Good-bye luscious locks

Last week Jason was a sick, sick boy and slept on the couch as to not disturb me with his coughing {he is a way better spouse than me}, at night.

And while he was starting to feel better come Friday night, he opted to sleep on in the living room one more night. But not before coming to bed and telling me he had something very important to talk to me about...

I legit thought something was wrong! In the almost seven years I have known Jason, I don't think I have ever heard him say, "I have something serious to discuss" {I am paraphrasing, just go with it}, and so for a hot minute, I thought something was really wrong.

What my husband wanted to "discuss" with me was that it was time...time to cut those luscious locks, ya'll.

If you read my initial post about Jason's hair, then you know his do' has been a topic of conversation at Casa de Crews for months now. MONTHS.

the emo look

Jason has always kept his hair short, but last March he realized that once he was an attorney, he could never grow his hair out. I mean, never mind that he has two and a half years left, and must take the bar, too.

I begged Jason to cut his hair. When friends or my family saw his hair, they raved about it, which did not help my cause whatsoever. So I gave in, and accepted the locks, and actually came to like them.

Jason and I are attempting to run, and when we do, he has to put his hair up with one of my hair ties, or if he is studying, he wears a headband. And occasionally I may have said he was "such a pretty girl", which I think he may not have liked, ha.

the after math

But the decision to chop it all of was Jason's and Jason's alone, and I couldn't be happier.

This was the boy I met seven years ago! I missed that guy...

How was your weekend?!

xoxo,
Nichole

Argh Matey! 1/27/2014

Today marks Day 21 on the Whole 30 Challenge, ya'll. And I am bey-ond ready for it to end. I will absolutely be sharing my results, and a few more recipes, soon. In the mean time, I'm sharing my weekend, because it's Monday, duh.

The Weekend Update. 1/20/2014

I have been such a terrible blogger, as of late! Life has just been busy, and then when I have had free time I have been too busy catching up on Dexter. Jason is re-watching, and I never jumped on the first go, but now, now I can't watch it fast enough. I feel like I never have enough time to catch up on tv, but when I find a Netflix series, I can watch like an addict, I pretty much stop all life to watch. Please, tell me I am not alone?! For Christmas, one of my sisters gave Jason a Google Chromecast, so now I can watch Netflix in our bedroom. Life is pretty good, folks.

Friday night, Jason picked up Chipotle for dinner where we found a Whole 30 approved meal! Glorious carnitas with pico, and guacamole; twas' delicious.

salad sans dressing: romaine, carnitas, pico, and double guac

But then Jason told me he had some "light reading" to do after he found a magazine of mine. He is such a smart ass. It has been almost a full year since he decided he wasn't going to cut his hair. I am praying come March, he'll get a friggin' haircut!

Hey December {12/17/13}

Is it seriously less than TEN days until Christmas?! I can't even believe. This weekend was a jumble of crazy fun Christmas shenanigans! I told myself a month ago, I was going to take lovely photos, and make a few party tutorials while planning our 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Party...but then, things were just way too busy. So you're getting the cliff notes version. My apologies!

Thursday, as you know, momma and I went to see the Radio City Rockettes at the Straz Center in downtown. If you're in Tampa, I suggest you splurge if you're able, and treat youself! It is a beautifl, festive time. GO.

Weekend Scenes 12/9/13

Another awesome, and busy weekend for the books! I swear, this time of year is just insane, and Jason isn't even done with the semester yet. I need sleep, ya'll. Or at least more time to watch cheesy Lifetime and ABC Family Christmas flicks while blogging. #firstworldproblems.

...anyways. I am doing just so-so on my gym time. It's been bad. I tell myself I need to workout before the office, but then I hit snooze. So Friday, I tried to make up for it and had a nice little sesh at my gym, instead of a proper happy hour.

Saturday, I coordinated a retirement party for a friend. It was my first party, that wasn't a wedding someone paid me for. It was a great time!

Last minute shopping, bourbon, and turkey {weekend recap}

Last week, my best friend came over to help me make eat mini pumpkin pies for the Thanksgiving feast I prepared, yesterday. During this pie prep, we both discussed how this year was the first year we were keenly aware, we are grown-ups. I love it, and hate it. The end.

Just kidding...that would make for a boring post. So, our weekend in photos:

I waited until Friday to do the majority of my Thanksgiving dinner shopping. It took me over an hour. I had the most detailed of lists, and purchased everything I needed. But I felt mental throughout this process. This time of the year, Jason starts cramming for finals, and I am left alone to do this. I get cranky, and miss him. So add a full day of work, gym time, and then shopping...I wanted to hurt someone. But then I had a little aha moment, and realized if the only stresses in my life are buying a ridiculous amount of food to feed my slightly nutty in-laws, and missing my husband as he kills himself working full-time, and going to law school, then really I have NOTHING to be cranky about. I am actually quite blessed, if I take a moment to step out of myself and see that. So I made a drink, unpacked the car {three trips, thankyouverymuch}, and cleaned the casa.

Jennifer, yours truly, and Lane

My new fave

As a reward, I went to the Jim Beam Bourbon & Brew Festival, Saturday. Jason had too much studying to do, so luckily I had the ever so awesome Jennifer to take. You know your friends who met through blogging when the initial text of the day is, "I wonder what food they'll have" instead of, "what are you wearing"...she's one of my faves. Thanks for being my "date"!

The Bourbon & Brew Fest was awesome! Not being a huge bourbon fan, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was able to sample quite a few drinks, and found a new fave cocktail; Jim Beam Honey Bourbon with Ginger Ale. It's definitely on the sweeter side, but the ginger ale definitely masked any boozy taste that you normally have with liquor. That could be a deliciously dangerous drink for me!

The fest was located in The Tampa Heights Waterfront, and the breeze and weather were perfect! I only wish I could have stayed longer, but after three-ish hours, I had to leave since I had a feast to prep the following day. Thanks again to Big City Events for hosting such a great event! 

Sunday, I woke up at 5:30am. Not on purpose mind you, but clearly I had a lot to do.

I finished cleaning, and started to cook. Most everything went off without a hitch! However, more than half of the family was over an hour late because they got "distracted", and understandably I was annoyed. But then there was nothing I could do, and I like hosting Thanksgiving so my mother in-law doesn't have to, and to create some happy memories for our nieces, and nephew. At the end of the day, no one fought, the food was good {if I do say so myself}, and  now it's over, and I can go to my mom and dad's like the child I am and do nothing, but bring dessert and drink, holla!

Not surprsingly, I feel a tad sick after all this busy. I think it's time to spike a hot tottie with a little bit of honey bourbon ;)

Linking up with Sami.

How was your weekend?

Totally rad, baby

For MONTHS, I was helping plan a surprise party for the bestie with her mother, and as the day got closer, the stress built, and trying not to slip about said party was becoming increasingly more difficult.

I also took on planning a retirement party {as a legit paid event! woooo} for a friend and this past week had some details to work on with that and this surprise party. To say I am exhausted would be an understatement! But a great time was had, and I am so glad I was able to do as much as I did.

I plan to share more details from this fabulous, rad 80's party we threw, but until I get the photos back, here are a few snaps from my phone.

Late night paint drying

I'm so glad my husband saves everything!

Sunday, to recover birthday girl, her family, and yours truly {Jason had to study. boo} hit up brunch at Salt Rock Tavern. You know I had a mimosa. Cheers!

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Sami

XOXO,
Nichole

Random 11.4.2013

I'm tired, and writing this late on Sunday night. I want to pass out, but I also forgot to renew my domain for two days, and feel like I have to have a post up for Monday since I had the most ridiculous screaming match with my laptop, this weekend. We fought, and I said things I shouldn't have. But my computer still loves me, and we worked things out. So now I owe it to "her" to share my weekend, or what will be a hodge podge of random, Monday.

Apparently last week the universe felt like giving me things. Thanks to a contest. my blog post about Lowry Park's Zoo Boo after the Yelp event, won me TWO annual passes for a whole year! I never win anything, ya'll.

Then, I won a Starbucks gift card from Mayra, at In Flight Party Ideas for entering her site's 3rd anniversary!

Photo: Renee Nicole {Design + Photography}

I also received my head shots from Renee Nicole {Design + Photography} this weekend! We received head shots on day 2 of Blog Fete. And since I have blue eyes, the sun hates them and I squint SO badly in the light. Renee was sweet enough to re-take shots for me later in the day when the sun was not as bright.

Friday, Jason and I went and saw Michael Buble! I love my sweet husband for taking me. It was completely overpriced, however. I never looked at tickets because I wanted Jason to plan the night, and all that jazz. He knew they were expensive, and still took me and said he was happy to do so, but you know what?

We had more fun after the concert, at one of my fave spots, Miguels, for margaritas and dessert. Sometimes, I try and re-create memories and Jason reminds me that its okay to leave things in the past, and create new ones.

Saturday, we went to a belated Halloween Party/Friend's 30th {surprise} Birthday. We were the only ones not dressed up, ha ha. I was just glad to go. Happy Birthday, Shelly!

I have a confession to make; the last week I have massively stunk at meal planning, and working out. I have been incredibly busy, and sort of used that as an excuse. I ate, and drank terribly all weekend. I feel extra tired, bloated, and just gross. I am back at it this week, not even for weight loss reasons, but to feel normal again. I still want to me real here with my weight loss, but I am not weighing myself for a few days. That is seriously how gross I feel. I'll share, soon.

How was your weekend?

XOXO,
Nichole

Linking up with Sami

A six year old carves a better pumpkin...

The last time I carved a pumpkin, I was maybe eight? At least that I can recall...so why I thought it would be "fun" for Jason and I to start a tradition this  Halloween, is beyond me. I got the bright idea to gut a pumpkin after seeing a Facebook photo of the Tampa Bay Humane Society advertising their pumpkin patch, and since we adopted Oskar from there, I am a sucker for any support I can help with. Coincidentally, when buying said pumpkins from animal shelter, don't go in to the adoption part...you will want ALL the dogs.

So anyways, back to these pumpkins. Jason and I each picked one out and decided to have date night at home Saturday evening. We watched Scream while carving. If you didn't already know, I hate horror films! But cheesy horror was a thing in middle school, at sleepovers, so unfortunately I had seen Scream, before. I had forgotten how unscary it was, and actually watching it while carving turned out to be fun. A lot of fun, actually.

Mine

His and Hers

I then had the bright idea, that I'd attempt domestic goddess status at Casa de Crews, and roast pumpkin seeds. I followed the directions {found here} and while they looked fine, they tasted weird. I think roasted pumpkin seeds may be an acquired taste? Do you eat them? If so, how do you prepare?

In the end, we had a great time attempting to carve together. The good news is I have a whole year to try and perfect my carving skills. Ha ha.

How was your weekend?!

Linking up with Sami

XOXO,

Nichole

Monday, Monday, Monday 10/21/13

Who has two thumbs and is not at work today? This kid! Hallelujah! We were supposed  to go to an Oktoberfest yesterday, and I figured a day of drinking beer would put me behind on meal planning, and cleaning, and so I took today off. Plus, let's be honest for the price I was planning to pay, I was getting my money's worth and didn't think working would be the best idea for all involved the following day. But then plans fell through and we never went to drink copious amounts of beer {#firstworldproblems}. My wallet and waistline thank me; I still took my day off. It was needed. The end.

Friday, Jason and I, decided to go to the Seminole Hard Rock just 'cause. Last time we went, I won over a hundred bucks! This time, we each blew forty dollars, and decided to cut our losses. We're not really gamblers, and maybe its because we never, ever win. We did have some delish buffalo chicken dip, however. Clearly, my priorities are in check.

Monday Blues

I've been in a funk lately with blogging, meal planning, and working out. Things have just been crazy, and hectic for the last month or so, and while I love staying busy, everything else sort of falls by the wayside, doesn't it?

On the plus side, things appear to be slowing a bit and I was able to thoroughly clean Casa de Crews, and treat myself after to a facial, from the most eccentric and wonderful of estheticians, and have my hair done, this weekend. I'm feeling refreshed and ready to start tackling this thing called life, again.

Yelp’s Zoo Boo at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo #TLPZooBoo

Saturday, I attended Lowry Park's Zoo Boo event, thanks to a Yelp Elite event. Look, if I am being completely honest, I am a h.u.g.e. scaredy cat! Huge, ya'll. The last time I attended Zoo Boo, was six years ago after Jason and I had started to date, and we brought my brother; I walked out of one of the haunted houses.

But sometimes there is nothing to fear but fear, itself! This time around, while I did squeeze the heck out of my sister's hand, it wasn't scary at all. This was definitely a family friendly event, and while I don't have little ones yet, this is something I know my nieces and nephew would enjoy.

So, back to the whole Yelp thang. I have posted about past elite events in the past, and they are always a good time! Know that you have to continue being an active reviewer to get into these fun events, otherwise you may get wait-listed. And I love that. Being elite isn't based on tenure, but on activity. The events are so worth it!

We started the evening at 6:30 at Reilly's Reserve, where we were served both seasonal brews, and eats. On the menu were fried pumpkin raviolis with chai dipping sauce, creamy tomato bisque with grilled cheese croutons, and shepherd’s pie in mini cauldrons. I wanted ALL the pumpkin  raviolis they offered, but since I figured that may be frowned upon, I had five. I loved the mini grilled cheese croutons and tomato bisque as well! I'm not a huge shepherd's pie fan, but I love the presentation in a mini cauldron. Sadly, after filling up on a pear, and also pumpkin cider, I never made it to try an actual sweets, but heard they were tasty, as well.

Weekend Photo Dump 10.6.2013

I love weekends that have the perfect balance of busy, and well, not. That would have been this weekend. It was glorious until Sunday when I ended up coming down with something and was pretty much a vegetable all day. Luckily, the pad was clean, and Jason did a grocery run for me. I guess my body was on protest after a crazy ten or so days. Luckily, I feel better today.

Friday:

Game night as Casa de Crews. A few co-workers and I constantly quote Friends. I have no idea why, but it helps make the work day go by, and years ago a friend gave me the Friends Scene It edition, and so a plan was made//We attempted Trivial Pursuit after, but as always that game is ridiculously hard and so we gave up quite early//I made some snacks that were a little more health conscience for yours truly. I'm on a huge Greek kick these days, so instead of your usual dips with veggies, I opted for hummus, and Oikos Greek Yogurt Dip {that I could eat every day!}. And Halloween oreos, just cause. Duh//Gigi had too much fun.