Inspiration from Dr. Seuss

I got today's little morning reminder from last night's storytime with the boys. As I read this book out loud, I found myself so encouraged - I had to pause and laugh a little at the simplicity and blatant challenge of this message. 

You have a brain in your head. Use it however you see fit.
You have feet in your shoes. Now, go.

What I appreciate about his books: the way he lays it out there - no frills, no fuss. It brought me, even just for a moment, back to the basics of what truly drives me. Let's remind ourselves of what we have in our hands, what we're capable of, and then let's go to work. It's more than just dreaming about possibilities... we have to actually get moving.

Yesterday, I was frustrated at work with the fact my clients don't seem to read my reports. I put a lot (a LOT) of hours into them. It's what I do all day. Oftentimes, I'm sure the clients only skim them for graphs that tilt in the right direction. They don't get deep into the analysis like I do, and it disappoints me. It took a short phone call with my superior (sorta the Dr. Seuss of my workplace, if you will) - to identify the problem and find the solution: I need to get on the phone with as many clients as I can and go over the reports with them. Get their feedback. Learn what they want. Adjust their next report to make them happier. I can't complain about what I allow, so I'm not allowing reports to just slip under the radar anymore.

What are some things in your life that you can innovate, improve, or take on? If it makes you miserable, or is a source of frustration, it means there's room for improvement and it has your name all over it. You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes: make it happen.
​

Rain On Pavement

Do you ever have random memories of a particular day and time that never leave you?

I have one day that seriously haunts me, and it's nothing special. But, it happened as a I drove down a certain road in my town; a road that I still drive down every single day. And every single day, I have flashes of this memory. Nothing crystal clear, but just... the feeling. It's the most random, pointless thing - except that it's not. I know there's a reason that this moment lives on.

I know it was fall, and it had just finished raining. I don't remember where I was coming from or where I was going, but I remember feeling overwhelmed with gratefulness. My window was down a bit; it was one of those sunny, slightly warm days in September or October that cap off a long, hot summer. The smell of rain on the warm pavement was overwhelming, and I remember deciding in my head that I adored that smell and that it made the world seem so clean.

Maybe this was the birth of my love for fall. Maybe this was when it all began.

I remember committing that moment to memory. I remember telling myself that this was a beautiful, wonderful life and I was so lucky to be living it. Maybe this is why the rain never bothers me... living in Washington, we get a lot of it. But I always go back to that day, and remember my appreciation and thankfulness to be living in a world that is washed clean and renewed with each passing day.

I'm Dreaming Of Carbs

I had a really vivid dream last night about being on vacation, and at the end of the vacation, I was floating in some turquoise blue water, kidless, because they were napping in our little bungalow. I came in and out with the waves, the sand was really velvety soft and white, and the water was so clear I could see to the bottom.

Img Source: Ambitious Kitchen

ANYWAY, the point of this post. When I was done frolicking in the water, I told my friend Jen I was going to make some zucchini bread. So random. I never eat any sort of dessert-y bread, because if I'm gonna have some dessert, it's gonna be flourless chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and nutella somewhere in there, as well.

So, then I woke up, and all I could think about was zucchini bread. Mom's classic zucchini bread. This lemon raspberry zucchini bread (yes, I've been on Pinterest because I am making this happen). Or this fall-inspired pumpkin chocolate chip zucchini bread. And wait, am I reading this right - it's actually healthy? YUS. Trying this one immediately.

Does anyone have a failsafe recipe for amazing zucchini or banana bread that they want to link me to? I'm sitting here drinking coffee and wishing so bad that I had a loaf slice of sticky, sweet, dense-but-light zucchini bread to enjoy along with it. I know it's random, but how good does that sound right now?

My Iron

You know those friends that just make life easier? That would be these guys.

As I get older grow up, I become continuously more grateful for the relationships that just work. Sure, relationships take work, but I'm a firm believer that the best relationships are also glaringly natural. Personalities compliment, weaknesses are compensated for, and there's a whole lot of grace and assuming the best. If I am upset, I tell them. If they are upset, they tell me. We're so different, but we appreciate the quirks and traits that each one of us brings to the table.

Jessica is so easy going. I used to feel like she just didn't care sometimes, but I've come to realize that she has experienced a lot in her life and she's just decided to spend her energy on what is truly important. She is refreshing; the epitome of "ain't nobody got time for that". She does what she wants, she rolls with the punches. She doesn't care who rides in what car (that's me that cares about weird things like that), or if we miss our dinner reservations and have to move locations (cue hives, Jen). If she doesn't get a seat with the best view of the water fountains whilst on vacation (hehehe), she's over it in like three seconds. If she accidentally spends part of the mortgage payment on Bath & Body Works candles, it's whatever (ok, she's gotten a bit better at this). She has three kids, a husband, is a business owner and boss lady at her normal 9-5 and just AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT (that = pretty much anything that is dramatic or exhausting without purpose or goal). I don't think you could offend her if you tried (trust me, I've tried. When I pointed out her poor driving skills, her response was a shrug and a "but did you die?" So. There's that.) 

I don't want to make her appear like she just doesn't care about anything. She's also the one that dropped EVERYTHING while we were on vacation in Portland over Labor Day to make sure her kids had everything they needed for their first day back to school this week. She temporarily hated me when I teased her for contemplating going vegan. She is a fiercely loyal wife and friend: if someone hurts me, she holds the grudge for me (even if it's over the silliest thing) until I tell her its ok to move on. If I have an idea, she humors me because it's clearly important in my head (even if she could care less). She's confident and comfortable in her skin and makes friends everywhere she goes (one time, she made friends with a girl at the Applebees in Idaho, because the girl was maybe a little drunk and told Jessica they could be sisters because they both were part Korean. They might even still be Facebook friends? Anyway... yeah, Jess is just that girl).

Jen is pretty much the total opposite in every way. She cares about everything, big and small: about plans, about planning, about making the people she loves happy, about the details. She wants us to be on time for dinner reservations, and if we have to move locations, she is quick to organize a Plan B. She's not one to wing it. She is a hostess, a caretaker, a leader, a mother, and someone that I would seriously hand over the keys to my life and just say: ORGANIZE ME, PLEASE.

That being said, I don't want her to appear rigid or boring. Jen brings life to whatever she touches. And she would seriously do anything for me, anytime I needed her, no questions asked. She is selfless and always all in. Her love language is quality time, and she isn't shy about letting me know this. She is also isn't shy if she disagrees with me, which I love (maybe not at the time, but in hindsight). If she feels distant from Jess and I, she takes the initiative and make plans. She doesn't wait for us to realize we're slacking... she tells us. I absolutely love this about her (so much so that it's making me a little teary to write it out). She knows what she wants, she knows what she needs, and she makes it happen.

Do you know how much I appreciate having these two total opposites in my life? I feel like I can be a perfect mixture of them both- but I probably err on the side of being a hot mess and desperately needing them both to keep me walking a straight line. I'm the codependent people pleaser, so my colors can change (which I don't like). I love that they are who they are, and they inspire me to pick a lane and stay in it.

Fight for the relationships that take some work, because God wants you to push yourself beyond where you're comfortable, but revel in the relationships that don't take much from you and that allow you to just be.

I'm grateful for many relationships like this in my life, but I felt like writing a special blog dedicated to these two in particular, because they've been there for me through some of the most intense, emotional, ridiculous and amazing parts of my life, and they've never faltered in who they are. No matter how crazy I get ;) And THAT's inspiring.

Make Yourself A List

Write it down.

Do something for you, today. Take a breather. Plan out your meals. Inspire. Fix what's ailing you.

Write it down.

Dream your dreams, but list your goals. Call your mother. Compliment a stranger.

Write it down.

You make grocery lists and honey-do lists... but why not make a list for yourself, of completely random things that could improve the heart of your day?

Leave a handwritten note. Read your Bible and memorize a verse. Drink a bottle of water. Print out pictures.

Before you forget, write it down.

Ask.fm

http://ask.fm/icorianne

I've seen a few people with these accounts, and I think they're fun! You can ask me anything - anonymously, or with your personal info - and I'll answer! You can even fill out the form here on my blog and ask without traveling to another site. Easy!

Have fun, and be nice.

Happy New Year, I'm Still Alive

(Oh this thing? It's a blog, Corianne. Something you keep updated somewhat regularly.)

*crickets*

I'm baaaack. Took a much needed holiday hiatus and enjoyed time with my family, as unplugged as possible. It's so hard when my work requires me to be on a computer, at home, 24/7. Once I'm done with my day, I want to bury the computer in the backyard turn off the computer and not look at it again until I have to.

Christmas was lovely. Porter could care less about presents, was way more into the wrapping paper and empty boxes. A couple of his favorite toys, though, once we got them set up and he could actually play with them: a little red car that I'm pretty sure every baby in the land received, an adorable teepee with a cute little lamp, and a baby grand piano. He jams on that thing like NO ONE's business.

A downside: we headed out of town the week after Christmas with family, and both kids (Porter, and his 2 year old cousin Amelia) got sick. Like, puking, pooping, coughing, crappy fevers, sick. It really put a damper on our relaxing 5 days away, buuuuut we successfully completed a 1,000 piece puzzle... sooo... yeah, we win.

It's now January 7th, and I'm attempting to completely change my eating habits... permanently. I'm cutting back on all processed food and sugar, at least Monday - Friday... just being real. This girl needs some cheat days, or else I'll give up entirely. However, I've noticed my cravings are changing... which happens when you start giving your body what it should be getting. You start to crave the right things. Coffee isn't even tasting good anymore (!!!), I'd much rather have a delicious smoothie.

I've been juicing and making smoothies, and I love it -- my newest favorite is my grapefruit/orange/pineapple/strawberry juice with a handful of packed spinach. Delicious, and so filling.

Truth be told, we're starting to discuss thinking about trying for Baby #2 soon... but before that happens, I need to get my body into a much better place. So, we'll see how the next few months goes... 2014, you're going to be a fun-filled, fantastic, healthy year.

We're (getting) ready for you.

Do You Believe In Magic?

Yesterday at the mall, Paul and I saw from afar that Santa had arrived.

I know... already. Ignoring the rising panic at how fast Christmas is coming, we took Porter down to Santa to give him a glimpse -- mainly so we could see what we were in for. You never know. Porter was too little to care about the Easter Bunny, but now that he's older and has an affinity for beards, we wanted to check in to see if he would love or hate the bearded wonder that is Kris Kringle.

He didn't even notice. We sat beyond the cute little fence, watching a bunch of kids interacting with Santa and waiting for Porter to see this guy with the fluffy white beard, but he was too busy staring at the strange kids running around the mall around him to even pay a second of attention to the man in red we were pointing at and exclaiming over.

We were interrupted by a cute little boy in glasses. He was maybe four or five years old, standing near the computer where parents pour over photo proofs of their screaming/smiling little ones on Santa's lap. He saw us looking and pointing at Santa in awe and he excitedly joined in our conversation.

"That's the real Santa," he told me. Paul and I exchanged a smile. This little boy was so happy. "Oh, really? It is?"

"Yep." He was matter-of-fact. Not a doubt in his mind. "Can you believe it? That's actually Santa. Santa Claus. He's here."

In my mind, I was rolling my eyes (I would never actually roll my eyes at the kid because, ew, so grinchy). But this kid actually thought that Santa - the "real" Santa - is in Tacoma, Washington. On November 19th. Please. Kids are so funny.

We walked away, leaving him in his excitement after sharing a quick moment with him about how cool it was that that was the real Santa. As we walked away, Paul mentioned to me how sad it was that you lose that magic and wonder as you get older. He looked nostalgic, like he was remembering his childhood years and pretending, for just a moment, that the Santa we'd just seen was the Santa of his youth. Thinking back to his years as that little boy.

Gutcheck. I'd lost the magic. I hadn't interacted with the little boy and remembered those magical childhood years lovingly. I had been critical and amused and wondering in the back of my mind when we could start moving because, ugh, Porter was starting to show signs of being cranky.

I have a little boy now, who in a couple of years will be squealing with excitement and exclaiming about the magical idea of Santa Claus coming to town. I'm a mother, who has been assigned the responsibility of cultivating this little boy's imagination... and I stopped believing in magic some time ago.

I know there's a fine balance between knowing the real reason for the season, yet still appreciating the years where Christmas is nothing but snow and lights and hand-delivered gifts from the North Pole.

I'm refueled now. Excited for the coming years when I get to witness Porter's awe and amazement about these incredibly magical times. Last night, I promised myself to get just as excited as he is. Life has a way of stealing the magic, but the only way you can remain young at heart is by actively deciding to never grow stale.

(And I'm sorry if you've been singing the McDonald's "Do You Believe In Magic" jingle this entire time. Because I have.)

Sheer Beauty

I can't believe October is already gone.

One more month to go, and I become the mother of a one year old. That, my friends, blows my mind. I thought time flew by when I was a newlywed... I knew nothing about flying time until I created a human and was put in charge of all of his days. Now, I can't believe how quickly Mondays fade into Fridays; it seems like I just took Porter's weekly picture yesterday, and now here it is... time for another? Already?

Thank you, God. My days are good.

I get up, I make coffee when the house is still quiet. I pull back the curtains, I let Lennon out, I settle in to work from the comfort of my own living room, I turn on the Today Show. Now, since it's November, I start up the Christmas music from my favorite Spotify playlist (the one that taunts me all year, until it's acceptable to listen to again, come Halloween).

I savor every single moment that I possibly can.

I'm so thankful. My heart is happy.

I am a working mom. I am a work from home mom. I can hardly remember the days where I rushed around to get ready to get to a job that I dreaded, wearing clothes that I hated. Counting down minutes, hours, until I could come home. It seems like another lifetime.

Life is truly too short to spend a minute doing something because you have to. Find a way to do the things you want to do... set some goals, and tackle them. Even if you're afraid. And if you can get someone behind you to give you a little shove when you seem to stall out (hey, we all do it. No shame), it's even better. I could never do this alone. My husband is a constant force that keeps me moving -- even when I would rather collapse into a puddle into the middle of the living room, pounding my fists into the carpet while sobbing "I DON'T WANNA..." (Don't take notes, Porter, your mama can be a big baby and you're much better than that). You may not wanna, but most of the time God doesn't move until you do.

The twinkling lights over my TV change with the seasons. Right now, they're orange and white. They keep a constant flow of merry in our house, year 'round; it's one of my favorite parts of my living room. Sometimes I clean up just so I can turn off the lights, sink into my couch, and stare. It's my happy place. It's normally about this time, when I am able to take the refreshingly deep breath, that Porter wakes up. Then, my day truly begins.

But, briefly, I was able to spend a few quiet moments alone... being thankful for the present.

Enter with the password: “Thank you!”

Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty,

all-generous in love,

loyal always and ever.
–Psalm 100:4 (MSG)

Tis The Season For... Elf Storage.

My husband and I got out for an impromptu date night tonight, which was so, so, so needed after a long weekend. I hardly saw him, and Porter was definitely fighting off a stomach bug (or teething worse than anything I could have imagined) all day Saturday and Sunday, so today was a perfect time to catch up and refresh with my favorite guy.

We were driving home, listening to some music and laughing about nothing, when we drove by a sign on the 705 for Tacoma Self Storage. Paul knows how much I adore the holidays, so he knew I would appreciate what he was about to say.

"Do you want to know what one of my favorite things about the holidays are?"

Assuming he was going to say something romantic or incredibly festive, I snuggled down into my heated seat, pulled my cozy oversized sweater tight around me and smiled up at him. "Aww, no, babe... what would that be?"

"When Tacoma Self Storage becomes Tacoma Elf Storage... I'm not kidding. It makes me giddy. I get so excited, it's pretty much the best thing ever."

*blank stare*

Here's what he's talking about:

Photo: http://i.feedtacoma.com/kevinfreitas/again-with-elf-storage-cause/

Ok, fine. That's pretty freakin' cute. Happy Holidays, from my hubby to you.

Decisions, Decisions...

Oh, ok. Fine. I'll take all three.

Word on the street Facebook is that Nordstrom is matching Costco's price on all Hunter Boots. That drops them down to like $75 bucks each; I can't tell you how happy it makes me to think of a colorful lineup of rainboots for me to debate between, each and every day, from now until June.

So, yeah. I'll take all three.

Our Beautiful Mess: For All The Moms

Yesterday, we had our first MOPS meeting of the year! I can't believe, for one, that I have a child and can now attend meetings like this. It's so surreal.

We were so lucky to hear from Nicole Moore... she was our first speaker of the year! Nichole is an amazing wife, mother and teacher. She is on staff at my church, and every time she speaks, I always find myself completely wrapped up in every word she's saying. She's so poised and well-spoken; one of those women that truly feels like they have it all together. Well, it was such a breath of fresh air to hear her speak of her mistakes, the lessons she's learned, and what she misses most about the earlier stages of motherhood. I took amazing notes, so I thought I would share this with you all, too.

I hope there's something here that resounds with you.

• Take time to play. A kid isn't a task to be managed. Sometimes, work can wait. Sometimes, the agenda can be paused. Sometimes, you can put off your responsibilities to take a few extra moments playing with your little one, because those are the moments that mean the most.
• There's a book for that. Resource yourself. We are so blessed to have blogs, websites and books galore. If you're dealing with something, rest assured that someone else has (or is!) too.
• This too shall pass. It won't last forever. The tantrums, the teething, the never-ending diapers... soon enough, you'll be driving your baby to high school, and wondering where the time went. Cherish the present, because in no time, it will become a memory.
• Nobody will ever take your place. Your personal standards will become your child's standards. Your kids are a reflection of you. Is what I am transferring into the life of this little being? If it is, and you don't like what you're seeing, it's not too late to change that. Growing yourself is the greatest gift you can give to your kids.
• The golden rule is for you, too. Being the boss doesn't mean you can treat your kids however you want. Speak kindly. If you want your kids to restrain emotion, then you need to restrain YOURS. Show respect to your little person.

• Never lose yourself. We let our identity become wrapped up in being a mother. A mother is not all that you are. You're a sister. A friend. A wife. Never lose sight of that. We need to recharge every once and awhile, too.
• Failure isn't the end, it's the beginning. Acknowledge and learn from your mistakes, and move the heck on.
• Create a safe place where no conversation is off limits. If you act hypersensitive about something, your kids will not feel safe talking to you about it. If you shame them, they will not feel safe to open up.
• The future is now. Children are little people who are out of control of themselves, and attempting to control everyone around them. Help them develop character that will help their future go well. The patterns that children establish early in life becomes their character. And their character is their destiny.
• The days are long, but the years are short. Cherish every single day.

Why, America?

Last night, we took a little field trip to the mall to pick up a birthday present for our friend Brad. 

Ok, and just to shop in general. It's my husband's love language, I had to. We were walking by the Yankee Candle store, and I was drawn in -- but only out of morbid curiosity. Yankee Candle Company was featuring Thanksgiving Dinner themed candles.

Now, I love fall like all the rest of America apparently does (the blogging world, especially, my goodness); I can never have too many Pumpkin Pie or Apple Cider flavored things, no matter how hard I try and how random the item is (Pumpkin Spice M&Ms? Fine. Pumpkin coffee? Ok.)

But you guys -- Turkey & Stuffing in a candle? I draw the line. I almost threw up in the middle of the store. I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised, but I wasn't. It was as bad as you'd think. I shook my head violently and exited the store as quickly as I'd come in. Even the associate looked sorry that she had to let me smell it.

I get the idea, I truly do. Who doesn't enjoy the smell of a fresh turkey dinner? I know I do. But the keyword here is fresh. Something about turkey flavored wax just almost ruined Fall for me. Some things are better left in their original form. Thanks a lot, Yankee.

A few hours later, we were getting frozen yogurt with friends, and I noticed Tabasco sauce on the counter, alongside of Marshmallow Cream and Chocolate Drizzle and other delicious topping options.

Tabasco Sauce.

I had to ask.

"People love it on the Euro Tarte; they say it tastes just like a jalapeno popper."

Omg, ew. I had to try it.

I grabbed a sample of original Euro Tarte, like the girl told me too, and then added a couple of drops of Tabasco sauce.

This is a very bad idea, I thought to myself.

I was right. It was an awful idea. It didn't taste like a jalapeño popper, it tasted like frozen yogurt and Tabasco sauce. It was utterly confusing and completely revolting. I feel like I forever ruined the idea of getting creative with frozen yogurt and toppings. Even the caramel apple frozen yogurt that I was planning on getting couldn't save me.

Yuck. What is wrong with you, America?

Pat, Vanna & Alex: Where Are They Now? Oh. Still On My TV!

Can we just talk about something that blows my mind? Get ready.

Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.

Before you laugh, just wait a second... think about it. I am 29 years old (ew, eww, ewwwww) and these shows have been on since I can remember. I'm not kidding. I used to spin out from behind out living room curtain, pretending to be Vanna White for my mom and dad and their huge, sit-it-on-your-shoulder video camera. The kind that took full sized VCR tapes, you guys.

It was a long time ago.

AND... these people are still going strong. Pat Sajak, Vanna White & Alex Trebek. They don't get enough credit.

They look amazing. They've never left their respective shows (Drew Carey hasn't taken over hosting... I'm looking at you, Bob Barker) and the shows haven't had some crazy modern makeover (I mean, sure, the letters are touchscreen now, and the final Jeopardy music is a little snazzier, but whatev. You get what I'm saying)

I don't watch these shows religiously like some people, but I do stop on ABC while channel surfing to yell out occasional answers while watching Jeopardy, or to see what Vanna's outfit looks like on Wheel of Fortune.

So, yeah. If you feel like your time was wasted by reading this randomness, I am sorry. But if any time you mumbled "I know, right?!" as you glanced over these photos or read my entry... we should be best friends.

Help! (You can do this from your phone)

My really great friend Rebekah is doing a contest right now to for a dream opportunity of traveling the world for a year, volunteering and blogging about her experiences. I can't think of anyone that deserves this more than her, but we need some help getting the word out. This is a pretty large-scale contest, and our girl is in need of some blogging-community support.

The contest is through Jauntaroo, and is called Best Job Around The World. Bekah's entry is here: http://www.bestjobaroundtheworld.com/submissions/view/12573

She has a huge heart for people. She's a servant... she never hesitates to dive in and help. She actually spends a lot of time volunteering to bring awareness to human trafficking, both on a local and global level. She is already one of the most well-rounded, cultured women I know. An opportunity like this is made for her... she was created to serve around the world, and it would make me so happy to get our community involved for such a great cause.

I hope you can help us to get some "likes" for her! We need to get her into the top 50 by September 15th. Anyone who reads this, your "like" would be so appreciated! Her video is awesome, and it's only a minute long... no sign up necessary, no additional windows. Just click the link, and then click LIKE.

Oh, and the video is super cute -- and quick... like 60 seconds, people. And you can see a lot of our beloved SEATTLE. Our friend Zach made the video, and he's practically an Instagram celebrity. Ok, maybe not celebrity - I think he hates when we say that - but he is UBER talented. Like, a lot of talent. Check out his feed, too. The video he put together for Bekah is kind of amazing.

Leave a comment below if you were able to help us out! <3 GO TEAM BEKAH!

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband, I am reminded of why I love you every single day. Sometimes, for brand new reasons. Like today... you spent a good hour on an awesome quote for our chalkboard, which you wrote out in better handwriting then most women. Well done. I'm happy to be married to someone so creative.

Dear Record Player, there's nothing better than a rainy morning in the Northwest, a hot salted caramel mocha, and William Fitzsimmons. Thank you for providing a gloriously cozy soundtrack to end the week. It was pretty much the perfect Friday morning.

Dear Pumpkin Spice M&Ms, sadly, you are not delicious. I'm going to pretend I never tried you, and just enjoy the magic of holiday candy anyway.

Dear Scentsy, I just ordered the LIFE out of you. Christmas Cottage, Pumpkin Roll, Honey Pear Cider... get in my warmer.

Dear Nordstrom Rack, I love you and my new Steve Madden wallet. I can manage $25 and multiple pockets/zippers. Oh, and the deep purple that you are is quite nice, too.

Dear Candy Crush Level 147, HAHAHAHAHAHA TOTALLY BEAT YOU. GET OUT OF MY SIGHT.

And, related, Dear 3am Teething Feedings, I'm annoyed that - in my zombielike state - I don't hesitate to spend .99 to beat the most ridiculous Candy Crush levels... because I'm partially asleep, and because husband is comatose and can't scold me for doing so. I'm ready for teething to be over. So is my bank account in the wee morning hours.

A Pumpkin Spice Love Story.

I have been hearing all these rumors circulating, about how to "unlock" pumpkin spice at your local Starbucks by asking for it and then telling the you have the code.

A secret code? I'm in. Usually PSL doesn't make it's debut until a bit later, so the idea of enjoying one before Labor Day Weekend made me giddy. So, on the way to get our nails done, Savannah and I decided to stop at our Starbucks to see if we could hit the festive jackpot. I could already picture the emoticons I would use on Instagram, when I posted my inaugural PSL photo for 2013.

I Googled for like .34 seconds and found the code (it certainly wasn't under lock and key, by any means), and pranced into my local store.

"Hi!" I chirped, already tasting the sweet traces of fall in the air.

"What can I get started for you?" The barista is bored, and totally unsuspecting. I attack.

"Can I get the pumpkin spice latte, please?" Wink, wink. Omg, this is so exciting.

"No, I'm sorry. It's not available yet."

Coffee Style.

You guys. Did you know that coffee in mason jars just tastes better? It's amazing. A miracle of sorts.

Last night was hair night. I always enjoy getting my hair done, because really, what girl doesn't? We get to sit and gab and my hair gets colored and brushed and cut and styled.

Well, as a new mom, and my hair appointment being in the evening... I yawned a lot. Like enough to cause Anna, my favorite stylist, to ask me if I wanted some coffee. 9 times out of 10, I will automatically (politely) decline any food or drink. I mean, it's kind of awkward to eat and drink in front of people who aren't eating and drinking with you, amiright?

I just can't.

I don't understand how people talk about the Anthony Weiner scandal with a straight face. I want to giggle like a five year old whenever I hear his name... and then, the fact that he's in trouble for what he's in trouble for?

He couldn't have, like, been a money-launderer or something?

I mean, really.

         

She May Be The Youngest Person I've Ever Hated

Kaia Crawford. She's eleven, you guys... are you kidding me?

She's a freak of nature. A beautiful, supermodel-coursing-through-her-veins, dresses-better-than-me, cheekbones-higher-than-Snoop freak of nature.

That's all.

Image Souce: E! Online