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

Already Monday

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!  I definitely did.  I was expecting the weather to be a bit nicer, but it's been so cloudy and I even noticed that it was sprinkling a bit on my way into the office this morning.  In case you haven't noticed, I'm beyond ready for spring!

Friday night Jeff and I rented American Hustle (I know, we are so behind).  I'm not sure what I thought of it.  I didn't love it, but I didn't necessarily dislike it either.  I may need to see it again before I can form an actual opinion on it.  I think I just had very high expectations for it because of the awards and so much chatter about it.  We also did something really bad...we cheated on our diet...not on a cheat day!  I was supposed to make lobster, crab, and shrimp salad for us, but I was so tired after such a long week.  So, we decided to go to California Pizza Kitchen..cheese pizza is the best for Fridays in Lent.  We also had mac 'n cheese bites...literally the most amazing thing I have ever eaten.  It was worth the carbs!

CPK Mac 'N Cheese Bites

Saturday morning we woke up and got Acai bowls from Nekter.  Also amazing.  Then we went to get our massages.  Overall, we had a good experience at Massage Heights.  The girl at the front desk could not have been more polite.  But, I asked for a light massage and it was a bit too firm for me.  My neck is still sore.  It even hurt when she was doing it, it felt like she was trying to rip my head off of my neck!  That's the only place where it really hurts, right where my neck meets the bottom of my head...if that makes any sense.  Other than that, it was very relaxing and she definitely got some knots out of my shoulders/upper back.  

We relaxed the rest of the day, watched March Madness and went grocery shopping.  I made Jeff his favorite kind of cookies, white chocolate macadamia nut. It was a great, relaxing night and so great to spend time together.  :)

Sunday I cleaned and did laundry alllllll day.  I didn't make it to church until the 5:00 mass and then picked up some makeup remover and face wash at CVS.  Of course I ended up spending $50.  I am a gel manicure girl.   I always have a gel manicure.  The main reason why I am so adamant about getting my nails done is because I am...not good (to say the least).. at painting nails.  I get the paint all over and I can't stay still long enough to let it completely dry!  But, I have decided that I am going to try to save money and only get my gels when I have an event that is worth it.  I picked up this color at CVS, and I am obsessed with it.  

How cute is it!?  It's my favorite color for spring and summer.  Also, my favorite thing about it is that the brush is double the size of a normal polish.  It makes it so easy to color in the lines.  I always use a base coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat.  I let these dry for a solid half hour before I did ANYTHING!  I always think, oh, I'll just pick up this one pen...there's no way I'll mess them up.  And BAM I ruin them!  So I was super careful this time, and they turned out great.  I may be heading back to CVS to use my $5 reward that I got yesterday and get a new color.

So I (kind of) started my waking up early routine today!  Jeff had a meeting in Fountain Valley this morning, which is only about a 15 minute drive away.  So, he didn't have to wake up super early.  But I got up with him at 7.  I made him breakfast and showered and didn't have as much extra time as I thought I would!  I had time to make the bed and clean the kitchen.  I love coming home to a clean house.  Tomorrow, I may sleep until 6:30 before going straight to 6.  I am also considering heading to the gym in the mornings before work, but I've never done so before.  I'm a little nervous about that!

Have a great week!!

XO Nicci

Finally 5 on Friday!

I don't think I have ever been happier for a Friday!  My boss has been in town from Chicago and it has been a loooooong and hectic week.  Jeff's office also moved about 40 miles north, right into the heart of LA on Monday, so he is still getting used to the 1 hour commute there and home each day.  It gives me extra time to clean the apartment and (sometimes) cook dinner for him before he gets home, especially when he goes to the gym.  But, it also makes it hard because I'd rather be spending time with him.  It is definitely a transition.  Thank the Lord for the weekend and giving us time to spend together!

-ONE-

Now that Jeff's office has moved so far away, he is up by 6 every morning and leaves the house around 6:30.  I don't even wake up until 7:30 and leave for work around 8:30.  So I literally don't see him in the mornings.  I have decided that I am going to start getting up earlier to spend time with him and to just have more time in the day!  Just because I don't have to be in the office until later, there is no need for me to sleep in every.single.day.  We don't go to bed very late (10:30 is our usual) so I know I will still be getting enough sleep.  I'm going to start on Monday, so we will have to see how it goes!

-TWO-

VACATION!!!

I finally have a vacation planned for the end of the summer! I am heading to NYC with my mom and aunt and cannot wait.  Although, I still REALLY want to plan a beach trip with Jeff.  But, I can't wait!  I am heading to NJ with Jeff at the end of April and then back to NY the end of July.  Summer and traveling, my two favorite things in one!

-THREE-

BACKSTREET BOYS!

Talk about being obsessed!  Every thing in my childhood that did not include Spice Girls was BSB!  And they are touring again...umm hello!?! I'm  going, they're coming to LA May 29th...i die. best.day.ever.

-FOUR-

I booked Jeff & I massages at Massage Heights tomorrow.  It's our first time trying it out, so we will see how it goes!  It's really close to where we live so I figured we should give it a chance.

-FIVE-

Love Lilly and her entire spring/summer line.  It makes me even more excited that it IS SPRING, and summer is SOON!!!

Happy Friday, loves!  Have an amazing, well-deserved weekend.

XO Nicci

Five on Friday!!

I could not be happier that it is FINALLY FRIDAY!  I have been so sick this week, in and out of my office and the doctor's office.  I wish I could say we have some crazy plans for St. Patty's this weekend, but we are just going to be resting the entire time.  I neeeed to get better.  I hope everyone has a fun, green-filled weekend!

-ONE-

Tory Burch 'Phoebe' Thong Sandal

Every time I look at these sandals my heart drops.  I LOVE THEM!  I love the color, the darker tan color goes so well with anything.  Also, they are the perfect amount of casual and dressy.  They are perfect for spring and summer and I seriously want them in my closet.  Get them at Nordy's.

-TWO-

My3AngelsDesigns

By all of the "Mr. & Mrs." things that I post, one might think that I am married, or at least engaged, but that's not the case!  I still LOVE these pillows.  They are actually from my mom's shop!  She just opened up a pillow division and I am in love with them.  Check them out on her website here or check out the few things she has available on her Etsy shop.  Contact me for special discounts and customization!  I just redid her website for her, so let me know what you think of it.  Any constructive criticism on layout or design would be greatly appreciated, as website design isn't exactly my specialty.

-THREE-

GOLD.....again!

It is fairly obvious that I am obsessed with gold.  But, who would have thought of golf furniture!?  The gold stripe is AMAZING, the perfect touch.  I recently painted my coffee table champagne and love how it pops in my living room. Hayleon Vintage Etsy Shop has some of the most amazing vintage furniture painted perfectly.  But, if you are just looking for a small change, a little paint can go a long way.  It is such a simply DIY project to do this yourself;  from the paint to adding feet to furniture.  

The inside of the drawers....I die! And again, such a simple DIY.  Sorry for being obsessed...

-FOUR-
Slow Carb Handbook

I've written about the 4 Hour Body before, as well as the Slow Carb diet that I am (trying my hardest) sticking to.  This book is awesome because it really condenses the entire diet portion of the book.  The 4HB book has so much detailed information, but this guide has cheat sheets and is so easy to reference.  It's cheap and so functional.  I ordered mine from Amazon.

-FIVE-

Love this! Spring has sprung in Southern California!

Happy Friday my friends!! Have a great St. Patty's weekend and someone have an Irish Car Bomb for me!

XO Nicci

Sushi & Hollandaise

Where did my weekend go!?  I can't believe it is already Monday, and I also can't believe that not only did I wake up with a sore throat and sinus infection this morning, I also spilled coffee all over my white pants on my way into the office.  Uh oh, I definitely need to turn this week around ASAP!  I did have a great weekend, starting with surprise sushi reservation!  I didn't realize the difficulty of being on a protein based diet for Fridays in Lent, meaning no meat!  Chicken is a huge staple in my diet, I eat it pretty much every day.  Cheese pizza was always our Friday night go to, but now that we are carb and dairy free, that wasn't going to work.  I had been wanting to try these "protein rolls" forever, and Friday night was the perfect opportunity.

They are basically the same as any sushi roll, but have cucumber instead of rice.  The one that we ordered was filled with tuna, yellow tail, salmon, halibut, shrimp, crab, and asparagus.  They were AMAZING.  Jeff said he thinks he liked them even more than normal rolls with rice.  We also ordered seared ahi and the yellow tail and jalapeno sashimi.  Unfortunately, we gobbled it up too quickly to snap a picture. It was great and so fun!

Even though Saturday is our cheat day, we still like to start the day off with a slow-carb breakfast (high protein, low carb, low sugar, dairy free, etc).  I decided to try out a new recipe for Eggs Benedict, it was a little time consuming but turned out soo yummy!

You can find the recipe I used here.  They have a ton of slow carb and paleo recipes.  I'm not the best cook, so I was proud of how they turned out!  If anyone has any low carb or slow carb recipes that they would like to share, I love to try out new things!  Grilled chicken for every meal gets a bit boring.

To briefly change the subject, I am taking a half day today because I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon.  I am not thrilled about it.  I really really dislike going to the doctor and was practically forced to go to the dermatologist a couple of weeks ago.  Well, while I was there, I had her do a
"mole check" over my entire body to make sure that there was nothing out of the ordinary.  She caught one on my stomach that she thought looked a little odd, so she removed it and sent it in for a biopsy.  Well, it turns out that it was deemed moderately atypical and I have to go back in this afternoon to visit a plastic surgeon to remove 2mm around and under the area.  I hate shots and have never had stitches before so needless to say, I am a little anxious this morning.  Jeff is picking me up and taking me on his lunch break so that I don't have to go alone.  I am hoping to be in the office tomorrow, but I will admit I can be a bit of a baby when it comes to pain.  As someone who cherishes the summer months, tan skin, and being in the sun, this has been a bit scary for me.  My doctor did ensure me that it is not cancer at this point, but it could have turned into it.  Well, I guess I will be slathering on the SPF 80 this summer!  Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.

XO Nicci

Five On Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!  This has been a whirlwind of a week for me.  I've had that feeling where it feels like you are going to get sick.  I'm feeling much better but Jeff is getting sick as well.  He's mostly just stuffy so hopefully it clears up soon.  We are going to have a nice, relaxing week of doing absolutely nothing.  The weather has been a complete turnaround from last weekend, so I am hoping we can spend some time outside tomorrow.  Here's my 5!!

-ONE-

SUGAR PAPER CONFETTI MONOGRAM

I am OBSESSED with this stationery from Sugar Paper LA!  I first found out about Sugar Paper buy purchasing a planner from their line for Target!  It also has the gold foil, which I love.  They have so much other stuff on the site, ranging from notepads to the cutest wrapping paper.  I love the monogram, I love gold foil, I love turquoise, I love everything about this.

Check out these Thank You cards!! Are they not the cutest things ever?!?! The envelope lining...I die.

-TWO-

SELFIES WITH GIRLFRIENDS!

So happy I got to meet up with my girlfriends, Mary and Mary last night!  Mary 1 (brunette) has been my really good friend since high school.  She went to college in Arizona and I went to San Diego.  Eventually, we ended up working together in Newport.  Mary 2 (blonde) and I met at work.  The three of us used to work together and get to see each other every day.  Since Mary 2 and I left the company about 8 months ago, we have been having a hard time with our schedules.  Everyone gets so busy and it can be hard to make time.  But it is so important for me to keep my girl time!  We had a blast and laughed the entire night.  

-THREE-

CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Blue Eye Brown Eye + DesignLoveFest Calligraphy Workshop!  Ugh I would DIE to be in one of these classes.  It looks like most of them are already sold out.  They are a little pricey, about $170 for a 3.5 hour workshop.  I think it would totally be worth it.  Once you learn the basics, they also have an advanced class.  I love the look of calligraphy, I'm not sure if I would necessarily be great at it, but I would LOVE to learn.  There are several other classes, although looking through the images of the classroom on this site...to die for.  Here are some other classes, you can google it in your area and find many more I'm sure.  I am going to start with a kit and hopefully get to a class soon.  I'll update with my progress!

Laura Hooper Calligraphy Workshop; $225 for 3 hour class.  Includes all supplies.  Classes are held in the LA Area, San Fran, Seattle, Brooklyn, Austin, & Dallas!

Plurabelle Calligraphy; at Urbanic Paper in Venice.  $125 for a 3 hour class, includes supplies and treats.  

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls; so much variety on the locations.  You can take a class literally across the world.  Workshops are held in Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, Brooklyn, San Fran, and LA.  Workshops are $110 for 2 hours.

Soceity for Calligraphy of Southern California; this is definitely the most cost conscious choice.  They hold FREE lectures and demos.  They start at $20 for a 4-hour "mini-workshop" and it includes lunch!  Can't get much better than that.  They also hold one day and two day workshops, but they are reserved for members only.  Check out all the info on their site.

Deann Singh Calligraphy; offers private lessons at her home in Los Angeles.  One on one private lessons, or schedule it for a group of your friends.  She only charges $35/hr for up to two students, or $50/hr for 3 or more (total, not per person).  

-FOUR-

READING FOR LENT

Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence - Devotions for Every Day of the Year.  This is the book that my mom gave me.  It has a prayer a day for every day of the year.  So, I have decided not to give anything up for Lent, but instead to read a prayer every day.  Also, I am going to pay more attention in church and try to put the sermon into action in my life.  Sometimes I feel like I just go to church and go through the motions, my mind wandering to what I am going to eat for dinner or a new pair of shoes that I want.  I am going to focus and apply!!

-FIVE-

Kate Spade two of a kind his & hers

 I want. So bad.  Would these not be the cutest addition to a bar cart!? Jeff says I can't get a bar cart until we move until a bigger place.  I know he is right, we wouldn't even have anywhere to put it in our tiny apartment now.  But still, I can't get over the idea.  I love them and these glasses are just PERFECT!! Of course, what does Kate Spade make that isn't!

XO Nicci

Tatum turns 2!!

The drive to Bakersfield Saturday morning was not as bad as I had expected!  It was quite rainy and dark, but there wasn't much traffic.  We got into town around 11 o'clock on Saturday morning and immediately started the festivities!

We had Jersey Mike's subs and hot dogs.  It was a great day.  Jeff and I met up with Stevi and Mike, my cousin Matt and his fiance Hilary, as well as Stevi & my college roommate Carly and her boyfriend for dinner on Saturday at The Petroleum Club (my favorite).  I got duck for my first time ever and loved it!  Well, from all of those festivities, I only have one picture from the entire weekend.  My phone got stolen on Saturday night after dinner. :(  I have never lost a phone before or had one stolen!  Total culture shock.  I feel so violated and hope that whoever took it was not able to break in past my passcode.  So I went to Verizon on my lunch break and had a total meltdown.  Everyone was so unhelpful and it took forever.  I was late back to work and still phoneless.  I felt my eyes get full of tears in the store, but vowed not to actual break down and cry.  I have to go back again after work and get things figured out. UGH! Well, this has not been the best Monday for me, I need things to turn around this week!

On a lighter note, Ash Wednesday is this week!  I love Lent and the Easter season.  I normally give up soda and candy for Lent, but am struggling to decide what I want to give up this year since I have been on such a strict diet.  My mom got me a prayer book with a new prayer to read each day of Lent so I am going to start that, but I want to do something else as well. I am considering adding something to do instead of "giving up" something.  Any idea!?

XO Nicci