I heart Weekends!

I had the weekend off, and Friday I spent the day at the spa after work.

Saturday was amazing.  I cleaned the house, did laundry from the week at sea, and then got a haircut.  I have needed one for a while, and I was glad I went.  I did it, I donated my hair again.  I got 12 inches cut off, and I think it looks great!  After the hair cut, I wandered around the mall, and then watched a free concert.  Who knew Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were performing in the parking lot outside my balcony?!?  Awesome.  I hung out with my neighbors and Bella, and we enjoyed the 45 minute set. After the concert, I took Bella to a day at the Dog Park put on by Chase Bank, Petco, and my apartment building.  She played with the pups and got tuckered out!  I then relaxed at home, made some great dinner, and read some magazines.

Sunday, I watched the Breakfast Club, got ready for the week, and then got a visit from one of my BFFs from Chicago!  We walked around the neighborhood, and had dinner at Seasons 52, where it was nice to catch up!

I truly miss Chicago, and am trying to embrace Jax as much as possible. 

Concert!

Bella listening to the music!

Meghan and Megan



Me! New haircut.

Spa Day!

Friday I returned from some time at sea, and I was just plain sore and tired.  My first stop was to the spa.  Normally, I would have gone home, gone grocery shopping, etc..but I just couldn't.

I stopped at Natural Body Spa in Jax.  It was such a great experience.  I have gone here a few times for different services, but on Friday, I did the whole shebang.  I got a facial, and a deep tissue massage, and it was worth every penny.  I used Naturopathica pumpkin purifying enzyme peel.  It was amazing. 

If you have a rough week, and need some pampering and are in the Jax area, stop here.  I can't wait to go back!!!

Etsy!

So I have bought many things on Etsy lately, as I am absolutely terrible at decorating.  Well..I have actually gotten much better at this decorating thing. 

Especially for the holidays. 

Here are three items I have bought recently.

Give Thanks Blocks

Autumn Pillow

South Side Irish Pillow

What have you bought on etsy lately?

I can't wait to purchase some Christmas gifts for my family on here soon!

Conscious Box

I bought a Groupon recently for Conscious Box.  I have loved receiving these boxes once a month, and the goodies that are inside.  I try the trial samples, and then make a list of what I like, and what I don't like.  I can buy most of the items at Whole Foods or other health food stores, as most of the items are organic, etc.

Some of my favorite items are:
Life Tree Dish Soap
Good Boy Organics snacks.  They are gluten free, and delicious!
Crum Creek healthy foods
Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen  I tried the strawberry and kiwi...so good!
KPax energy.  I have never taken anything for energy that has worked as well as these supplements!

I will continue to update this post as I try more amazing samples!

What are some of your favorite healthy/organic items?

Breathe..

Has been busy.  After such a wonderful weekend at home, it was tough trying to "catch" up.  Just get stuff done.  At home, at work, etc. 

Work has been busy, but fulfilling.  It is weird to say that, because many people can't.  It was a good week.  A week that I need to remember when other weeks get me down.  I have received many compliments this week.  Probably some that I didn't deserve...but it isn't often in this line of work when you get good feedback.

On the weeks when the "man" gets me down, I just read this excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt my former CO sent me after a tough time on deployment. 

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. 

Butternut Squash Ravioli

I picked up some Butternut Squash Ravioli at Target the other day.  Best random purchase ever. 

I made the recipe on the box, and was full...of fall deliciousness.  If you want a ten minute dinner..this is for you!

Yes.  10 minutes.  Did you get that part?  I can't wait to buy some more!

Weekend in the Windy City

I was able to spend this weekend with family and friends in the Windy City.  I was able to relax with my boyfriend, and just see some of my favorite places and people.

We had lunch in the neighborhood, dinner with my middle brother (who may or may not have won a huge race this weekend), made breakfast for my guy...had date night at our usual steak place, drinks up north with friends..fish fry with the next door neighbors for the Bears game...

I haven't had a good, relaxing weekend like this in a long time.  I wish I had seen more people, but next time my dears!

Gold Sperry Loafers.  Love

Half a slice of pumpkin pie @ Wildfire

Celtic Crown

Bear Down

Free Popcorn bc I am a vet.  Awesome treat at O'Hare!

Holiday Shopping: Buy American

I have started a tradition that I try to stick to each holiday season, and that is buying only American Made products.  Sometimes it seems tough, but I have succeeded at finding some real treasures.

You can see my previous posts on the subject here and here.

Some items and sites I am looking at this year are:
Forged - website owned and operated by Navy Seals.  Amazing quality, and great patriotic wear!
Bronners - holiday gifts and décor.
Smithsonian Store - I bought some games from here for my family a few years ago!
Etsy - I have bought an incredible amount of décor and gifts from here the past year. 

Some from previous years are:
Alex and Ani - I love their bracelets.  Love.
Resails - Just bought a bag in Annapolis.  It is my go-to work bag.  It is perfect.

I just found this site, and I feel I will get lost on it for hours this season, searching for the perfect gift. 

Last year I bought my boyfriend a great shaving kit.  Every guy I know that has it swears by it!!

Do you have any favorite "Made in the USA" companies or sites? 

This week...

I am trying to take one day at a time. I just need a glass of wine, a cozy blanket, and my pup.  It will be a busy week, and  I need to start with my recipes again.  Soon..I promise.  These work days have left little to the imagination in terms of cooking.  But with fall in full swing (70 degrees in Florida!), I have plenty of inspiration around me.

I can't wait for the holidays.  A chance to break from work.  See family and friends.  Enjoy the little things.  Laugh a little. 

Blah

Ever just have those couple of weeks where literally everything seemed just "blah"?  These past few weeks have worn on me.  From work to my own health, I am just "blah".  I need good news.  A pick me up.  Something.  Because I really don't want this week to be a downer too.

Here is to hope.  New beginnings.  Love.