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

March Food Challenge

For the past two months I have been challenging my diet. I have given up alcohol and sweets. I have been positively surprised by how strong I am, and by how my taste buds have come to appreciate reintroduced foods again. They really took a lot for granted. I appreciate a glass of red wine much more now, and yes I already had one. It was an interesting way to see how I feel when giving up specific foods or drinks.

This month I am giving up dairy. This I think will be one of the hardest challenges. I eat cereal every day and I drink coffee each day with a splash of milk or creamer. Not so much this month. My breakfast routine will be challenged but in a good way. I'll be trying to change it up by incorporating more fruits, gluten free oats and bread. I may drink black coffee {which I have no problem doing} or switch it up to tea. My trips to Starbucks will be less or stopped for a month {also, I am fine with that} and I will find ways to make my dairy free month a fun one. I may try almond milk which I never really liked.We shall see.

Hoping to find some fun new recipes. If you know of any dairy free recipes let me know, please. Any idea is greatly appreciated.

Wish me luck!

image via here
also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels