Hey I'm Over Here!

Hey everyone! So I've got a real life desk these days so I plan on being around this blog of mine more often. But if you're curious about wedding happenings please check out our wedding website! I don't update it too much right now but will probably post more over there as the big day gets closer. Here is a picture of my desk

(15%) Built all by me!

We went to Ikea on a Saturday. It was madness as usual. But we made it without fighting or breaking up, and did Liz Lemon proud. 

Looking forward to being around here more often!

Cheers!

Marisa

Let's Do This

Alright guys so I'm here. Writing this on our couch in Minneapolis with Drew iPad-ing it up next to me. Tomorrow marks my one week anniversary as a Minnesota resident.  Annnnd today marks my one week anniversary of unemployment. I thought I would enjoy a break from work since back in Des Moines I worked 6 days a week and usually no less than 55 hours a week. However after the first few days I found myself longing for a 5am wake up call to get ready for work. Instead I occupy my time with Gossip Girl. How in the hell have I never watched that show before? I had an interview Friday that went pretty well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. I probably should be more adventurous and maybe venture downtown and just explore the city more. However I have a hard time tearing myself away from the Chuck/Blair saga. I just want them to be together! Is that so much to ask? 

Anyway, the drive up wasn't too bad. My car was packed, in fact so packed that I probably would have gotten a ticket since my side views were basically obstructed. Luckily I did not get pulled over and just enjoyed the sound of two crying cats for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Turns out my Elvis kitty does not like the musical styling of  Michael Jackson. I know I don't understand it either. Despite our differing tastes in music we all made it safely and the cats have adjusted well to their new home. As for me, we're still figuring things out but all will be well. Just trying to figure out each others routines and how we can work together and Drew is learning how to live with pets. I hope to get my blog reworked this week however certain drama may pose a problem with that (re: Chuck/Blair). Just kidding I really need to do something productive, creative even. Just to keep my mind in shape. I can't sit on a couch forever.....or can I???? ;)

Cheers!

Marisa

Sweet Home Chicago

Wow. You guys are seriously amazing. Thank you so much for your kind comments/tweets. You have no idea how much I appreciate them. In true life fashion, things got worse before they got better. I had to have my brakes replaced when I got home. Lets just say I got off the interstate in Illinois and came to a grinding halt. Oh well. It's done, I'm over it. I wasn't going to let that put a damper on my weekend, because I was there to party and spend a stress free weekend with the love of my life and old college friends. And that my friends is exactly what I did. First up though, I had to take Drew to a Chicago land staple: Portillo's

Apparently this boy loves him some hot beef and sausage....take that for what you will.

I however, being the vegetarian I am, enjoyed this delicious concoction of grilled zucchini, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes on sundried tomato focaccia bread. Yummm...

Then it was onto the wedding! I cannot tell you how much fun it was seeing the boys again. I had such an amazing time and it was so great to have everyone together. I'll let the photos do the talking ;)

(and last but not least, the groom looking dapper.)

How was everyone's Halloween weekend? I'm getting back to it, and I cannot wait to catch up with all of your blogs and see everyone's costumes!

Cheers!

Marisa

Do you have somewhere else to be? A hideous skirt convention?

I watched The Devil Wears Prada and The Young Victoria yesterday. I'm pretending to be Emily Blunt today. So this weekend was Race for the Cure and it was once again, so much fun. I love seeing the Des Moines capitol building turn into a sea of pink :) It wasn't my best 5k (30 minutes) but I always end up getting choked up a few times throughout the race and I have to slow it down to prevent myself from hyperventalating. This year it was due to many a big burly men running in pink for their moms, sisters, or wives, and also little boys running for their mothers. I may be tearing up about it as I write this. If you've never done Race for the Cure I highly recommend you do. It's such an amazing experience.

I have a short work week as I'm heading home Thursday and heading to a wedding (yay!) As such, I've been working out like crazy and living off a cube of cheese if I feel as though I'm about to pass out (jk just more Emily for you!) This is more for the going home part, less for the wedding. I've discovered it's best to just be my skinniest self and avoid side eye and looks of contempt while at home. I cannot wait for Sunday, as I plan on consuming 5000 calories....for breakfast.

In true me style, I hate all the dresses that I own and am panicking about what to wear. Am I alone in this? I had planned on wearing this emerald green dress I have, but put it on yesterday and almost vommed on my cat. I have another dress that I can wear as back up but I don't looovve it. And I wore blue to the last wedding. I'm going to end up being that girl who wears blue. What do you guys do in situations like this? I'm taking all suggestions.

Cheers!

Marisa

A Year Ago

Just over a year ago I wrote this post . Kind of crazy that just 360 some odd days ago I was in that place. Scared of my new apartment, scared of being on my own. Scared of life in general. I was so convinced that the world was going to come crashing down on me even more than it already had. How that would have been possible I don't know, but I couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. Not surprisingly enough, just a year ago was the last panic attack I've ever had. At the time I figured it was the first of many to come, since I was so sure that I couldn't take care of myself, that I would never ever make it on my own. I didn't know how. I was 25 years old and had never had to live a moment of my adult life on my own. Seems pathetic actually putting it in writing. Obviously a lot has happened in this past year, way more than I ever thought would. To be honest when I first moved out of the house and into my home (see what I did there?) my thought was that I would find someone new and basically repeat the cycle. The next year I'd be blogging from my new home with my new bf. I don't know why I thought that. I don't know if it's because I felt that I had to prove how awesome I am, like how could someone not want me as their girlfriend? 

As it turns out, I wasn't so interested in being anyone's girlfriend. I hate to be all teen movie, who am I, what is the meaning of life? But this year has been one of learning and dare I say, self discovery. Please note I want to punch myself in the face for saying that and trying to sound artsy and deep. In all honesty though, it's been an adventure, I know exactly who I am, what I want, and most of all I love sharing every single ridiculous moment of it with all of you. 

Can't wait to see what I reflect on next year. Most likely some outrageous shenanigan. However I've declared summer 2011 married guy free. And well every summer....and every other season too.

Cheers!

Marisa

WTF?!?!?!

So I'm sorry guys. I totally had a post for yesterday but due to bloggers ridiculous shenannigans, I couldn't post it. And now it's totally irrelevant, because it was about me going to play volleyball. Which I did and let's just say, I'm out of practice ;)

(Okay so it wasn't thaaattt bad)

In other news I leave for Colorado one week from tomorrow! I'm so excited...and not prepared. I've been working on a packing list but I got through my wardrobe and was overwhelemed because it didn't include the wardrobe I'd need for my hike. I'm doomed. Please bear with me as I will most likely be a complete basket case the next couple of weeks. Colorado, maybe a law school graduation back home, Dam to Dam June 4th.....Ughhhhhh I need a beer now after just typing it all. Hope everyone has a great weekend! I look forward to catching up with everyone. I tried yesterday but well....we all know how that went.

Cheers!

Marisa

I needed to find sanctuary in a place where I can gather my thoughts and regain my strengths...

Lately I've been feeling super stressed, pissed off and out of control. I've been pretty busy lately, and at the same time pretty lazy lately. I haven't devoted much time to organization and de-cluttering. Which I'm guessing is the root cause of it. I'm not super OCD but nothing gives me more anxiety than clutter...except maybe traveling. Maybe it's a tie. Anyways, I was doing sooooo well with maintaing a somewhat minimalistic lifestyle and felt at peace and in perfect balance. I think things went awry during my birthday. I was like wooo!!!!!! Party and I can buy things for me because IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! Somehow it all snowballed until here I am surrounded by too much stuff that is making me freak the freak out. ( Shout out to Victoria Justice!!!) So, tonight, tomorrow and Sunday are going to be devoted to de-cluttering and finding that inner peace again. And if I don't, hey it's the weekend and I have vodka.

(someday my bedroom will be this chic. Then maybe we can have a sleepover.)

( and we can sit and have a cup of coffee and enjoy my fantastic view)

(then I'll kick you out so I can work on my fabulous blog at my fabulous desk.)

Any other de-clutter motivation you can send my way I'd appreciate. I'm always looking for ways to improve and streamline.

Minimalist Cheers!

Marisa

Happy Casimir Pulaski Day!

Tomorrow is Casimir Pulaski Day!. Okay I know every single one of you is like who the eff is Casimir Pulaski?  So go here  to learn more about it. Anyways in honor of my old traditions from the home state, I made some delish Polish foods and threw a party in his honor. 

(Kolaczki's!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

(Pierogies!!!!!!!!!)))

So awesome times were had by all. And by all I mean me cause I may or or may not be drinking vodka right now. Who cares, it's Casimir Pulaski Day tomorrow and I don't have to work!!

In other exciting news in May I'll be going to visit this super awesome guy...

Before you get all awwwww he's super cute, please note that there is some bad blood between Z and I. See once upon a time in 1995, I had a mega crush on Z. Like gonna get married I know exactly what I want at 11 how could he be so stupid to not see the love laser beams between us kind of crush. Well turns out he was so stupid; he didn't want to be my boyfriend. I was crushed devastated beyond all hope....for like 2 days or something. I was 11 for Pete's sake. Still, every b-day I wish Z a "happy birthday love of my life who wouldn't go out with me in the 5th grade". It never gets old. At least for me. Point of the story being I'm going to go party with Z in Colorado in May and it's going to be awesomely good times. Probably better than the McDonalds/Library dates I had planned in 5th grade. He's going to read this now and at first be super embarrassed for himself and then for me for admitting McDonalds/Library dates. Whatever.

How was everyone elses weekends? Full of awesomeness I assume. Don't forget Casimir Pulaski tomorrow and try to eat something Polish!

Na zdrowie!

Marisa

Room Re-Org

Hi friends. So there is something you should know about me. I am at any given point in time, in a constant state of :

1.) Drinking coffee

2.) Doing Laundry

3.) Reorganizing my room

I drank my coffee for the day, laundry is in the dryer so I guess it's time to re do my bedroom. I live in an apartment so I can't paint the walls which I both love and hate. See, I haaaattteeee painting. Walls, cabinets pretty much anything but a canvas...and even that gets questionable at times. At first I kinda loved that my walls were sea foam green. I thought it was cute. Cute got old real fast. But I'm learning to live with it, and I went ahead with the grey/black/red/white color scheme I wanted anyway. This was my inspiration.

(image via google)

Obviously I won't have a sweet red wall, but you get the idea. Will my room turn out as cool??? Remains to be seen as I cannot for the life of me pick a new duvet cover. I loooooooveeee this one from Urbain Outfitters, because I love anything with ruffles but it just didn't fit with the overall theme I had in mind. So, the search continues. I promise to post pictures soon once I have more accomplished. This weekend I have some projects planned along with a Papa John's thin crust pizza. I know I'm a party animal. I need a life...or a boyfriend or something..

If any of you know of some awesome duvet selling stores or websites, let me know. I'm desperate. Help a girl out. 

Decorating Cheers,

Marisa

Mug Clubs & Diva Cups

Tonight I did it. I really did it. Joined the Court Ave. Brewing Company Mug Club! Not sure what all it entails, but I got a sweet mug and get pretty cheap delicious beers. They only have a few left for purchase so I recommend you get down there ASAP and get your own mug! Then we can meet up for beers. K? Except not if you use Diva Cups....then we can't be friends. If you don't know what one is don't ask. Ignorance is bliss on this one trust me. So, I don't think I mentioned (except in my brief rant of a post prior) but this past weekend I ventured home via Amtrak. It was my first experience and while it wasn't fantastic, it wasn't horrible either. The trip home was the worst as I needed to catch a Metra train out of Chicago to the burbs. However, the Amtrak train was 50 minutes late so that put quite a bit of extra strain on this lady busting her butt through the streets of Chicago from one train station to the next. Dear tourists in Chicago: Don't stand at intersections staring up and being in the way. It annoys the rest of us...because you make us almost miss our trains. The enjoyable things being listening to a vagabond named Alejandro ( who oddly enough was a white dude with long dreadlocks) talk about his many journeys and discuss moral relativity with some kids from Jersey/Philly.

All in all, it was a hectic weekend, but I got some good shopping in. Then I got sick. Booooooo. Still fighting it off. On that note, time to rest up in a Nyquil induced coma. I leave you with this sweet origami frog I made at work.

Mug Club Cheers,

Marisa

P. S. Super Hugggeeeee Congrats to our new Miss America Teresa Scanlan! She was absolutely fantastic!

(Photo via Miss America)

She's already off on her crazy whirlwind year of service and you can follow her here. Midwest is the best!

This is how we do it...

It's friday night and I feel alright and the party.....is not really on the west side but more the central side. HA! Sooooo happy it's friday friends. This work week has been crazy and I had to say goodbye to a cool ass co-worker that is moving on to new adventures. :( But! I'm on a mission tonight to get my bedroom in order. Right now it looks something like this

(this may or may not be an exaggeration image via google)

You know me and my quest for simplicity and minimalism, so it doesn't take much clutter to make me view my room as such. Anyway hopefully after much work my room will end up looking like this.

(Sweet simple perfection image via google)

Okay that probably won't happen but I'm pretty sure if I drink enough wine while I'm re arranging I can be convinced it does. :) Any big weekend plans? Any bedroom design inspirations you want to share with me feel free. I'm always looking for new things.

Happy Friday Loves!

A House But Not A Home

I'm all unpacked finally and everything is in it's place....for the most part. I'd like to say I'm all settled into my new home. But this isn't home, it's just the place that I live. Home is a mile away. Where I spent three years making a house a home. With someone who no longer wants to have a home with me. I can't go back to that house. Knowing someone else has been there. There is still some stuff there that I want, but the thought of stepping foot in that house again has me in tears. That was our home we built together, and just like that I'm out. I didn't think it would be possible to still be sad, to still get depressed but it is. I want to move on so badly but I don't know how. I just wish I could find an instruction manual on how to go on with life. My life still revolves around D; What he's doing, who he's with, where he is. I just want to stop thinking about him. I want to focus on myself, what I'm doing where I'm going. But it's a lot easier said than done. How do you just move on from someone who was the biggest part of your life for 5 years? For 5 years my life revolved around D, and all I wanted to do was to make him happy for the rest of his life. That was my mission in life the thing that I wanted to strive to do everyday for the rest of my life. Now that thats over...I don't know what to do. I have no sense of direction no purpose. God someday I'm going to stop being this pathetic, and I hope that day is soon. Because I honestly am getting sick of myself.

So I've Been Slacking....

Big time folks. I haven't blogged in far to long. So here I am with an update on all things revolving around my life. It has been crazy. Last to weeks were just that, work and house things. Although I am happy to report that the subfloor is done and the materials for framing out the walls have been purchased! Hooray! Next up is....new washing machine and refrigerator! ( I know, I know,I know I am lame and old.) But seriously it is such a relief to see the basement underway. I've never gotten to actually use it since before it was the band room and then it flooded. I can't wait to put it to use!

I've been meaning to blog about this for a long time, but over at Oofa and Life is Bananas they blogged about their new found love for Cargo's Blu-Ray Hi-Def powder. Me and the Bestie being faithful readers and lovers of all things make-up decided to give it a go. My first go with it....notsomuch. It provided my crappy skin very little coverage and it did not work out as a foundation for me. However, the next day I used it as a finishing powder over my foundation and concealer (I KNOW alright, I have terrible uneven skin. You should feel bad for me.) and WHOA! I was sold. My skin never looked so even and it lasts
A L L D A Y L O N G. No joke. Sephora has discontinued selling Cargo make-up but Ulta still carries it. I highly recommend.

Moving on to all things handbags. I've been dying for a new bag for spring. Back in Sept. D bought me the awesomest Lacoste Boston Bag from their L University Line,

(Navy in the fall? Sign me up.)

and I've been rocking the shit outta that bag ever since. But with spring around the corner I feel it's time to retire the Navy Blue :( and bust out a bright color or two. With that in mind, I am pleased to inform you that I am now the proud owner of this lovely bag.

(In the Evergreen of course.)

Can't wait for it to arrive!

Whew this has been a long one. Thats what I get for slacking so much. I promise to be around a lot more often this month.

Feeling Nostalgic About the Homeland

While I love Des Moines and Iowa, as thats what this blog is about, I'm from Illinois and do still love my home state. So with that in mind I found this and it made me all sentimental and nostalgic.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE FROM CHICAGO IF..

• The "Living Room" is called the "front room" (pronounced fronchroom)
• You don't pronounce the "s" at the end of Illinois. You become irate at people who do
• You measure distance in minutes (especially "from the city"). And you swear everything is pretty much 15 minutes away
• You have no problem spelling or pronouncing "Des Plaines"
• Your school classes were canceled because of cold
• Your school classes were canceled because of heat
• You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day
• Stores don't have sacks, they have bags
• You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example:"Where's my coat at?" or "If you go to the mall I wanna go with."
• Your idea of a great tenderloin is when the meat is twice as big as the bun, "everything" is on it and a slice of dill pickle is on the side
• You carry jumper cables in your car
• You drink "pop."
• You understand that I-290, I-90, I-94, and I-294 are all different roads
• You know the names of the interstates: Stevenson, Kennedy, Eisenhower,Dan Ryan, and the Edens
• But you call the interstates "expressways"
• You refer to anything South of I-80 as "Southern Illinois"
• You refer to Lake Michigan as "The Lake"
• You refer to Chicago as "The City"
• "The Super Bowl" refers to one specific game in a series of 35 played in January of 1986
• No matter where you are, when you hear the term "Downtown" you immediately assume they're talking about Downtown Chicago
• You have two favorite football teams: The Bears, and anyone who beats the Packers!
• You buy "The Trib"
• You think 35 degrees is great weather to wash your car!
• You know what goes on a Chicago Style Hot Dog
• You know what Chicago Style Pizza REALLY is
• You know why they call Chicago "The Windy City"
• You understand what "lake-effect" means
• You know the difference between Amtrak and Metra, and know which station they end up at. You have ridden the "L"
• You can distinguish between the following area codes: 847,630,773,708, 312, & 815
• You have at some time in your life, used your furniture to guard your parking spot in winter. (CHICAGO CLASSIC!!)
• You respond to the question "Where are you from" with a side" example:"WEST SIDE", "SOUTH SIDE" or "NORTHSIDE."
• You know what the phone number is to Empire Carpet!

Oh and if you're curious, the number is 800-588-2300 EMPIRE!!!!!!! Also I can correctly pronounce both Des Moines and Des Plaines. D & I are off to Home Depot today to price out some basement things. Let me know if you'd like to go with. ;)

P.S. I drink soda, not pop. I'm the best of both worlds :)

(my other fair city)**

**image from google.