Sunday, February 28, 2010

Weekend Review

I had a fun weekend spent with friends that I don't always get to see as often as I want. It reminded me what great friends I have!!!!!!!!

Friday night Mr. Pickle and I ran a few errands and spent the rest of the evening at home. I love relaxing Friday nights!!

Saturday morning my sister and I headed to Modesto for our friend Michelle's baby shower. I actually know Michelle from sorority where she became my Big Sis. We have been close ever since...I was in her wedding and she was also in my wedding. She actually knew Mr. Pickle back in the Junior High days since they grew up in Modesto together.

While driving to Modesto, we continued passing pretty cherry blossom orchards. We kept commenting on how pretty they were and finally we decided we had to pull of and have a photo opp. My sister is a professional photographer so she had her good camera on hand and was able to snap a few shots!!



Then of course I had to get some of her!

While getting back in the car we noticed we got our cute shoes all muddy. No good at all. Since we didn't want to show up to the baby shower tracking mud in with us, we had to stop at a gas station to clean off our shoes. Of course this lead to another photo opp. :) I think the gas station cashier thought we were pretty weird.



We finally made it to the baby shower. The house was decorated so cute and the momma to be was looking fabulous!! I mean seriously, I look more pregnant than she does. Haha.



The next few pics from the shower were taken by my sister.

These lovely ladies are all Alpha Chi's. I love that I have these ladies in my life!!

Marcie Franich Photography

Michelle isn't finding out the sex of the baby. Of course I am hoping for a cute little girl so I can dress her up in pink!! The cake was delicious and looked very fitting for not knowing the sex of the baby.

Marcie Franich Photography

While opening presents, Michelle was presented with a gift for her husband from a fellow party goer's husband. It was a Daddy Tool Belt equipped with all the necessities for changing a diaper. When Greg got home, we had him try on the tool belt (he was such a good sport). Here he is modeling the tool belt and wearing the safety glasses, mask and showing off the tongs.

Marcie Franich Photography

After the shower we hung out for a little bit and then headed to dinner where my mother-in-law and father-in-law joined us. No pic :( Good times!

Sunday morning was spent sleeping in and being lazy until we had to get up to meet these lovely ladies for lunch.



Mr. Pickle used to work with Ella (on the end on the right). They used to go to this Korean BBQ restaurant in Oakland all the time and fell in love with their Bibimbop. The rest of us had never visited the restaurant but were invited to try the best Korean BBQ around. Ella and crew drove all the way from Elk Grove (like an hour and a half) to have lunch with us here!!


See how happy they are when they finally got and devoured their food!! They were in Bibimbop heaven!

Afterwards we went to Tucker's in Alameda for some yummy ice cream!

Gotta love their mantra - Life Is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First
Naturally all this eating made us sleepy so we said farewell to the ladies and headed home to relax for the remainder of the day (and do Sunday chores). We each had a small bowl of cereal for dinner. Haha.
I made the mistake of starting The September Issue aka "Real Devil Wears Prada" while I was in bed trying to go to sleep. I ended up watching the whole movie. I liked it, I thought it was very interesting seeing the inner workings of Vogue. I woke up a little on the tired side this morning.
Hope you all had a fantastic weekend.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Much Love

Thanks for all the encouraging comments on yesterday's post. I wish I could respond to you all, but I am a newbie and don't know how!! (any input?)

The class was fun and I did get a fairly good cardio workout. Also, I was one of about six people who had never been in the class before so I didn't feel like such a dork when I didn't know what I was doing!! I think I will def try to make this class part of my weekly routine while adding other activities too!!

I'll be sure to keep you all posted!!!

Thanks again gals, you are all so nice :)

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Let's Get Ready to....ZUMBA!

So I am going to admit here on my little pink blog for everyone to see that I have gained the post wedding weight. I got married about two and a half years ago. For my wedding, I lost some weight and worked out like a mad woman (read 6:30 am boot camp followed by running at least three miles in the afternoon five days a week). I was in great shape and very proud of myself.


THEN I go and get married which meant moving in with Mr. Pickle. Mr. Pickle loves to cook, but doesn't really cook with the healthiest ingredients and in addition, I took a hiatus from working out and enjoyed being married.

Enter weight gain at it's finest.




I would say I am probably the heaviest now than I have ever been and I am lacking motivation more than ever. I mean my hubby loves me and still thinks I am beautiful, but I am uncomfortable and unhappy with my weight.




And since every post is better with pictures, let's take a look at the past few years...now I know they aren't all the best, but I am not on my computer where I keep all my pics, so bare with me.


Probably 4 or 5 months prior to the wedding

With my bridal party about a month before the wedding (I am on the end)

Obviously, my wedding (with my sis)

Right after our 1 year anniversary

Probably at one and a half years of being married

This past Halloween (after our 2 year anniversary)
PS. I am dressed up as a Care Bear

This past Christmas...gotta love what the holidays will do to your weight


As you can see, I have gradually gotten pudgier ever since our wedding.


I have always been fairly good about being active, but now I am embarrassed of how out of shape I am. I NEED to make a change. So I am starting slowly. I am trying to get a handle on what I eat and I am thinking about working out. This thinking process has been going on for a while and it wasn't until I found a Zumba class at my gym that I was even considering getting back to my workouts.


Typically I need to work out in the morning, if I don't do it in the morning 75% of the time it will not get done after work. However, the gym I am a member at doesn't have very many options when it comes to 5:30 am classes, plus who knows if I would actually be able to function in a class that early in the morning.


So tonight, after work, I am headed straight to my gym for my first Zumba class. I have heard wonderful things about these classes and hoping it can jump start my activity level. Or it may make me feel like an uncoordinated nerd and I'll never want to attend a class again. :) I am hoping the latter isn't going to happen or if it does, I won't be the only one in the class who can't get it down in which case I will feel better about myself.


here

Wish me luck!!


What do you do to keep your self fit and from getting bored??


Side Note: I LOVED my boot camp class, but I can't really afford it any more. My gym membership is only $9 a month so I am trying really hard to stick with my gym classes.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wishful Wednesday

Kelsey at The Seattle Smith's is back with Wishful Wednesday!!

'I wish' .... I could play a character's role in a book and it would be __________!

Andrea Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada.

Although she worked for the 'devil', she got designer clothes, shoes and bags for free, got to play dress up in "the closet", got to go to Paris Fashion Week and met some cool people along her journey.

To participate in "Wishful Wednesdays" go here.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Bloggy Award

The lovely Katie over at The Adventures of Katie and Josh granted me the Going Places Award!!! Thanks girl, you made my day!



I would like to pass this award on to.....

My Sister @ 365 Days of Marcie
Annie @ Chapters of our life
Ashley @ Kiwis and Cocktails
Jane @ Wishful Thinking
Cassi @ High Heals & Huntin' Boots

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Weekend Review

I/We didn't have much planned this weekend which was a nice change, especially since Mr. Pickle hasn't been feeling too well.

Friday night we went to a new Mexican restaurant (La Primavera) with my sister. It was pretty yummy! They make their own chips and tortillas. Then my sister and I went to see Valentine's Day. It wasn't a great movie, but it wasn't horrible either. It kept me entertained while I was watching it, but it wasn't one of those movies that I would watch over and over again.

Saturday morning I got my hair did. I got bangs for the first time in my adult life. I am still trying to figure out how exactly to style them, but I think I like them. I will have to post a pic soon so you all can give me your honest opinions!! Saturday afternoon Mr. Pickle and I scheduled a meeting to sit down and talk about finances. We have a lot going on as far as finances and being that we have separate accounts, we just needed to make sure we were on the same page. It was a good meeting and we have figured out some financial decisions and are working towards some goals together. Can't wait to get there!!! Saturday night I went over to one of my BFFs house to hang out. Her boyfriend has two kiddos and he was out of town for the weekend, so she was watching them by herself. I figured I would go over and keep her company! We had a good time just hanging out and catching up. I love spending time with her, she is one of those friends that totally gets me (after all we have known each other for almost 15 years).

Sunday morning Mr. Pickle and I went out to breakfast and then I headed over to my grandpa's to take him to church. He was so cute when I went to pick him up, he was all dressed up and ready to go (even though we still had an hour before we had to leave). After church he took me out to lunch. I love that I live so close to my grandpa and get to spend quality time with him and I know he enjoys it also. After I dropped him off it was time for Sunday chores (cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping). Later Mr. Pickle and I rented Law Abiding Citizen and both of us really enjoyed it. Then it was off to bed for yet another work week. At least I only have to work four days this week!!!

What did you do over the weekend?

Side note...today is National Margarita Day. Join me in celebrating!! Cheers.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Snack Time

While we were checking in to the hotel last weekend, we were given a welcome gift box from the bride and groom. Included in the box was some of their favorite snacks, one of them being Have'a Corn Chips. A little sticker was placed on the bag explaining that this is the bride's favorite snack and the darker the chips, the better the taste.

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It wasn't until later that night after consuming some adult beverages (and being told there were no restaurants open within walking distance) that I had to try this favorite snack of Mindy's.

Let me just point out that I LOVE me some soy sauce. I could eat sushi every day if I was financially able to and half of that is because I love the taste of soy sauce. Well, these tasty chips are flavored with soy sauce and a hint of lime and are very tasty.

I was happy to be turned on to something new and figured I would get them again some time, no biggie. That was until I found myself craving them when we returned home only to find out they are not readily available except for in Southern California and Amazon (hello 24 bags of chips)!!!
At that point I was craving them even more!!! It's true what they say, you always want what you can't have. Luckily my co-worker (thanks Kristen) asked if I had checked at a local store (Harvest House) and guess what, they had them.

Lucky for me, my boss let us off a bit early for the day and I headed straight to the store to buy some. Also lucky for me, they were just as delicious as I remembered and knowing that I can purchase them at any given moment of weakness I don't think I will be craving them as badly.

Have you ever tasted these?

Monday, February 15, 2010

Love Day Celebration (A Day Late)

Since we were tired (i.e. hungover) and traveling home from L.A. on Valentine's Day, we didn't do much to celebrate.

However, we did get a good night's sleep and woke up on Monday morning looking for something fun to do...more fun than unpacking and laundry! So we headed to Tomales Bay and visited the Hog Island Oyster Company - The Farm.


We had never actually visited The Farm before, so we didn't know what to expect, BUT we have had several opportunities to enjoy their delicious freshly caught oysters and new we were in for a treat.

We stepped up to The Hog Shack, ordered ourselves a couple dozen small oysters and were ready to dig in.

Look at all the fresh oysters!!

There is a picnic area, equipped with BBQs and all, where you are able to bring your own food/drinks and enjoy the view and some tasty food. Again, since we had never been, we didn't know that we could do this, so we opted to stop somewhere for lunch instead. The next trip we will definitely be bringing some snacks and drinks to accompany our fresh oysters.

We took our oysters home where Mr. Pickle shucked them, made the famous Hog Wash (recipe below), made some garlic bread and enjoyed a quiet evening at home watching America's Funniest Home Video's and cuddled with the doggies.

What a wonderful (Valentine's) day!!!!!!!



1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup natural rice vinegar
1 large shallot, peeled and finely diced
1 large Jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1/2 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime

I Do's and USC Marching Band

We ventured down to LA over the weekend to see Mr. Pickle's friend, Brian, get marry to the very beautiful, Mindy.

The venue (Vibiana) was unbelievably gorgeous. Apparently this place was a former cathedral that underwent major renovations and is now available for weddings/parties. I wish I would have gotten a picture the way the venue was set up for the ceremony, it was breathtaking.


Me and Mr. Pickle before the ceremony


Father of the bride and bride


Husband and wife
Since the ceremony area was the same space the reception was to take place, we were moved outside for the cocktail hour. The weather was perfect and the hors d'oeuvres and drinks that were provided were great.


Cocktail Hour
Once the I Do's were exchanged and the room was transformed for the reception area, the cocktail hour came to a close and we were shown to our seats. As tradition has it, the bridal party and the bride and groom were announced and hanging out on the dance floor when all of a sudden part of the USC (Brian's alma mater) marching band entered through the front of the room and played for about 30 minutes. This was a gift to the groom from his groomsmen and he was totally surprised.


Everyone was in awe and since half of the guests attended USC there was much excitement.


Even Mr. Pickle joined in on the excitement. I swear he was like a little kid running around an amusement park!!


All this followed by the first dance and some good times.



Congrats Brian and Mindy!!! Can't wait to hear what Brian has in store for the honeymoon (he surprised her with an unknown destination and didn't tell any one).

Superbowl XLIV

I didn't really take any pictures on Superbowl except for the delicious hamburger egg rolls Mr. Pickle made. They were super yum.



We went to Pacific Grove with some friends and had a kick back weekend including Superbowl Sunday. Well all of us except for Mr. Pickle, he was cooking up some yummy goodness all.day.long. In addition to the hamburger egg rolls, he made crab dip, seven layer dip, potato skins, chicken wings and ABT (Atomic Buffalo Turds). Everything was very tasty.

I was rooting for the Saints not only for my love of New Orleans, but my love for Kim K as well (I know, cheesy right). So I was really happy when they came out with the win!!

I must say however, the commercials and half time show were a bit disappointing. Oh well, guess you can't have it all. At least my team won and we had great company and good food.

Overall a success!!!

Hawaii With My Girls **Warning Lots-O-Pics**

So I am a little behind....
Me and the girls had a blast in Hawaii at the end of January. It was so nice to get out of the rain and into the sun. Not to mention we got to wear shorts, tank tops and flip flops (i.e. my go to outfit for warm weather) for a whole week.
We (minus Diana since she left from Oakland) left rainy SFO bright and early Saturday morning.

Once we landed we headed straight to one of my favs...Jawz. They have some of the best fish tacos!! And since we got there at happy hour, we couldn't say no to the cheap beers!



After we had full tummies, we headed to Big Beach to watch the first sunset. Ahhhh.



Sunday was our first full day there was of course spent on the beach in Kihei!! Then we got ready for another beautiful sunset and a night out on the town.


Love the color of the background in this picture.


Monday was again spent on the beach, but we ventured over to Kaanapali (about a 35 min. drive from Kihei).


Tuesday we decided to spend some time out of the sun and walked around Paia. This cute little town has a lot of shops and the BEST fish tacos I have ever tasted.


At Milagros Food Company

Mmmmmmmm.

We even got to enjoy some shave ice (with ice cream on the bottom) at Aloha Island Shaved Ice. What a treat!

Wednesday started off at Kihei Cafe. Kihei Cafe is by far the best breakfast place on Maui. Here is my most favorite breakfast option, the Pork Fried Rice with Scrambled Eggs. Everything is good here though, but do try this at least once if you ever visit, you will not be disappointed.

Followed by more beach time.


Then headed out on the town again. Looking tanner :)


Thursday we went to Little Beach to get rid of some tan lines. This was a highlight of my trip!!!!!!

Since we had a condo with a kitchen, we made most of our dinners at home instead of going out. The exception to this was our trip to Mama's Fish House. This is an extraordinary fine dining restaurant and is a MUST when on Maui. Not only do they have excellent dishes, their Mai Tai's are the wonderful.
Mai Tai

Mahimahi stuffed with lobster, crab, Maui onion and baked in a macadamia nut crust. So Delicious.
On the grounds at Mama's Fish House (Mr. Pickle and I actually got engaged on these grounds).

Friday was our last day to get sun before heading home, so we beached it in Wailea all day.
We even visited the Grand Wailea for some drinks.


Our last night we wanted to do a BBQ on the beach. We didn't really get rain the entire week we were there and even when it does rain on Maui it is for a few minutes and it passes. We weren't so lucky on Friday night as it ended up raining the entire time we were BBQing on the beach.

My sis and Amy using the sun umbrella for coverage.
It all turned out pretty good, however we are used to the boys doing their gourmet BBQs so we are a tad spoiled.
We went out for our last night and hit up some local bars.

Saturday came too fast and we were headed back to SFO (Oakland for Diana).


As you can tell we ate, drank and tanned our way through our trip. I couldn't of asked for a better week with the girls!!!
All pics were taken by me, but I stole a few from my sister.