Friday Five #19

Happy Friday. Get ready for a whole bunch o' random.

But, before I start...I have a request.
Prayers, good thoughts, positive affirmations, whatever your deal is...my younger brother is starting his 2600+ mile thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail this morning. Like legit, he plans to walk from basically Mexico all the way north to Canada. By himself. Yes, we all agree he's crazy.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this gem from the last time he visited.

 {one}

Thank you for all your positive thoughts about my half marathon on Sunday. I feel really good about my goals right now & I can't wait to put my plan into action. I'll be sure to post my recap next week. In the meantime, pray for cool & cloudy on Sunday. :) But not so cloudy that I can't wear my sunglasses. They're my favorite race day accessory.

{two}

There is a mouse in my house. Seriously. The other night I saw something out of the corner of my eye, but thought I was crazy or maybe it was a stink bug, but NOPE, Wednesday night I saw it with my own two eyes. And then panicked. The BF laughed at me, but whatever, I don't see him over here setting traps like a boss (okay, a scared boss who yelps every time she thinks she sees the mouse, but whatever). This creature is crawling around my house. He must be new. I've seen no other mouse signs recently, but still. I want him GONE. Let Operation Mouse Be Gone commence.


via GIPHY

{three}

Pulled pork. I literally just put the pork shoulder in the crockpot, turned it on low for 11-ish hours (AKA the time until I got home from work). It was delicious. I added a little BBQ sauce before I shoveled it in. But honestly, it was so good plain it didn't even need it.

{four}

Yesterday was 'Bring Your Child to Work Day'. Overheard at work, 

"What bunny doesn't have duct tape? They're born that way." & "All deer are Jewish, my Mom told me".

Seems legit. So, I spent yesterday alternating listening to this nonsense & seeing random kids walk around with nicer smart phones than I have.

via GIPHY

{five}

Blink-182 just announced 2016 tour dates. They + All American Rejects + All Time Low will be gracing Pittsburgh with their presence. And I am psyched! I've seen Blink x 2 & they were incredible. Travis Barker continually blows my mind. So, here's a throwback to the first Blink song I remember hearing, when I had the biggest crush on Travis. It was middle school...no ragrets regrets

{bonus}

Because if I call it 6 then it's not Friday Five...so we'll go with bonus. If you missed my post yesterday. I don't care about your wedding, check it out. It was hard to click publish, but I'm so glad I did. And so glad to hear I'm not the only one that feels like this.

Linking up with Mar, Cynthia, Courtney, Heather, Amanda, Andrea, Karli & Amy

I don't care about your wedding...but here's what I do care about

I don't care about your wedding.

There. I said it. I won't take it back. I mean it.

I don't care about your centerpieces, or your venue, or your bridesmaids dress, and I really don't care if I'm in your wedding. Because I don't care about wedding favors, or shower invitations, or who is sitting with whom and at what table. Bridesmaid status or not, it speaks nothing of our friendship & the memories we have shared.

I don't care what your hair looks like, or what your color scheme is, whether you have a wedding website, or a band vs a DJ. I don't care if you have a buffet or sit down dinner, I don't care if you invite your second cousins, and I don't care about your something blue.

I guarantee I won't remember any of these details if asked about them later.

I just don't care.

What do I care about?

I care that you're marrying a man that you love, one that loves you back, and fiercely.

I care how your dress makes you feel. I hope it makes you feel beautiful and special, because you are. This is your day.

I hope your hair makes you feel like a princess and that your bridesmaids, whoever they are (but please not me) make your wedding day a breeze. I hope they handle the chaos so you don't have to. 

I care that you are surrounded by the friends and family who love you most & who can't wait to see you join your life with another.

I care that you can take time to breathe, to celebrate. To look all around & see that this is all for you. That everyone is here to celebrate you, your new husband and your life together. I care that you take a second to drown everything out, all the noise, everyone vying for your attention & take your husband's hand. Take it, look at him & remember this moment.

I care about the great memories I'll have in 10 years about how I danced my face off, to whatever music you decide to play, because I know I'm going to have the best time helping you celebrate.

I care that in 10 years you can still look at this man you've chosen & say you love him.

But centerpieces? I don't give a fuck about centerpieces.

Linking up with A little R&R x Amanda x Twinkly Tuesday 

Good Things to Try

...running a new race

...travelling somewhere new

...making new friends

...leaving behind old friends

...skydiving

What's something that scares you?

2016 Pittsburgh Half Marathon Goals

I'll be running half marathon #8 this weekend, the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I think this will make the 5th time I've run this race? 3rd time I've run this specific distance. The other 2 times I ran the full.

I thought today would be a good time to talk a little bit about my goals for the race, what my plan is for afterwards & reflect a bit on my training cycle.

{Training Cycle}

Not my best work. My long runs were good. I got the miles in on the weekends. I don't run more than 3 days a week, and since about March I just haven't been feelin' it. I cut my speed workouts down to about 0 & just replaced them with regular easy runs. I took 2 x 2 weeks off for 2 separate vacations, and spent the last 2.5 weeks not running at all. Clearly I'm taking the taper pretty seriously. So, I'm not expecting a great finish time. I'm going to set goals in line with my training so as not to set myself up for disappointment. I didn't put in the work, so a PR is unrealistic. Not to mention this is a tough course. A crowded course. And features a long, slow hill, set to kill everyone around mile 11.

Have I convinced you to come to Pittsburgh & run with me yet?

I plan for 2 more runs this week, probably each 2-3 miles in length at an easy, whatever strikes my fancy pace. I'll get some decent walking in Saturday at the expo & use that in lieu of a shakeout run.

{Race Goals}

I'm going to shoot for sub 9:30 pace. I've run all my long runs at 9:30/mile pace, including 2 x 13 mile long runs, so this is attainable. Faster than this? I'll take what I can get. 9:20 is probably attainable, 9:10/mile may be a stretch, but depends on weather. Last year, for my marathoning pleasure, race day was 70+ & 100% sunny after having been in the 30's & 40's just the weekend prior. So, 9:30/mile is my A goal, anything faster than that is a bonus.

My secondary race goal is to work on pacing. I'll start out with the 2:05 pacer, as I have a tendency to start out WAAAAYYYY too fast in races. My goal will be to slowly break away, with a big push around mile 10.5 just before I hit the Birmingham Bridge. Some negative splits for miles 7-13.1, or splits consistent with my first 6 miles would make me one happy camper.

{What's Next}

6+ weddings this summer // fall means lots of weekends that I won't be able to race. I already know the triathlon I had my eye on is out, unless something changes. I'll be looking to find another, something small-ish & local-ish featuring a Sprint distance (if you know of anything, holla). I want to run 3+ 5Ks over May & June, focusing on gaining some speed & running shorter distances. Still have that elusive 25:00 minute mark to officially break in the 5K. Not sure what comes after that. I have a fall half I would love to race, plus Ragnar DC in September.

I've got 5+ LBs of half marathon training weight to lose, so I plan to incorporate some long weekend bike rides, heart pumping circuit workouts & sprint intervals.

I'm also toying with the idea of getting a new FitBit. Mine bit the dust back in April 2015. I really liked the stats it gave me & it truly encouraged me to move more. My work has a rewards point website where I could get the Charge for free.

Anyone have a FitBit Charge? Do you like it?

Do you set goals for every race you run?

Do you have a favorite race outfit?

Linking up with Marcia x Patty x Erika for Tuesdays on the run to share.

Weekend Highlights : Doors of Eastern Europe

I managed to not take a single picture all weekend. And it felt awesome. So, what's that...you said it's okay? You said instead I can intersperse my weekend happenings with pictures of random doors I took on vacation? My dear, simply ask and you shall receive...I present to you...Weekend Highlights, Doors of Eastern Europe Edition.

Ran 6 miles (+2 miles on Friday), which makes for 8 miles run in the last 2.5 weeks. Pittsburgh Half Marathon, here I come.

Saw the BF for the first time since April 3rd & to celebrate he made me post-run french toast. And let me have the last piece of bacon, instead of splitting it 50/50. That's love.

Soaked up the sunshine by walking a 5 mile loop at nearby North Park & saw some seriously interesting people.

Grilled burgers for dinner & hosted our first campfire of the year. I dipped out & went to bed well before people left. 3AM is too late to stay at your friends house. #SorryNotSorry.

Painted 40 wine glasses as wedding shower favors for a friend.

And wished Monday hadn't come so soon.

Linking up with Holly,Tricia & Katie to share.

What was one of your weekend highlights?

How late is too late to stay at a friends house?

What's your favorite thing to cook on the grill?

Friday Five #18

I have no idea what day it is. I got back from my Europe trip (recaps starting next week!) late Tuesday night, showed up to work on Wednesday like a zombie (with a super full email inbox) & it felt like Monday. Thankfully it wasn't. So, now it's Friday. But my brain is still confuzzled.

I'm pretty excited for the weekend. Thanks to sucky schedules it's been 3 weeks since I've seen the BF, despite only being on vacation for 2 weeks. I haven't seen him since I got back, but I'll finally get to tomorrow after my run! For only living 20 minutes apart it's super frustrating to not be able to see each other.

So, let's get into some Friday Five. I'll warn you, it's quite the hodge-podge. Happy Weekend, people.

{one}

 Just say NO to the drama, Mama

There has been some work drama, apparently brewing while I was gone. & let me just say I am staying OUT OF IT. Ain't nobody got time for that. I trust no one. I keep my damn thoughts to myself, as much as I can anyways, and stay out of it.

via GIPHY

{two}

Food Waste

I am oh so proud about how little food I had to throw away prior to leaving for vacation. We're talking like 2 tomatoes. BUT...coming home to a barren fridge & freezer is zero units of fun. I had 2 meals worth of Ramen yesterday before I finally made it to the grocery store today.

{three}

Adulting...

So, I wrote this post last week...on adulting...you can read it here. And then something posessed me to look in the crisper drawers in my fridge last night. Only to find a HUGE Tupperware container filled with 3/4 of a stewed chicken. I cannot even remember the last time I stewed a whole chicken. Maybe during Whole 30, back in January??? But, I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how I could forget about 3/4 of a chicken!? How did I have that much extra food lying around? And were it not one of my favorite Tupperware containers, that would have gone straight in the trash. Instead...I tried not to breathe while I scraped the contents into the trash can & washed it, three times.

via GIPHY

{four}

This article

My friend sent this to me after my flying rant about people I encountered while flying. Umm yup. This guy gets me. Someone ran over my foot with their rolling suitcase once in an airport. Like, are your spacial reasoning skills that bad? The worst part is, the woman didn't even notice.

{five}

Can't get enough of this song. It auto-played on YouTube after another Avicii song I was listening to & then when I was overseas I heard it a time or two. So maybe you've already heard it. I swear. Pittsburgh is always 3 months+ behind on new music.

Be honest, have you ever just thrown out Tupperware so you wouldn't have to wash it?

What are you most excited for this weekend?

Random : Do you like sprinkles on your donuts? -- I prefer mine without, but hey, a donut is a donut.

Linking up with Mar, Cynthia, Courtney, Heather, Happy Fit Mama, Amanda, GraceandLoveBlog, Erika, Andrea, Karli & Amy

5 People you Meet on an Airplane

While I never sleep that well on long overnight flights, I'm always too hot, too cold, or too something. I think I prefer them than long daytime flights. On my way to Europe I had a long overnight flight that I passed by half sleeping, half watching movies & half eating & before I knew it, we had landed.

My return flight left at 1PM local time, which meant I was wide awake for the whole 9 hours, which included 3 movies, 1 bad TV show, 2 meals, 2 snacks, 8 beverage services & LOTS of people watching.

I discovered there are 5 types of people on EVERY airplane. And if you don't remember seeing one of these people on your last flight, news flash, it's because you're that person. I'm linking up with Amanda today to share.

Any types of people I missed? Chime in down below in the comments!

1. The Talker

This person wants to chat. They want to tell you their life story, or all about their vacation & maybe even show you pictures. Headphones do not seem to deter them, nor do comments about going to sleep or lack of engagement in their stories.

Entertaining when this person is sitting within earshot.

Awful when they're your seat mate.

2. The Bathroom Goer
This person always has a middle or window seat. Never an aisle. And seems to have no bladder control. On our 9 hour flight, one woman used the bathroom 8 times that I counted. How does anyone live if they have to seek out a bathroom every hour? What, did she have a coffee drip set up?

3. The Sick-ie
This person is coughing, or sneezing, or sniffling, or all three. And the only thing I can then spend my 9 hour flight thinking about is their germs spewing into the air that we are all now going to recirculate until we land. Maybe airport security should be less concerned with half full bottles of water & more concerned with these bio-hazards who expose everyone else to their disease.

Source

4. The Overpacker
This person who took carry-on + 1 personal item to mean 2 duffel bags + a small purse & then spends an extra 5 minutes wriggling their way through the aisles & even more time figuring out how to shove their shit into the overhead bins.

Bonus : This person will then take additional time to disembark the plane & probably packed so heavy she will need help getting her bags out of the overhead bins.

She is always sitting directly in front of you & therefore will delay you.

| Side Note | She also checked a bag. And will be gone for less than a week.

Source

5. The Mover & Shaker
Now, one of these is sitting behind you & pulls on your seat EVERY TIME they get up to go to the bathroom or adjust themselves. Have these people never used their ab muscles?! Or is under the age of 5 & finds seat kicking rather enjoyable. Is it better than the kid sobbing the entire flight? I really don't know.

One is sitting in front of you & continues to recline their seat, making it impossible for you to enjoy your "Complimentary Entertainment" selections & use your tray table normally. They also probably have a pillow or a blanket awkwardly invading your personal space as if their reclined seat wasn't doing a good enough job already.

What's your least favorite type of person to sit next to on the plane?

Aisle seat or Window seat? -- I know no one would pick a middle.

Question : Do you guys like travel recaps? Like something I did with my New Zealand trip? Or maybe something like a travel guide? Where to eat // sleep & what to do for different areas? Or do you not care at all?

| Side Note | One way or another I'm posting trip pictures ;)

Becoming an Early Riser : 5 Tips to make you one too

I get comments all the time from co-workers about how dedicated I must be to go to the gym each morning before work. That they wish they could, but they can't get up that early. Wanna know secret? I'm not a morning person. I would say at least 3 days a week I fight the urge to hit the snooze button, at least twice. Or, sometimes I do hit it. But I get out of bed. How? It's not always easy, but here are the 5 tips that have helped me.

1. Get out of bed
No, seriously. I know you're thinking "that's not a tip". Okay, maybe it's not. But, get out of bed & see if by golly, turning on a light or two & walking around doesn't make you more awake already.

2. Prep ahead of time
I pack my gym bag the night before, I lay out my planned workout outfit, & I gather all of my food together in the fridge. ALL I have to do in the morning is brush my teeth, get dressed & grab my things. I'm out the door & ready to workout.

3. Be consistent
While my week day wake-up call is usually 6AM, even when I "sleep in" I'm up by 8AM. This makes my transition back to Monday mornings that much easier. Spend your Sunday sleeping in until 10 or 11AM & you'll never get back up early. Not only do I make a practice of 5 day a week early wakeups but, soon enough, 8AM really will feel luxurious.

4. Remember the benefits
I'm not a morning person. I never have been. I have come, however, to appreciate how much I can get done if I start early.

Those hours before my phone is blowing up, those hours before people are vying for my attention & those hours when the rest of the world is still fairly quiet. I get a lot done. Most days that means a workout. Some days that may mean grocery shopping or quiet time to reflect on the week.

I spend the rest of the day more energetic & get more done overall. And somehow, waking up earlier, in time for a workout, seems to mean less cups of coffee that I NEED to function. Doesn't mean I still don't drink my fair share. But it's more because the office is freezing & less because my brain needs it.

5. Drink water
Sleep dehydrates you. I mean think about it. When else do you go 8 hours without drinking any water? I grab a cold glass of water first thing in the morning before I brush my teeth. The cold water wakes me up & helps me get hydrated.

What are your tips for getting out of bed early in the morning?

Are you a naturally early riser?

I'm linking up with Deb for her Wednesday Word : Energetic.

Weekend Highlights : Ciao

"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us". 

I'm linking up with Holly&Tricia as I share my weekend highlights. 

Saturday was spent roaming the weekend markets & narrow streets in Ljubljana, Slovenia. 

And biking around the lake in Bled, Slovenia. 

Sunday was spent getting lost in Venice, Italy. Drinking "spritz's", the local drink. 

On Tuesday an airport bound water taxi will be calling my name. But until then, you can find me claiming I know my way back to the hotel. And stopping for a spritz when I find out I was wrong. 

Have you ever been to Venice?

Anything I absolutely must see or eat?

What's your favorite gelato flavor?

Friday Five #17

Given that I'm off adventuring I thought today would be a great day to share my travel bucket list. The long version is, I want to go everywhere. The short version is, I guess I could narrow it down, if I HAD to. I've narrowed it down to my top 5. The places high on my bucket list to tackle in the next few years. One big trip a year & I can come close to hitting them all by the time I'm 30.

In no particular order, because honestly, when it really comes down to it, I look at cost & time of year I'm able to travel. I don't want to head somewhere in the dead of winter if that's going to prevent me from doing the things I want to do. Nor am I going to blow my budget & sacrifice my ability to take a trip the next year. So, here we go.

1. Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile (Patagonia Region)

I want to hike the "W" the famous route that hikes a vague W shape through the park. It's a several day trek. But these views? Worth it.

Photo : Illusion Wanderer

Source : Instagram @ carmenlopez_m

2. Machu Picchu

I would love to hike the Inca Trail & really earn my views. Cusco, a nearby town, an a UNESCO World Heritage site is also on my list while I'm there.

Photo : Anna Stowe Travel // Almay

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

I want to see the whole country, but the capital city seems like a good place to start. Iceland hosts a geothermal spa (The Blue Lagoon) & a great place to see the Northern Lights.

Photo : Coolbiere

Photo : Elsie Larson

4. Switzerland 

Interlaken, Lucerne, the Alps. I want to see it all. And hike everywhere. And then stay in a fancy chalet & curl up by a fireplace drinking good Swiss hot chocolate. Is that too much to ask?

Photo : Andrea Visca

Source : PinPopulars

5. Thailand

Every time I see a photo like this it makes me want to hop on a plane. This water, the boats, the knowledge that floating markets are a thing in Thailand.

Photo : Getty, source




Photo : Incredible Pictures



What's at the top of your travel bucket list?
Do you like a relaxing vacation or do you like to do it all?
Ever been to any of these places?

Croatia : A Taste of the Istran Peninsula

Hi Friends. Today has been such fun so far and I am enjoying traveling alone. I visited the Istran Peninsula, the cities of Pula and Ravinj. 

Pula boasts what was once the 6th largest Roman amphitheater. 

I visisted the farmers market in Pula as well as a few bakeries. Apparently I can pass for Croatian. I was asked for a lighter by one gentleman and for directions by an American couple attempting to ask me in Croatian. I told them they really didn't want directions from me. 

Next was Ravinj. Formerly part of the Venetian empire. 

Advice for new runners : What I wish I had known 6 years ago

I started running, really running, in 2010. Before that, running was always the torture mechanism used by rowing coaches to "make us better". I had dealt with a stress fracture in my left foot in 2009, one that came about when I was forced to run, and went from 0 miles to all the miles in a matter of a week or so.

So what got me started in 2010? I left the rowing team. I left my Division 1 scholarship, I left the thing that had brought me to Pittsburgh & the one thing I had been sure about when I picked my college. It wasn't right for me anymore. But, I couldn't go from 4AM wakeup calls & regattas on the weekends to sitting on my couch watching Teen Mom  TV with my roommates (don't judge me). I needed something. I picked the "easiest" sport I could think of. The one for which I already had the equipment. The one that didn't require joining a team, the one sport that I could do literally anywhere. I started running.

I've been running now for 6 years. 3 marathons. 7, soon to be 8 half marathons, one 10K, 2 x 5Ks, 2 x Ragnar Relays and more training miles than I could ever tally. I've run slow, I've run fast, I've run because I was mad & I've run because I was happy. 

6 years & countless miles have taught me a few things along the way. I've also learned that no matter how long I've been running, there will always be more to learn. So, new runners, here are my words of wisdom for you. The things I wish someone had grabbed me & told me when I started running.

Linking up with Marcia x Patty x Erika for Tuesdays on the run to share.

1. There's no official pace or distance you need to be a "real runner"
A mile is a mile is a mile. Doesn't matter how long it takes you to run it. Doesn't matter if you run 1 mile or 10 miles. You are still a runner! And you are a REAL RUNNER. I have been the one to discount myself before, "Oh, I only ran 6 miles this morning", but once, I heard another runner doing it & I realized how it sounded. Like I thought I wasn't good enough. But I am. How many people sit on their couch, never taking a step, never even trying. You are,  you did. So you are a runner.

2. Go get a really good sports bra, now. Be prepared to drop $50
Seriously. My A-Cup ladies can probably get away with a mediocre Target sports bra. No one else can. Without a good sports bra boobs will just be flying everywhere. Now do that for 5, 10 or 15 miles. They will hurt. Ain't nobody got time for that.

3. Then go get fitted for running shoes. Be prepared to drop $100+
Yes, shoes are expensive. But if you would drop 100+ on a pair of heels why would you second guess doing it on a pair of running shoes. Everyone runs different. Go find someone knowledgeable at a running store who can watch you run & determine what type of shoe you need. Sorry, the high school kid at Dick's probably does not know if you need a neutral shoe or not by looking at you. Go local, go to a running store.

4. You don't have to race to be a runner
I love to run races. It keeps me motivated. But if you don't like them, then don't run them. You're still a runner. What makes me a runner isn't the 5K or the half marathon I complete a few times a year, it's all the miles I put in leading up to those races.

5. Stretching is mandatory
I spent the first 5 years of my running career not stretching. What a terrible mistake. Don't be like me. Stretch, yoga, foam roll, repeat.

6. You don't need anything fancy
Lulu is nice & all, but my running shorts from TJ Maxx work just fine too. You don't have to drop big bucks, except on a sports bra & shoes, to be a runner. While things like wireless headphones & GPS watches are nice, they're not necessities. Socks, shirt, shorts, shoes, bra. 5 things you need to go running. FIVE.

7. Get outside
I spent months running on the treadmill because I didn't want to get lost, or get too far from home & be tired. Or whatever my excuse was. Treadmills suck. They're a great tool when you NEED them. But I prefer to run outside. If I get lost, oh well, I'll retrace my steps. If I get tired, I'll stop & take a break, or start walking. I get to explore places I never knew existed in my own city & on my own two feet. It really is a great feeling.

What advice do you have for new runners?

How long have you been running?

If you are a racer, what's your favorite distance to race?

 Tell it to me Tuesdays x Twinkly Tuesday x Turn it up Tuesday x Marcia x Patty x Erika

A Little R&R x Sew Crafty

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Round-Up

Tomorrow is National Grilled Cheese Day. A fantastic day in my book. Thoughts of grilled cheese take me way back, my Mom made them perfectly, my Dad always managed to burn them, but I always managed to scarf them down. During college, living off campus, I used to get fancy by using cheese that wasn't Kraft Singles, but now that I'm a real grown-up there are so many takes on the childhood classic grilled cheese. It only seemed fair to round a few of them up here for you in case you too want to celebrate tomorrow!

Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese by Recipe Girl

Swiss & Pepperjack Avocado Grilled Cheese by Danielle's Kitchen

Havarti & Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich by A Whisk & Two Wands

Greek Haloumi & Mint Summer Salad by Wander Cooks

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese by Life Ambrosia

What's your favorite grown-up take on grilled cheese?

Friday Five #16

Happy Friday, you made it! Honestly my "weekend" started a little early, with a half day of work yesterday before I hopped on a plane to Europe! EEK!

So, as you're reading this, I am either A. On a plane or B. Just hopped off the plane & am trying to figure out the time change. But...just because I'm off vacationing doesn't mean The Acquired Sass is...I've got some exciting posts that will go live next week, including a grilled cheese recipe round-up (did you know National Grilled Cheese Day is April 12th???) & some of the things I wish I had known 6 years ago when I started running. I'll be back soon, but may be a little slow responding in the meantime. Forgive me, I'll bring you a souvenir. :)

Anyways, on to some Friday Five...

{one}

Me...walking out of work yesterday.

via GIPHY

{two}

Some new tunes I'm digging this week...

And my newest & guiltiest of pleasures, Flynt Flossy...watch the music video for maximum laughs. And then know that I would love to dance like this guy. #IMeanThat

Also not sure if this guy is a total joke, totally serious, or a mix of both.

{three}

Work always seems to bring out the worst in people.

{four}

How those born after the year 2000 will be learning history...

{five}

[source : Instagram @ hilarioushumanitarian]

And a bonus, to tell you to go check out my Adulting 101 post that went live yesterday.

Because sometimes we all need a reminder that we're not as bad at adulting as it seems.

Adulting 101 : How to adult when you don't feel qualified

 Ever have those days where you fail at something, even a tiny little inconsequential thing & all of a sudden you question how ANYONE could consider you an adult? Yeah. Been there. Like, pretty much this whole week so far.

My house ran out of dish soap & hand soap, because we had been using dish soap as hand soap, so, is it safe to wash my dishes with shampoo? Or is body wash a better choice? Head & Shoulders vs Mango Pomegranate Body Scrub...opinions anyone?

When I was 22 I laughed this stuff off. Of course I'm not an adult. I'm 22. But as I got a few years older I started to feel like I should have it together. Like these moments that I'm not adulty enough should go away, or be few & far between. & instead, they seem to happen just as often. Though I've gotten some of the basics down.

Sometimes, you just need a reminder that you, yes, YOU, are adulting just as well as anybody else. So, read on, see if you too, are adulting well & hold your head high, for you my friend, are an adult!

1. The clothes you decided to wear today passed the sniff test

2. You are employed
Dream job or not. Errybody needs $$$.

3. You arrived to your employment on time
Eh. Within a 10 minute window or so. Good enough.

4. Your residence currently has electricity
This means you (or maybe someone else) paid the bill last month & they haven't shut your power off.

5. You've eaten today (unless you're reading this super early)
Takeout, homemade, chips & guac, stale (but free) bagel you found at work. Whatever. Are you fed? Two thumbs up for basic adulting.

Please tell me you all have a plastic bag full of plastic bags at home.

That you never seem to use so it just keeps multiplying...

6. Your house has toilet paper
Yup. Pretty much speaks for itself. Can't live without it.

7. Your debit // credit card was not declined today
You have at least enough $$$ to cover whatever you were trying to buy. Maybe it was your takeout from #5 to keep yourself fed.

8. Your sink is not full of dirty dishes 

9. You put on a bra for work today

Tell me about some adulting you did today.

Anyone still failing at adulting on occasion?

Currently : April

March has always been one of my favorite months. Perhaps because it holds my birthday. I gotta say though. April is up there. It usually holds some perfect spring days & it's always such a welcome respite from what is typically cold, dreary winter weather. Guess that's what I get for writing this a few days ahead of schedule. It's snowed here 2 of the last 3 days. Mother Nature is drunk. In general the winter was mild here, but from the sounds of it, winter cut everybody a break this year. But I'm still psyched for April the snow to stop.

I have another vacation planned for April. I'll be jetting off to Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro & a jaunt to Venice, Italy soon. I absolutely cannot wait, and if anybody has must-sees, PLEASE, leave them in the comments, email me or send them by carrier pigeon. I would love recommendations for food, sights, anything!

But, today, today, is my currently post. That post where each month I link up with Anne & Jenna to talk about a few things I'm up to this month.

{making}

Enchiladas! I tried them for the first time a few weekends ago in Michigan & have been dreaming of all the different combinations since. One of my spring bucket list items was to have some friends over for a dinner party. I planned to make two pans of enchiladas. One using a traditional red sauce, the other using a salsa verde. The dinner party was a bust last weekend, but it didn't stop my from making my enchilada dreams come true. YUM. Friends o' mine, you're missing out.

{wishlisting}

I've got nothing. Honestly. It's hard to want things if you don't go shopping or look around for things on the Internet. I got two 'big' items off my wishlist for my birthday. A new Vera Bradley ID case, since mine from 2012 finally had a hole in it, I scored my new one for $5.82 + free shipping. Apparently I'm a pretty cheap birthday girl to have around. I also got a hard sided case for the new sunglasses I bought myself before our trip to New Zealand. 

{cleaning}

My car needs some serious love. I do NOT know how I am not bald by now. But my hair seems to find it's way to the floor of my car, no matter what I do. I sweep it out fairly regularly & it doesn't seem to make any difference. So, a deep cleaning it is!

{posting}

I posted some facts about me & life lessons in celebration of my 26th birthday 2 weeks ago. I also posted what I plan to make into a mini series called "Back to Basics". So many times I feel like I see blog posts that are super specific to meal planning let's say. It's nice that this blogger put so much effort in, but because the post was so specific, it's not relevant to me. Like, "Two week whole foods meal plan for a family of 5". Umm. Okay. By talking about the basics I feel like I'll be able to publish steps that anyone reading can take and apply to their life. 

Potential topics in the works right now : How I save 50%+ of my income, Meal Planning // Prep, Building a Routine that works.

^whadda ya think? Does this interest you? Any other topics you would like to see!?

{tasting}

One of the things on my Springtime Bucket List was to perfect my Mint Julep & Mojito making skills. So, clearly, I have got some work to do. Somebody is going to have to taste test it all. For this, I will sacrifice.

Here are a few unique twists I'm planning to try...

Sweet Tea Julep from Spicy Southern Kitchen

Cherry Limeade Julep from Cooks with Cocktails

Mixed Berry Mojito from Nutmeg Nanny

What's new in your world?

What's your favorite cocktail?

What's something on your wishlist?