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

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