Here We Go Again

The last two and a half years of Luis fighting have been interesting.  We've had several trips to Urgent Care and more bumps and bruises than I care to even try to count.  But, like I always tell everyone, he just loves MMA so I try to hide my frustration when we have to make yet another late night trip to get stitched up.  Last night, he came home with that same look on his face, like the cat that ate the mouse.

I said "UGH, not again" (like I always do) and he said "Eh, its not that bad" (Like he always does).

Except this time, it wasn't that bad.  Just a cut under the chin from getting kneed.  Not that deep but just split wide.  For some reason, the cuts on the chin (this is his second there in about 4 months) seem to split very wide.  Probably because the skin there is pulled tight? Who knows, but nevertheless it didn't warrant a visit to our local Urgent Care.  Just a little super glue (yes you heard that right) and some butterfly bandages fixed this boo boo right up =).  Thank goodness I have the stomach to handle some blood, but I'm hoping I don't have to see it for a very long time (knock on wood!)

testing, testing, 1 2...

Just testing out my blog on my bb :)

The Basics

I have been known to be cheap, but I like to shop and I like to look my best.  However, I don't like to spend money unless I absolutely have to and I will shop at TJ Maxx, Marshals and Burlington Coat Factory before I hit any department stores.  I think there are a few staple pieces that every woman should have and should budget to spend a pretty penny on.  These can be mixed in with inexpensive trendy pieces that can be worn for a while and then tossed without the guilt.  Today I had a conversation with my cousin about what every woman should have in their closet at all times and here is what we came up with...

1.  A great pair of dark jeans that make your butt look amazing and make you feel great.  I love dark jeans because they are great for everyday, are super flattering and can be thrown with heels and a top to go out on the town.  Whichever brand you like whether its Seven For All Mankind, Joe's Jeans or Banana Republic, every woman should invest in a good pair that will last forever and keep their shape

2. Slacks.  Every woman should have the basic colors, brown or tan, black and navy.  They are great for work and play.  A great pair can make you feel sexy and sophisticated.  I love Slacks from Express or the Limited.

3.  A classic white dress shirt.  Like the slacks, you can wear it to work and on a casual day too.

4.  A great suit, either pants or skirt, preferably one of each.   Like the slacks, a few different basic colors is best.  Even one with a nice pinstripe for an added touch.  You never know when an opportunity will present itself and should an interview pop up you should always be prepared.  A dark suit is always appropriate and can be matched with something a little trendy to show off your personal style.  In my opinion the suit should be properly tailored to fit like a glove.  Its worth the extra money to make it look clean and sharp.

5. A LBD.  Whether its strapless, one sleeved, long sleeve, backless or V-neck it should make you look and feel your best.  At least 3-4 times a year, a woman will stress about what to wear to a Christmas or New Years Party, a cocktail party, a jazz concert or just a date with their man and it's conforting to know that they have their go-to dress and some shoes and accessories can give it an entirely different look.

6. A nice wool coat, no matter where you live.  3 years ago, my mom bought me a beautiful camel colored wool and cashmere calf length coat from Banana Republic. I loved it but I thought I would never get any use out of it.  Boy I couldn't have been more wrong.  I've worn it every winter and I absolutely love it.  Whether its a long or short coat, camel or black every woman should have one (or two!)



7.  Heels.  Real leather and good quality.  My mom always stressed to me the importance of wearing good shoes and taking care of my feet and I never ever where cheap shoes.  TJ Maxx and Marshals have great deals on good quality shoes that are super cute.  I almost always get my shoes from there!  Heels can be worn with jeans, work clothes and even that LBD!  A great pair of black and tan or brown is definitely necessary.  And those who know me, know that I am a sucker for a platform, peep toe high heel shoe!

I think having these basics can make everyday dressing and special occasion dressing easier and a little bit more interesting because all an outfit needs is a trendy top and great accessories.  So stop spending a fortune on cheap clothes and invest in some good quality pieces that make you feel super sexy!

The Knot!

I am officially a Knottie!  I was lurking on the website The Knot for the last few months and I finally posted my first discussion on the board =)  Wedding planning here I come!

Things that bug me at the gym

I spend a lot of time in the gym, about 10 hours a week, and as a people watcher, I have noticed some things that really bug me about one of my favorite places to go. Here is a random assortment of things that just irk me:

1.  If I have my Ipod in, that usually means I don't want to talk... so please don't try to strike up a conversation.
2. Please wear deodorant and bathe... there is nothing worse than working out next to someone who stinks.  I realize its a gym but please do your best to be clean and odor free.
3. Put your weights away.  Its not THAT hard and hey, you burn extra calories walking them back to their spot =)

4. Put your phone down.  There is no way you can get the  best workout possible if your chatting on the phone while on the elliptical.  If you don't need the workout, get off the machine because someone else probably wants to use it.
5. Stop hitting on people there, really its old and very cliche.  There is a difference between a casual conversation and a blatant pick up and most women can tell the difference so just let us get our workout in without having to reject you.  Oh, and another thing, stop checking us out in the mirror... WE CAN SEE YOU!

6. Grunting.  Really? Is it necessary? Last time I checked my gym was not jam packed with bodybuilders and I'm pretty sure you should probably be putting that energy into your lifting, not your mouth.
7. I am guilty of sweating A LOT.  And since I am aware of this, I wipe down every machine after I use it and I even bring an extra shirt with me just in case I need to change.  So please, don't sweat all over a machine and then walk away before wiping it down.
8. The narcissist.  Don't flex your muscles in the mirror right after working them out.  Your abs will not look noticeably different after one set of crunches.  Save that for the mirror at home.
9. The guy that goes around and tries to tell people, particularly women, how to workout... and the guy at my gym, is fat.  Seriously dude?  I wouldn't take financial advice from a poor person, I wouldn't take marriage advice from an adulterer and I most certainty would not take fitness advice from a guy with a beer gut.  If I have a question, I'll ask someone who looks like they work out.
10. Those people who think they are the shit.  Check your ego at the door please, we are all here for the same reason.

So those are just a few of my pet peeves about the gym... I'm sure I will have more as time goes on.

How do you find a Passion?

I think I've discovered that I don't really have a specific passion.  Luis is lucky enough to have found 2.  He played soccer for most of his life and was very good.  He was nationally ranked in High School and played College soccer.  He quit soccer about 2 years ago when he found a new passion in MMA.  He is so incredibly dedicated, training about 30 hours a week and making sacrifices to do what he loves.  I am very proud of him, but I do  envy the fact that he is so passionate about something.

I don't really have anything that I am that passionate about.  I like to do a lot of things but I wouldn't say I have a true passion.  I think I should try and find something that I could devote such time and energy into.  But how?  Luis didn't go out looking for a passion, he just stumbled upon it.  So I'm thinking that I need to dig deeper into the things I like to do to see if I can zero in on something that really gets me excited.  I really enjoy working out, testing my body and my mind so I'm thinking I should try things that are physical.  Maybe a triathlon, or long distance cycling or maybe even try my hand at boxing or Muay Thai on a more serious level.  To me this seems like a good way to kill two birds with one stone since I am really trying to get into really good shape.  So I am on a quest to find something that I am truly passionate about.  Hopefully, I find something soon =)

M.I.A

So I have been a little MIA on my blog and I'm starting to feel a little guilty.  Ever since I got back from Playa del Carmen and getting through Thanksgiving, it has been hard for me to get back in the routine of things.  So here is my little blog for now.  Playa Del Carmen was abolutly amazing.  We could not imagine a better way to spend a romantic 8 days together.  We spent the entire time relaxing on the beach and talking about our future together. 

This was my view for the whole trip... amazing!!!

I have a ton more pictures on my FB I just didnt have the energy to post them here!