Favorites on Friday - Movie, Coffee Shop, Pup!

                             

~Mona Lisa Smile~

-Somehow I missed this gem of a movie from over a decade ago. But thank goodness for Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes wasn't the kindest as far as reviews go.. but I would give it at least an 90% (I'm not the harshest of judges). It's a period piece set back in the 1950s with a girl-power message, and an awesome cast!

~The Filling Station

-The cafe/coffee shop near my house that I cannot get enough of. I When I am home now, it's only for a day or two max. Unfortunately, most of the time it's pointless to go to the grocery store. And when you live on the road, eating out isn't exactly appealing. So I found the perfect compromise.. a fantastic coffee shop close to my house that has a menu of reasonable, healthy choices. Yummy tuna wrap yesterday and a kale, mango salad today - yum!

~Sophie Pup~

                    

-Introducing, Sophie - the newest little member of my family. My mom picked up the little pup yesterday afternoon and I can't get enough of the fluff ball. 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - KC and 1 YEAR!

Favorites on Friday

                               

~KC Weekend~

-I am HOME. This will be my first weekend in KC since May! I am so excited to see friends, sleep in my own bed, and feel like a normal person. I had a blast with all of my fun plans in June, but there is something special about a weekend with absolutely no plans. And to top things off, my normally delayed Thursday night flight actually got in at a decent hour last night! So I am feeling well rested, and ready for the weekend's festivities.

~Not one, but TWO extra closets!~

-My 6+ weeks of closets have been stored in my suitcase I keep checked at the Double Tree. I affectionately refer to it as 'my rolling closet'. BUT now that I am home for the weekend, my outfit possibilities are endless. Not only do I actually have access to my full REAL closet, but I also have my roommate's clothes to choose from as well. More exciting: I ACTUALLY LIVE WITH MY ROOMMATE FOR THE WEEKEND!

~365 since that First Day of being a working girl~

See the recap of my first week here!

-I started this full-time gig exactly a year ago! While there are lots of ups and downs with an entry level job, I am incredibly grateful for this year. I have met some great people, mastered things that I never thought I'd learn, and stayed in a hotel more times than I had before in my life (89 nights and counting). Who knows what will happen in the next few years.. But this has definitely been a great start!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Running.. in my Favorites?!

Favorites on Friday

This week was as good as could be.. getting back into the groove of things after vacation is never fun. But here are a few of my favorites from the week! 

~Mud Run - 8 week to 5k~

-In preparation for the LoziLu Mud Run at the end of August, it was time to start the training. I am not a runner, but this all-girls mud run just looks like a blast! I started their training plan (outlined here) this week and have been loving it. It's just the motivation a person needs after alllll the good food I ate on vacation :) 

~The Fault in Our Stars~

-This one makes the list, but involved a lot of tears. This book was as vacation read for me last week and I really enjoyed it. It's clever and fun to read. But a story about two kids with cancer can only be so happy. So I went to see the movie this week knowing that I wouldn't make it through without at least a few tears. Let me tell you, I sobbed for the second half of the movie. 

~Favorite Place in the World~

-Back in San Fran and happy, happy, happy. We're doing San Francisco once again. I love this city and can't wait to do some more exploring! I will definitely be revisiting a few of my favs this weekend too - I can't leave SF without breakfast at Dottie's and fresh veggies from the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market!

What are your weekend plans? Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Vacation, All I Ever Wanted!

Favorites on Friday

I made it through the week! Sorry for the delayed post.. Today has been go-go-go. I flew back home bright and early for a short day in the office. After not even 6 hours in Kansas City, it was back to the airport. But at least this time it was for a personal trip and not for work! Vacation is here - and it can't get much better than that. So here are some of my favorites from this week!

~A Freaking Fun Week Ahead~

-With this crew, there are sure to be lots of laughs, games, great food, and freaking fun. Britt's family kindly invited me along for their lovely vacation once again. I am so excited to spend some quality time relaxing and enjoying good company this week. 

~The Best Mexican Food in SLC~

-The 45 minutes wait was totally worth it. When you finally get a seat at the Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, they treat you like an extra special guest - bringing out samples of their famous dishes and joking with you like you are an old friend. So if you are ever in Salt Lake City, go check it out! ..just don't go when you are absolutely starving. From what I hear, there is always a long line wrapping around the small building.

~Even though I'm not quite 29...~

-When I clicked on What I Know Now at 29, I thought 'Ah, just another list'. Don't get me wrong. The '..x number of things I learned from y..' articles always draw me in. They are usually pretty standard, but just entertaining enough to keep me going back for more. This particular article by Serena Dyer had a few gems in there that I couldn't help but share. 7, 8, and 9 were spot on. 

Do you have any big plans for the week of the 4th? Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites On Friday - East Coast Adventures

Favorites on Friday

This weekend's adventure? Virginia Beach, Virginia. We switched up our typical West coast adventures and headed East! I flew in from my second home of Salt Lake City and Britt flew in from Kansas City. After a lot of stressful delays for both of us, we miraculously both made it late last night at 4AM. So now, just a few hours left of the workday before we can go and enjoy the beautiful beachfront! 

~Oceanfront Workday~

We left the beachfront balcony for a little work with a side of fries.

-A workday isn't half bad with the sound of the ocean waves right outside. ..Or at least that's how the day started. Britt and I were working away on the balcony of the oceanfront hotel my parents are staying in when the internet dropped. So we had to make a quick move our only other option - a McDonald's across the street. The atmosphere here isn't nearly as nice, but it will do the trick while we finish up a few things!

~Return to Neptune~

If you ever find yourself at Virginia Beach, head to
31st and Atlantic to see massive King Neptune guarding the sea.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia RadioFan

-This beach has to be one of my favorite spots. My uncle moved out here a few years ago and every trip has been such a blast. The beach and boardwalk are something to remember. So we're back at it.. ready to be beach bums and stroll the boardwalk!

~Pantene's #ShineStrong Series~

"Not Sorry" from the Pantene #ShineStrong series.

-I can't say I use their products, but Pantene's girl power ads are killing it recently. I saw this one a while back on Facebook. My new favorite is the one you see above that was posted on HuffPost Women - "Reminding women to stop saying sorry when they didn't do anything wrong." Check it out and feel empowered.

So as I write this from a noisy Micky D's Cafe, I am realizing it's definitely my most random makeshift workplace.. What's yours? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Summer Vacation Weekends!

Favorites on Friday

This month is full of mini-vacations. Since there aren't any 'summer breaks' in the real-world, I am taking advantage of the weekends and packing in as many things as I can. With all of these good weekend plans, the work week isn't all that bad :)

~Cali Adventures pt. 3~

-I just can't get enough of sunny California. Britt and I hit as many fun spots as we could last weekend in Southern California. We lost a little money at the Santa Anita Racetrack, stopped by the Rose Bowl Stadium, hung out on the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade, and hiked a beautiful trail in Thousand Oaks, California.

BUT by far, one of the most notable parts of the weekend was our trip to Diddy Riese Cookies. It's a cookie shop right off UCLA's campus. I would highly recommend checking it out if you ever make it to LA. The line was out the door and down the block, but as soon as you taste one of their cookie and ice cream sundaes, you'll know why!

~Burlington Steamboat Days~

Throwback picture on the left of me at SBD back in the day. Apparently I was into crop-tops before they were cool.

-I am especially excited for this weekend - family, friends, and festival foods! Steamboat Days is a week of concerts and a carnival along the river in Burlington, Iowa. I have been going since I was a little girl. Last year, my friends came with back with me for the festivities and we had a blast! I have been counting down to this year's event!

What are your favorites from this week? Any big plans for the weekend? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - A YEAR?

Favorites on Friday

This was an extra long week. We had to do a couple of demos from 5-8pm 3 days this week so I am especially ready for the weekend!! Here are a few of favorites that helped get me through the 52 hour week.

                               

~We'll be in our Cap and Gowns~

Those 4 years would not have been the same without my Real Friends.

-One year since I walked across the stage WITHOUT tripping!! This is a bittersweet 'Favorite' -I am happy to be an alum of my beloved University but it was also very surreal. Anyway, congrats to the Class of 2014! Go Hawks!

~Anything Dogs~

Does it get any cuter?

-I love anything that features a few cute pups. So this Buzzfeed article is my new go-to for whenever I need a reason to smile. I have already looked at The 100 Most Important Dog Photos of All Time 3 times since last night.

~SLC Adventures~

-Laura is on her way to Salt Lake City! I am looking forward to a weekend of checking out the Salt Lake City summer sites with the roomie. It is supposed to be beautiful weather here. So I think we're going to pretend to be outdoorsy and do a little hiking. Don't worry.. I looked up 'family friendly hikes'. I figured that's the best bet for my first trek up in the Utah mountains.

Any tips for a first time hiker? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Never Too Old for Dress Up!

Favorites on Friday

I had a really busy work week and it went super quick. So this week's Favorites on Fridays is mainly from last weekend. BUT the weekends are where most the fun is anyway, right? 

                               

~Fitz & the Tantrums~

-A summer favorite are the summer concerts in Kansas City's Power & Light District. On Saturday, my friends and I went down to P&L for the Fitz and the Tantrums show (click the link for one of my favorite songs right now!). It was only a $5 admission and the weather was perfect! Power & Light has a lot of free concerts during the summer - so I am excited to enjoy some good music there this summer.

~Death at the Doo Wop~

-Britt and I went (and accidentally participated) in the Grimprov Murder Mystery Dinner last Sunday. The theme was 50s prom and we are a little too good at themes (A.K.A we were the most dressed up people there). And this particular Murder Mystery Dinner involved heavy audience participation. So I think when Britt and I walked in looking all snazzy, we were the perfect targets. I even got a part in the show and had to do a dramatic death scene in front of everyone!! Britt won 'Best Dressed' for his baby blue suit. The night was a success!

~The Baby Blue Suit~

-Britt's baby blue has gotten a lot of use over the years, and deserves some recognition all on it's own! Winning 'Best Dressed' at the Murder Mystery Dinner was an easy feat for this piece of apparel. The suit just seems to work for every theme. Britt's brother snagged it originally from a second hand store and 'passed it on' to Britt. One of my favorites is the 80s theme party pictured above!

What's your favorite dress up theme? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Happy Hiking!

Favorites on Friday
Happy, happy, happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend - here are a few things that made my week!

                               

~Hollywood Hiking~

-One of the highlights of last weekend in LA was hiking up by the Hollywood sign. On our last day in Cali, we took the trails up by the Hollywood sign. It was perfect weather and the most beautiful view. It seemed pretty crazy to be on such a serene hiking trail in the midst of a big city. 

~A Summer Savory Salad~

-As I've mentioned in previous post about my desperate food measures while traveling, it's not easy to eat healthy when you're living out of a suitcase! So this week I ventured out to this cute little cafe and got the most delicious salad. This strawberry and avocado salad was so tasty! And I felt much better about myself after this as opposed to that cup of noodles I had a few months ago.. :)

~A Little SLC Pampering~

-Pretty nails and a mini-confidence boost! I wish I hadn't start this - but I have an occasional habit of getting my nails done in Salt Lake City. It's a new thing for me. Luckily I found a really reasonable little salon. The gel style nail polish just lasts so long - it's my new favorite thing. And this might sound silly (especially to any gentleman readers!) but it's actually a major confidence booster to have well-maintained nails. Especially when you are pointing at a computer screen all day!!

Do you have a favorite hiking spot? What are your typical airport thoughts? Comment below! 

Have a great weekend - and enjoy some of that warm spring weather!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Why Not? Weekend Adventures

Favorites on Friday

A weekend of 'Why Not?'  I am writing from California once again. This little weekend trip was planned less than a week ago and I couldn't be happier about how it's working out!

~Sparkling Summer Wine~

It's also just a really pretty drink.

-Fun outdoor festivities with friends. Last Saturday, some friends and I enjoyed the nice weather with some yard games and summer drinks. One of my new favorites is a refreshing White Wine Spritzer! It is so easy and tastes delicious on a warm spring day. Click on the link above for the recipe - but all it takes is a pitcher, Sprite or 7-Up, frozen fruit, and a bottle of white wine. Mix and enjoy!

~SLC Salon~

There are trees in the salon - it was meant to be.

-I found the perfect little salon in downtown Salt Lake City that's just my style. The last thing I want to do when I am in Kansas City is waste time getting a haircut when I could be spending it with friends. I really lucked out with Array Salon!! It's the perfect spot, just a few blocks from my hotel. My stylist was incredibly easy to talk to and gave me some great ideas of things to do while I am out in Salt Lake City. 

~Cali Adventures Continued~

Not a bad way to start the day.

-It took some quick planning to make a second California weekend happen! Britt just found out last Thursday that he had to be in LA for work this week - so we had to take advantage and check out the area! This trip is especially exciting because I have family in Santa Barbara. After we finish work today, we're going to head that way and catch a funky concert with my uncle!

Do you have any go-to summertime drinks? SoCal suggestions?  Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Southwest Comedians

Favorites on Friday The adventures I have had the last few weekends have been fun.. but I am excited to finally get a few days at home!! I don't even think it's possible to fit all the KC activities that I want to do in one weekend - but I am going to try :) ~The Annual MBC (Again)~ -This one makes the list two weeks in a row. It was the perfect weekend with all of the best people. Not only did I have a blast spending time with my family - but really all of the moms that attend have become my family. Such a happy weekend! ~Southwest Comedians~ -A little in-flight fun. I love flight attendants with a sense of humor. And I have had quite a few on Southwest recently. By the end of their safety instructions the whole plane is cracking up. So when I saw this video going around Facebook, I had to share! This particular flight was even going to SLC - I wish I could have been on that flight! ~Happy, Happy, Happy, Spring Happy Hour~ -Perfect weather, good friends, and a great patio. One of my favorite parts of spring weather is a good patio with friends. I got overly excited and sent out an invite for happy hour almost 3 weeks ago since I knew I would actually be in KC. So we're checking out a new place, not far from my apartment, with an awesome patio. I'll keep you updated on how it is! Have you had any flight attendants that add a little fun to your flight? What are your weekend plans? Comment below! And for past Favorites on Friday, click here!

Favorites on Friday: Airport Thoughts

Favorites on Friday
I left my heart in San Francisco. I miss the San Fran sun already, but I have a very exciting weekend ahead! As soon as my plane lands in KC, I will be hitting the road to head back to Iowa City once again.

                              

~The Annual MBC~

A tribute to last years event with my beautiful mama and grandma!

-A weekend with friends and fun-loving moms! It's the annual Mom Bar Crawl, a weekend of fun my friends and I started three years ago.The tradition carries on after we've all graduated, and I couldn't be more excited for the festivities. I'd better take a little nap on the plane to rest up - gotta be in tip top condition to keep up with the moms, grandmas, aunts, and cousins :)

~Kitty Lovin'~

-I finally get to meet the latest addition to our apartment. So far I have only met little Heidi via FaceTime - but today's the day. If you know me, and my obsession with dogs, you'd never believe just how excited I am to meet this little lady! But I am an animal lover and this little kitty stole my heart at first site. I am even thinking after a little snuggle session, I could be a committed cat person too!!

~Airport Thoughts~

-85 Thoughts Everyone has at the Airport. This Buzzfeed article made me laugh as I was waiting to board my plane this morning at the Salt Lake City International Airport. I especially liked number 12-15:
- What facial expression should you make while going through security?
- What are they scribbling on my boarding pass?
- After reading the list, I would add: "Man, that person sitting below the luggage bin sure looks terrified that I am going to drop my luggage on them!"

~Sightseeing in SLC~

-After 3 months of traveling out to Salt Lake City, I finally did a little exploring this week. A few friends and I took advantage of the beautiful spring weather and walked around the downtown. We walked around the Salt Lake Temple grounds and got a beautiful view of the skyline from the top of a downtown conference center!

So are you a dog- or a cat-person? What are your typical airport thoughts? Comment below! 

Have a great weekend - and enjoy some of that warm spring weather!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday: Greetings from San Fran!

Favorites on Friday

I have been counting down to this weekend. I used some of those frequent traveler points for a practically free, mini-vacation with Britt to San Francisco. I flew in last night - and cannot wait to explore the California city some more. 

~Sunny San Francisco~

-San Francisco makes it to the very top of my favorites list this week. I am here enjoying the beautiful weather and incredible city with my guy. We have been planning this little weekend getaway for a while and I am so excited it's finally here. We started with a tour of the San Francisco Bay on a Sunset Cruise last night. Today we're off to explore China Town and check out Golden Gate Park. Stay tuned for updates about the weekend. 

~Dottie's True Blue Cafe~

We found our San Francisco Hamburg (a little classier though). 

-Speaking of San Francisco.. we've already hit the jackpot of breakfast foods. Britt and I started off the day with a hearty breakfast from Dottie's. It has been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives - and I honestly don't think I have ever tasted anything as good. If you are ever in San Francisco, you have to stop by this little cafe.

~The Caps Lock~

-Levo League shared this on Facebook this week and I loved it. This describes me perfectly - I am guilty of using (ok, maybe overusing) the all-caps in a text message. But whether it's a text or not, you have to live life with excitement and enthusiasm, right? :)

~Skeeball~

-Anyone want to take on this soon-to-be skeeball pro? Earlier this week, I found an awesome restaurant down the street from my hotel. The best part? They have a couple of skeeball machines. And the establishment hosts a 9-week skeeball league. I am trying to get in on the action.. but it might be too late to sign up. Either way, I think this might be my sport. I think it fits my unathletic, but competitive nature to a tee. 

How are you spending your first weekend in April? We still have almost two full days left in San Francisco.. any must-see or must-do activities? Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday: Trashin the Camp

Favorites on Friday

This week has flown by.. I had a busy work week in Salt Lake City and flew back into KC late last night. It will be a pretty chill day at the office, followed by a team social! I haven't gotten a chance to get to know many people on my team since I am always gone - so I think this will be extra fun! Anyway, here are a couple of things that made my week a little happier.. :)

~Tarzan Soundtrack~

Don't worry. It's on Spotify.

-My new workday afternoon boost - the Tarzan soundtrack. My roommate reminded me of this fun spirited soundtrack last weekend. We were jamming to, arguably, Phil Collin's best work. Since then, I have played the album a couple of times throughout the workday as an afternoon pick-me-up. Just listen to Trashin the Camp and tell me it doesn't make you want to get up and do a little dance! 

~Any Occasion Wallets~

-A wallet meant ready for anything. I am obsessed with wallets that are big enough to carry the essentials, but small enough to fit in almost any purse. And with the wristlet, it can double as a cute little clutch for a night on the town.

~Breakfast of Champions~

-Delicious hotel breakfasts make being away from home a little easier. With all the travel, I am finally seeing some perks.. and that means a tasty omelet and great cup of coffee to start the day! Can't complain about that.

What's new with you this week? Any fun soundtrack suggestions? Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday: Home Sweet Home

Favorites on Friday

I am one happy girl - it has been a great week of quality time with people that I love. As to be expected, the crew had the best weekend in Iowa City with lots of shenanigans. And this week has been just as fun: I got in a few date nights with my boyfriend, got together with friends, and just enjoyed the amenities of being at home!

~No place like Kansas [City]~

How great is this picture of KCMO from Wikimedia?

-There was nothing better than being home sweet home for a week. You know that really great feeling of knowing your way around town, getting back into a routine, and the joy homemade food after a long trip? AH. It's just the best. I am happy to be back.

~Magic Bullet Smoothies~

My breakfast this week has been a fruit, spinach, oat smoothie. So filling and delicious!

-I think I almost missed my Magic Bullet as much as I missed home. I would say I have a side job as an unpaid Magic Bullet spokeswoman. Honestly I just don't think I could live without it at this point. Since it's not all that practical to take it with me on my travels, I have been taking advantage this week with lots of coffee frappuccinos, fruit smoothies, and banana peanut butter shakes. YUM.

~Divergent at the Alamo~

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
Well, except for during all the fighting scenes.. then I covered my eyes and curled up in my seat.

-A movie premiere at my favorite movie theater with my roomie. Rarely do I finish a book, and the movie comes out the following week.. luckily I was late to jump on the Divergent bandwagon! It was so much fun to see the film adaptation of everything I had imagined. The movie was fantastic. Also, I am the biggest fan of the dine-in movie theater here in town - The Alamo Drafthouse is the best. It's a great atmosphere, tickets are reasonable, and they are always doing fun specialty showing of old movies. If there's one in your city, check it out!

~Spring Break 2013~

Oh, Cozumel. Take me back.

- Last year at this time, I was soaking up the sun with my favorite ladies. I have been daydreaming about the warm weather and blue waters all week long. I wish we could be back on our cruise ship this year - but at least we have lots of fun pictures and great memories to remember an incredible trip!

So how was your week? Any smoothie recipes I can try in my beloved Magic Bullet? Did you do anything fun for the start of March Madness tournaments? Notice how I didn't bring up Iowa's heartbreaking loss.. Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here! 

Favorites on Friday: A few of my favorite things

Welcome to the very first "Favorites on Fridays". 

I wanted a second reason to post throughout the week, and this seemed like the perfect way to do it! I was inspired by "Things I'm Loving Fridays" on the always adorable blog, PBFingers.

What is Favorites on Friday? Every Friday, you will see a short-and-sweet post featuring a few 'favorites' from the past week. It could be anything that made me smile recently. 

This was also partially inspired by 100 Happy Days - something a friend sent my way. It's a bright, and cheery challenge, and a great way to celebrate everyday! If you are interested, read up on the challenge. I haven't fully committed to blowing up my social media news feed with a picture a day yet, but I do love the idea of reflecting on what makes you happy :)

So here it goes - what better way to kick off my weekly favorites than with..

~My Favorite People~

I cannot wait to hug each and every one of these people.

-In just a few hours I will be reunited with the crew. Of course my friends would make it to the top of the list every week.. but I have an extra reason to be grateful today. I couldn't be more excited to see some of the best people I know tonight. Here's to a good weekend!

~Double Tree cookies~

-I just couldn't get enough of these delicious treats. The Double Tree hotel offers a warm-nut chocolate-chip cookie every day to their guests. I have a sweet tooth and these cookies hit the spot! Luckily I made a promise to Britt that I would bring a few back for him - otherwise I wouldn't have been able to resist eating at least one a day.

~Divergent on iBook~

-Divergent is tough to put down and keeps you flipping the virtual pages. Also this is the first book I have downloaded on my iPad and I will definitely be downloading the next book of the series soon! Especially when I am traveling, a bulky book is one less thing I have to throw in my bag now that I have caught onto iBook.

So as Maria sings, "those are a few of my favorite things," well for the week anyway! What has been making you happy this week? Have you been hooked to Divergent like I have? Or ever tried the irresistible Double Tree cookies? Comment below!