Post Vacation Blues

I'M BAAAACK!

Although I do feel like I've been gone forever, that does NOT make it any easier to come back to work (especially on a Monday).  My vacation was marvelous and very relaxing.  I did a whole lot of nothing for a whole week.  It was so nice to be able to sleep in and enjoy my days instead of rushing around all stressed out about work.  

So last Thursday was my first day off and since Vinnie had that day off too we decided to spend the whole day together which is something we never get to do.  We planned on going to Six Flags since cold weather is fast approaching and we both haven't been there in a really long time.  We drove all the way there (about an hour away) and were just like little kids, filled with excitement.  Much to our dismay, we turned the corner and saw big gates that read "ONLY OPEN ON WEEKENDS".  Apparently after Labor Day Six Flags is only open on weekends and since this day was a Thursday we were SOL.  We were both sooo bummed but we couldn't let it ruin our day.  So we went to Navy Pier instead.  It was not nearly as fun as Six Flags would have been but we still had fun.  We decided we are going back to Six Flags when they open it up again for Fright Fest in October.  We just strolled along the pier and stopped at a bar for a couple of drinks.  It was a beautiful day so we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

Then we headed to a place called Haymarket in downtown Chicago for a little dinner.  It was a brewery so we even got to try out some new brews.  The food and beer were both very good.  After that we stopped by a bar called Northside because one of my co-workers was having a going away party (she's leaving the company for a new job).  By this time we were beat so we went home and fell asleep shortly after.

We got up early (kinda) on Friday and went golfing before I headed off to Iowa.  I left Marley with Vinnie and I normally bring him with me when I visit my parents.  This is the longest I had ever been away from Marley.  I missed that little guy!

It' kind of hard to see but that's Marley's little head peaking out of the window and watching me get into my car to leave for Iowa.  Little guy almost broke my heart!  He's adorable.

So I got to Iowa around 6 or 7 pm and my parents and I decided just to stay in that night and relax.  We had a couple of drinks and caught up with each other before calling it a night.

My first Oktoberfest beer of the year!  My dad loves Blue Moon so naturally he had Blue Moon Pumpkin Harvest Ale.  This is one of the pint glasses I got my dad for Father's Day too!

Saturday we slept in but eventually got up and went to the driving range.  All three of us now have clubs so this was the first time we got to hit golf balls together and practice on our game.  None of us are very good but we had fun!  We came back home and got cleaned up then headed over to a place called 'On the River' for some dinner.  This place had a huge patio and there was a great band playing that night.  The weather was beautiful too.  We had some dinner and a few drinks then headed over to 'Kelly's' which is our favorite bar.  It is also right down the street from where my parents live.  We ended the night there after a drink and a vegas bomb (my parents love these!).

Just a little sidenote - sorry I didn't take many pictures while on my little vacation.  I forgot my camera so all the pictures I have are with my iPhone.  I usually love pictures but I guess I was just too busy relaxing to remember to take many.

Sunday morning we got up and headed to downtown Davenport where there was a little art festival.  We saw some pretty cool art of all kinds and I even bought a few little things from a local artist who hand crafted mugs and other utensils.  Then we headed home to catch the second half of the Bears first football game (which they won)!  This night we headed to a place called 'The Captain's Table' which was also right on the river.  We ate outside again and this place had amazing seafood.  We stopped by RedBox on the way home and rented a movie.  We ended this night a little early.

Monday we headed to Le Claire which is a neat little town real close to Davenport.  If you've ever seen American Pickers on TV, this is where their place is located.  This day their store was even closed because they were filming all day.  We stopped by a couple of other little shops and I bought some of my favorite vodka from Mississippi River Distillery.  We had a light lunch at The Blue Iguana where they had Blue Iguana margaritas for only $2.  So naturally we all got one.

We then stopped at another bar for a few more drinks before heading home.  My parents neighbors who live across the street stopped over this night for a visit.  They are awesome people and I always try to visit with them when I'm in town for a visit.  It was another nice night so we spent it out on my parent's patio.

Tuesday was my parent's 30th Anniversary.  I'm truly so happy for them.  30 years is a long time and they are just as happy as ever.  They are my two biggest role models and I look up to them so much.  I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have parents like them.  I'm so glad I got to spend so much time with them.  I wished them a happy anniversary when I got up on Tuesday then headed on my way.  I stopped by my sister's house to visit her and my niece and nephew.  It was so good to see them.  I left after dinner though because I had to get back home and it was about a 3 hour drive from their house.

Marley was waiting for me when I got home!  I spent the rest of the night with him.  The next day I got up and made chocolate chip muffins.  Vinnie and I spent some time together before he had to go to work.  I then did some laundry and cleaned the apartment up a bit before buying some groceries and cooking some dinner.  I made a concoction of sausage, potatoes, onion, and peppers.

I found the recipe here.  It was really easy to make but I would have added a little more sausage and more banana peppers.

Thursday Vinnie and I went to the driving range and then he had to work again.  I ended up going to Target and buying some fall/halloween decorations for the house.  I didn't take any pictures but I found some awesome stuff for a great price!

My mom actually bought this for me while I was visiting in Iowa.  'The Toasting Couple'.

Candy corn and Peanuts have been a fall tradition in my family for years. Yummy!

I also came up with a new fall drink.  Just mix 1 part bourbon, 2 parts gingerale, and 2 parts apple cider.  I used Wild Turkey bourbon but you don't need much to start feeling this drink.  It's delicious though.

Yummy fall cocktail

Friday was a lazy day until I had to work that night.  I was definitely feeling very blue heading back to work that night.  I could really get used to sleeping in and then getting up, making breakfast (me and Vinnie made breakfast Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning), and not having a care in the world.  The rest of my weekend consisted of work.  Literally I worked from 3 until 12:45 on Saturday and from 1 until 10 pm on Sunday.  Then I had to get up early today and go to work and of course I'm working tonight too.  Oh and I'm doing the same thing tomorrow.  So it's literally back to the grind for this girl.  I'm not feeling as blue anymore but I still miss being on vacation and spending so much time with my parents.  But at least I have Wednesday and Thursday nights off to do something with my love...oh and with Vinnie too (just kidding of course). 

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all had a fabulous weekend.  Fall is just around the corner...YAY!

xoxo



 

Fall Favorites!

Hooray it's Wednesday!  This is my last day and night of work before I start my vacation!  I could not be happier right now!  This girl needs a break.  How was everyone's Tuesday?  Mine flew by, which is good because as I mentioned yesterday I was super tired due to lack of sleep.  Work was slow last night and I ended up getting out before 10.  I was in bed before 11 and asleep before I could even finish one episode of Friends.  Marley slept at the end of my bed all night because he knew I was lonely without Vinnie.  He's a good boy.

So it's getting closer and closer to fall (even though yesterday was still 85 degrees) and I am getting more and more excited because fall is my absolute FAVORITE time of year!  Just an FYI this probably won't be the only post about fall so be prepared.  I love fall because of the weather, the falling leaves, the yummy food, and many other things that are associated with fall.  I also love it because not only is my birthday in the fall but so is my brother and dad's birthdays.  We always have a family celebration during a certain week in October because, believe it or not, all 3 of our birthdays are within 4 days of each other (mine = Oct 23, dad's = Oct 25, brother's = Oct 26).  This has always been a really special month for the 3 of us.  I also LOVE Halloween which is in the fall also.  Even though I don't usually do much to celebrate Halloween I love love love it!  Being scared is one of my favorites!

Alright so here are a few fall things that I am looking forward to:

1. Pumpkin Everything!

I found an awesome recipe for Chai Pumpkin Spice Thumbprints and I can't wait to make them and try them out!

I also found a recipe for Pumpkin Pie French Toast. I love french toast so this has to be good!

Now if you're looking for something pumpkiny (I'm sure that's a word) to drink but don't want something that's gonna keep you up (I love pumpkin spice lattes but can only drink so many of them) here is a recipe for Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate.  Yummy!  This looks soooo good!

Really I just love pumpkins.  I can't wait to eat pumpkin yummies but I also can't wait to just see pumpkins on doorsteps and to carve a pumpkin!  I'm determined to do that this year because I never did last year.  I bought a pumpkin but never carved it.

 2. Fall Fashion!

I love fall fashion.  I'm really looking forward to wearing:

My favorite dark red jeans and I found 7 different ways to wear them via Pinterest!

Cute chambray shirts with leggings (or skinnies)

 Boots!!!!

Fall dresses with tights and boots! (one of my favorite fall combinations!)

Big sweaters with scarves!

3.  Fall Activities

There are so many fun things to do in the fall.  

Some of these things you can do during any season but they are definitely more fun to do in the fall because of the weather.  There are definitely a few things on this fall bucket list that I would love to do this fall (maybe I'll even do them all!).  One thing I want to add to this list is visiting a winery.

Now visiting a winery is probably more of a spring/summer activity but I think it would be awesome to enjoy a nice winery in the fall before the weather starts to get too cold.  I love wine but Vinnie isn't a big fan so we will have to see if I can actually drag him out to do this. 

Now that I'm talking about wine, I almost forgot, my favorite season for beer is fall!

4. Beer/Octoberfest

There are a few fall seasonal beers that I have already tried and love.

 

And there are a few that I am hoping to try out this year!

 

 

Well now all of this talk about my fall favorites has made me even more excited for fall!  Maybe while I'm taking my vacation time I will make a few fall recipes and even decorate the apartment for fall!  Well I guess now I have quite a few things I'm planning to do on vacation - visiting parents in Iowa, visiting sister and the kiddies back home, cleaning/organizing projects, baking some fall recipes, and decorating for fall.  Oh and of course finding time to relax in the midst of all of that.  I always know how to keep myself busy!  

 

Now that I've talked a ton about yummy fall food and beer, here is a link I found that is super helpful with reducing sugar and processed food and replacing it with healthier substitutions.  One day I'm going to start eating better, but of course I'm going to wait until after my vacation...duh!

  EXCELLENT website for those who wish to eliminate/reduce sugar and processed foods

Alright well there's still like 20 days left until fall officially starts but I'm hoping the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start changing before too long.  This time of year just makes me oh so happy :)  Have a great Wednesday everyone!  And enjoy your weekend.  I probably won't be blogging for a while since I'll be busy relaxing on my vacation!

xoxo

Labor Day Weekend!

This is so true :(

 Happy TUESDAY everyone!

I don't know about you guys but I could not be happier that today is Tuesday and we all just got to skip the Monday morning blues.  YAY for a short work week...it's even shorter for me because I start my vacation on Thursday!!!

Overall I had a pretty nice and relaxing labor day weekend.  Friday I got out of work early and went shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding.  Anthropologie did me well (not so much my wallet).

I ended up buying the top, blue dress to wear to the wedding (it was on sale) and the bottom dress, well I bought it and it wasn't on sale.  The sales people talked me into it saying how it was "made for me" and "that is your color".  I normally don't let people talk me into buying stuff (especially expensive stuff) but I actually do love this dress.  And I can wear it to work and it kind of has sleeves so it can be considered a fall item in my opinion.

Ok, so I worked late Friday night and then slept late Saturday morning.  Saturday was a lazy day.  I didn't go to the gym or do much of anything productive.  I did do some laundry though, so at least I did something worthwhile.  

I did paint my nails this pretty color for the wedding though.  And yes, I realize that my nails are the same color as my couch in these pictures...weird.

I had to work late again on Saturday night.  I then had to sleep alone because Vinnie is still watching his Uncle's dog.  I didn't sleep alone all night though.

Marley kept me company for some of the night.  He doesn't like sleeping in my bed all night though.  At some point during the night he always gets up and ventures back to his own bed.  Which is fine because that dog's body heat was a little too much for a summer night when your air conditioner doesn't work that well and neither does your fan. 

Sunday morning Vinnie came home early and we went out to breakfast at a little hole in the wall restaurant called Cousin's.  We hadn't eaten there before but Vinnie saw a commercial for it on TV (since that's all he's been doing at his Uncle's house).  It was a tiny little place but man was it delicious.  I had a spicy breakfast burrito and I definitely left satisfied and stuffed!  Then we got ready for Megan and Matt's wedding.  We took a cab there (anticipating the drunken state we would be in when it was time to go home that night) and arrived early.  This is shocking because we are ALWAYS late.  The wedding was beautiful and it was so nice to see all of my friends from high school.  I miss them so much and not many of them live in the area so I never get to see them anymore.

 Everything at their wedding was simple but very classy.  We had a great time.  It was a good thing that I didn't have to work Monday because quite frankly this girl can't party like she used to.  I was at home in bed by 11 pm Sunday night and woke up feeling horrible on Monday morning.  I remember those days when I was in college and I could drink til 4 am and then wake up and go to class at 10 am the next morning (still drunk but feeling great).  Not anymore!  I get the worst hangovers, I cannot handle my alcohol.  

Needless to say most of Monday was spend in my pj's on the couch drinking lots of fluids.  The only productive thing I did was one load of laundry at about 8 pm and I ended up making pasta for Vinnie when he got home from work.  The pasta was delicious I must say though.  It was just spaghetti noodles and vodka sauce, but I added some shrimp, green peppers, onions, and garlic.  Vinnie is quite proud of the little chef I have become.  It's nice when I can just find some stuff around my kitchen and make a nice little dinner for us.  Vinnie is still watching his Uncle's dog and since I didn't want to go to bed alone again I went over to his house with him (which is way in the suburbs) and spent the night there.  

Cosmo sleeping on my feet all night

I didn't sleep well because of a couple of things.  It was weird not being in my own bed, Cosmo (Uncle's dog) doesn't stop moving and of course he had to sleep in bed with us (spoiled!), and that bed was too damn big.  We slept in a king size bed and it felt like I was miles away from Vinnie.  So I'm extremely tired today because I had to wake up at 5:30 am in order to leave on time to make it through traffic and get to work.  Even with limited sleep I'm not in a bad mood because I only have to get through today and tomorrow at work and then it's VACATION TIME!!!

So now that the long weekend is over I'm not feeling very well.  It should be the opposite because I rested and relaxed all week.  I found this 3 day detox that would be a great idea and might try it out if I can go to the grocery store soon to buy some of these items.  I think I would feel a whole lot better than I do right now!

 I've been trying to chug water all day and I can't even drink coffee because it hurts my stomach too bad.  I think I need a detox diet!

Well I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday weekend!  Enjoy your short work week!   
xoxo

Bought this candle and have been burning it for days.  I'm ready for fall!