Hunting For a Better Place

Okay, guys, I am drooling a little bit when I look at his photo. Those curtains would have to go but I am drooling.

Today we are hunting for a new place; a new home. We have been looking for months and have an eye on one place but it never hurts to look for more. It's time. We are so unhappy in our current place it is really time. Plus, it will be in a different but better area, closer to work and just hopefully making us happier. 

Unfortunately we aren't looking for a house just yet. We would have to figure out where we wanted to settle. As much as we miss and love Southern California we may not move back but move to Arizona or Nevada instead. Anyways, we are going to look at nine different places today. Wish us luck. Coffee will be my best friend today. It'll be a crazy day. Here we go.....

Happy last day of March!!!!

xoxo 

Three Things to Make A Person {Me} Happy

So much has happened last week I had no time to update, blog, read, or even just check in. Life can take fast turns. Sometimes it is for the better and sometimes it is not. 

Remember my happy post a little over a week ago, and I was happy I finally heard from my mom. Well, she is still in the hospital and probably won't be released until Easter Sunday. How insane is this?! I finally got to talk to her and see how she is doing. It's one thing to know your parent is in the hospital and is under good care {she's doing fine but had some issues so they kept her longer than anticipated}, it is a whole different thing to be so far away. She's in Europe for crying out loud. I am not.

Trying not to make myself feel more miserable I found three things that can easily make a person or in this case, me, happy. I am definitely doing better and feeling more at ease. 

1 - Spend time with something or someone that can in fact cheer you up

In my case, it was the cute little puppy pictured above. She's close to four months old and as cute as a button. She's so full of energy, so eager to play and explore every single thing she comes across; she's the kind of thing I needed to be around. Chasing after her and making sure she was not trying to eat tiny stones or pee in the wrong area really distracted me. Also, her eagerness to pick up a huge ball almost bigger than herself was hilarious. Her determination astounded me. Needless to say, this cute little thing made me forget and made me happy. I need a puppy in my life.

2 - Have friends and/or family help you out

One of my oldest friends in my hometown organized flowers to be delivered to my mom's room. I couldn't have done this so easily from here, so I appreciate the love and support from her. Also, my for lovely friend back in SoCal helped me with the international call I had to make. Without the help of these two I would have been lost. Also, fun texts and snaps always helped. I spent a couple of days in Nevada with family so that was a distraction as well. Anything helps.

3 - Don't forget about yourself, and treat yourself right

It's easy to neglect yourself. When you feel down, lost someone, and are alone it is easy to just let go and not care. I have been there, done that. I had to remind myself that life isn't over, and I should find my happy. So, I got my hair done, spoiled myself with a frappuccino from Starbucks, and decided to say yes to an invitation to a movie {we saw Kingsmen}. Oh, and I painted my nails pink and went out for a walk to enjoy what spring has to offer.

You may wonder where my favorite person was in all of this. He was around. He's been transitioning into a new job so that takes a lot of his energy and patience as well. We shared the frappuccino, so he was around. Poor guy had to work, hardly got time off for spring break but at least could spend some time with the puppy as well. Yes, we are having puppy fever now. Ha!

Last week was crazy; looking forward to a better and more fun week.

Happy Monday!!!

xoxo

My Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

It is time I am sharing one of my favorite dishes with you - the cheesy breakfast casserole. Easter is just around the corner, so I thought it would be time for me to share the dish I will be making on Easter Sunday. Yes, you are right, I will be adding lots and lots of cheese; because I simply can.

Here's what you need - it's for about eight yieldings:

• 2 or 3 small russet potatoes, diced
• 4 large eggs {I used 6 eggs in the end, it covered it all better}
• 1/4 cup milk {used 1/2 cup milk, because I added two more eggs}
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 Italian sausage links, casing removed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided {or more if you prefer it very cheesy}
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves {optional}
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce {optional}
   

Here's what you do:

• Preheat over to 350 F.
• Lightly coat baking dish with a nonstick spray {9-inch is perfect}.
• Place potatoes and 1/4 cup of water in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover and place into microwave for about 4-6 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and set aside.
• In a large bowl or whatever you have, whisk together eggs, milk {and the optional hot sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high.
• Cook Italian sausage until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Crumble the sausage. Drain the fat.
• Stir in the bell peppers and potatoes until tender, about 2 -4 minutes. Potatoes may crumble.

• Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese {or more} until well combined.
• Place this sausage mixture evenly into the baking dish. 
• Pour the separate egg mixture evenly over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese {or add more}.
• Place into oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are firm.
• Serve immediately, and garnish with parsley if desired.

So yes, my photos aren't fancy but hey, I had to take those photos while preventing my guy to start eating while standing right next to me. He was ready to dig in. It was one of those dishes we knew we were going to make more often. Also, add a little bacon to the sausage and it will blossom into a fantastic breakfast dish you will want to eat for dinner!

xoxo

Spring Break Time

It is Spring Break Week and although my school days are over, my man can enjoy a week without classes. Plus, as his other half I am making sure he will enjoy time off {even while he is working}. No books, no computer for at least three consecutive days. After that, he can study all he wants {he has an exam the day after the break - who does that; evil professor!!}. I'll be making sure he has a few drinks ready the second he gets home from work, can enjoy a freshly cleaned house, do his stuff and have a fun week. Me? I will be soaking up the sun, changing my hair, switching to my spring/summer wardrobe, and prepping my body for a hot hot summer. Oh, and I will be cuddling with a new puppy. Sadly not ours, but I'm excited to meet a new addition to my extended family. Stay tuned via Instagram!

Happy Spring Break...or well, Happy Monday!

xoxo

image via here

Friday Five

It's time to list five things that made me happy this week. 

This was the hardest thing to do, really. I have had a rough week. Not only did my guy work without a break, I also learned my mom was hospitalized. That was quite the shocker. I mean, yes, I knew she had the stomach flu earlier last week and we communicated back and forth via text {we usually skype but she didn't want to do this in her miserable, sick state}. Then, out of nowhere, I see that my texts get barely read and she never responds. Being thousands of miles, a vast continent, and a huge ocean apart makes this situation even worse. The things that stormed through my mind were massive. I had the worst ideas, scenarios, and what not chasing me all week. It was just blah. Finally though she texted today. What a relief...and what a shock, too. At least she's doing better, and they were taking tests. Fingers crossed she gets released today.

So, without further ado...the five things that made my week:

1 -  A long awaited answer to my question.
My mom {finally} texted me back. See above story for further info.

2 - Last week of school for my favorite person and three full days of vacation.

He deserves to get a break from his tough classes. Unfortunately he still has to work and our planned spring break got cancelled. We are both bitter but know this is for the better. Good thing though he gets one day off so we are heading over to see his parents. The day he gets off is between his "school days" and so we get at least three full days off. YAY.

3 - This image I found...

4 - Ellen DeGeneres

Really, when I feel down or hear bad news, Ellen's show picks me up and distracts me so beautifully it's great. Laughter heals. Always.

5 - Stuffed mushrooms

I love food. I love it all. With temperatures rising I had to go lighter. Plus, since I am adding more veggies to our diet, mushrooms were a must. We both loved them. I know many people don't like mushrooms. It's okay. I'm sure you like chocolate and I can't stand that one. :)  Here's how our lovely mushrooms looked a few seconds before I put them into the oven. Yum!

Happy Friday everyone!
Have an awesome day.
I'll be catching up soon...

xoxo

I am linking up with Hello! Happiness

 image via here

No Dairy Food Challenge Update

Ten {okay, maybe 13} more days and this month's food challenge will be over. I am having the hardest time this month and I cannot wait until it is over. Finally. I have been a good girl though. I have to admit there were a few instances where I failed; I realized too late and ate something with dairy. Oops. Then again, I chose to do this challenge to see if I am strong enough, and I didn't do this because of health issues. Failing is okay. I am a human being after all. A human being loving her cheese apparently.  It is not the end of the world. 

What I have learned is that vanilla almond milk definitely saved my life. Yes, the sweetened one. It is not my favorite but it does its job well. However, almond milk with my gluten free cinnamon flavored cereal is downright disgusting. I cannot explain how awful it is. So, I switched to eating more gluten free bread with different toppings for breakfast. Also I made gf oatmeal with water or almond milk, cooked up eggs and hash browns and ate a ton of fruits for breakfast. Smoothies were fun too, and I have to say I like smoothies with vanilla almond milk.  I learned to be more creative in the morning that is for sure.

As far as the rest of the day goes...well, I made sure none of the dishes I had planned for the month had or still have any dairy in them. If they did I would either eliminate it {at least for me, and make another batch for the man of the house} or change the menu. I am making zucchini boats tomorrow and technically it asks for cheese, but I have bread crumbs and that will be just fine. It worked for my stuffed mushrooms I made two nights ago. Also, by eliminating dairy calcium and certain protein are missing. I googled, pinterested, and what not...and well, learned that it's easy to find substitutes that work {for me}. If you are a picky eater this may not work for you though. Here's what helped me out what to incorporate more into our March Diet {thank you, Pinterest}:

I have eaten a ton of spinach, broccoli, romaine, mushrooms, quinoa, avocados, kale, onions, almonds, and what not. I love it all. Making my morning smoothie with fresh spinach was so much fun.

Now, if you were wondering if I felt anything different when it comes to, you know, using the daily bathroom ritual...well, let's just say in the beginning my stomach was pissed off. It reminded me to when I had to go gluten free. Oh man, my favorite word was constipation. And then, after about two weeks {yes, right about now} it all went back to normal. Changing a diet, or just challenging your body to adjust to something new or different for a while is definitely interesting and will always add some sort of challenge to the digestion routine as well. That is how far I go with this topic. Ha!

Ten more days. I can do this. I am so sick and tired of this month...this challenge really got on my nerves {yes, even with my spinach smoothies}. It is interesting to see me and my body go through this. Knowing I can do this gives me personal strength. Never thought I could do this but oh my I have become stronger and more determined for sure.

"Ten" more days!

xoxo

image via here

Happy Tuesday

My lovelies,

It has been a really lazy and quite boring weekend. I wanted to do so much but ended up in bed, slightly sick, totally exhausted, and also playing some computer games. At least they distracted me. Also, I saw a doctor yesterday due to this stupid bump on my left hand. It's nothing harmful but it has been bothering me. I cannot do yoga the way I used to. Stretching my left hand is practically impossible. It hurts. The doc said it's just in a horrible place but nothing I should worry about. If it grows or gets worse than yes, I should worry. Good to know. Anyways, I digress. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Whether or not you celebrate {I'm not, but I'm still wearing a green sweater} I hope you are having a great day. There's a few awesome deals out there today which doesn't surprise me. Whenever there is a so-called holiday {Pi-Day included} there is always some sort of a "deal" going on in the shopping world.  Also, with spring break either going on or around the corner {next week for us} deals just sprout all over the place. Happy Shopping!!

Life has been good. Will update tomorrow on my dairy free month; so check back in.

Happy Tuesday, Happy St. Paddy's!!

xoxo

image by Kelsey Garrity Riley

Five on Friday

It is time to look back and see what made me happy this week. Our anniversary trip to San Francisco got cancelled twice and as much as it hurt I knew that there was a reason behind this sudden change in plan. So, knowing I was hurt I had to find happiness elsewhere, and let me tell you...happiness exists, no matter what. It's always the little things. So, without further ado...

one - I am pretty much halfway through with my monthly food challenge. So incredibly happy. I never thought I could do this but I am doing this. Two more weeks, two more weeks...I can certainly make it happen. This is by far one of the hardest months.

two - Palm trees. I love palm trees. Whenever I get to see a pretty one I can't help it, I have to take a photo of it. I'm that obsessed and in love with palm trees.

three - Sleep. I had one of those moments yesterday that just called for an early night. I also took at least three naps yesterday. I was exhausted. My body needed to rest and rejuvenate. I don't blame the one hour we Sunday for my sleepy-headedness {I know I just made this world up} but to be honest it could be it. Do I feel better now, after so much sleep? YES. Friday, bring it on!!

four - Free samples, and a chance for me to try a new night cream. I have to say I like Ultra Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream by Garnier. I had never been a huge fan of Garnier {my mom on the other hand swears by it} but as I don't get older I have to find a brand that works for me. I have seen results with MaryKay, Neutrogena, and now feel to give Garnier a high five because my face feels moisturized and just happy at night and in the morning.

five - Easter being around the corner. We won't be fully celebrating since my favorite person needs to work that day {I think, unless we are lucky and he gets the day off}. However, this won't stop me from decorating, and putting together a little basket or bag for my in-laws that I will bring over. I love creating goodie bags for others - this year it will be for family; last year it was for friends!

Linking up with Hello! Happiness
Meet @ the Barre

 

Be Kind To One Another

I'm in awe what this community did for one man. This may be an add by Samsung but its meaning is fabulous. Plus, I loved the fact that it was shot in Istanbul {my second hometown, where my mom grew up} and I can hear bits and pieces of Turkish. Fun.

If you don't know the story...well, a few people learned sign language to be able to communicate with one specific guy. As this guy walks around town with his sister he comes across people who out of nowhere "talk" to him; as if it is the most normal thing ever. He is part of that community, that town, so since he can't hear and therefore communicate with anyone {unlike us} he was positively shocked and felt blessed to see that there are people out there that want to be part of his {quiet} life.

Just watch it yourself...I just loved the idea.

As Ellen always says... be kind to one another! ;)

The Time I got An Award

Molly and Stacie recently nominated me with the Liebster Award! I have done these award questionnaires before {and have more than 200 followers} but thought it would be nice to do one again. Also, I still feel like I am in a blog slump so this gives me a chance to be kind of creative. Plus, supporting other bloggers and giving them a shout out is always a perfect way to start the day.

RULES

Mention/thank/tag the blogger who nominated you.
Explain the rules for the next lucky nominees.
Answer the questions given to you.
Nominate and link blogs with less than (200) followers.
Post 11 questions of your own.
Notify bloggers that they have been nominated.

So, here goes nothing...

QUESTIONS FOR ME

1. What is your favorite book?

Hard to name just one book. There are book out there that have influenced and inspired me when I needed to hear the right words, and up until today they are still inspiring me. One of them is Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau. When I had to read it I dreaded it but my professor explained it so well it all made sense and without her further help I realized how much that book meant and spoke to me and my current life. Crazy, huh?!

2. What made you start blogging?

Boredom. Literally. I also needed a hobby at that time and needed a way to express myself or just to create my own little world. I had no idea that blogging is so much more than just writing on a regular basis. Friendships got created, ideas were found, and a community was built.

3. What is your favorite lipstick?

I don't like lipstick. If I wear lipstick it's usually a light color, and nowadays only from MaryKay {thank you M. for being such a fabulous consultant!}. I am more a lip gloss girl.

4. What is your favorite thing to do on vacation?

Sleep in, explore food and drinks, and feed my brain. 

5. How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend it exploring the city and area. I also like to read, watch films, and spend time with my favorite person. :)

6. What are your blogging goals for this year?

I don't have blogging goals. If I do let me know. However, I like to just have fun and inspire, and entertain.

7. Who did you think was best dressed at the Oscars this year?

To be honest I didn't pay that much attention. I liked Jennifer Lopez and her dress, and that is really all I remember. Oops, I know. So bad of me. :(

8. Would you rather have a surprise party or casual dinner for your birthday?

Casual dinner. I don't like surprise parties. What if I don't feel well that day and then baaam, surprise!! No, thank you. Also, I'd rather look forward to something and see it happen than being thrown into a room with all kinds of people I didn't want to see that day {there are those moments when you just need to be by yourself or just spend time with very close friends}. So, casual dinner it is.

9. What’s the next vacation you have planned?

Visiting family and friends in Switzerland and possibly Turkey. YES.

10. What’s your favorite thing to cook?

Köfte {Turkish meatballs}. Also, my Mexican quinoa dish {so easy and delicious}. 

11. How many languages do you speak?

I speak three languages fluently: Swiss-German, German, and English. I speak kind of Turkish and French, and will understand Italian if I sit down and concentrate. The Japanese I once learned is sadly long gone but bits and pieces still linger in my passive brain. 

I NOMINATE

Whoever wants to do this.
YES, I will not personally nominate specific bloggers because I think we all deserve this, no matter the amount of followers. Yup, I am doing this this way. I have more than 200 so technically I should not have received this one but still love to get these. When I feel a writer's block appears or just feel like I am in a slump these are the posts I look for. :) Just saying.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU

1) What's a pet peeve of yours?
2) What are you most proud of?
3) What is your favorite film and why?
4) What is your earliest memory from your childhood?
5) What would you choose? A great book, or a great film? And why?
6) If you had a chance to repeat history, what would you change?
7) Favorite song and why?
8) Do you prefer real nails or fake nails, and why?!
9) What place/city/country would you like to retire in?
10) Are you a saver or a spender?
11) What are your hopes for 2015?

Monday Love

Happy Monday!

I don't like it when plans get cancelled {twice} and nothing seems to work out as planned. Yet, on the brighter side when one sees the light at the end of the tunnel it is a good sign. Yes, plans got cancelled and we both felt devastated. However, this is not the end of the world. We can postpone our trips, reschedule to a later time. Even though I don't like to postpone things anymore I know this is what needed to be done.  

Needless to say my weekend was not spectacular. We had plans and they got shattered into million pieces. Who knows when we can go have fun again. Yet, I made the best out of my boring weekend. I cleaned, pampered myself with a hot bubble bath {drought or not a girl needs her pamper time once in a blue moon; it's been about a year since I had my last bubble bath so give me a tiny bit of a break here}, watched girlie films I know my guy wouldn't want to watch {Endless Love, Walk to Remember, The Other Woman, A Lot Like Love, etc etc you get the gist}, drank some wine by myself, ate leftover meat sauce because my meat sauce is the best {nothing came out of a can or jar by the way; that is how I roll}, read through magazines, lit a Christmas candle, cleaned some more, created a grocery list so we are ready to spend a ton on food for the next two to three months {budget cooking and shopping is fun}, danced to loud music, got stronger through Pilates, worked on my resume, browsed a lot through Pinterest, organized the closet, and admired my new found love for Vanilla Almond Milk. 

My weekend sucked but I made the best out of it.

How was your weekend?!

xoxo

image via Hello Monday

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!!! I don't know if I am looking forward to the weekend or if I am dreading it. However, it is Friday and I cannot think of a better day to look back at this week and share with you my favorite things. You know, those things that made me happy, smile, and just feel positive about myself.

one - Warmer weather. I know some of you have ice cold weather; and when I complain these days that it is cold it is actually warm for you. I am freezing 24/7 unless it is constantly 80 degrees. Yes, spoiled Selma. I know. For what it's worth, I grew up with four seasons and know what a long cold winter feels like. It can get disgusting, boring, and very depressing. We have had temperatures in the lower 70s here these days and it feels fantastic. I am just loving it!

two - House of Cards. Do I need to say more? We didn't start watching the day the newest season was released on Netflix. We waited a few days; mainly because we wanted no stress while watching an episode or three. Kevin Spacey rocks our world.

three - My favorite person getting a new job. They pay will roughly be the same and he will have a commute now and no more five-minute drives to work {yes, he was spoiled until now}. He chose this change because he felt that his work will be more appreciated and cherished. Also, the company is more stable than his current employer and is located in a safer area. I think going to work will not be as dreading as it is now. This change is a good one. It just has to be.

four - This quote. I love quotes that inspire, enlighten, and make me smile. I have been down for a while. Not having friends here is one huge negativity in my life. You never realize this until you are in a foreign city with no one to talk to or hang out with. I am blessed to have friends all over this country and Europe but would love to have a few around the corner; you know, just to meet up for a quick coffee or chat once or twice a week. 

five - I have always been a sucker for inspiring stories or films. Needless to say when a friend of mine posted a video about a man describing the love he has for his wife I had to watch it. It is a short eight-minute film and is worth watching and sharing. Some of you might have seen this already but trust me it doesn't hurt to watch it again.

Have a beautiful day and a fantastic weekend!

Linking up with A. Liz Adventures today.

Free Items are the Best Items

Remember my post a few weeks ago about how much I love Influenster and their programs?! Well, last week I received my latest VoxBox from them and I couldn't be more excited. It's those little things that make me happy and super smiley. 

This VoxBox was basically a box associated with the month of February and its love theme. Their XO VoxBox was filled with love and it came in two parts. One was the box filled with goodies to try and write about, and the other "box" was a set of free lingerie of your choice. Let's just say as a girl who loves her lingerie and anything cute, I was beyond happy! Yes, I received free lingerie for testing. 

So, what's in my box this time and what do I think?!

- Tide Pods with Febreze 
These arrived at the perfect time. I am {still} running out of laundry detergent so receiving these was a blessing. Loved that they are small and hassle free. Never thought pods would work in a laundry machine {dishwasher is a different story} so I was pleasantly surprised to see my laundry come out fresh and clean. Great product!

- Skinfix Hand Repair Cream
Saw and felt immediate results. My hands feel softer, and my dry spot on my ring finger I have been trying to get rid of for weeks has been healing quite nicely. I am very impressed.

- Colgate Optic White toothbrush and built-in whitening pen
To be honest I was a bit hesitant to use this product. Yes, I want whiter teeth. Yes, I have tried other products and got nervous because they always made my teeth and gums more sensitive. What I liked about this product is that it was easy to use. Brush as usual, rinse, whiten, and go on with your day. That simple. No waiting, no trying to fit stuff onto your teeth, nothing. As a coffee and red wine lover whiter teeth are a must. So far, I this product was easy to use and my teeth and gums are okay. I have been using this whitening product only for a few days so I cannot tell whether or not they have gotten slightly whiter.

- Colgate Optic White Express White toothpaste
I haven't used this one because I am still finishing up my other toothpaste. One thing at a time. Cannot use it all.

- John Frieda Frizz Ease Collection {Shampoo, Conditioner, and Primer}
Will use these products during spring break when visiting family in Nevada, or once my current shampoo runs out. Will update my review accordingly. I cannot wait to test these because I always liked John Frieda's products. 

- Adore Me Lingerie {received two days before Valentine's Day separately from the box}
Loved my set. Shipping was fast and the product fit. I don't like ordering clothes {or underwear} online because I want to make sure they all fit so I won't have to return them all the time. I was very happy with what I ordered and loved that they have a huge variety to choose from. AdoreMe has my heart, for sure.

I just love Influenster. Also, make sure you come back for updates on these products. I haven't finished using them all so this review is incomplete. Off I go now, rubbing some of that hand repair cream on my fingers...I can see improvement and it just blows my mind. Literally.

Are you on Influenster? If not, what are you waiting for? Click here for more details.

xoxo

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 

Spring Lusting

Wedges / flats / bracelet watch / necklace / infinity scarf / blush / cosmetic bag / nail polish / candle

It is March!!!
Spring to me starts March 1 and ends May 31. Simple as that. I know it's not official but that is what I have gone with for over 25 years so just go with it, okay?! I won't change my thinking in this department. :) 

With spring literally a few days old it is time to bring out the lighter, cuter, and more spring/summer clothes. If you are like me you won't go shopping this month {yes, I promised to myself not to buy anything until June - yikes!}...so, enjoying spring and its cuter more pastel sides will be hard. Luckily I have that nail polish at hand, a few lighter eye shadows, and some colorful bags. If I happen to come across extra money I will probably splurge on a new pair of flats or sandals because, well, my current ones are about to fall apart. Literally. They have seen better days. Next weekend I will rotate my wardrobe and put away those heavy winter sweaters {not that we had a heavy and cold winter here in California}, polish my spring/summer shoes, and take away a few items and donate those. It will be liberating to clean out the closet again, and it will be rewarding to see more space in it. Also, I will have a chance to reevaluate my current wardrobe and come up with some fun outfits, combos, and yes, future shopping dreams. I am a girl after all and need a few new items when June arrives. :) 

I am so happy March is here!!!

YES.

xoxo