Houston Recap: Deux

So if you missed the first part of this recap you can catch up here!!

 

Ok now that you're all caught up, let's pick up where we left off.

 

Saturday was a hectic morning. I dropped some clothes off to get alterations on and had to run around picking them up. After running all the crazy errands, we headed to my aunts house to get ready for the evening festivies. Now in the Indian culture, there really is no proposal which states you get engaged, instead the families come together and acknowledge the relationship and that's that..the wedding follows. Well while A's grandparents were in town, his mom wanted us to get engaged...since that didn't happen with the ring and all she decided to have a little Indian ceremony which symbolizes the union basically. The jist of it went like this, we come bearing gifts and sweets to his house. Then we do a little prayer before everyone feeds us said sweets and we take pictures with each and every family, along with getting presents (in the form on $$$). I didn't mind this part because we got quite a bit and put it all in a joint bank account to help pay for wedding expenses. After that was over, we were basically done so the men went to watch TV and drink while the ladies got dinner ready. We ate and lived happily ever after. I didn't take many pictures during the actual event (there were many many photographers snapping away so once I get a hold of them I'll be sure to do a post on it), but here are some before the celebration.

 

 

I really enjoyed being able to spend time with his family and bonding with this cousins since they will all become my family soon enough!

 

Sunday was my boo's birthday and we spent the day celebrating by doing what we do best, eating and shopping! We had lunch at his favorite restaurant ever, London Sizzler (seriously the best chicken kabobs I've ever had). As we were leaving, the rain was torrential and we had to hide out under the shopping plaza until it slowed down a little. Houston rain is no joke y'all. After we fought the rain as best as we could, we headed to the Galleria. It was packed and super busy, but I had fun window shopping at Neiman Marcus. The rest of the evening we spent with his parents having dinner at home and watching Nightcrawler at home.

 

Monday we were supposed to be in Galveston, but thanks to the crazy rain we decided not to go. Instead I made A take me to the Houston Premium Outlets. I seriously did a ton of damage there, but picked up some really great stuff. I got a casual tee from Express factory outlet, coral shorts from Calvin Klein, and my favorite purchase (well actually gift)...

 

 

...my very first David Yurman ring!!! I had been wanting one for a while and when I was browsing through, A pointed one out that he really liked and when I tried it on, I loved it so he bought it for me. What a sweetheart buying me gifts during his birthday week, definitely a keeper! We spent the better part of the day shopping, but later we went home to freshen up for dinner. We went back to Memorial City Center for dinner and drinks at Yardhouse with a few of his friends. One of his friends is getting married this year during Thanksgiving weekend and we had fun chatting about all the planning, can't wait for their wedding!!

 

Tuesday was the dreaded day...the day I headed back to Chicago. Luckily I had half the day in Houston so we spent it together just hanging out at home. Before the airport we stopped by his families houses' to say goodbye. We grabbed a bite to eat before getting to the airport. We always like to hang out for as long as possible (judging by the security line) before we have to go. This was seriously the hardest goodbye we've had thus far. This was the longest time we've spent together (8 whole days) and emotions were running high during all 8 days. When we hugged goodbye, I couldn't help myself and tears just started flowing like crazy....yes I was that girl. Note to self: bring kleenex. We knew it wouldn't be long until we saw each other again, but the thought of having to go back to normalcy after an amazing time spent together was devastating. After I finally got my act together I kissed my babe goodbye and headed towards security. Not sure why my hormones were out of whack, but as I was walking to the Starbucks and got in line...tears started welling up again.

 

 

I got my soy chai latte and jetted back to Chicago, leaving my heart in Houston <3 .="" p="">

 

Sorry for the super long and wordy post, but if you made it to the end HIGH FIVE!!!

Linking up with Biana for weekending!

Houston Recap: Uno

Happy happy Friday!! I have missed posting and feel like I have so much to catch you all up on and being away for a week really messes you up on adjusting back to normal. Let me just say, this was hands down my favorite trip, even though the weather prevented us from going away anywhere, it was perfect and couldn't have asked for a better trip! Warning this will be a picture heavy post, but I'm going to split the recap up into 2 posts.

I flew into Houston on Tuesday evening and was picked up by my adorable boyfriend. We then hightailed it to Chuy's where I had an amazing enchilada and chatted with his cousin, who is the sweetest person like ever! I wish I was more awake to enjoy a drink, but I was exhausted from traveling. Afterwards we called it a night and headed home.

Absolute travel necessities, and I was thrilled there was no line for Garrett's popcorn!!!

Shameless airport selfie...at least it was in the United Club where nobody was using the bathroom

My future home <3 td="">

 

Isn't Houston beautiful to fly into? Looks almost like a tropical island!

 

Wednesday I spent with my parents, sister, cousin and aunt. We headed out to shop and boy oh boy did we do some damage on daddy's credit card...what he offered, I wasn't going to turn it down! I bought a TON of new indian outfits for all the upcoming weddings this year and even found my reception dress!! I love it and feel like a princess in it, can't wait to show it off to the world next July, sorry you'll have to wait until then, but stay tuned! That evening everyone went A's aunt and uncles house to meet for the first time...ever! I was scared this was going to be awkward and nobody would talk, but put a bunch of indians in a room and they can't stop talking! Everyone got along so well and we were both relieved!

Thursday I met up A for a lunch date since he was working. We ate Panera and grabbed the most delicious and cutest cupcakes ever from Gigi's cupcakes! I didn't think I could do the full size cupcake, so the mini's were perfect, plus there was plenty to share!

Vanilla, strawberry, red velvet, & chocolate...delish!

 

 Afterwards, I met my sister and cousin up for some shopping at the local mall and caught site of gorgeous palm trees and walked into Zales only to walk out finding the exact ring that I want!!! I was so so excited to take A back there later to show him the ring and he absolutely loved it!! I know he is still shopping around and hopefully proposing soon so that is really exciting for me, but incase he does get that ring I don't want to share the pic quite yet...soon my friends, soon!

Seriously?! I can't wait to call Houston my home next year!!!

That evening A and I went on a date near Highland Village to his favorite Chinese restaurant, Ambassador. The food was super delicious, but my favorite part was definitely the travel themed fortune cookies we both got!

 

Afterwards we went to check out a local wine bar, Sonoma. It was seriously the cutest spot and perfect weather for sitting outdoors. I got an amazing dessert wine along with some earl gray cheese!!

 

The menus were made of cork...how cute!

Handsome BF and I (humidity was NOT my friend this trip!)

 

Friday was spent hanging out around the house since the weather was on and off during the day, luckily the rain warded off by the evening and A and I were able to enjoy a super romantic date night. We went to Memorial City Center (seriously the cutest little area with amazing restaurants and shops I wish we came earlier to check out. We had reservations at The Tasting Room which had awesome brick oven pizzas that we shared along with wine!

 

 

After we headed to Strait's for a drink before our movie later that night. The drinks were so strong I barely got through my Sapphire Mule...note to self, stick to Moscow Mules from now on. We then headed to Studio Movie Grill to watch The Longest Ride. The movie was definitely my pick and he was a sport and was ok with the movie choice, but man did I do bad. The movie wasn't the worst, but it definitely isn't making it anywhere near my watch again movie list. Scott Eastwood is hot, but he can't act and Britt Robinson or whatever her name is was just way too young and immature for this role. Besides pretty faces, there was some pretty bad acting. I was really looking forward to this one, but was sadly disappointed. At least we got a cute date night out of it, that's all that matters.

 

Tune back next week for the rest of my trip recap, but I'll leave you with the cutest picture of my future hubs...we are seriously going to have the most adorable babies y'all!

 

 

 

What's in my (carry on) bag

So as I've mentioned my trip to Houston like 5,436 times by now to say I'm excited is an understatement. It's finally going to be warm weather and hopefully some sunshine for a week straight, plus some quality time with my love A and meeting his extended family and friends.

 

Today I wanted to share what I'm packing in my carry on luggage. This is mostly just a clothes post although I have other various things like gifts for his parents, gifts for A (it's his birthday while I'm out there) and other little misc items.

 

 

 

 

Since it's 80 degrees in Houston this time of year, I oped to go mostly summery with a few jean options just for a night out or something. I picked 6 versatile and comfortable tops that can easily be mixed and matched with the bottoms I've chosen along with 2 nicer blouse tops. As far as bottoms, I chose 2 pairs of shorts (one denim, one colored) and a pair of jeans that could be dressed up or down.

 

In my travel plans, we are thinking of heading to Galveston for a few days (weather permitting, cross your fingers y'all). So I'm bringing along my cute new swimsuit from Target along with this comfy kimono I picked up last summer from T.J. Maxx...it's the perfect cover up while laying pool or beach side.

 

I of course have my more comfier clothes like my PJ's obviously along with my Lululemon crops and a loose tank in case I go for a run or something while I'm there. These adorable PJ shorts are from Aerie last summer and they were less than $10 along with being cute, they are silkier material which is perfect and light for hot summer nights.

Finally I have my favorite clothing item for the spring/summer, dresses!! I recently bought a ton of new dresses for all the upcoming trips and events I have and love each of them. The pink/red/white floral dress is from Old Navy and if you go soon, I believe all dresses are 40% off which brings them to less than $20! The middle dress is my absolute favorite, I picked it up from Tobi during their 50% off sitewide sale. I love how this dress can easily be dressed up with a pair of heels, or worn more casually with cute sandals. The final floral dress is also a Tobi find and believe it or not, it was only $8 on clearance!! This is another fun versatile dress, but the material definitely makes it fun to wear in the summer.

What do you typically pack, clothes wise, for a spring/summer trip?

Strawberry/Banana/Peanut Butter Smoothie

Hey friends! So today I'll be on a plane heading to see my babe, but I wanted to pop by and share a fun smoothie recipe I discovered on Pinterest and had to make. I absolutely love substituting smoothies in for snacks or even lunch meals because they can be super filling along with being healthy!

 

Linking up with Emily & Kate for recipe swap Tuesday!

 

 

 

Strawberry Banana & Peanut Butter Smoothie:

 

 

Ingredients:

 

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 banana

1/3 cup oats

1 tsp. honey

1 tbsp peanut butter

1/2 cup almond milk

handful of ice cubes

 

 

Directions:

 

Add all ingredients to a blender until blended.

Stick a straw in it and enjoy!

 

 

This was seriously SOO yummy and really filling, I had it about 1:00 in the afternoon and didn't eat dinner until about 8:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Easter Weekend Recap

Good morning friends! I know yet another Monday has dawned upon us, but weirdly enough I bounced right out of bed today and I'm not even grumpy even though I haven't had a single drop of coffee. I'll blame it on the fact that today is the only day I have to work until next Wednesday (insert hallelujah emoji here). I haven't had a proper vacation/time off at work since starting this new job and am really looking forward to it. Although I wish I was going to some fun beach or tropical island, I guess Houston will just have to suffice. I'm still holding out hope that Galveston is still in the plans even though the weather looks doubtful so far, fingers crossed!

 

This past weekend was pretty chill for the most part. I did a ton of packing and re-packing, definitely some over-packing, but all is good. I'm counting down the hours until tomorrow afternoon when I'll be at the airport heading on a plane. I'm strange in the sense that I actually really enjoy the whole travel thing, including the whole airport spiel. I actually think of it more like a game, like how quickly can I possibly get through security and finding the nearest Starbucks (that part isn't hard because there is quite literally 50 billion Starbucks at O'Hare airport...fact). Also I'm that loser that always picks the window seat so I can watch us take off and land...like I get a flutter in my stomach when this happens...I'm weird I get it.

 

Anywho, now that I've thoroughly made myself out to be a weirdo, let's get onto recapping the weekend.

 

Saturday

 

 

I went to the nail salon with my mom and sister to get our mani/pedi on. I went with a fun light pink color for my nails and did a hot pink on my toes (I'll spare you a picture of my toes).

 

 

Later that day I headed to the mall with my sister and while browsing Nordies, I came across this hilarious shirt and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't get this. Anyone that knows me knows I totally overuse the phrase Bye Felicia...to the point where my phone knows when I type in bye....Felicia automagically appears.

 

 

Sunday

 

 

Obligatory Easter selfie. The sunshine was absolutely perfect yesterday and I was soaking it all in!

 

I was absolutely stuffed after brunch and almost forgot to take a picture of my food, but eggs, potatoes and pancakes...does it get any better than that?? Well strawberry mimosas, that's how it get's better. My only problem was that there was a ton of pulp in it so it made the mimosa less enjoyable, but it was delicious nonetheless.

 

 

We used a lamp post to serve as our picture taker...thank goodness for timers and patient friends who take 20 takes to get the right shot!

 

 

How was everyone's weekends? Linking up with the beautiful Biana who just came back from Puerto Rico and probably has a gorgeous tan, read her recap...I'm sure you won't regret it, but you may be jealous of all the beautiful pictures she took!!

 

 

Good Friday Vibes

Happy Good Friday folks. If you're like most lucky Americans and are off today, consider yourself lucky. I've gotta work today unfortunately, but at least traffic was super light.

 

This week has been pretty relaxing for the most part, I definitely need a week off and cannot wait until Tuesday gets here, safe to say I'm actually excited for Monday to get here because that means one day closer to Houston and seeing A!! Today I'm linking up with the always beautiful, Amanda!!

 

 

I was sitting at the kitchen table making cupcakes with my sister and caught a glimpse of my wet hair with the sun shining on it and took a pic, I love all the different colors that are peeking out now that I added highlights to my color. I wish my hair would stay this curly after it dried, but unfortunately it turns into a frizzy mess about 10 mins later.

 

 

Here is said cupcakes that I was making in the above picture. My sister had a hawaiian themed retirement party at work and decided to try a Pinterest technique with the little tropical drink toppers. They were honestly easier than I thought to make, all it involves is whopper malt balls, flower sprinkles in diff tropical colors, Twizzlers pull and peel, and some melted white chocolate. We then put some fun light blue icing to look like water and stuck an umbrella in to finish the look. The end result looked very festive and although time consuming, well worth it.

 

 

My beautiful pink tulips from Trader Joe's have been blooming like crazy and definitely brighten up the house with the color!! I can't wait to pick up more blooms from TJ's in the coming weeks!!

 

 

I had a much needed, long awaited massage at the spa this week and boy was it awesome. The massage therapist told me I had a ton of knots and suggested I come back on a regular basis. I'm not sure how likely it'll be with my crazy work schedule getting even crazier, but I definitely enjoyed the me time it allowed.

 

 

Our love affair with Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence in text form...this is one of the reasons why I'm in love with this guy.

 

 

I'm thinking this is my airport look, but wanted to get some feedback. We are heading to dinner and meeting up A's cousin so I wanted to still look put together, but be comfortable as well. I think throwing some sandals in with this look would work best, thoughts?!

 

 

If you're on Instagram, then you've probably seen this floating around thanks to the awesome blogger Helene. At first I honestly didn't think I was going to participate because I didn't think I'd have pictures, they wouldn't be as cool as the other kids, you know normal reasons not to do something. But then I realized it was actually inspiring me and I had fun thinking up and taking pictures. So far, here are my first 2 days of pictures for this fun challenge.

 

Also, if you want to join in on the fun you still can! There are no rules and this is supposed to be a fun way to interact on one of the most widely used social media platforms, pick and choose the days you want to take pictures...just make sure to #30PhotosInBetween :).

 

1. These are a few of my favorite things

Kate Spade sunnies
R & E Avenue bangle
Houston snowglobe
My favorite picture
The best mud mask I've used (on the cheap too)
Almay lipstick
 

2. Where I find inspiration
Memories definitely play a huge factor in my life. I love having keepsakes in a memory box to look back and reflect on.

 

 

Ok ok, so I think I've overwhelmed y'all enough for one day, but hope you all have an absolute wonderful Friday and upcoming Easter weekend ahead. I don't celebrate Easter in the traditional sense, but my best friends and I are all planning to meet up for Easter brunch complete with mimosas! Also lots of packing to be done on my part, see you guys on the other side of the weekend.

 

Here's a little something something I'm gonna leave y'all with.