Mommy-Friends in The Mid-West:

Peekaru makes keeping warm while walking while keeping track of your baby and keeping your baby warm easier than you ever thought it could be- comes in this fashionable fleece! Mommy & me was never so cute!

For Your New Yorker/European Friends:

Smoking Mittens- finally!! A solution for those who hate gloves but still need to keep their hands warm while they smoke! Lung cancer never looked so chic.

For Your Teenage Brother:

The Snuggie now makes it possible for your brother to keep warm under a cozy blankie while he plays his video games! All his friends will be so jealous.

I hope you enjoyed my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide!!!! Merry Christmas, dear ones!

Hire Me

So I've interviewed for this new job- a real, grown-up, full time job. It's perfect. An opportunity to use both my creativity and business knowledge in one exciting position. I won't hear back about a second interview until Monday, but the longer I wait, the more I transition from glad I at least had a good interview to desperately longing to hear the words, "we'd like to offer you the position." There are so many reasons I want and need this job... Jordan and I are planning on moving next month, and since the rental market is up, we're going to have to increase what we pay in rent- thus we need an increase in income. Also I'm tired of living in Huntington Beach... need to move to Newport!!

Other Reasons I Should Get The Job:
1. I'm perfect for it
2. It's perfect for me
3. It's in a city I want to work in
4. I can learn from it
5. It's an organization I can identify with
6. My waistline can't take another rejection binge
7. I look great in office attire
8. I already spent $300+ on a new job wardrobe
9. Jordan really needs a vacation; vacations cost money
10. I'm awesome
11. I lose weight when I'm busy
12. I need to lose weight
13. I found the perfect bag to be my new "grown up busy woman" bag
14. I'm fairly certain the girl who interviewed me could be my new bff
15. No one could do this job better or look better than me while doing it

**some reasons may be an exaggeration

Healthy Schmealthy

Recently, Wholefoods opened a new store a cool 5 minutes from my house. I was excited- even though I'd never actually been to one. Also I did my senior business strategy project on Wholefoods... shoot, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned never having been to the store before.. whatever. So anyway, a few months back I started a heavy-duty diet, and so I went to Wholefoods to stock up on all their healthy foods. Since then I've been back, uhm, twice. BUT what I've come to discover is that I don't necessarily have to shop there and eat their food to be healthy- I feel healthy just being in a Wholefoods! Jordan and I popped in there this weekend for a quick bite for dinner and, although I got pizza, I just felt healthier! Jordan has been on my case these past 3 weeks or so to get back on a healthier meal plan- gnocchi in pink sauce apparently doesn't qualify as a health-conscious meal choice. And neither do sourdough bagels with cream cheese. Bollocks. So here's my plan, continue with my gnocchi, bagel, and chocolate milk diet (did I mention my recent obsession with Trader Joe's chocolate milk)- oh Trader Joe's is another store that I figure, "If it's from TJ's, it's gotta be healthy." Anyway, I'll just stay on that diet but spend a lot of time at Wholefoods. Who's with me? I should write a book...

People Get Ready....

Ashton is coming! Well, I hope so... I just had a phone interview for a new full time position! AND I just got an email today requesting an in-person interview this Monday! Whoo! I'm so excited and nervous and happy... Nothing makes you feel better than getting positive feedback on a job interview- feeling like you're wanted and accepted and a possible asset. Nothing beats that feeling- except maybe getting offered a job.

SO now that I have a face-to-face interview coming up it's time I get shopping. Fashion Island, here I come!!! Of course I'm going to prepare for this in ways not relating to my apparel, but appearances make a huge impact on your success, and if you think they don't, you are sorely mistaken. I've worn my BCBG Maxazria suit to the last couple of interviews, so I think it's time for something different. Once I've got that in the bag- literally, I continue with my prepping via continued studying of the position requirements, the program, and answers to anticipated interview questions. I spent pretty much half of my 4th of July weekend in Big Bear practicing and overhauling my resume, all of yesterday studying and preparing for the phone interview... But you can never be too prepared. Remember the 5 P's: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Wish me luck, darlings!