Friday Giveaway!

Skipping 5 on Friday this week, but still linking up for my AllieClay giveaway! Have a great 3 day weekend! Happy Memorial Day! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Giveaway!

Happy Friday!! Today is the first day this week where the weather isn't supposed to be in the 100's!  Everyone is constantly complaining about the heat, but it is a dry heat and I not-so-secretly LOVE it.  It reminds me of summers in Bakersfield growing up, where 100 degrees is the average. Here are 5 other things that I am currently loving!

-ONE-

 AllieClay Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter the AllieClay giveaway! (Posted Wednesday)  We're giving away a PERSONALIZED small cosmetic bag and a kroakie.  Browse through her Etsy shop and look at all of the adorable fabric options.  

-TWO-

MAC Studio Scultp Lash

I have been using this mascara for about a month now and I absolutely LOVE it.  I went to the eye doctor earlier this week and she asked me if I had been using Latisse because my lashes looked so long!  Nope no Latisse, just this.  I already have fairly long lashes, but my main problem is clumps.  Spider lashes that are all clumped together in sections. The reason I love this mascara is because it does an awesome job at separating and extending the lashes.  I use multiple coats.

-THREE-

One Day Contacts

 After some eye issues, and several different doctor visits later, I switched to 1 Day contacts.  My eyes were constantly red and I was getting the worst headaches and didn't know why.  No drops seemed to take away the redness.  I made an appointment at an optometrist near my work and went in during my lunch break and he did not see anything wrong and told me it was "probably allergies."  I had no other reactions, no stuffy nose, my eyes weren't watery, nothing.  Long story short, I ended up in urgent care with severely red eyes and in pain. She didn't see anything either, but gave me antibiotics drop and told me to use them for 24 hours and if there was no improvement to see an ophthalmologist (who knew this existed...not me!)  The drops helped a little bit but I ended up going to see the ophthalmologist, who was a God send.  If anyone is in the Newport Beach area, her name is Dr. Carla Barnett.  She looked at my eyes for maybe 2 minutes and knew exactly what was wrong.  She said that my eyes could no longer handle the toxicity of the solution used to clean my lenses!  I told her I had been wearing those lenses and using the same solution for 10 years, but she said it is something that happens over time.  So I have been wearing the 1 Day for 3 days now and really like them.  They are more expensive, but totally worth it to have healthy eyes finally!  She said it may take a full month to clear up completely, but the redness has already gone away and no more headaches! Woohoo!

-FOUR-   

Oil Pulling?

Has anyone tried it!?  I tried it for about a week, but I haven't seen many changes.  20 minutes is a LONG TIME to swish it around!  I have opted to do 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. But, I'm not so sure I will continue to do it unless I know I will see some results (it isn't the most enjoyable thing).

-FIVE-

Crazy Baby!!

We are babysitting this crazy baby on Saturday!  I haven't seen her since Easter, but there were so many people at my parent's house and she was running around the entire day.  My sister and brother in law have a wedding so I said we would drive up for the day and spend the night.  We will have a long day of swimming and snow cones!  Can't wait.  Also, my younger sister will be in town from San Francisco, so I am excited for that.

Lastly, (SIX!?)  Here are the pictures I promised last week of Jeff's golf basket. 

I made him take this right after he woke up!  I had it set up so that was the first thing that he saw when he walked out of the bedroom.  We had a great day!

Have a great weekend! 

XO Nicci

ALLIECLAY GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Tuesday!!  AllieClay is giving away one PERSONALIZED small cosmetic bag, along with a PERSONALIZED kroakie!  The giveaway will begin tonight at 12:00 AM PST.  You can enter a total of 6 times!!  The giveaway will end MONDAY, MAY 19th so make sure to enter by then!!

There are so many different fabric options available, you can design these items anyway you want with any choice of fabrics, thread colors, and fonts.  Take a look at her Etsy shop to view all of the different options available!  The winner will have the change to choose any available fabric/color scheme!

AllieClay creates monogrammed cosmetics bags that are unique, one-of-a-kind, gifts. Each product is made to order and is entirely handmade by me specially for each customers design.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XO Nicci

FRIDAY!

Yay it's Friday again!  It seems like Fridays are the only days I feel obligated to write, but I am making it my goal to change that and post at least twice a week.  Tomorrow is Jeff's 24th birthday!  He is finally catching up with me...now he can't make any more comments about me being a "cradle robber" (I'm 5 months older than him)!  Unfortunately, he has to work this weekend, but I still have some fun planned for him.  How perfect is it that his birthday falls on a Saturday, aka our cheat day! I am going to make a run to Nekter Saturday morning and get his favorite acai bowl.  Then I'll give him his gift when I get back!  Early afternoon we will head to Marina del Rey for a work get-together that he has.  Then we will head to an early dinner before going to see a performance at a small nearby venue.  Sunday I plan on spending some time at the pool because it is forecasted to be  91 degrees!! My perfect weather!  Here are my 5 for this week!!

-ONE-

Jeff's Golf Inspired Birthday Basket

[I forgot to take a picture of the basket this morning, but will post a picture of it when I give it to him on Saturday!]

I love doing gifts like this!  Although the recipient doesn't get to rip off the wrapping paper, I think it is even better.  I had Jeff choose the clubs that he wanted a few weeks ago, because I know nothing about golf and wanted to make sure he got the exact ones he wanted. I got him these TaylorMade irons from Sport Chalet. I also got him this putting game where it spits the ball back out to you, which just looked so fun to me!  Also included are TaylorMade golf balls and glove.  I liked some of the Nike stuff, but I figured since the clubs he wanted were TaylorMade, I would stick with one brand.  Lastly, I got him a couple of golf polos and shorts and some golf tees!  And I am definitely going to take the basket for myself after he takes everything out :)

-TWO-

Nekter Acai Bowls

I know that acai isn't as popular everywhere else as it is in Southern California, but everyone who hasn't tried it is truly missing out!  I've acai bowls at several different places, but I am definitely in a Nekter phase right now.  Jeff (who tries his hardest to stick to his New Jersey roots) even loves them!  I always get the Acai Tropical, but there are several different toppings you can choose from.  If you don't have anywhere that has acai on the menu, you can order the frozen acai puree online and make your own.  It is a little pricey, but SO GOOD!  It's even available on Amazon.  I have tried the Sambazon brand before, and it is so tasty.

-THREE-
Light Pink Nails

This is my go to color for summer.  It's not too bright and a perfect summer shade!  What are other good summer colors?

-FOUR-
All White

Check out these Pinterest inspired looks!

I am loving this all white look for summer!  It is so clean and cute.  Adding statement jewelry, a purse, or shoes can add nice little pop of color if you feel uncomfortable with all white.  I love it with just tan or nude accessories to keep it muted.

-FIVE-

GIVEAWAY!!!

Remember I mentioned my love for AllieClay's Etsy Shop last week?  Well get ready for an AMAZING giveaway coming up on WEDNESDAY of next week! YAY, so excited!

Have a great weekend!!
XO Nicci

five on friday

Happy Friday! It's May, which means summer is almost here!  The weather down here has been beyond bizarre!  It is 95 degrees and windy.  I love it!! Here are 5 things I am currently loving!

-ONE-

AllieClay Etsy Shop

This shop has the most adorable monogrammed bags, and of course I love a good monogram.  They range from small, medium, or large makeup/cosmetic bags up to this large tote.  I ordered Jeff's mom and sisters the monogrammed cosmetic bags for Christmas and they loved them.  One of my close friends is graduated from Fresno State at the end of the month and I ordered her this large tote with a matching small makeup bag.  What a perfect graduation gift.  I can't wait to get it!  Also, Allie is such a sweetheart!!  

-TWO-

Chanel - Chance Eau de Parfum Spray

My go-to scent!  It is perfect for any season.  I got a new bottle and can't get enough of it.  It stays throughout the entire day!

-THREE-
Burlap Wreaths

I made this wreath for Jeff's mom for her birthday and loved how it turned out!  I ended up making them for my mom, sister, and nonna for Mother's Day as well.  They are fairly easy to make, and a perfect gift!

-FOUR-
Jeff and I returned from New Jersey late Monday night from a long weekend with his family.  I hadn't been out there since last June!  We had a great time, but of course it always seems too short.

Jeff & I with his parents

With Jeff's grandma

-FIVE-

I am re-doing my bedroom!  I have had pretty the same bedroom for the past 4 years, which is a very long time for me.  Right now, it is pretty much all neutrals; white, tan, and gold.  We need a new duvet cover, our current one is white and is definitely worn.

This is my dream room:

 I love the calmness of it.  And I absolutely love the canopy connected to the ceiling.  Since we will be moving into a new apartment next month, we can't do everything that we would do if we had our own house.   But I think we would be able to do the canopy.  And as of now, we have no headboard so I am debating between staying with our current tones (white, gold, tan/nude) or changing to white and gray.  I know, such a huge change, haha.

Have a great weekend!
XO Nicci 

Easter Recap, Dodger's Game & East Coast Plans!

This week, today is my Friday! Woo hoo!  Jeff and I have been so busy lately, always on the go.  Busy is fun, as long as I can have my coffee.  Last weekend, we headed up to Bakersfield to be with my family for Easter.  One of my best friends, Brooke, also came back with us.  We had a great time.  We arrived around 9:30am on Saturday morning and my mom made us fritters.  They were SO GOOD!  I haven't had them in years.  Then, we went to a couple of my favorite boutiques and headed to dinner at Benji's, one of my parent's favorite Basque restaurants, and to mass.  We went to a church that we don't normally attend, just because of the time frame that we were working with.  THEN, we headed out to a couple of bars to see my friends from high school that were in town for the weekend.  We woke up early Sunday morning to help set up for my family's arrival.  My parent's hosted both of their families, which is easily over 50 people.  It was so much fun.  We left around 5pm Sunday with our bellies full and fully exhausted!!

Jeff & I pretending that Tatum is ours!

Last night, we met up with my parents at the Dodger's game.  We had a great time, and they won!  We also got to see a couple of home runs.  My parent's have AMAZING seats (3rd row on 3rd base line), which also come with free food for the entire game..so needless to say, we had a cheat day.  I almost forgot how much I love Dodger Dogs!

We got home around  11pm last night and tried to pack because we are leaving tonight again!  We are heading to the East Coast to see Jeff's family early tomorrow morning, so we got a hotel room near the airport.  We are flying out of LAX, but back into Orange County, so we definitely didn't want to leave a car and have to drive all the way back to LAX to get it when we get home on Monday (especially since our flight arrives at 10:30 Monday night!).  I looked into taking a shuttle from Newport to LAX, but it would have to pick us up at 4:00 - 4:30 am to account for all of the stops...not gonna happen.  So we are staying at The Westin Los Angeles Airport, which is about 2 miles away from the airport and has a free shuttle service running every 15 minutes.  My parents always used to get a room by the airport for early morning flights when I was younger, so I think it will be fun :)  Now we won't have to leave until around 6-6:30am.  Much better.  Luckily, I sleep really easily on planes, so I am planning on catching up on some zzz's then!  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

XO Nicci

5 on Friday!

Happy Good Friday!!!  Here are 5 things that I am currently LOVING!

-ONE-

I am so excited to head home for Easter this weekend.  Bakersfield is about a 2.5 hour drive from Newport, so we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning.  A friend whose family is in Arizona is also coming with us!  I am so excited to see my sweetie Tate and my fam!  I haven't seen my younger sister since Christmas, and it has been a couple of months since I have seen my parents!

-TWO-

David Yurman Petite Albion Ring

(Please excuse my 2 week old mani!)

I wanted this ring for a solid 2 years before Jeff got it for my for my 23rd birthday.  Well, about 2 months ago, it had a nasty run in the with the garbage disposal.  :(  I was devastated, it had gone through twice because Jeff didn't realize it was in there.  I took it into the David Yurman store at South Coast Plaza (where we purchased it) to see if there was any way they could repair it.  I honestly thought they would laugh in my face when they saw how mangled the ring was.  The center stone was okay, but the band was completely ruined about half of the diamonds had fallen out.  But, the sales woman said this wasn't the first time that something that this had happened!  She sent it out for repair and about 7 weeks later (yesterday!), I picked it up from the store.  They charged me $150, but for all of the work that they did to fix it, I thought that was definitely a fair price.  I am so happy to have it back!!

-THREE-

UNBELIEVABLE POPCORN!

A coworker of mine made this popcorn for our office.  I have been doing so good on my diet, but this popcorn finally got me to break!!! Find a great recipe here.  I think it is perfect to have sitting out when family is over for Easter to snack on.  I am planning on making some this afternoon to bring home with me to my parent's house.

-FOUR-

Oh Joy! Collection at Target

This new(ish) collection at available at Target is the cutest!  It makes me want to throw a party for no reason.  Perfect colors for a spring or summer get together!

-FIVE-

Scandal

Because of my love for Law & Order, Revenge, and basically any murder mysteries, many of my friends have recommended that I watch Scandal.  I started it last week, and have almost watched all 3 seasons in one week (I know, I'm obsessive!)  But, it is ridiculous!! There are so many things going on and it always keeps you on your feet.  The season finale for season 3 aired last night, and I'm only about 4 episodes behind.  I have no idea what I am going to do when I am fully caught up and have to wait an entire week between each episode!!

Hope everyone has a great Easter weekend and is able to celebrate with friends and family.

Hoppy Easter Every Bunny! (so tacky haha!)

XO Nicci

It's Friday, Friday!

Yayyy it's Friday!  My week really just raced by.  Jeff and I are heading out to my favorite Italian restaurant tomorrow night, Roman Cucina.  Can you say carb overload!?  I literally cannot wait for a pasta and wine night.  We definitely need it.  Is that weird that I base my weekends around what I am going to eat on my cheat day?  Oh well, it's what helps me stick to my diet all week long.  I'm also going to make these coconut macaroons that Shay from Mix & Match Mama posted about earlier this week!  Coconut is my fave.   Here are five things I am currently loving!

-ONE-

Make things happen!

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I see myself doing in the future.  I'm constantly praying for God's help to find my path and guide me.  I have finally decided to take a step forward and do something that I have always wanted to do.  I am still in the very early stages of everything, but am very, very excited about it.  More details to come, but I will say that I will be utilizing my business degree as well as my passion for weddings and brides!  Any words of encouragement, ideas, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

-TWO-

Bella Espresso Maker

I picked up this beauty from a Target run earlier this week.  I decided I am going to try to save time/money in the mornings by not hitting Starbucks so often.  This was only $39.99, and I usually spend about $20 every 2 weeks at Starbucks.  So, I am thinking that this little investment will really pay off!  I usually get an Americano, so I have been boiling the water with my teapot and making my own.  It is so quick and efficient and easy to clean.  I also picked up the Tazo Tea Chai Tea K Cups, because Chai Tea Lattes (with heavy cream instead of milk...no dairy on my diet) are my other go to.  Now I will have no reason to go.  Let's see how long I can last!

-THREE-

Target Swimsuit, duh!

I also came home from Target with this swimsuit top.  It is really more coral in color than orange.  I love mixing and matching my swimsuits, I plan on wearing this with my white bottoms. Can't beat $17.99!

-FOUR-

Yay for  a sunny weekend!! I can't wait to lay out by the pool this weekend for the first time since last summer.  This is perfect timing, because there aren't too many people out there already.  Since I'm from Bakersfield, I love the heat.  On an average summer day, the temps are 100+.  So low 70's is still a little chili for me, since my perfect summer weather is 90!

-FIVE-

I'm really trying to focus on this during lent!

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

XO Nicci

Yellow Daffodils

 Monday...again! I had a great, relaxing weekend.  We went grocery shopping last night and I made crock pot turkey chili for the week.  We also baked quite a bit of chicken for the week.  Yay for spring!!  I  picked up these Daffodils at Ralph's on sale!  I arranged them in my spray painted maison jars...  literally the easiest DIY.  I got two bunches (only $2 each).  I've heard they are having a sale on Daffodils at Trader Joe's as well.

Have a great week!!

XO Nicci

Fiiive on Fridayyy

Linking up for Five on Friday!! Here's what's been on my mind lately...

-ONE-

Our lease is up and we are officially MOVING!!  The only issue is..we don't know where!  We are debating on moving up north into one of the LA beaches.  We're looking at Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, trying not to go up into Santa Monica.  I am a little bit nervous to fight LA traffic.  I never really thought I saw myself living in Los Angeles, so we definitely have a lot more to talk about and figure out exactly what we are going to do, but I am so excited for a little change! (and hoping I can finally get my bar cart...!)

-TWO-

So, the main reason I am thrilled about moving is that our current apartment complex doesn't allow dogs.  It's cats only and neither of us are cat people.  I'll finally be able to get a puppy!!  I know that we are going to get a small pup, because we will most likely still be in an apartment.  I have a special place in my heart for mini dachshunds.  They are just so long and their legs are so short!  The cutest, funniest dogs ever.  I am thinking if we don't go for that we will end up either a small beagle or a yorkie mix of some kind.  Can't wait to have a little baby!

-THREE-

I posted about these a couple weeks back and my sweet boyfriend surprised me with them!  I LOVE THEM, but they do run large.  I normally wear a 8.5 and usually Tory Burch sandals run a bit small.  But, these were waaaay to big for me.  I had to take them back and of course they were all out of 7.5s and 8s in every color.  So I had to order them (the salesperson said he thought the 8 would fit after I showed him the 8.5) and now I have to wait another week to finally have them on my feet!

-FOUR-

I love this stuff.  I towel dry my hair and spray it on as soon as I get out of the shower. I use the plus keratin one because with all of the blow-drying, curling, and straightening, my hair is super prone to breakage.  Not only does this product make my hair soft and shiny, it smells INCREDIBLE.  I love the smell.  It also completely de-frizzes my hair.  Now don't get my wrong, I've never been able to simply blow dry my hair and have it look "normal", I still have to take a flat iron or curling iron to it.  But, this product definitely makes it incredibly easier to deal with.  Did I mention the smell!?

-FIVE-

I am so excited to hear Mark Hart speak at my church Monday night.  For those of your that are unfamiliar with him, he is a Catholic speaker who uses humor to draw in a younger crowd. You can check out his site here!  I'll be sure to recap the talk next week!

Have a great weekend!!!

XO Nicci