Weekend(s) Wrap Up

Last weekend was a 3 day weekend but I felt like it flew by.  Saturday my fiancee and I spent the day in Salinas doing various wedding prep things.  I took my fiancee to First Awakenings for brunch since he had never been.  He ordered something that he didn't end up loving but I told him that was just an excuse to come back again.

Sunday we got up early (really early) to go with my mother in law to to church.  After church we went to a brunch place which she loves but I was not crazy about what I ordered.  I was trying to eat somewhat healthy and the oatmeal was just kind of blah.

Sunday afternoon I decided it was time to pamper myself a bit and get a pedicure.  Gossip magazines and foot massages are a good combination!

I spent my extra day off doing chores around the house and getting out my fall decorations.  Details on my decorations coming later in the week but by sliding glass door looked so clean and shiny that I had to take a picture of it.  I wash the inside on a fairly basis but I won't tell you (because it has been so long I can't remember) the last time I took the time to wash the outside of the door.

My short week at work few by and dragged at the same time.  We are in our busiest time of year and I am also on a hiring interview panel so I didn't spend to much time at my desk this week.  The hiring (for the position I am involved in) should finish up this week so hopefully a good chunk of the work that accumulated on my desk will actually get done.

Saturday I drove down to Salinas and had the privilege of attending a bridal shower for my cousin-in-law.  She and my cousin actually got married in July but the shower wasn't held until this weekend.  The shower was a lovely house right near where my parents live so I headed to my parents and my mom and I went to the shower together.  The colorful dress I was thinking about wearing didn't arrive in time so I wore this grey dress that I got a few weeks ago and my big chunky blue necklace. 

We played a fun word game and she got lots of fun presents but I do have to say mine was the best.  I bought her the prettiest and most comfortable little nighty.   I have this nighty not only in the black that I gave to her but also in teal.  If this nighty ever comes out in purple I will be the first one in line to buy it.  Hint to people who know me in real life: This nighty also comes in white and would be perfect for a bride (especially one who already has 2 in size medium). Just saying!

I have lived in mine all summer (and last summer too) and it is just so comfy.  I have washed it I have no idea how many times and it still looks the same as when I bought it.

After the shower my mom and I went to Monterey to continue the search for a wedding dress.  Sadly, I didn't find anything so I am still looking.

Sunday I slept in a bit and then walked to the grocery store to grab a few things while also getting a bit of exercise.  I am all for killing two birds with one stone.  The rest of the day was spend relaxing and doing housework.  Not too glamours, but necessary.  

Stitch Fix #4

Last week I got my 4th Stitch Fix box in the mail.  I opened it and for the first time there was one piece that I immediately without hesitation knew would be going back.  I had pulled out some navy blue old lady leggings.

The pattern seriously looked like it was from someone's 1970's couch.  It was thick stretchy almost brocade fabric.  Not a good look on me.

I had asked for a purple polka dot dress and while they didn't send me one they did try by sending me a purple patterned wrap dress.  I wasn't crazy about this dress so I sent it back.  I know I should look good in wrap dresses on paper but I don't usually like the way they look on me.  I always like they make me look too old and kind of dumpy

I got a black stretchy cardigan thing and while I am all for comfy this wasn't anything special so I didn't keep it.  

This shirt I really thought about keeping.  I love the pattern and the shape of the shirt but the fabric was just a little bit plastic feeling.  It felt like something that was not going to breathe well and I don't like clothing that sticks to me.  If they could just send me this again but in a softer material I will be a happy girl. 

Now onto the good news!  This is the dress I ended up keeping.  I thought it was really cute and I loved the way the back looked.

It is still quite hot here so I know I will get plenty of wear out of this dress before it cools off.  I know I can wear a cardigan with this dress but I would hate to have to cover up the back.

If you want to try Stitch Fix feel free to use my link and try it out.  Happy shopping!

Lasagna Mushrooms

This is a variation on a Skinnytaste recipe because the first time I made it I didn't have the correct ingredients.  That is what you get when you don't follow your own grocery list.

4 portobello mushrooms (the flatter and wider the better)

1/2 a medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup shredded carrots

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

A handful of dry basil

3/4 cup marinera sauce

3/4 cup mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 egg

Preheat the over to 400 degrees

Heat a saucepan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.  Saute the onion, garlic and carrots for about 5 minutes.  When the mixture is mostly cooked add the spinach and cook another minute or two.

While the veggies are cooking mix the parmesan cheese and ricotta cheese, the basil and an egg in a bowl.

When the veggies are done cooking add them to the cheese mixture and stir well.  Scoop out the gills of the mushrooms trying not to break the sides of the mushroom.  Place the mushrooms on a cookie sheet and put a little salt and pepper on them.

Stuff the mushrooms with the mixtures, dividing the filling evenly.  Add a layer of marinara sauce and then top with the mozzarella cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes and then enjoy!

Friday Wrap-Up

Anthropologie was playing with my emotions on Wednesday night.  A while back I had been admiring a pretty blue and white dress and was debating ordering it once it went on sale.

Much to my dismay it sold out before it ever went on sale so no dress for me.  I had almost forgotten about the pretty dress and then while browsing the sale section I saw the dress.  It was on sale and the only size not sold out was medium.  That is my size so I decided it was meant to be and added it to my basket.  It showed in stock but when I went to checkout it said that the dress was not available to ship to my location.  What?!?!  I tried a couple of times and it still wouldn't let me buy it!

I ended up giving up on the dress and just bought the two other dresses I had in my cart and calling it a night.

This dress was just too fun and colorful to pass up and I think that it will do really nice things for my waist.  Hopefully it is as cute as I imagine it to be.  I am hoping it is delivered in time to possibly wear to a bridal shower next weekend but then again I might want to wear the other dress I bought to the shower.  A good problem to have.

This dress is completely outside of my normal style but I am giving it a try.  Not sure if the shape will be flattering or not but I can always return it if it doesn't fit.  

Much to my surprise both of the dresses I ordered a few weeks ago from Anthropolgie I loved and ended up keeping.  I keep forgetting to take pictures of myself in them but maybe I will get to that this weekend.  The grey one is so comfy that I just want to live in it.  The shape is super undefined but the back hangs beautifully and gives it some flair.  

The black one is a little dressier than it looked in the picture but fits well.  It accentuates all the right places and who doesn't need another little black dress. Anthropologie and I have a hit and miss relationship but lately I have been loving their stuff.  A lot of things there are just too expensive for me to justify buying but sometimes when things are on sale they are in my price range.

I did a few other things this week besides online shopping, I promise!  Work has been pretty busy and it added to the busyness that my manager is out of the country on vacation.  I have been interviewing candidates for a position in our department, running our unit in my manager's absence and still trying to do my everyday tasks. I am glad it's Friday is an understatement!

I also made a lasagna in portobello mushrooms which turned our really well.  My fiancee like them so much he asked me to make another batch the next day.  It is a variation on a Skinny Taste recipe so it actually fairly low in calories.

Hope everyone has a great Friday and enjoy your three day weekend!

Disneyland Recap

I have been back for over a week but just now am finally sitting down to recap my fabulous trip to Disneyland.  My sister and I got up at the crack of dawn and hopped on a plane to Orange County.  A good friend of my sister's picked us up at the airport and we were off to the park.

We knew we were only in town for a short time so we didn't even stop at the hotel to drop off our stuff.   I had a new sparkle bow to wear in my hair and lots of sunscreen on so we were ready to have fun.

We were having so much fun that we didn't really take the time to take pictures that day while we were in the park.  I have an extra big curve in my back that makes it hard for me to stand in lines for long periods of time so when Disneyland is especially crowded I have to ride in a wheelchair.  Summer is one of those times!  They had new rules for wheelchair access so it took us a little while to get the hang of it but we made the most of it.

 I had been on Alice in Wonderland the last time I went and they had done some cool technology updates.  I knew Peter Pan had been closed recently for an update so I was hoping they did the same types of things to it that they did to Alice in Wonderland.  We went on Peter Pan and it did not disappoint.  They just added a little technological sparkle without compromising the original ride.

We ate lunch on Main Street at the Carnation Cafe, went on a few more rides and then headed back to the hotel for a little afternoon rest.  We were staying at the Hilton by the convention center and it is just so convenient.  There is a shuttle the drops you off right in front of the hotel so you don't even need to drive to the park if you don't want.

Out our window we had a great view of the back of California Adventure and we could even see the mountains of Disneyland in the distance.  We could also see the pool area out our window.  It was such a short trip that we didn't really have pool time but I am sure I will take advantage of the pool there at some point.  It even had a kid splash zone!

 After our rest we headed back to the park for the evening.  Rode some rides, tried not to kill anyone with my wheelchair and then watched the fireworks.

 We were busy riding rides so we didn't stake out a place on Main Street to watch the fireworks.  We ended up watching them from near It's A Small World and while probably not quite as good as Main Street we still had a pretty good view. I have a special place in my heart for fireworks so I was happy we got to see them.  They were good but not as impressive as I was hoping that 60th anniversary fireworks would be.

Sunday I broke out my Minnie Mouse gear.  New headband and the shirt I bought myself the last time I was in Disneyland.  For some reason this headband did not stay on my head as well as all my other headbands.  I was continually having to reposition it that finally I gave up and added some pins to hold it in place.

We met up with my sister's friend again and spent the day in California Adventure.  My sister is amazing at both Buzz Lightyear and Midway Mania so when you ride with her coming in second is the equivalent of coming in first when riding with anyone else.  As usual she beat us all but didn't brag too much.

Saturday had been warm but Sunday was even warmer so we had to get ice cream before we even though about lunch.  I was too busy eating my giant soft serve cone to even think about taking a picture.

After a final few rides and stop at the store to buy the fiancee many different rice crispy treats we had to head to the airport.  We were sad to leave but after trying to make the most of our short trip we were two tired girls.  Next time I do a fast overnight trip to Disneyland I will make sure I don't have a late night concert the night before going.  I love concerts and I love love Disneyland but having them both on the same weekend was exhausting.  

Favorite Summer Moments

It has been an interesting summer to say the least.  Not exactly the summer I planned but there have been quite a few fun moments regardless.

As you may remember my youngest sister and I bought Country Mega Tickets at the beginning of the summer.  Our tickets included tickets to 8 country concerts and so far we have attended 6 of them.  There are still 2 left to go but the 6 we have been to so far have been some of my summer highlights.

The first concert of the summer was Toby Keith.  My youngest sister was sick that day but my other sister hadn't moved yet so she came along.  This was our first trip of the year to the venue so we misjudged how long it would take to get there.  We missed the at least the first opening act (we may have missed most of the second one too) but we were there in time to get our beers and get seated in time for the main act.  He was good but it wasn't my favorite concert of the summer.

Both of my sisters came up to see Brad Paisley.  We again missed at least the opening act because of the massive line to get into the venue but as you can see we got some beers and were seated in time for the main event.  I have a special place in my heart for Brad Paisley because he sings what is going to become my first dance song for my wedding next year.  It may not have been my favorite concert I have ever seen but it was pretty darn good.  This was the last concert my middle sister was able to come to with us before she went off to med school so that also made it special.

So at the next concert apparently I failed at taking a selfie to prove I was there but this was my favorite concert of the season so far.  My sister and one of her good friends came up and we saw Lady Antebellum.  We had gotten the hang of the timing thing by this point.  We were there on time and had really good (for the lawn) seats.  I had heard Lady Antebellum were amazing live and all those rumors were true!  They were fantastic!

The clouds were really pretty that night so I had to take a picture.  During one of their songs Lady Antebellum had everyone turn the flashlights on their phone on and the result was beautiful.  It looked like little sparkly lights all around me.

Our next concert of the season was Darius Rucker.  He was quite good live and put on a good show but for some reason the weather was just plain cold that night.  I know I have been complaining that overall the weather has been to hot but somehow that night the venue was a wind tunnel making it way too cold.  We left this concert a bit early because we were cold.

Dierks Bentley was next and he was also quite good.  We got there in time to see everyone we wanted to see, got good seats and brought along delicious food to eat. The weather was much more appropriate for this one but did still end up leaving a bit early too.  Not because we were cold, but because we had a really early flight to catch in the morning to Disneyland.  

Saturday night we went to see Luke Bryan at Levi Stadium.  At the beginning of the evening the sun was directly in our eyes hence the fabulous faces we are making.  The rest of our concerts of the year are at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View but this one was at Levi Stadium (the new 49ers stadium) in Santa Clara.  No, you did not hear my wrong the San Francisco 49ers now play in Santa Clara which is a whole hour south of San Francisco.  I had never been in the stadium before but it is located just down the street from where I went to grad school so thought my years in grad school I watched it being build.  When I started it was just an empty lot/an old parking lot but by the time I graduated the stadium was almost done.

Our Mega Tickets are lawn seats so this translated to nosebleed seats at the stadium.  We were so high up that even during the concert most people stayed sitting down for fear of tumbling down.  We were in a section where we had a pretty good direct view of the stage alas the stage was about a mile away.

The stadium is right next to an amusement park so partway though the show the amusement park fireworks went off right behind the stage.  We were so high up that we had a fantastic view of the fireworks.  As usual my wonderful fiancee dropped us off and picked up.  He dropped us off with no problems but him trying to pick us up was a totally different story.  They closed many of the roads around the stadium after the concert so we had to walk forever to get somewhere that he could get to and come get us.  It was not fun late at night but we survived.  

Luke Bryan was also good but Lady Antebellum is still my favorite of the summer so far.  We still have Tim McGraw and Rascal Flats coming up to round out our summer concert series.  I am probably not going to be able to attend this many concerts in one summer again for a while so I am trying to enjoy the freedom while it lasts.

Erika

Friday Update

Well I am still having Disneyland withdrawals but I am making it through my week.  It doesn't help that I am fighting a cold.

I don't know anyone with a cold so I am guessing some child sneezed on me in the airplane on my way home from Disneyland.  I have had a super busy week at work so staying home hasn't been an option.  I am just going to have to fight through the cold and continue to ignore it.  I look like Rudolph the Red Nosed but I am trying to ignore that too.

After a long week I am looking forward to a weekend at home with my handsome fiancee. I am headed to a Luke Bryan concert with my sister Saturday night but other than that I have grand plans to spend my weekend at home getting things done around the house and getting over this pesky cold.

Yesterday I ordered a couple of dresses on sale and I am super excited to try them on.

I am hoping to wear this dress this winter with some tights and boots and wear it with sparkly sandals right now.  The back is super cute too but I know we are heading toward cooler (not cold, this is California) so I may not get to show it off too long.

It is really hard to tell in the picture but this dress has a really cute knot/gathered detail on the front that takes this dress from plain black dress to super fun.  I am thinking it will be really cute with a statement necklace and heels to dress it up or with a cardigan to wear to work.

I was between a medium and a large on the sizing charts for both dresses so I am a little worried I ordered the right size.  Neither dress is particularly tight in the hips so I went with the medium.  Here's hoping.