and the beat goes on....

How are we already 8 months into 2014??
My breain keeps flashing back to this bitter winter, the slow spring and now I am trying desperately to hold onto what is left of summer.

Quick version of 2014 to date:

January: Cold. Very cold.
February: Got hired at a big-girl job.
March:Trained and started working at big-girl job.
April: Birthday and suprise visit from hubby.
May: Bought first car.
June: WAIT, it's June??!! The year is halfway over!
July: Family vacation.
August: Married 3 years, and glad to celebrate with hubby.

Present: Time is a gift, that is why this moment is called the "present."

Got to go keep on living!
Catch me later.

PURA VIDA

Wisconsin, Family Vacation 2014

how to pack light.

These days I really have the travel bug, as I think this post reflects. Longing to escape the chill of Ohio winter fills my days, and I find myself staring longingly of pictures os Facebook and Pinterest depicting sun, sand and beautiful blue water...and then I start to think about packing my bag. Thus this post and it's contents. 

I consider myself a humble person, but right now I have to brag a little bit.

My mother was one of the heaviest packers I know...generally 2-3 bags worth of personal items, then additional items like her bible case, her shoes under the backseat of the car somewhere, and of course her cushion for long car rides or uncomfortable chairs in restaurants. And waterbottles, where-ever they fit. 

My husband is similar...he tends to pack EVERYTHING  for ANY and ALL possible circumstances, resulting in difficulties completing airport check-ins and staying within the domestic and international weight limit for baggage. This year we traveled in Mexcio and baggage fees really bit him in the ass...

Me? I had one checked bag and one personal bag. BOO-YAH! 

How do you pack light? 

I think that women in particular have a difficult time with this, espcially considering the variety of clothing and the shoe selection we require to look our very damn best where-ever we are. After all, if you go somewhere warm you usually want to pack at least two or three swim suits, and at least two pairs of sandals and that extra pair of flip-flops, and of course the back-up beach towel... but let's not get carried away. 

Here are some tips and some items that have really helped me master the art of packing light (photos included).

1. The carry-everything bag/pack.

2.  Water bottle & snack.   

3.  Plain sandals or flip-flops.

4. Plastic bags. 

5. Concealer & mascara. 

6. Jean jacket & black cardigan. 

7. Scarf. 

8. Tinted lip balm. 

9. Plain sneakers or slip-ons. 

10. Plain white t-shirt. 

11. Black jeans or pants. 

12. Safety pins.

Happy Travels! 

(Thank you PINTEREST for the visual aids!)

the shortest month of the year

February. With only 28 days, I have even less time to get things done this month. And I do have a few things I want to get done.

Lately ( and by that I mean since Christmas) I have been obcessed with truffles. Over Christmas my friend and I made some truffles that turned out to be incredibly delicious, and ever since I have been pouring over possible recipes on Pinterest and I am planning to make some and try a different recipe out for Valentine's Day, which happens to be on a Friday mid-month. Truffles are just delicious... the most difficult part will be trying to decide on just ONE recipe to try! Here are the top contenders:
Samoa truffles
Vanilla Cake truffles
Brownie batter truffles

Valentine's Day. As you may know, my hubby is a million miles away (ok, so not a million, but he is pretty far away!) floating between Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia and I do not anticipate receiving anything from him much less seeing him for this holiday of lovers and spouses. I have a few special people who I want to make / buy gifts for... one of my more original ideas is to create some art, which will involve canvas and spray paint. I will not say anymore right now, but I will post pictures after. And you can smile or cry at the results, be they good or bad.

Shopping. Whew, I have already filled my quota for spending money this month..! I made a trip to the thrift store and another to New York & Co. and bought several items that are now in my work wardrobe. I have a variety of blazers and pants and shoes aplenty, so I am all outfitted. The only thing still at large on my list is a nice new black bag... and if you know my taste in bags you know that I am looking for a big black tote. We will see what I find for a good price.

Job. Did I mention that I finally got hired??? After job searching and applying all over during December 2013 and January, I got a job offer last week and I start later this month. I have benefits and a 401K, and I will be using my Spanish which was a very high priority for me. I am excited to have a real job and be earning a living wage. Hopefully put a little more into my savings this year!

Ok, I think that is all for now.

Oh hey, here I am. Happy New Year and all that jazz...!

2014

While some people may scoff at those who decide to make resolutions going into the new year, I am one of those who sees a resolution not as something to be done, adhered to, taken up only to be dropped or forgotten or left in the cold with no follow through. Making a resolution is challenging yourself to do something, hopefully making an improvement or change in your life that leads to a better overall quality and satisfaction. So in short, YES, I made some resolutions and here they are.

-Be more kind.
-Get a full time job. (See this post if you missed the update about my life!)
-Travel to a new country. (This can be any country, whatever opportunity throws me way.)

Even if you are not the type to make resolutions, I encourage you to work towards being the best version of yourself this year...because that is something you will never regret doing.

Happy New Year 2014!

PURA VIDA :-)