Babes.

You know when you are getting older when you friends are having kids left and right, right????

To sum it up, I left KC back in September and since then TWO of my friends had little babies. One was almost 6 months (ChasingDavies) and one was just four days old!  It's just crazy to me and it's also a reminder I am NOT there yet.  While their little babies were cute as can be, that much responsibility all rolled up into one is one heck of a scary thought.  I'll settle with getting a dog before I ever consider a kid :)

BUT...I loved soaking up their little baby faces while I had chance.

Introducing... Taryn Marie.  Four days old in these pictures.

And then there's Megan of ChasingDavies little babes, Liam just under 6 months.

The difference between the two besides the obvious gender differences...?

One I was afraid to sneeze or else I'd break her and the other I didn't (well sorta... a little.... but not as scary).  Maybe my kids should come out at age 3 when he/she is less breakable.

Check out the rest of the cuties --->

Wedding Bliss.

This past March I went to the BF's best friend's wedding.  His wife, Audrey, has become one of my favorite people here in Denver (she's an Austin native) so a newby like me.

The wedding took place at Pelican Hill in Newport, California.  It was a gorgeous location and an unbelievable wedding so I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of the weekend.

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Back with Beck.

Hi.

After much thinking, debating, and procrastinating I have decided it's time to rev up my little blog engine.

As you may or may not (shame on you for not checking back daily - JK) noticed, I took a mini-vacay from my blogging.  To put it out there I had gotten laid off right before Christmas (fun stuff that pharma sales), and committed to looking for a new job 100%. After three months (yes 3....the job market is rough...) I finally landed myself a job at an awesome agency here in Denver. Aside from that, I used my little three month vacation,  well I'd like to look at it like a vacation, I hyped up my traveling to visit friends and family and enjoy it while it lasted.  Yes not having job was horrible financially, but you know when sometimes you need to reset yourself after a while, that was me. It was a blessing in disguise.

Now jumping right in, and what better way than with a cutie pie.  Beck.  Beck is the BF's cousin and he is the cutest little guy ever. Over the years I've seen him grow up.  The kid hates to smile during pictures... until recently I came to find out.  You watch him in his element of monkeying around at the zoo and you have a happy little boy.

I tell you what... this kid should be a model for Gap kids ;)  So adorable.

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Help a Girl Out!

So here is my dilemma.... I have a wedding St. Patty's Day weekend at Pelican Hill. It is a black tie wedding (i.e. in my head that means a long dress).  I have all of ONE long dress so I am RENTING, yes, RENTING a dress from Rent the Runway.  While this semi scares me because I've never done it before, I've heard great things (via the internet), so thought I'd give it a shot.

I've narrowed it down to TWO dresses, this is where the dilemma is.  Which one should I wear?

Now.... what do you all think? I need some MAJOR advice here! I already rented the Halston Heritage , but am second guessing it after stumbling upon the Nicole Miller.

P.S. The girls boobs are A LOT bigger (Size D) than mine, hence the fit would be a little different so keep that in mind!

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Awkward & Awesome

AWKWARD:

• Not sure if this would qualify as awkward or awesome, but in my Intro to Yoga class today, the teacher kept coming over to me (there were only 6 of us in the class) and massaging me back and neck.... Is that normal?  I was okay with the fact of getting a free massage, but wasn't sure if that was normal or not so felt a little on the awkward side. Thoughts?
• To that comment, having women in their 60s doing crazy yoga poses and I can get about halfway through them
• Last yoga comment I promise... almost passing out and puking in the bathroom during heated yoga
• Trying not to get side boob in that v-neck dress (1st pic).  Love the dress, but hadn't worn it in a while and result was me tugging on it all night in Vegas
• Mario Lopez hosting the SI Party and being able to tell he is absolutely full of himself! Sad, sad Slater when will you learn?

AWESOME:

• My trip to Vegas this past weekend with my besties! Kara, Mandi, KJ (Top Pic), & Lisa Lu (middle pic)
• Going to the "Pawn Stars" pawn shop.  You know that show on the History Channel?  If not, check it out there is some interesting stuff on that show.  Too bad the guys were out of town :(
• Getting back into the swing of things with Yoga - 2x this week! If you are a yoga lover, try the Yoga Sculpt class, its is HARD CORE.  Weights+Yoga=SOREEEEEE (but good sore)
• KJ getting us in VIP to different clubs in Vegas INCLUDING the Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit  party at Pure.  Check out the next page for more pics....  
• Seeing Kate Upton and all the other SI models up close and personal.  Made me not want to eat for months, but I will say they were healthy skinny (well not so much Anne V, but the others were)

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Kate Upton and I believe her manger

Mario Lopez, his baby mamma, Chrissy T SI Model and her fiancé John Legend

All the models lined up and had a good time

Entrepreneur.

So lately... I've been consuming my "breaks" with running.  It's been amazing weather here in Denver.  When it's 30 out it feels as if it was 50 in KC.  I'm totally okay with that. Some thoughts started going through my head about what different things I could do with running to make some side cash while I look for a job, and then BAM. It hit me.  Well Teale did :) She texted me and told me about a dog running company here in Denver that I should sign up for.  So I did.  Then I realized, why not just do my own small dog running/walking business.  I can run. I love dogs.  I need a job. Perfect! So if you or your friends has a pup that needs some exercise shoot me an email.

Look I even made a poster! Remember this lovely lady?  It's Walt's parents dog Lucy.

What do you all think?

Awkward & Awesome

 

AWKWARD:

• Interviews where strange questions are asked... such as "What magazine would you be on the cover  of and what would it say about you?" Um... long pause... longer pause... why in the world I said "Cosmo" - the SEX magazine I used to read in airports when I was in college one will never know.  Women's Health is what I SHOULD have said but the brain fart didn't allow for it. Ooops
• To follow on that comment, being asked, "What cartoon would you be?" and my response was "a combo of go-go gadget and tazmanian devil."  Who am I? WHAT?!
• Wearing heels.  Now I am 5'9" and I love to wear heels (for the look not the comfort), however, it pains me to be around short people because I feel so dang awkward. They look awkward looking up at me and I feel awkward because I tend to lean down as if I can't hear them from way up there. Something I will always have to deal with, but after meeting the shortest woman ever this week while I was in heels just reiterated that thought.
• Custom Spray Tans.  Standing naked in front of a perfect stranger with freezing air blowing at you. Nuff said. That is awkward.  
• Picking out Walt's V-Day gift - picking out gifts for guys is insanely hard.  

AWESOME:

• To my last awkward comment above....at least the spray tan resulted in sprayed on abs as well.  Hollar! 
• I'm going to Vegas with my besties TODAYYYYYYYY!!!! Can.NOT.Wait.
• I had 3 interviews in one week! And have one already set up for Monday.  I'm finally on a roll!
• My V-Day gift from the BF.  See above. I've been talking about how I wanted to buy a Tempurpedic pillow and the guy listened without me even knowing! Most exciting gift ever! Well not really but awesome gift - props to Walt.
• Finally figuring out what to get the BF for V-Day.  Cologne.  After sniffing cologne for hours, I stumbled across this amazing smelling cologne "Lanuit Del Homme" by Wes Saint Laurent. I was hesitant to buy for him since he doesn't wear it often, but figured since he claims he can't smell anything it was better for me to get it for him versus him picking out his own scent.  Who knows where that nose will lead him :) Love ya babe! 

I See. You See (with a slight delay)

Hi Friend! Long time no see.  Sorry its been a little boring around here lately.  With the job search going strong and otherwise trying to keep myself occupied without spending money during the day I have been a little boring. I would hate to bore you with rants about how my cat is spoiled, how I eat a PB&J with a cheese stick every day for lunch (healthy I know...), and the weather.  So I opted to share when interesting things happen to me and try my best to stay on top of ICUC (hence I am a little late today - but late is better than never sometimes!)

Ok... onto ICUC.

Seeing as yesterday was V-Day as all of you may know (and sorry to those who are already trying to forget about it), so our theme we went with was "red & pink."

For me, the hilarious card I got Walt with a PINK heart on it along with the fact it was even funnier when we guzzled down some RED wine was my choice for this week.  Check em' out.

For Meggy, she was just about as jazzed as I was about the holiday (seeing as I waited until the last minute to buy the BF a gift), she went with the alternative for the big day:

I'm not a huge Valentine's Day fan, but do enjoy the holiday for a great excuse to wear a bit of pink and red (together)!  Here's a bit of my outfit, which you can see the full thing over at Chasing Davies.

So what fun an exciting things did everyone else do?  Check back tomorrow for what I ended up getting Walt and what he got me!

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I See. You See.

What better time to throw out the "drink" theme than now?  This week's ICUC is "What we're drinking."

With Super Bowl this weekend, having friends in town for skiing and entertaining, and making dinner tonight.  I'm not going to lie... I definitely had more than a couple of drinks.  Can you guess which one I did not have a drink for...? The Super Bowl. Yup, sadly I didn't' get around to watching it this year.  But I did win the bet with Walt that the Giants were going to win.

As for Meggy... since she can now have a drink here and there, this is what she saw this week:

What I consumed this weekend... Okay, not all of this is mine.  We had friends over for a big basketball game Saturday, but I did enjoy a beer then and again during the Super Bowl game.  Yes, two beers in a weekend is a lot for me right now.  I'm slowly getting my mojo back after 10 mos (and a precious baby) of not even a sip!  What is your favorite adult beverage?

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DIY Coasters

Are you ready for this?  I am turning crafty :)

After talking to my friend Allie, she gave me this great idea on how to make my own coasters.  Not only that, she was gifting them for Christmas presents which I thought was an amazing idea as well.

After taking the reins and trying it out myself (along with my sister) I wanted to share with all my lovely followers.  So here we go....

Supplies:

• Modge Podge*
• Polyurethane*
• Paper of your choice* (a little bit thicker paper is better)
• 2 Sponge Brushes (one for the Modge Podge and Polyurethane)*
• 4-6 Tiles (Depending on how many you want of course)**
• Rubber or Felt Pads/Dots (To place on bottom of tile to avoid slipping- I prefer rubber)*
• Scissors
• Plastic Bag 
• Pen/Pencil

* Can get at Michael's or Hobby Lobby

**Can get at Home Depot ($0.16/ea)

Step 1: Lay out the plastic bag and set all supplies on the bag to avoid making a giant mess of yourself. 

Step 2: Trace the tile on the paper using your pen/pencil.  Cut out each square.  I found that even tracing them the paper is a tiny bit too big when placed on the tile so you may need to trim it down a bit to fit right on top of the tile. 

Step 3: Lay out your tiles.  Use one of your sponge brushes and either dip into the Modge Podge jar (option to pour into a bowl - may be easier). Paint the top and sides (just because I like to get all my grounds covered).

Step 4: Place the cut out squares of paper on the top of each tile.  Hold down for a minute to make sure to get any bubbles out.

Step 5: Apply Modge Podge on top of the paper (and on sides of tiles to make sure paper is secured to the tile).  Wait for first layer to dry (wait about 2-3 minutes) and add a second layer. Don't glop on the MP!

Step 6: Wait about 30 minutes for the tile to dry. Take the second sponge brush and dip it into the Polyurethane can.  Brush all of the tiles with the Polyurethane.  A little bit goes a long way.  Brush the top and the sides again. This will help make your tile waterproof so when you put your cup on the tile it won't ruin the paper on top.

Step 7: After the tiles are dried, add either the rubber or the felt pads to the bottom of the tile.  Another option, provided by my mom, is to add an entire layer of felt padding on the bottom of the tile.  Totally up to you!

And you're done!!! Check out our final product....

Mine 

Katie's

In fact, I am using mine right now.  Now go one and try it out yourself! Good luck and let me know how it goes.  I'd love for you to send pictures and I can post them up on my blog to show off your great work.

As for the giveaway winner... drumroll please.... the winner is:

Rachel with "Reckless Abandon Cook"

Thanks everyone for participating and thanks to Alana from Make Pie Not War!!! 

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Awkward & Awesome

Awkward:

• Talking at dinner one night with my mom and sister, and my mom says" Laura, that's what you should do..." when my sister said there were such things as puppy massage therapists.  As much as I love puppies... I'd feel a little odd with that title on a business card.
• When my sister and I were taking her boston terriers for a walk we ended up getting sidetracked down a street with a whole bunch of sticky things (not sure what they are called), and they were getting stuck in the dogs' feet.  We then proceeded to CARRY the dogs down the side of the road. Not even an hour before I made fun of a woman walking her dog in the neighborhood carrying it saying that doesn't qualify as walking the dog!  OOOPS. 
• I'm pretty sure that I go to this sushi restaurant called Hapa so much near my house they are beginning to know what I will order every time and sit me in the same area EVERY time. 
• Going grocery shopping to prepare for our ski trip this weekend at 3:45 today and nearly having a panic attack because the store was over flooded with people.  Walt then suggested it was because it was going to snow tonight.  1) People should still be working until 5 in my head, the ground is still drive. 2) Then speed up the process and don't' walk slowly down the aisles when there are 10 people behind you!

Awesome:

• Going home to Tulsa last Thursday and getting to extend my stay until yesterday! I was supposed to go home Monday and my sister ended up getting her schedule changed. It was much needed family time I must say. 
• While Mia was stuck in Denver with the BF and Allie, I had a sleepover with Harley bug (my sister's boston pictures above) to make up for not having a cat to cuddle with.  Yep... and she sleeps UNDER the covers! Weird dog. 
• I'm beyond excited for our ski trip in Vail with our KC friends this weekend!!! There is actually a decent amount of snow on the mountains so this should be our first GREAT ski this year.  Finally!!!! 
• Getting an interview for next week... Things are lookin' up!
• I am announcing my giveaway winner tomorrow - first one of the New Year.  Hurry up and enter while ya can.  Ends tonight at midnight!

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I See. You See.

A little delayed this week.... but we still wanted to share our shots that we got this week.

The theme this week.... SHOES.

Can't ever have enough of them in my opinion.  They are the things that will grow old with you (if you have decent fashion sense), they will fit you even if you gain an extra 15 pounds (don't go overboard), and will almost always get a great CPW (cost-per-wear) out of them. While at home this weekend I stumbled across these puppies. Micheal Kors on SALE! My sister also fell in love with them so we BOTH got them - Thanks Mama!

As for Meggy...

Rain or shine, I'll be wearing my new shoes often!  Red glossy Hunter boots are now mine!  I've been wanting these bad boys for a long while and finally did it...  Do you have a splurge item you've been wanting or wanted?

Oh... and don't forget to enter my giveaway!!! Last chance to enter is tomorrow until Midnight! 

Homeward Bound

Ah..... so relaxed.  On an impromptu trip home to Tulsa this past weekend I got my fill of family, friends, and relaxation.  With this unemployment finger tapping me on the shoulder every second I sit at home searching all over the Internet for a job, I had to get out. Get home. How lucky that I found a decently priced flight last week and on top of that my sister would be home at the same time! Family reunion!!!

My favorite part about us all being home at the same time. Mani's & Pedi's.  Hollar! Even better.... my mom was loving on the massage chair so much she threw in a stone massage.  I've never had one of those before and definitely recommend it for those of you who love pedi's like me :)

Happy Monday my lovely little readers.  Hope it was a good one!

Awkward & Awesome

Yes Mia is doing EXACTLY what it looks like. She is acting like a dog.  For those people that don't like cats, they are JUST like dogs and this is proof!

Awkward:

• Dancing at my friend's engagement party with the BF and when he spun me he forgot to CATCH me! So I ended up on the floor in front of the entire party.  This should do it alone for the awkward moments of the week. 
• Watching the 49ers play on Sunday with the BFs family and not thinking before speaking I ask, "Is that a body bag on the field?" As the medics get the gurney for a player that was stuffed inside what looked like a body bag to me.  Clearly I need to watch more football. 
• Almost biting it big time two times in less than a minute due to texting and not watching where I was walking.  Definitely need to watch out for stairs. 
• Mia licking out of the toilet and me forgetting and giving her kisses.. Bleh.

Awesome:

• My friends.  Especially those who are helping me get through this hard time being unemployed and helping me find other great opportunities.  I love you all you are amazing. 
• I am actually going back to Tulsa this minute. I found a cheap flight somehow early this week and off I go.  Although I am having to fly to OKC and drive with my sister to Tulsa for over an hour.  Oh well. It's worth it. 
• Doing my first giveaway of the year - that is always awesome!!! Enter now!
• Walt cooked me a yummy dinner last night! Yes I know I am unemployed and should be cooking for him - but it's only fair if we take turns right? 

 

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Giveaway Time....CLOSED

So it's been quite some time since my last giveaway, with the moving, job hunt etc I kept myself busy.

Time to change that!

The sweet Alana from MAKE PIE not war Etsy shop has been kind enough to offer up her services. I have actually purchased two amazingly simplistic and AWESOME necklaces from her shop over the past year for both myself and my sister for her birthday gift this past September.

What's up for grabs you ask?

Alana's awesome "Say My Name - Initial" Necklace.  You pick what color and what initial you want! So gift it to yourself (you selfish person you... ha!) or gift it to someone else for their birthday, Valentine's Day or just because they are a great friend!

                 

Pretty great, right?!?

Ok... here is how you can enter for a chance to win this awesome necklace:

Mandatory: You must be a public follower of A Candid Life.  Leave a comment of who you are trying to win the necklace for.  If your email is not linked to your profile, please include that as well so I can notify you if you win.

Extra Entries: Leave a separate comment for each please. If left in one comment it will only be counted once. Sorry Charlie.

• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway.  Include my @CandidLuLu and #Giveaway
• Example: Really make sure someone knows you, check out the initial necklace @CandidLuLu is giving away {link to this post}
• Tweet about "Make Pie not war"
• Linking them to her page: http://www.etsy.com/people/makepienotwar and include @CandidLuLu in your comment
• Add "Make PIE not war" to your favorites on Etsy.  It's the little heart at the bottom left of this page. Let me know if you have any problems. 

You have until next Thursday, February 2 at midnight MST to get entered.  The winner will be announced Friday morning so be sure to come back and see if you were as lucky as you were feeling!  Good luck my friends! 

I See. You See.

To brighten up the little funk I've been over the past few days I thought what better to base today's theme on then "color."

Color always brightens my mood and makes me happy. I get into funks where I just wear black, white, and grey and realize it days afterwards because it was reflecting the mood I was in.

So color it is.

My picture came from our new "dinner club" we are forming at my friend Rachel and Annie's house.  Rachel hosts the blog Reckless Abandon Cook that I love and get a lot of recipes from.  Since basically none of our friends really know how to cook more than a baked chicken or pasta, we have challenged Rachel to teach us some of her cooking magic. Tonight it was cod with some orzo.  Both new recipes for me! It was light and yummy and your should definitely stop by her blog to check out the recipe!

As for Meggy, she went to what she is known for best.  Her amazing fashion sense.

A colorful closet is a happy closet (in my book).  This is my new skirt to add to my already colorful closet.  You'll have follow my blog along to see when and how I wear it! ;)

Do you all get in a better mood when you wear colors???

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