March Goals

I'm just gonna put it out there.... I didn't accomplish any of my February goals. Except getting my taxes done. Oh, and cooking 4 new dishes... so yay! Also, I realize that my goals last month didn't make much sense: "buy couch and shoes" followed by "spending freeze"? Yeah, totally set myself up for failure there. 

I'm going to try to be more diligent about actually following through with these goals this month, which should be easier, being that I don't plan on running around so much. February was a bit crazy- I felt like I had to do something every day and/or every weekend. It was nonstop. Hopefully this month I can focus more on doing what I need to do for myself.

MARCH GOALS

- finish one book

- try three new recipes... and blog about them

- stick to budget

- post (at least) 3 times a week

- weather strip all the windows

-clean out one closet

5 Things I Won't Pay For and Back That Azz Up

Some things I just can't get out of paying. Like bills. Or my train fare to get to work. Or getting my brows done, because I'm a giant wuss and won't tweeze them myself. But some things I'd rather do without or make do, because I refuse to pay for them. For example...

1. My morning Cup of Joe
I cannot fathom getting Starbucks or DD every day. I would go completely broke. Also, I need my coffee RIGHT AWAY. I don't pass any coffee shops on my way to the train, and you know when I like to drink it? ON THE TRAIN. And if I need more, well, there's free coffee/tea/hot chocolate at work. Stopping at Starbucks or DD is a treat... and I like it that way.

2. Shipping
With all the free shipping options and coupon codes out there, I refuse to pay for shipping.

3. Books
First of all, there's this crazy place called a library. And you know what? They STILL lend you books fo FREE! I remember when I showed up at book club with a library book, and my friend scoffed at me. But you know what? I didn't even really like the book- why would I want it in my collection? If I do like a book, and neeeeeed to own it, there's a website called paperbackswap.com. And it's awesome. Free books for all! Oh, you're looking for an e-book? My friend told me about this other site Smart Bookworms and they have free e-books. I'm never paying for a book again!

4. Fancy Planner
Ok, ok. I get it. Erin Condren has this fancy schmancy LIFE planner. With stickers and colorful tabs, and blah blah blah. Yeah, it's gorgeous. And if I won one, I would use the shit out of it. But you know what? I've been using this Manhattan Planner for 6 years, and I LOVE it. Also, it has a subway map in it, which is good for me since I am directionally challenged, especially in NYC. And I can transfer my address book/contacts into it every year, since I keep getting the same one (in different colors, obvi).

5. Regularly Scheduled Manis/Pedis

I actually like getting my nails done. But all the time? Hell no. I have nail polish, and can buy several more for the price of a manicure at the nail salon. And ya know what? It's much easier to fix when it starts to chip. So there. 

What are you unwilling to pay for?

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"You got a classic kind of crazy

But you know just who you are"

Baby Shower Weekend in VA

Last weekend was spent in VA for my friend A's Birthday and Baby Shower. There were sooo many people and so much food! Here's what I was able to capture:

Making the puri and samosas

"Puri is A dough of flour and salt is either rolled out in a small circle or rolled out and cut out in small circles and deep fried in vegetable oil. While deep frying, it puffs up like a round ball because moisture in the dough changes into steam which expands in all directions." -source

"A samosa is a fried or baked pastry with a savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, lentils, ground lamb, ground beef or ground chicken. Its size and consistency may vary, but typically, it is distinctly triangular. Samosas are often accompanied by chutney. " - source

There was a TON more food, and cake, and brownies (omg...sooo good), but I was too busy eating it to take pics!

Men at work

A's hair is gorgeous

decorations, homemade cookies, and pink punch!

The lovely parents-to-be!

Celebration

Thanks for lending me this, A!

*Baby bump love*

How was your weekend?

I'm The Kind Of Girl Who...

...hates being naked

...only listens to voicemails to get rid of the notification

....prefers summer to any other season

...goes to the beach for sun and sand, but almost never gets in the water

...hates confrontation

...always leaves the bathroom door open when I'm home alone

...resets my alarm clock 3 times before falling asleep. Otherwise I can't sleep. OCD much?

...can't wear socks to bed 

...prefers jeans and a tank/hoodie to dresses/skirts

...usually has buyers remorse when I buy things for myself

...takes selfies but doesn't post them

...sucks at finishing projects (personal ones, not work ones, let's not get all cray)

...has collections: quotes, fortunes from fortune cookies, cards, ornaments, and when I was in middle school I had an expansive rock collection

...has the best intentions, even if they don't always work out

...is really bad at expressing emotions through words- I do it through actions

What kind of girl are you? Link up at Hey, Hollywood!

Weekend Updates

 Thursday:
SNOW DAY! We woke up late, and then RJ made these amazing bacon bowls- bacon, egg, cheese, and sriracha- amazingggg! I swear he can make something out of nothing- definitely a skill I'm trying to pick up! The rest of the day was spent lounging around the apartment, watching the snow and TV, and relaxing.

Friday:

We had a very casual Valentine's Day. We decided not to do gifts, just cards (I'm a sucker for a good card). I was a little upset during the day because I didn't get flowers delivered to work, and RJ kept texting me like "What time do you leave work? (5) Did you leave yet? (5:05- and no), and then I told him when I actually left. I thought maybe he was here and trying to surprise me, but I was wrong. And I got over it by the time I got home. But then RJ came over and was like "I'm sorry I'm late... I was really upset and didn't want you to see me that angry." Apparently he DID order me flowers- my favorite flowers, and the florist just didn't deliver them! I saw a pic of the flowers and the receipt- he had ordered them over a week ago! That alone made me smile from ear to ear. He is getting a refund though, so that's good. Then we ordered Pizza Hut, had a few beers, watched some TV and fell asleep on my air mattress- oops! 

deliciousness

Saturday: 

First off, thank you for your input regarding outfits last week-- I went with the work outfit! 

RJ made reservations at a fancy schmancy restaurant in NYC. I was kind of not too excited to go, since it was snowing... AGAIN. But I pulled myself together because he really put in effort getting these reservations. We decided to head in a little early and have some drinks beforehand. Well, that didn't go over well, and we were already fighty by the time we got to the restaurant. And then the damn tables were so squished together that when I was getting into my seat, my purse accidentally knocked the table next to ours, and spilled the guy's red wine ALL OVER HIS LAP. I was so embarrassed. And annoyed. And then I was just like screw this- we're going home. So we did. ::end scene::

Sunday:

Headed over to RJ's parents house for lunch, and I was able to do my laundry. Then we stopped at his friend's house, and he gave me a brand new North Face fleece for free!!! He said he had bought it for his girlfriend for Christmas, but they broke up before the holiday, and it was just sitting in his closet and he didn't want it there anymore. I don't know why he didn't just return it, as it still has all the tags on it, but I was going to argue! 

After that we went to a bar where his two friends were bartending. I thought it would be more crowded since so many people would be off on Monday, but it was pretty quiet. Which is how I spotted his ex so quickly. Why is it that when you run into people you don't want to see, you look like a disheveled mess? Is that just me? Luckily someone called me, so I had an excuse to go outside. And then I stopped in the bathroom on my way back in and put on some makeup. RJ was like... "did you really just put on makeup because she's here? Why do you care? I'm here with you!" Ok, he had a point... but still. Men just don't get it!

Anyway, stopped off for some food, and then watched The Walking Dead. I still am not caught up, so some things were really confusing, but I kinda love it!

Monday:

I had off, and was originally planning on relaxing all day. I had been looking forward to it all weekend. But my mom called Sunday night and told me that my aunt was really sick, and I should try to get to the hospital. So I did. And then RJ took me out to dinner to make up for Saturday night. I had the most amazing paella EVER. Seriously, so good, and the portions were huge! 

seafood paella

obligatory Valentine's Day pic!

Love Yourself

Whether you love or hate Valentine's Day, it is a day about love, and it's important to remember to love yourself above all. We all have things that we may not love about ourselves, in looks or habits/personality, and sometimes we focus too much on those negative aspects. I know I have been lately. So today, I'm choosing to focus on the things I love about myself, and invite you to do the same!

Physical:
smile
shape of eyes
dimples on my lower back
butt
legs, specifically calves

Personality:
good friend- I will always try to be there for my friends
adventurous- I'll try (almost) anything at least once
spontaneous- at any given time
driven (when I want to be)
eternally optimistic- need to see the bright side of a situation? Ask me- I'll find it for you :-)

What are some things you love about yourself?

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With that said, I made this little playlist of love songs,
because I actually LOVE love!

Whether your with your friends and with a significant other, I hope you have a LOVELY day!

Enjoy! :)

What to Wear: Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I have been scanning magazines, the interwebz, Pinterest, everydamnthing trying to find something appropriate to wear.

Last year was fairly low-key- we spent the actual night eating B1G1 free Qdoba and falling asleep to Battleship, and went to dinner at The South Street Seaport- which I chose. So, I knew what I was getting into. And then we went to a hookah lounge and it was perfect and chill. And I knew what to wear, because I knew what we were doing, and I knew my bf at the time very well.

This year is completely different. First of all, there is a new guy. Secondly, I didn't make the plans. I don't even know what the plans are. In fact, all I was told was that we would be in NYC, there would be dinner at some point, and wear comfortable shoes because we'd be doing some walking.

Which leads me to think: 

Where are we going to dinner? Will it be fancy or low key? How much walking are we talking about here? Is it just dinner or something else? And omg is it going to snow? WTF am I going to wear? 

So I need your help! Which one do you like best???

fancy schmancy

street cute

tis is actual exactly what I will be wearing to work

girly girl... though I would trade out those shoes

cute and casual...

Valentine's Day 2013 by lildesiqua featuring a revlon nail polish

I like this, but it doesn't seem very "festive"...
where's the red or pink?

My absolute fave....unfortunately I do not own any part of this outfit,
and it's way too cold for this level of cuteness.

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?