Sentimental Holiday Stuff & Things

I am not sentimental, romantic or overly emotional. It's just not in my makeup. So here I am, listening to Celine Dion (No joke) to help me get in the mood to write about some sentimental emotional stuff.

So it was Thanksgiving last week, if you hadn't noticed. I'm sure everyones pants did. Anyways, I'm always a thankful person. Whenever I catch myself being sad about not having the latest gadget, or not being able to buy a new handbag when I want I remind myself of those who have so much less than I do. I remind myself to be thankful that I can afford food everyday, health care whenever I need it, and that I have a wonderful apartment to go home to every single night. I hope that I will never get on the bandwagon of "I need more money so I can have better things than everyone else". Truly all that I ever want and need are the three things I've already mentioned...and just 1 more.

This year, I was thankful for a new addition in my life. I think you know who it is. He's kind of hard to miss at 6'4". I've written a lot about how stressful trying to relocate is, but I think I make it hard on myself. I have this mentality that I have to do this by myself because I've always had to do things by myself. I don't have the luxury of a supportive family as most do. I know that I could call, but I also know the answer would be the same as always "oh thats too bad, best of luck." And then there is Drew. He actually wants to help me. Has offered more than once to help me out, to which I always reply no I can do this on my own. It's like a built in automatic response. Here is someone who is offering to help me out without me even asking, because he wants nothing more than for us to be together and is willing to do whatever he can to make it happen. And then there is me, being an idiot making my life harder because I don't want to feel like a failure or lesser person for not handling things on my own. Sometimes, I suck. And so, I am thankful for Drew. Not only for loving me unconditionally despite my stubborn tendencies but also for wanting to be there for me because he loves me. Now I'm crying. Fuck you Titanic theme.

Let's change tunes.

Here is my only Holiday shopping score.

(CamelBak Annadel Running Hydration Pack)

Kind of excited. Adds about 3.5lbs of weight but it really doesn't feel that bad. It's sits higher up on your back so you barely notice it.

Hope everyone has a great week! It's so tough coming back from a holiday...

Cheers!

Marisa

I'm Here, I Swears

Hey loves. I'm alive, for reals. Just supppppeeerr busy weekend and so much going on right now. Black Friday was good, not as crazy as I was prepared for and I drank FOUR Red Bulls in less than 24 hours. Also I ate about 25,000 calories. That shouldn't really be a surprise. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and has recovered from the food comas! Can't wait to catch up with everyone. 

Cheers!

Marisa

Some Fail Mixed With Some Win

Okay, so obviously totally failed on Motivate Me Monday....AGAIN! Only this time worse because I didn't even post about my fail. EPIC FAIL. Unfortunately I was at work until 11:30 Sunday night and by the time I got home and in bed it was after midnight. Needless to say Monday I was anything but motivated. However, I did drink more water last week. Perhaps not 8 glasses a day but definitely an improvement from my usual. This week the challenge is to BE GOOD during Thanksgiving. It's so easy to over indulge during the holidays, but lets stay focused and help eachother out!

Okay onto some winning. Sooooo excited for this :) The fabulous Summer and her best blog pal Melina are hosting a blogger secret santa! I can't wait. If you would like to participate (And you know you do) click on the cute little owl button on the left and get started! Who knows, maybe I'll get your name and you will then be the proud owner of some awesome Des Moines things. Which I know you're all dying to have. So get a clickin' on that owl!

In other news, Friday is not just any Friday...it's Black Friday. I work Midnight to 7am, this is my 5th Black Friday and for some reason, I'm dreading it a little this year. Maybe because I closed last year and the insanity had died down by the time I got there. Better stock up on some Redbull!

How about you guys? Anyone braving the Black Friday madness? If so please be kind to the sales associates, we're truly doing the best we can.

Cheers!

Marisa

A Lost Feather

No this is not an APB for a feather that I have misplaced. It's a post about Sarah at A Lost Feather!!! She is basically my first blogger/internet friend and is an artist hailing from New York. She runs a brilliant Etsy shop (here) where she sells her artwork and also jewelry! She is nice, funny, talented and most importantly she is the proud owner of this little love muffin:

(meet Boo)

I know what you're thinking, how could someone who owns such an adorable furry friend NOT be awesome at life? So, I'm here today to share with you some of my favorite things from her shop and to encourage you to check out her shop and her dog blog .

I love the simplicity of these wood plaques painted by Sarah. 

This might be my favorite though. Constellations over *insert your city here* How awesome is that?

She also does jewelry too, and I loooovveee her bracelets.

So there you have it folks. My super awesome amazing artist friend Sarah. Go check out her shop AND if you love it as much as I do (and her!) write your own post like mine and receive a free print and a 10% off coupon to her shop! You have no excuse not to check it out because I linked her blog and shop 29298359874592359852 times in this post. Yeah, that many. 

Blog Friend Cheers!

Marisa

Boulder, CO

So I've been getting my research on about the city of Boulder Colorado. I've never been, but heard it was pretty cool. Upon my searching I discovered this little shop.

( Tee & Cakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

(Doctor cupcakes? How cute is that?)

Tee and Cakes is a locally owned Boulder bakery, custom cake and wedding cake shop. They also sell scones, donuts, cinnamon rolls, cookies, mini pies, brownies annnnndddd coffee. So basically this place is my heaven and as far as I'm concerned the owners are Jesus. I cannot wait. Seriously I've read their website like a zillion times. ( I linked it above. I suggest you do the same.) Also I may or may not be on the hunt for a pretty "tee" party dress. Just don't tell my friend. He's still not too keen on a tea party. 

Another cool place I found was a vintage store called Goldmine Vintage. 

(via)

(via)

I've never been any good at the vintage/thrifting shopping but this place looks sooooo cool that I'm feeling pretty good about it. I mean I have to find at least one thing right? If not I'll just head back to Tee and Cakes and drown my sorrows in more cupcakes. 

And with that I'll leave you with some parting facts about Boulder. Like, did you know that it's sister city is Lhasa, Tibet? Home to the Dalai Lama? Well it is and has been since 1987 which I think is pretty awesome. Also they have a really sweet theatre called the International Film Series. They are a local arthouse series that showcase a wide range of eclectic films from many different genres. If you know me and movies, you know this is right up my alley. 

I hope everyone learned something today!

Cheers!

Marisa

Think Spring

A lot of you ladies out there have been posting about what you're coveting for spring so since I have no awesome stories for you, I'll share my spring wish list with you. Starting with shoes, of course. Believe it or not but right now I am in loooooveee with flats. That's right flats. I know I can hardly believe it myself. They just look so fun and carefree that I want to get a new shoe rack and devote it just to flats. Here's a few that I'm obsessing over.

(Mia Espadrille flat)

I can picture these with many a spring/summer dress for running around town, casual lunch dates drinking beers on patios with friends...the list goes on!

(Lacoste Bateau 6)

I love Lacoste. One of my favorite brands. I love the preppiness and the colorfulness of it. I also happen to be a huge fan of deck shoes. These would be my meet the girls at the country club (that we don't actually belong to) for lunch and cocktails by the pool. In my adorable pink polo with pearls. Yeah...I can see it now. 

(Steve Madden P-Oxford)

I think I'm late to the party on the flat oxfords but I reaaalllly want a pair. Again I see these with cute skirts and dresses or paired with skinny jeans when I feel like busting out my inner hipster style. And last but certainly not least......

(Converse glitter low tops)

I want these because 1.) I love Converse. Usually high tops but I'm digging these low tops. 2.) I love glitter.

There you have it. Anyone have any of these shoes? Love? Hate? What else do you pair them with? I admit I"m lacking in the creativity department this spring so I welcome all input!

Have a happy Friday everyone!

Cheers,

Marisa

Sunday Funday!!!!!!

Well I must say I had a pretty awesome weekend, despite it's terrible start. Why such a terrible start you ask? Well let me tell you.

I'm a huge music fan. HUGE. I love concerts and I also love love love going to local shows and supporting local bands and venues. Des Moines had a new venue open up which is always exciting when the local music scene expands just a little further. My friends and I had planned on checking out 504 Club a few weeks ago but that "spring" snow storm made the group decide to postpone heading downtown much to the disappointment of our friend John. Sorry kiddo, majority rules. Anyway Friday night we decided we were really going to do it and scope it out. We hit up Shorty's on Court Ave first where I spilled my beer fumbling with my cash. This is why I never use it. It only leads to paying $3.50 for 5/8 of a Miller Lite. Still fun times were had and then we moved on to the East Village where I finally go to experience Quinton's and I must say I enjoyed it. $4 giant margaritas always gets a thumbs up from me. That brings us to the 504 Club and the downfall of the night. We walk in and there is a guy sitting there presumably to check id's/ take cover. The bestie and her boyfriend walked in followed by me and then John. Nobody could hear and we just kept walking and he didn't stop us so we were just like alright whatevs. Fast forward a half hour later 1 beer in and the door guy comes up to our whole group to get cover. From me and John. Just us. Not the two others he clearly saw come in with us. Just us. Needless to say I was beyond pissed and I don't foresee myself going back to 504 Club until they get their shit together. Not cool 504 Club. Not cool at all.

Saturday night we had a fun time at a wine tasting party hosted by my friend in the old college town and ate too much glorious food and drank some delicious fancy wine. Also I got to watch her wedding dvd where I was a bridesmaid. A very drunk bridesmaid. But at least a fun one right?????

That brings us to Sunday Funday!!!!!!!!!!! Even the city light posts wanted me to have a happy day!

It was a extremely nice day in Des Moines Sunday so the bestie and I ventured out to Flanagans for some tasty brunch. After inhaling our french toast and pancakes, we sipped our coffee wondering what to do the rest of the day. We decided since we both needed new reading material to head to the library since it wasn't to far away. Got there to realize it wasn't open until 1. So we kept on walking and found ourselves in the East Village where we passed this.

I don't care if I looked like a crazy on the street telling a building that I hate it. I do. It made me feel better. 

On a cooler block we were verry pleased to find that your favorite East Village shop was open. Eden!

We could spend houuuurs in this store. Sometimes we do. Eden carries Kiehl's, Molton Brown, Caldrea, L'Occitane and many other fabulous products. The bestie got a new perfume. I got some Caldrea counter top cleaner refill and an Iowa present for my Colorado friend.

Back to the library we went where I picked up some books on mountain hiking and mountain hiking disasters 

After all that walking (6 miles so far!) my stomach was telling me it was time for lunch. We headed out of downtown and back to our hood and stopped for a late lunch at Red China Bistro where I had the best Miso ever!

(my red curry vegetable turnover....soooooo good)

(the besties spring roll salad)

All in all we walked almost 8 miles, shopped around Des Moines, ate some amazing food and had the best impromptu Sunday Funday ever!!!!!!

How was everyone's weekend? Hopefully just as fun filled! 

Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. I leave you with this terrible pic of a whirlpool I saw in the Des Moines River

Longs Peak

So my vacation/adventure in May involves hiking a mountain. Longs Peak to be exact, at least that is the plan for now. I've never hiked a mountain, before. Actually I've never been in the mountains before. The highest elevation I've ever been at is the elevation of Broomfield, CO plus 10 floors up in my room at the Omni (which by the way I loooooovvveee. I fully intend on eating brunch there. ) So needless to say I"m excited/scared and more importantly I'm exhausted. Because apparently you can't just be like, I'm going to climb a 14,259ft mountain today! (The summit of Longs Peak) It's hard work, it can be dangerous, and you have to be prepared. So my preparations started last weekend with the purchase of my pack and boots and hiking at Ledges State Park in Madrid Iowa. It may come as a surprise to you, but I'm no outdoorsman....outdoorswoman. I have a North Face jacket and I thought that gave me some outdoors cred. Turns out The North Face is the brand preferred by people who don't spend a lot of time outdoors. Sads for me. So I tried to branch out, ask the advice of real outdoor people on packs and boots to see if I could at least look legit while stumbling up a mountain and wishing for sea level grade oxygen. Turns out, I'm just a yuppy at heart.

(The North Face Jester Daypack )

To my defense, I tried various other packs, but I kept coming back to this one as it was most comfortable and met my requirements and I didn't get it in pink. I'm trying to look like a serious mountain hiker here. As far as boots go, I tried many different ones too, at a local outdoorsy place, Sports Authority, Scheels and finally ended up at Bass Pro Shops where I met a nice guy who broke my heart when he informed me the Columbia boots I had my heart set on were not sturdy enough for Colorado mountain hiking. I can't hate him though, as he ran back and forth many times getting a zillion different pairs of boots for me and finally helped me pick them.  

(sorry, crappy BlackBerry pic taken at the store.)

I finally settled on these Mountrek boots as they were super comfortable and again met the requirements. Apparently. I wanted the pretty Columbia ones :( I also picked up a pair of SmartWool hiking socks. I am in love.

So I've got the gear, now I've just been working my ass off to get in shape for this little expedition. I don't do things half assed and I reallllly want to get to the summit. Although I am fully aware that 1. weather will be a determining factor 2. I have absolutely zero high altitude experience and oh yeah have never actually been on a mountain before. and 3. The scramble to the summit is one of the most difficult of the Colorado fourteeners. Wikipedia told me so. So don't worry Mike I will accept the limitations as they come but that doesn't mean I'm going to set the bar low.

So stay tuned as I continue to prepare for my trip. Only 9 weeks left!

Mountain Man Cheers!

Marisa

It all pays off....

Just a quick update. I’ve been super busy lately, but it’s been made a-ok by this purchase:

(Kate Spade Nylon Esther. Photo via Google)

Thank you Kate Spade of having a glorious sample sale! I’ve had my eye on this bag ever since planning to go to Europe. No joke, it is written down in my “Things To Get” page. When I saw it in the sample sale I freaked out, ask the bestie. So now I sit here waiting patiently for my new pride and joy to get here. Sorry Coach/Lacoste/Michael Kors/Calvin Klein bags….there is a new top dog around. Oh yeah and I start physical therapy tomorrow for me knee. Booooooo. I’ll update you all on that hopefully tomorrow…if I’m not out running in the nice weather ;) Shhhhhhh.

Kate Spade Cheers,

Marisa

When Shopping Online...EDIT

Caveat Emptor. I just learned this the hard way. I usually refrain from clothes shopping online as you can never be sure about fit, color, size you know things that really matter when purchasing clothes. Well mi madre gave me a gift card to JCPenney for my b-day and I did NOT want to venture out to the store to actually shop since it was Christmas time so I thought, why not try online shopping. Well I found a bunch of sweet deals, and one shirt that I took a chance on. I've become addicted to long tunics and leggings and my ankle boots. So I found this shirt for only 5 DOLLARS, so I thought what the hey, looks good on the model. So, I made the leap and bought it. Since it was only 5 bucks I thought why not be daring. It's not something I would normally pick out but time to try new things right?

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because when you step out of your comfort zone this is what you get.

(Hi. Did someone call for a janitor?)

Yeah, D called it an "attempt at a classy janitor shirt." And with that it is going back and I will find something else for my 5 bucks. Seriously when they said "billowy shirt" they were not kidding. Check out the sleeves.

(come sail away with meeeeeeeee....)

Ugh so this just reaffirms my belief that buying online is for those who love to gamble, the risk takers of the world. It is not meant for people like me. Lesson learned.

Now wear is my mop?

EDIT: The bestie pointed out this fabulous comment on the website:

"This top looks even better on than you can see in the picture. I had so many compliments when I wore this top."

Written By: penshop

Location: Littleton, Colorado

Age: 50-60

I am banned from online shopping.

It's Over!

Black Friday that is. Soooooo happy to have that behind me. T'was crazy, I stayed up for a whole 24 hours, something I hadn't done since college. In general though, the customers were nice and there were no major problems that left me wanting to punch people in the face. So until next year! I guess I still have day after Christmas. Oh the returns that will happen then. Ah well. We had a good Thanksgiving full of delicious foods and wine and a fairly relaxing weekend. Oh and bonus. Found a dress for my Holiday Party on Black Friday at Von Maur for......$14. It's not green or one shouldered, but it's super cute and did I mention it was only $14? So it's nice to have that out of the way. That way, on the day of I don't have to be running around like a crazy person trying to find something to wear like last year. I can relax and get my nails done :) Short post for the day but I'm still trying to get back on a normal schedule after the Midnight-7am shift.

Peace out yo.

EDEN

Time to talk about one of my most fav local shops here in the DSM. Eden is located in the trendy lil neighborhood known as the east village and while small in size it is packed with awesomeness and I can easily lose an hour in there. Eden carries some of the things I love most, number one being Caldrea products.

(I may or may not be obsessed)

They also carry Keihl's, L'Occitane, Molton Brown, Fresh and other various beauty and home goodies that I love to ogle and wish I could take them all home with me. When you come to visit Des Moines (and I know you will because who wouldn't) or already live here and haven't heard 'bout this gem go check it out now! It will soon become your fav place too. Oh and also buy some Caldrea dish soap. Seriously, it will change your life. And get the Rose Pomegranate, it is beyond perfect for the Holidays. Thank you Eden for carrying my number 1 household obsesh!