A Spring Weekend

My weekend was pretty nice.  I can't complain.  It was full of:

Work, smoothies, sleeping in late, beautiful weather, doggy kisses and cuddles, more work, an amazing Chicago Bulls game (they won after 3 overtimes), birthday cake for breakfast, lifetime movies, birthday celebrations.

That's a pretty solid weekend for me.

You should definitely follow me on instagram!

Now it's Monday and even thought that sucks, it's 73 degrees and sunny out in Chicago and I took a lovely walk outside at lunch today.  I can't really be in a bad mood when it's finally starting to feel like Spring and I can bust out my new maxi skirt.

Happy Monday Friends!

XO. Tarah

Linking up with Sami's Shenanigans today.

Happy Birthday Vinnie!

Oh hi.  Sorry I've been such a stranger lately.  We got back from Vegas late Monday night and I took the day off Tuesday.  I was feeling pretty awful from the plane ride and needed that day to recover...and recover I did.  I slept in until noon, picked Marley up, and cuddled with him on the couch for a good portion of that whole day.  Here's proof:

Las Vegas was awesome and it went by soo soo fast.  We were only there for 3 days so we tried to do as much as we could.  I'm not going to recap that trip today, but I promise I will because, well, I have lots to share.  I am dedicating today's post Vinnie.  His birthday was on Sunday, 2 days ago, and we had a great day celebrating.

I had to work Saturday night and ended up working until about 3:30 am.  I set my alarm and got up 2 hours later, yes 5:30 am, to make Vinnie a birthday breakfast because he had to get up and work at 7:30 am.  Blueberry pancakes, eggs, and orange juice.  It was a pretty easy breakfast to make but running on 2 hours of sleep I wouldn't have trusted myself to make anything that was slightly complicated.  He appreciated it, kissed me good bye, and Marley and I went back to sleep for a few more hours.  After I woke back up I ran to Target for a few minor birthday details (minor as in everything) and came back home to bake a birthday cake.  Again, it was a simple 2 layer funfetti birthday cake, topped off with sprinkles and 'Happy Birthday' candles, but since I've never made a cake before, I was proud with the final outcome.  Vinnie got home and walked into the kitchen where he was surprised with his birthday present and cake.

Yes, that is a PS3 and yes, I am an amazing girlfriend.

After his shock went away (he had no idea I was buying him a PS3 or that I could bake a cake) we decided to head to the driving range because, well, Vinnie loves golf, possibly more than he loves me.

I don't know why you can't see Vinnie's golf club in the last picture.  I promise he has one and didn't lose it after that last swing.  

After we hit a bucket of golf balls, we came back home and started getting ready to go out to eat.  We went to Girl and the Goat for dinner and if you are familiar with Chicago you know that this place is hot to trot.  Seriously, I made reservations 2 months ago and the only time slot they had opened for 2 people was 8:45 pm.  It was opened by Stephanie Izard, who won the fourth season of Top Chef.  

Source of Picture 
Girl and the Goat

 

The menu is quite different and consists of small plates that range from vegetarian, fish, and meat.  They also have a separate small menu that includes different choices of bread, oysters, and goat but we chose to focus on the main menu.   Our waitress recommended that we choose between 4-5 small plates.  We chose 4: roasted beets (which were Vinnie's idea even though he had never had a beet prior to this night), escargot ravioli, braised beef cheeks, and the biggest and most amazing mussels I've ever had in my whole life.  The small plates came out in courses, which was nice because it didn't overwhelm us and we had time to focus and enjoy each plate we had chosen.  Everything was really great.  My favorite plates were the roasted beets and the mussels of course.  I'm a sucker for a good mussel.  These 4 plates were definitely enough for the 2 of us to share and even though we were full by the end of our meal, we had to order dessert - sticky date cake, with blueberry preserves. 

  
I definitely recommend this restaurant to anybody living in or visiting Chicago.  I'm glad I finally got to experience it after living here for a while and hearing lots of great reviews.  Since we ate so late we also got home kind of late for a Sunday night (and for the girl who has to get up and go to work at 6:30 am) but we poured ourselves a couple of birthday shots (it's not a birthday celebration without a celebratory shot in my book) and snuggled up with Marley.

  
It was too late and we were too full to consume any of the cake that I made for Vinnie so we had to wait until last night to try it out.  Of course I lit the candles, sang 'Happy Birthday' to him, and made him make a wish before blowing them out.

The cake was delicious, if I do say so myself.

I really hope Vinnie had an amazing birthday, and I'm pretty sure he did.  I could go on and on about how much I love this man and how great he is, but since I do that on here all the time you already know how much he means to me.  He deserves the best.

Happy 24th Birthday Vinnie! (yes, I am a cougar)

XO. Tarah

 

Praying for Boston

Source

Boston Marathon Bombing

My heart is heavy for Boston during this devastating time.  I just pray that God's peace comes to those in the aftermath of this tragedy.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness.  Only light can do that." MLK Jr.

YOU can make more light.

XO. Tarah

 

In my Head...

Thoughts in my head on this Thursday morning...

...bad decision to wear contacts and try to be a real person today.  I shoulda gone with glasses.

...I wonder if anyone notices that I didn't brush my hair today

...that bitch definitely just gave me the stank eye, she's definitely judging me because of my un-brushed hair

...I wonder if I'll have a heart attack if I consume a 3rd cup of coffee in this short of a time period

...screw it, 3rd cup of coffee come to mama

...at least if I have a heart attack I'll get to leave work

...and now I can't get that Demi Lovato song 'heart attack' out of my freaking head.  Damn you and your catchy tunes Demi!

...aww crap, I did not notice that stain on my shirt this morning before I left for work

...if this kid sitting behind me doesn't stop clicking his pen soon we are going to have some serious problems.

...I definitely haven't picked up Marley's poop in a couple of days but it's been raining so I think that's a good excuse.  Why would the neighbors venture into the wet lawn anyway?

...my neighbors hate me.

...why do people keep calling?  It's Thursday...can't your problems wait until tomorrow when I won't be at work and don't have to deal with it.

...gosh I'm getting hot flashes from drinking all of this coffee.  I should have worn a real shirt under my NorthFace instead of my pajama shirt so that I could actually take my NorthFace off.

...do people actually like these 'Naked' smoothie drinks?  It tastes too good for you to be enjoyable, maybe if I add a little Splenda...

...Splenda was a bad idea

...is it too early to eat the cheese stick that I brought for lunch?

...maybe I should google 'tips on how to avoid a hangover' to prepare for Vegas this weekend

...I'm regretting this 3rd cup of coffee.  I can see my heart beating through my NorthFace.

...how does that girl manage to curl her hair and look presentable every single day?

...at least I'm wearing mascara today

...screw it, I'm eating my cheese stick

...I wonder what it would be like if dinosaurs still existed

...maybe I'll take a long lunch break and go sleep in my car for a couple of hours today

...if that girl talks about how skinny she is one more time I'm going to throw the rest of this cup of coffee in her face

...she sounds like she smokes 8 packs of Marlboro Reds a day so what makes her think she's going to be a contestant on the next season of the Bachelor?

...that cheese stick was not satisfying, I wish I would've brought 2.

...gosh I hope I don't look like Kim Kardashian when I'm pregnant

...11:16 AM?  This has to be a joke.

I cannot get it together today.  It's a good thing I'll be heading to the airport at this time tomorrow.  I'll spend the rest of my day envisioning warm weather, bright lights, and slot machines.  Happy Thursday.

XO. Tarah




 

 

Happy Birthday Jacky!

I can't believe that this little munchkin is 3 years old today.  I have a garden of love that grows and grows for my precious nephew.  Being his Aunt is more rewarding than I ever thought possible.  I love you Jack Edward.  Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

P.S. stop growing up so fast.

XO. Tarah

 

Currently...

Currently I'm...

Drinking: Coffee, water, and Vitamin Water.  I'm having a rough morning and am finding it impossible to wake up.  So far none of these beverages are doing the trick.

Wearing: A bright striped v-neck t-shirt from Target that I love, skinny jeans, and boots (although I wish it was warm enough to wear sandles).  Too bad I'm wearing a big, ugly, grandma sweater over it that I wear at least 2 or 3 times a week to work because it is so cold in our office and also I love this sweater and it's so comfortable and warm that I don't care if it's ugly.  It's not that ugly.

Losing Sleep Over: Honestly, nothing.  I don't really get enough sleep to lose sleep over anything at the moment.  Probably the only thing I'm close to losing sleep over right now is whether or not the clothes I ordered from Forever 21 will arrive before I leave for Vegas and if my 80 year old neighbors will steal them if they arrive while I'm in Vegas.  Big problems over here.

Refusing To: believe the rumor that I heard it's supposed to maybe snow in Chicago on Friday.  I had a talk with mother nature and I thought we had agreed that it is now Spring and the snow is no longer welcome in my neck of the woods.  As long as this snow doesn't mess with my flight out of Chicago and into Las Vegas on Friday, I won't care what the weather decides to do here though.  Also, I'm refusing to pack for my trip.  I have plans tomorrow night, I work Thursday night, and I leave on Friday afternoon so I really have to pack tonight but the thing is...I hate packing and I suck at it because I am extremely indecisive.  Let's hope my suitcase doesn't end up being over the weight limit :/

Image from Google

Eating: Well nothing at the moment but I did eat 2 granola bars, one piece of Easter candy, and a cheese stick already this morning.  Unhealthy diet, don't care.

Loving: that this is a short week for me.  Also loving Marley, the best dog in the world, turning 7 years old this month!

Haha yes, I am forcing him to take this picture.

Excited About: leaving on Friday for a much needed trip to Vegas with Vinnie and my parents!  First time ever visiting Sin City and I am beyond excited!

Thankful For: my family, Vinnie, my Marley boy, my health, and the fact that even though I complain about being over worked and tired all the time I have 2 good jobs and can afford to live in Chicago pretty comfortably.  Also thankful for my roomie who is moving out on Saturday to start a new chapter of her life in Washington.

Wishing: it was Friday, not Tuesday.

Admiring: This...

From Pinterest

Saying Good-bye to:  Chicago and the crappy April showers very soon for a Vegas Getaway!  Also saying good-bye to YOU.

XO. Tarah

What I'm Loving...

It's April.  Holy Cow, it's April!  Hello April, I welcome you with open arms.  

On that note, I can't believe how fast time is flying as of late.  I've been pretty busy and active, which is why I've also been a little MIA from this blogosphere lately (blogosphere? That's a real word in my mind).  I've also been on a pretty lame schedule lately, consisting of doing pretty much the same 3 things everyday (work, eat, gym, and a little Vinnie/Marley cuddling in between) so I haven't had too much to talk about.  Anyways, I'm back and here is what I am loving lately.

1.  Spring Weather

     Duh.  I've spent most of this winter complaining about the nasty ass weather and how living in Chicago + snow + cold = sucks.  So now that it is officially spring and the sun is finally starting to show it's pretty little sunshiney face and the weather is taking a turn for the better, you better believe I am one happy girl.  I feel like my emotions and mood are super affected by the weather.  Not all the time, but a majority of the time.  It's still been a little chilly here but ever since the sun started shining I've been in such a happy mood and have been really productive.  Today the high is 57 degrees and Saturday I think it's 63 degrees...which basically sounds like heaven to me. 

2.  Easter Candy

     So, I'll be honest, my Easter was pretty uneventful.  However, I still managed to buy 15 lbs of Easter candy.  This was a dumb decision since I am leaving for Vegas in a week and I'll be wearing a swimsuit...in public (aka in front of other people).  Nobody wants to see a Cadbury Egg Belly (which is equivalent to a beer belly, just without the beer) in a swimsuit.  On a positive note, I have been hitting up the gym on a regular basis so maybe eating Easter candy for breakfast is just my subtle reminder to hit the gym up after I spend the rest of the day at work eating the 9 pieces of candy I threw in my purse for lunch.  Yes, it is true that at least once this week I consumed Easter candy for both breakfast and lunch but it is also true that candy tastes better in the form of rabbits and eggs so really I am not to blame for these decisions I make.  Also, note that this is not be complaining about Easter candy.  I thoroughly enjoy having a stomachache everyday around 3 pm because of all the candy I have consumed that day.  

Source

3.  Since we're already talking about food we might as well stick to the subject - Taco Bell Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco

     Seriously guys, it will change your life.  I haven't eaten Taco Bell in literally years but I've heard so much hype about this taco that I figured I would give it a shot so Vinnie went to Taco Bell and brought us back a couple of these babies.  Heaven at first bite.

 

Source

4.  Baseball Season  

     For me, Spring + nice weather = start of baseball season and all things are right in the world of Tarah.   I love baseball, I love baseball season, and more importantly I love the St. Louis Cardinals.  Yes, I live in Chicago and am a die hard Cardinals fan.  It will now make sense when I am found murdered in my sleep and an STL tattoo is found on my body during the autopsy and the coroner confirms that the cause of death was murder of a Cardinals fan living in the wrong city.  Ok, that's actually not funny because the crime rates in Chicago are extremely high and this could actually happen.  Also, yes, I do have an STL tattoo.  Fan for life bitches.

 

Yes, I am dating, in love with, and live with a Cubs fan.  How we've lasted this long is beyond me.

In case you were wondering, yes, I did cry when Albert Pujols left the Cardinals.  I still silently sob every once in a while when I see him in an Angels jersey.

5.  Macklamore 

     Ok, by now everyone and their grandpa has heard the song 'Thrift Shop' by Macklamore.  Sure the radio stations over play it and after a couple more weeks we are all going to be begging them to stop before our ears start bleeding like they do when we hear 'Call Me Maybe' by Carly Rae Jepson but for now I still get down everytime it comes on.  I just recently discovered Grooveshark (aka the new Pandora only better) and I've been listening to all of his other songs and guys, he's great.  I mean...GREAT.  He also is an advocate for same sex marriage and gay rights and I think that's wonderful.  His song 'Same Love' expresses his views on this and homophobia in the hip hop society and I respect the shit out of this man.  Also, this song is beautiful.

     





6.  The color Mint

     I obviously did a whole post on my new obsession with this color but now that Spring has sprung and this color actually works with the weather...my obsession is at a whole new level.  I recently purchased a mint green peplum tank from Express and a striped mint blouse from Miss Chic and I am dying to wear them both.  A pair of Mint skinny jeans and some mint heels are now on my spring wish list.

Mint Peplum from Express

Mint Striped Tank from Miss Chic

7.  Dresses

     Obviously, this is due to the Spring weather.  Basically I just realized this post should have been titled 'Why I love Spring' but since we've come this far I'm not going to go back and reword this whole thing (not that it would take too much effort).  I love dresses and am excited to actually wear them now that it is finally nice out.  I've gotten a couple of really cute dresses that I plan on bringing to Vegas.  I also love that going to Vegas gave me a really good reason to start shopping for Spring/Summer.  Now I just need to get rid of half of my closet to actually make room for everything I've bought recently.  You know it's bad when you start hiding packages you've received in the mail from your boyfriend so that he doesn't think you've spent 3 whole paychecks and your half of the rent for the month on clothes.  Whoops.  I spent weeks pondering if I was going to buy the black high-lo dress below.  I know that this whole high-lo fad is a big thing now but I didn't know if I would like it.  The dress went on sale and I was like...fine, the dress Gods begging me to buy it so I will.  I'm glad I did, it's totally cute with a pair of heels.

Dress from Sosie on Sale!

Miss Chic

8.  Summer Shandy/Summer beers

     Summer Shandy is officially back in season.  I love summer beers but I especially love them when they first come back into season because it reminds me that summer and warm weather are just around the corner and it makes me think I am laying on a beach in the hot summer sun enjoying a delicious beverage...ahh, nothing is better.  I've also never actually laid on a beach while drinking a summer shandy but I imagine if I did, nothing would be better.  

First Summer Shandy of the year!  Many more to come!

9.  Flowers from my sweet boyfriend

     He bought me beautiful Easter Lillies for Easter and they are beautiful and make my apartment smell lovely.  My boy is a keeper.

 

10.  I don't have a 10 but I didn't want to end on 9.  So 10 is me asking you not to judge me because 3 of the things I love are food/beverage related.  I didn't ask for these things to make me happy, they just do.

Happy April!  Happy Spring!  

XO. Tarah