Friday Favorite: Happy Birthday Time!

How perfect is it that my mom's birthday lands on Friday along with Amanda's Friday Favorites link-up???

My mom is going to be my sole Friday Favorite today. She's definitely a strong woman and one that I look up to EVEN THOUGH we don't see eye-to-eye on everything. I feel like we don't get along sometimes because we're so alike in some ways. (Of course I would never say this out loud, ha).

Last year my fam had a pretty big scare on Christmas Eve when she woke up with heart issues. We spent Christmas in the hospital with a diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation but thank goodness we have that issue under control as of right now. Scares like that really make you realize how important your parents are to you no matter how independent you claim to be. We're going to Mago tonight for her birthday dinner because if you saw my birthday celebration last year, they give you a pretty epic sombrero while they sing happy birthday to you. How amazing is that? Huge win. She seized the moment to have a sombrero of her own.

She's always been there for me during my races even though they're ungodly early at times. She's put up with me through those awkward "I hate you and the world" junior high days, taking care of me when I'm sick (Sprite and chicken and dumplings were staples) and she's always just...been there. She's very selfless and I'm so proud to call her my mom.

She even finished her first 5k race like a rockstar. Mind you she's 60 (don't tell her I told you she'll murder me).

After her diagnosis and this photo, she's continued to lose a lot of weight cutting out salt and eating more of a heart healthy diet per her doctor. I couldn't be more proud of her for accomplishing so much in just one year with her health! Saturday my sister and I are going to take my mom to this craft fair she's always wanted to go to. We'll spoil her all day long and purchase ridiculously expensive homemade crafty things for her and it will be amazingness. So raise your glass, water bottle, coffee cup, etc. to this amazing woman right here whose had to put up with my shenanigans for 26 years.

Friday Favorites: Da Bears!

It's Friday and I'm half with it right now so let's get on with my Friday Favorite with Amanda!

Friday Favorites: FOOTBALL SEASON! Mr. & Mrs. G Style.

 There's nothing like saying goodbye to summer like saying HELLLOOOO to football season! The hubs and I went to see the Bears game last night and it was epic. There really is nothing better than yelling and screaming BEAR DOWN with fellow fans. Everyone is in a good mood, enjoying football, eating that we'll regret in the morning and drinking a lot of beer. I must say though that this was my first time eating a Ditka Dog. And because I'm so mature I immediately wanted to comment on its size. Jenna Jameson couldn't even get her mouth around that thing. The hubs attempted though.

 I mean but really look at this thing.

We got there in plenty of time to see our guys warm up, peruse the stadium and take in that pre-season football air. You couldn't wipe the smile off of ANYONE'S face.

I really do wish games didn't cost an arm, a leg and a major internal organ to go or else we'd be going way more often. Even though it was a pre-season game, the first stringers were playing a lot which was great to see especially since we have so many new players. The crowd sure got amped when the team went on the field.

We were getting quite nervous when the Jaguars were pulling ahead, BUT NOPE Bears ended up winning 20-19 bitches. WOOT. I was kinda sorta excited.

Deal with those bananas. Although it was quite unseasonally chilly, the weather was PERFECT. We couldn't have asked for a better day to cheer on our Bears.

 What's better than a date night at Soldier Field with the hubs? Uh nothing. Now I get to reap the benefits of trying to hold my head up at work since we didn't roll into bed until around midnight. Yay for five hours of sleep? Caffeine Gods please be kind to me. K thanks.

What is everyone else excited about for the fall season?! Any fall favorites?!

Friday Favorites: Life Just Got Awesome

So you might have wondered, "where the eff is Em?" "Why isn't she responding to blog posts?" "Why has she been MIA for the whole damn week?" Well bloggerville, I have some pretty exciting news....so let's start with celebrating these Friday Favorites with Amanda!

::Favorite News:: THE HUBS GOT A NEW JOB AND WE'LL BE MOVING IN A MONTH! I thought about increasing the font plus caps lock but I thought that would have been a little too extreme. But really, I'm shouting this news from the rooftops. Upon receiving a call at work from Josh saying that he got the job, this was my reaction. Yes, it kind of looks like I have severe mensies cramps or something, but I promise this was an excited screaming face.

We'll be able to find a place without cutting so many corners and I've been dancing in my heels since! Watch out Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com...Mr. & Mrs. G are in the HOUSE. Well not yet...that's the point. :p

Source

So as you can imagine, I've been so very productive at work....and by that I mean checking up on any new notifications Zillow brings about. I'm starting to collect boxes and packing all of my shit already. It's on.

Source

::Fabletics:: Alright so aside from the fact that Kate Hudson co-founded this workout line which makes it fabulous by default, this athletic wear is SO up my alley. It's one of those VIP deals where they charge you a monthly fee and get a deal unless you opt out for that month before a certain date, but I ordered a racerback top and capris  for $30 including taxes and free shipping. A steal. I'll make sure to write a proper review when it delivers!

Source

Source

::Favorite Funnies::

Source

Source

Source

Source

:: Favorite Proverb:: I'm not Polish, but this proverb is probably the best ever.

::Favorite Album:: I've been obsessing over Sia's new album. Listen to it here!

Josh and I will be celebrating and toasting to his new job tonight! This weekend will be pretty crazy. Saturday will be spent researching homes to visit and Sunday I'll be running the Chicago 10k in the morning and then going to see the Goo Goo Dolls at a great outdoor venue in the city with Josh. Nostalgia overload. I saw them a few summers ago and my inner 90's child was screaming with delight throughout the whole thing. I'm hoping the 10k goes well. Whenever I've been going on my longer distance runs lately, I've been getting a vomity/upset stomach feeling and I have no idea what's up! Anyone else experience this? I haven't been changing my eating habits at all and I usually don't have anything prior to running. My stomach better shape the eff up come race day!

What is everyone else up to this weekend?! Lemme hear it!

Friday Favorites: Summer Essentials!

Dare I even say it? Summer is almost over so let's recap my summer essentials! Because everyone has them. Right? Linking up with Amanda today of course since these essentials are also my favorites. Lez go!!!

I have a usual collection of things that I MUST HAVE with me every single time I go to the lake and this year is no different with the exception of a couple of new things.

I really can't leave for the lake without these things. I've been favoring Victoria's Secret's bikinis (although the one in the collage isn't, but it's similar to the one in my photo). My ancient iPod Touch is also a must because uhhh you can't have a day out on the lake without tunes. Duh. That thing goes everywhere with me and it's erring on the side of a fossil when it comes to Apple products. I haven't been allowed to add new apps for years because of how old it is. Zero effs given. I'll be the saddest person on Earth when I can't use it anymore...but let's not talk about that.

A hilarious, light read is also an essential. I.e. any of Chelsea Handler's books. I also recently downloaded Confessions of A Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella yesterday for only $1.99 on my iPad! What, what!! I've always wanted been tempted to read this series because uh...duh #2 the title alone defines me. Done.

I also need some kind of primo sunblock because I kind of DON'T want to get skin cancer and look like an old, wrinkly nut sack by the time I'm in my mid-thirties. My fam also has a history of skin cancer and this girl right here has fair skin soooo I'd rather avoid looking like a lobster as well.

My Sperrys DEFINITELY made it to the list this year. These babies were my first pair and I'm loving them (even though I ordered a half-size too small) I literally dropped my effing iced latte all over them and my shoes were FINE after they dried less than an hour later. What the hellio??? Clearly these shoes were made for me.

These are my FAVORITE reflective aviators too and excuse me how much were they at H&M? A mere $4? Hell to the yes, sista.

And lastly, I obviously need my fav messenger bag that I got at ALDO to fit all of my other crap in. It's big enough to hold all of my essentials plus a Summer Shandy or two....or three or four. Done and done. I can't wait to get some more wears out of my collection of bikinis and other beach essentials too before it gets too cold! This summer has been unseasonably cooler overall and I can't flippin' believe it's August!!

Hopefully I'll be able to make it up to my fam's lakehouse this weekend, get a couple of trail runs in there to continue my training and add a lot more strength training into my routine. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with my kettlebells. I'm thinking of stepping it up a little bit and getting heavier ones. Because...#beastmode. :D Happy Friday everyone!!!


What are your summer essentials?!

Friday Favorites: One Less Problem

Happy Friday, everyone! Linking up with the lovely Amanda again!

I feel like a fricken unicorn with rainbows shooting out of its ass because I've finally found some inner peace. I feel like a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I pretty much got rid of an extremely toxic relationship and I feel pretty damn good about it. So there it is, my Friday Favorite. Sure it's rough since we've been friends for so long, but it had to happen. Cut the cord to venture onward and upward to a place that is full of happiness. I would go into what happened to make my final decision, but really all it took was for them to do/say one more stupid thing to make me wave up my hands and say "EFF THAT! DONE! Have fun being miserable and blaming everyone/everything but yourself for your problems!" Like seriously...

Source

It was one of those where it sucks the life out of you and now I'm like...

 Source

 This person ALWAYS looked to the negative, it was just exhausting. Does anyone else have someone in their life like that? It really takes a toll on you. People just need to learn that they are in charge of their own happiness. Maybe I've kept this person in  my life hoping that I could change their outlook on their own life, but one can only do so much.

I'm REALLY looking forward to this weekend. My training for my 15k in October has commenced and I'm headed toward new fitness goals! There's nothing better than the feeling of progress both mentally and physically. 

Cheers and TGIF!!!!

 

Friday Is My Favorite F Word.

Why hello my fellow bloggerkins, it's FRIDAY. So make like Beyonce and own this day and link up with Amanda. Because...Friday. :)

::Favorite Artist:: Lana Del Rey. Because duh. I cant' get enough of her new album, even though it's all emo sads. I want money, power and glory? Um yes, Lana I can totally relate. More please. And can we get more of this gif too? Why is she in a Pokeball? Hilarious. Thanks Buzzfeed, you make my life sometimes.

Source

Oh and you're welcome. Carry on.

::Favorite Organizer:: I already wrote about ordering my first Erin Condren life planner and I just got it in last night. LOVE. It's colorful, shiny, has plenty of room to write my shenanigans down with a view of the whole month and per day and has clips so I can attach any invites into the planner so I don't lose them (because I always lose everything). The particular one I ordered has quotes on the inside that are great to help motivate me through the day because lord knows I need that extra oompf to make me abide by MyFitnessPal's recommended cal count (1,390 cals) and my daily workouts. MyFitnessPal clearly wants to starve me out. Who do they think they are? Red? (Kudos to you if you got that ref). Oh and it has that new book smell. BEST EVER. Book nerds, you know what I'm talkin' about.

::Favorite Show:: Orange Is The New Black. I'm still making my way through it and I've found that I can resist from binging through five episodes by stopping at a somewhat non-critical part in the middle of an episode. It's the only way, because everyone knows they flippin' end each one in a way that makes you want to keep watching. Thanks Netflix, you're the modern day drug dealer. The last episode of a show? NONONO givememoreIwantmore.

Source

::Favorite Moment:: I love chatting it up with my mother-in-law. This may sound strange to some, but I love her! We have the type of relationship where we wouldn't look at each sideways if one of us asked to go out  to lunch or go shopping together. We had a coffee date the other night and talked for hours. We know how to jam out together too.

::Favorite Quote::

::FavoriteBefore/After:: Jessica Simpson. Holy crap. When did this all happen?? When did those LEGS happen??? Go girl gooo!!!!

Before

After

I would say I have a favorite sale going on right now but you know what? Kate Spade and Tory Burch need to stop sending me emails that they're having an additional 25% off sale items. #brokegirlstatus. A little part of me dies inside when I just can't justify spending frivolously these days. What is this? Why I am acting like a financially responsible adult? I DID however order this bikini last week. I'm so patriotic, guys.

What are your favorites for this week?? Don't mind me while I dance my way through this day and right into the weekend.

Source

It's Friday I'm In Love!

 It's FRIDAY!!! Cheers to everyone!! And what does that mean? Linking up with the lovely Amanda with my top favs of this week. Let's do this.

::1:: The Chelsea Handler Talk Show. I was crying myself to sleep every night when the news broke that Chelsea Handler didn't renew her contract with E! for her show Chelsea Lately....BUT I just found out that she's going to have her own talk show on Netflix as of 2016!!! Way to go Netflix...you'll keep me as a customer even when OITNB is over. Smart move. I seriously can't get enough of how much of an asshole she is and just gives zero effs. I can't wait for her snarky, sarcastic ass to get on Netflix where she won't be censored at all. Omg I can't wait.

Source

::2:: Shutterfly. After the wedding, Shutterfly mailed a great offer for a FREE 8x11 hardcover photo book! Score!! I spent countless hours creating it, but it was worth it! The photo quality is amazing and it turned out perfectly. They're quite pricey if a sale isn't going on, but they usually have great deals you can snag for 40% off!

::3:: Groupon Goods. You've hit it spot on once again Groupon! Foam rollers are ridiculously expensive, so I've refused to get one. They can range from $70-$100 even. Stupid. So I've sucked it up without one UNTIL Groupon Goods had a deal on them for $24 originally $75!!! SCORE. My IT band will be so happy. I can't wait to use it!

::4:: Hayward, WI. It's that time of the year again! Josh's whole Dad's side of the family gathers everything up and rents out multiple cabins on the lake for a week. This is a tradition that EVERYONE looks forward to each year and this year, we're going on our first Hayward vacation as husband and wife! WOOT. Milestones. I can't wait to be doing this all day long.

::5:: New Music. The new Lana Del Rey and Sam Smith albums came out this week and I've been obsessing over them and the new Coldplay album as well. Like obsessing as in listening to each album repeatedly for hours. Totally healthy right? I'm never satisfied either until I've played each album to death. Although that never happens with Lana's albums. The one thing that isn't so cool is that Coldplay's album isn't available on Spotify....thanks a lot iTunes you music hoarder. All of these albums are pretty mellow to listen to which is perfect for me right now since it forces my mind to slow the eff down. I'd have to say "Brooklyn Baby," "Black Beauty" and "Pretty When You Cry" are definitely some favorites off of Lana's album. Go listen NOW.

What is everyone else obsessively listening to these days?!

: