So, I've decided to just use this blog as a means of tracking my shopaholism. Here is the list, and here's where I stand. 3.75 years to complete this bad boy!


Shopping Goals:
1. Chanel Classic Flap Bag
I see her in my dreams.


2. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch
My darling always gets me the best gifts.


3. Chanel Chance eu Fraiche
Thank you, Mummsie! This made for a fantastic 26th birthday gift.


4. A short mink or rabbit jacket
Still on the hunt for the perfect one! Maybe this spring when the fur guy comes back to Eastern Market. It's the best way to get them.


5. Diamond earrings

I now have an "in" with a diamond guy, so let's see if I can finagle these for a Christmas present.


6. A fabulous diamond cocktail ring
I LOVE cocktail rings. I have a pretty one I wear right now, but really, I want a REAL one.


7. A pair of Louboutins
By the time I'm 27 if I don't have a Louboutin fund started, someone come smack me.


8. Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress (changed this one from Kate Spade for a more grown-up dress)
I've always wanted one. Every girl needs one. They are the easiest and most fabulous.


9. A fur headband or hat
The one I've had my eye on for years still alludes me.


And finally...
10. A Burberry Bespoke Trench
Still seriously considering selling that limb for this.


So, now, let's see how I do! Really, if I get 2 items a year I'll be on track to finish this list... anyone have other must-have items that I missed?

Perfecting my favorite outside

I love my balcony. I really, really love it. I spend a good deal of time out here, so I wanted to make it a lovely space. For the past few years I've been using these K-Mart plastic chairs. They are pretty awful. So! I bought some unfinished adirondack chairs from Home Depot ($300 at least for a set of they came finished!!!) for $50 each. A couple coats of paint and voila! A gorgeous place for my love and I to enjoy our evenings.

So, I posted a list of my most recent shopping goals. However, one has changed. I am going to ditch out on the grandma smelling Chanel No. 5 and replace it with this:

Chance Eau Fraiche.

It is, essentially, the grown-up version of Clinique Happy (in my opinion). It has that sweet, citrus smell, but it doesn't smell like college.

Oh, I also bought a car.

Isn't she pretty?

I'm also feeling the need to re-start cycling things out of my wardrobe. I'm pretty much a baby at loading my wardrobe with designer pieces. I want to start upping my game--not necessarily for work, but if I'm going to be bopping about DC, I want to look like I came from NYC. Any fashion blogs people like?

I'm also (slowly) trying to make our apartment fabulous, but livable. I hate the idea of living in a museum where we don't want to touch anything, but I also hate the college dorm feel. What apartment blogs do y'all like? Maybe I should post some pics of our place and all 2 of my readers can tell me what they think about redecorating.

It is finished!

Remember this list?

Shopping Goals
1. Khaki trench coat
2. Rain boot flats
3. Tory Birch flats4. Sperry's 5. Burberry quilted coat7. Pair of stilleto black pumps that are comfy and long lasting

WELL! This is how it should look now:

Shopping Goals
1. Khaki trench coat
2. Rain boot flats
3. Tory Birch flats4. Sperry's 5. Burberry quilted coat7. Pair of stilleto black pumps that are comfy and long lasting

Oh, that is beautiful. I really wanted to have this list completed by the time I turned 25, but I'm still 25 and have all those things. So now...what to buy myself?

A CAR! That's right, ladies and gents (still, just ladies), The Binkley-Ashton household will be getting a vehicle in 2013. I'm really stoked. 

I need to put together a new list of shopping goals. What does this girl need? Well! I've got some lofty ideas (so let's aim for these before I'm 30!):

Shopping Goals:

1. Chanel Classic Flap Bag 

I have been lusting after this bag since I started watching The Hills a bajillion years ago.

2. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch

My friend bought one a year ago, and yet I'm still dying for it.

3. Chanel No. 5

I love Clinique Happy, which is what I always wear, but I'm getting old!

4. A short mink or rabbit jacket

Obvi.

5. Diamond earrings

If I have to explain this...not even going to threaten...

6. A fabulous diamond cocktail ring

I LOVE cocktail rings. I have a pretty one I wear right now, but really, I want a REAL one.

7. A pair of Louboutins

See explanation for #5. 

8. Kate Spade Carolyn dress (or any A-line Kate Spade dress)

I saw this dress last summer. It's just so perfect.

9. A fur headband or hat

Gotta keep my noggin warm!

And finally...

10. A Burberry Bespoke Trench

Because I would consider selling a limb to get one of these. 

So, now, let's see how I do! Really, if I get 2 items a year I'll be on track to finish this list... anyone have other must-have items that I missed?

I can't stop smiling...

Hello boys and girls! Well, just girls, as I could count on one hand those of you reading...

Life is incredible. The new job is going really well. We had our first big board meeting since I've started working here, and it went off without a hitch! I was very pleased. I have also just moved into my own apartment. I had such grandiose plans for painting and the like. One project later, definitely not finishing all my projects. I am not completely unpacked yet--I have some sort of function every day this week after work. When I do finish unpacking, I will consider posting pictures, though, I may wait for my furniture to arrive. I cannot wait for this place to feel like a home instead of some studio apartment (sleeping in the living room until I decide whether or not to paint the bedroom).

And in the land of tell-my-mother-and-you-die: I got my second tattoo! It's absolutely beautiful. My first tattoo is the motto from my family crest on my mom's side. This one is a cherry blossom branch for my Japanese side. They are both on my ribcage (one on each side). I do not recommend a giant ribcage tattoo...that was the most painful experience ever.

Otherwise, here is an update on my goals!

Shopping Goals

1. Khaki trench coat
2. Rain boot flats
3. Tory Birch flats
4. Sperry's
5. Burberry quilted coat
7. Pair of stilleto black pumps that are comfy and long lasting

I've really got to get on this. However, I've decided to just start giving one of my friend's money and have her shop for me. I love her style...OK, EVERYONE loves her style, and I just don't have time to shop lately! I think the Sperry's should be coming soon, though. That's an easy purchase. Maybe even the Tory Birch flats (though, buying both pairs of shoes in one month would eat up my ENTIRE shopping allowance for that month). The sticky wicket is that Burberry coat. I need to save a little each month--it's 2 months worth of shopping allowance (almost).

It's weird that I stress over this. There are people starving in this world.


Financial Goals
8. Pay off credit card
9. Make my savings larger than my debt
10. Have enough in my checking account to cover rent for 2 months
11. Start a Roth IRA
12. Start a 401K
13. Meet with a financial planner and figure out how much I need for retirement
14. Find a position that keeps me on track of my $100k/annually by 30
15. Figure out if I want to buy an investment property in Fresno, or a home for myself in DC (I found my dream home, and am a few months from being able to get a loan. If I wait another year, I could get an even better place).

I really don't thin kthe financial planner thing is going to happen. I feel like everyone is trying to sell me something or take my money (paranoid much?), so I'd rather just have my mom tell me what to do. Clearly, I am a grown ass woman.

Personal Goals
16. Stop thinking about/actively hating people I don't like
17. Lose the weight I put on from being stressed while with my ex (10 15 pounds down already!)
18. Read Wayne's favorite book
19. See my family at least 3 times (last year I saw them twice)
20. Keep my bedroom in order for at least a week
21. Cook dinner at home every night for a whole week
22. Take a day off work to spend with Wayne and only Wayne
23. Go a whole month without blowing off plans because I "don't feel like it"
24. Get all my broken stiletto heel tips fixed
25. Go a whole month without repeating an article of clothing without buying a new piece (not including shoes--this will probably happen over the summer as I have enough dresses to wear a different one every day of a month...and halfway into the next month)


I'm bad at this one! However, I have definitely found that anger and hate that I felt for some people replaced by pity and disappointment. I find that I don't really hate them, I'm just disappointed in the type of people they've become. However, I have found that someone I used to seriously dislike because of something they wrote to me years ago I know longer have any animosity towards. I was looking at pictures of him and his wife on his blog (stalker), and just felt happy for him. That is a very freeing moment. I feel like being with Wayne has caused me to love other people more deeply, and not really dwell on those I don't like. He has such a therapeutic effect on me.

Can she do it?!

Since my blog is essentially just me copying my darling Jessa's blog, it's time to revisit my goals!

Shopping Goals
1. Khaki trench coat
2. Rain boot flats
3. Tory Birch flats
4. Sperry's
5. Burberry quilted coat
7. Pair of stilleto black pumps that are comfy and long lasting


Financial Goals

8. Pay off credit card
9. Make my savings larger than my debt
10. Have enough in my checking account to cover rent for 2 months
11. Start a Roth IRA
12. Start a 401K
13. Meet with a financial planner and figure out how much I need for retirement
14. Find a position that keeps me on track of my $100k/annually by 30
15. Figure out if I want to buy an investment property in Fresno, or a home for myself in DC (I found my dream home, and am a few months from being able to get a loan. If I wait another year, I could get an even better place).


Personal Goals

16. Stop thinking about/actively hating people I don't like
17. Lose the weight I put on from being stressed while with my ex (10 15 pounds down already!)
18. Read Wayne's favorite book
19. See my family at least 3 times (last year I saw them twice)
20. Keep my bedroom in order for at least a week
21. Cook dinner at home every night for a whole week
22. Take a day off work to spend with Wayne and only Wayne
23. Go a whole month without blowing off plans because I "don't feel like it"
24. Get all my broken stiletto heel tips fixed
25. Go a whole month without repeating an article of clothing without buying a new piece (not including shoes--this will probably happen over the summer as I have enough dresses to wear a different one every day of a month...and halfway into the next month)

Well, I was pretty good with the first 2 sets of goals. Knocked out 20%.

I've also started a new job that I'm loving, been to Vegas twice in the past month (surprised I'm not dead), met Wayne's family, introduced Wayne to my family, and eaten In-n-Out. Yeah. Life is good.

100 Goals...before 25

A good friend of mine made a list of 100 things to do before summer. I don't have time for 100, so how about 25 before 25? I will be 25 next summer, so here goes!


Shopping Goals
'Cause if I have goals, I won't overdo it.


1. Khaki trench coat
2. Rain boot flats
3. Tory Birch flats
4. Sperry's 
5. Burberry quilted coat
7. Pair of stilleto black pumps that are comfy and long lasting




Financial Goals
'cause nothing is more fabulous than a girl who know what she wants...in her bank account.


8. Pay off credit card
9. Make my savings larger than my debt
10. Have enough in my checking account to cover rent for 2 months
11. Start a Roth IRA
12. Start a 401K
13. Meet with a financial planner and figure out how much I need for retirement
14. Find a position that keeps me on track of my $100k/annually by 30 
15. Figure out if I want to buy an investment property in Fresno, or a home for myself in DC



Personal Goals
'Cause I DO have a life beyond money and work...I think...


16. Stop thinking about/actively hating people I don't like
17. Lose the weight I put on from being stressed while with my ex (10 pounds down already!)
18. Read Wayne's favorite book
19. See my family at least 3 times (last year I saw them twice)
20. Keep my bedroom in order for at least a week
21. Cook dinner at home every night for a whole week
22. Take a day off work to spend with Wayne and only Wayne
23. Go a whole month without blowing off plans because I "don't feel like it"
24. Get all my broken stiletto heel tips fixed
25. Go a whole month without repeating an article of clothing without buying a new piece (not including shoes--this will probably happen over the summer as I have enough dresses to wear a different one every day of a month...and halfway into the next month)

My secrets to fabulous on a budget: Consignment Stores

In my last post I mentioned consignment shopping. Consignment shopping is similar to thrift store shopping in that everything is pre-owned. However, unlike a thrift store everything (if you go to the right place) is in perfect condition. Here are a few things to remember when consignment shopping:

-You're probably not going to barter

Consignment stores have a set price because they are actually just a middle man for the seller. Usually the price will go down as the piece gets more and more out of season. However, the price is significantly less than what you'll pay at full price. If you bring in pieces of your own to sell, you can usually get store credit which is worth more than actual cash.

-As always: Know what you want before you go in!!!

My little niecee-poo Janen needed a winter coat. So I walked in looking specifically for a winter coat. Here is what I found:

                                                                  
Perfect, right? When you know what you're looking for, you won't spend a ton of money AND you won't get overwhelmed.

So, let's review:

-Don't be upset if they won't barter.
-Know what you want.

Consignment store shopping can be seriously overwhelming, but also a lot of fun and a great way to get new-to-you items. If you're a little hippie that wants to be green it's ABSOLUTELY perfect--such a great way to recycle and prevent waste.

Inappropriate? Yes. Hilarious? Also yes.

So, I know this is very uncouth of me, and I know my sense of humor can be quite gauche and distasteful. However, this is just...well...fabulous.

Gaddafi: A terribly fabulous man.

Enjoy!

My secrets to fabulous on a budget: Flea Markets

Three phrases will get you anything you want (but you MUST know what you want):

-Flea Markets
-Consignment
-Outlets

Anyone that knows me knows that I frequent all three...well...frequently. I am the lucky to live in a large city that has flea markets every weekend. These are a few important rules for flea market shopping (if you want it  to actually be a deal):

-Know what you want!

Make a list of things you want in your wardrobe. I, for one, have been itching for a fur. Literally, for years I have been searching for the perfect piece: it had to be brown, and I preferred mink. Without $10k it was a challenge (as you can imagine).

-Know your vendor!

There are a few guys at the market near me who sell fur. However, one guy in particular consistently has gorgeous furs (and vintage designer handbags--when he gets a Gucci you KNOW I'll be first in line). He buys everything at estate sales, so there is an EXCELLENT chance that a piece is genuine and an even better chance that the piece is in excellent condition.

-Know your price!

Clearly, I will never be able to afford a seven thousand dollar fur stole like this one. Well, never in the next 5 years. However, I knew I couldn't find something for super cheap. I set my number at about $200. I know, I know, still low for a mink, but high for something I'll "only wear" on "special occasions" (let's be honest, I've worn it outside to have a cigarette). And yet, I found this:

She's gorgeous. Beautiful. PERFECT!!! Just looking at her warms my heart. And she was marked at $150. Right? I know. Get up off the ground and back into your chair ('cause you're about to fall out again). My vendor had marked it down to $75. Right?! Now back into your chair one last time... He took another $10! That's right, for that beautiful piece of heaven I paid $65. I promise to post pictures when I'm not wearing it with leggings and Uggs on my balcony. 

So let's review our rules for flea markets:

-Know what you want.

-Know your vendor.

-Know your price.

With these simple rules you won't spend too much, and though gratification isn't as instant as just showing up and purchasing willy-nilly, you'll end up with pieces that your children will fight over inheriting in your will.

Changing it up!

I've changed a bit over the last six months...year...two years, and I've decided to update my blog accordingly. I've got a lot of new friends, a new boyfriend, some new nieces and nephews, and quite a few new fabulous pieces to my wardrobe. I'm going to share them all with you here.

More to come!

Staying Positive II

So, around this time last year I put together this list of things I love. I am going to take the same headers, now, and see write about the reasons I love them still:

Reasons I love my job:
1. Where else (besides my house) can I wear house slippers all day?
2. It's where half my groceries live.
3. Get money, get paid SON!
4. I love my clients. I just absolutely adore [most] of the people I work for, and I think that many of them are completely inspirational.
5. We just upgraded to a better office AND better computers, so it's finally tolerable to be here 10-14 hours a day.
6. It gives me an excuse to pretty much live at the Capitol Hill Club.

Reasons I love the beef:
1. He's a doll. He's like my giant baby.
2. Even if he'd rather go to his house, he stays with me if I am terribly homesick.
3. He encourages me to be the best at my job.
4. He tells me when he's proud of me.
5. He's pretty much everyone's favorite person, and he's all mine!

Reasons I love my DC friends:
1. They understand that Britney Spear and Lady Gaga are goddesses among women.
2. They can keep up!
3. They are smart/funny/and just a good time.
4. They make my life a constant party.


Reasons I love my Fresno friends:
1. They understand that Britney Spear and Lady Gaga are goddesses among women..
2. We can still talk like we saw each other yesterday.

3. They're lives are so different from mine and it's so great that we can still be close even though we've chosen such different paths.

Reasons I love DC:
1. It's a Tuesday night and I can party. It's a Wednesday night and I can party. It's a Thursday night and EVERYONE IS PARTYING! It's just a party out here.
2. It's unlike NYC in that it sleeps--I do like a good time, but I also like to be in bed at a decent hour.

Reasons I love Fresno:
1. My mom lives there. (same as last year)

2010: My first full year out of school, in DC, and so much more!

Oh, hello!

I am terrible about updating this thing (as I have mentioned every few months when I go to update it...). Well! A lot has happened in the past year. My lovey-dovey Jessa Havican did a year-in-review post, and I think I may just follow suit!


January 2010:
Chris had just broken his leg (d'oh!) and there was a terrible blizzard in DC. We spent the entire month, pretty much, trapped in my apartment. We watched a lot of West Wing, though. I also got to fly home and be a bridesmaid in a different lovey-dovey's wedding. Kristen's wedding was wonderful, and I was so happy to be there for her special day!























February 2010:
Chris and I took our first trip to VEGAS! We came back unmarried, with most of our money, and no serious injuries--I'd call it a success.



















March 2010:
Work really started to pick up. In my line of work it's important to have the bulk of your fundraising done by March of the election year so the candidates can actually spend the money. I spent a good deal of time in the office. I had never sat in an office working for 14 hours straight, but I did it!

April 2010 - June 2010:
More fundraising. Work, work, work! Between March and June I didn't take a single day off. Not so exciting. I was averaging 60 hour work weeks (at least). It was exhausting, but I seriously believe that we were made for work and we're happiest when we're doing just that.

However, Chris's leg was better and the blood clot was completely gone by June. That made our lives quite a bit better.















July 2010:
I got to go home for the Fourth of July! Seeing my parents always makes me so happy. I got to just hang out at home with the family (which I hadn't really done in almost a year). I didn't even tell my friends I was in town. It was fantastic. My mom and I drank wine, went shopping, and I got to see my daddy and brother and sister and grandparents. So much love!

Later that month Chris and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary as a couple (our anniversary is actually in August) by taking a long weekend in the Outer Banks. It was glorious. We stayed beachfront, played in the water, ate lots of Southern cookin', and climbed to the top of a lighthouse. We also drank a bottle of champagne at 5AM to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean together (something neither of us had ever done).



August 2010:
I turned 23. Ugh.

September 2010:
Work got even crazier. I would full out take naps at the office afterhours so I could work extra late. I had interviewed a girl I thought would be perfect for the intern position in our office. My bosses agrees so heartily that they hired her as our staff assistant! She made my life so much easier. Thank the Lord for Lida!

October 2010:
Things calmed down a lot. There wasn't a lot more to do work-wise. Chris was out of town for most of the month, which was a serious bummer to me. However, I danced on a bar for the first time on Halloween (WIN!).
























November 2010:
November 2nd. Best. Night. Ever.


















December 2010:
Chris and I took a 2 week trip to Nicaragua where we hiked a volcano, ziplined through the canopy, fed monkeys, ate local cuisine, went horseback riding, and all other sorts of craziness. It was phenomenal. I feel so blessed to have the ability to travel with the man I love all over the world (well, hopefully all over the world--SOON!)




If 2011 can be half as interesting as 2010 I will be happy! I hope to travel more, maybe watch what I eat (gave up on weight--but I eat too much junk), get even better about my finances (thinking about a house...), and celebrate 4 years with my man! Professionally, I think this is going to be a great year for me. I've worked really hard, and I intend to keep it that way!

Things I'm Terrible At:

1. Blogging.

That's about it.

However, life is definitely interesting! Election year is in full swing. I pretty much just want to crawl in bed everyday. And eat pizza. And drink a bottle of wine. In that order.

Well, Congress is in recess and it's 6pm so I am going home at a reasonable hour. Later Gators!

Transitioning Into Grown-Updom: Feeling Settled

Since college began I have been restless. I went to Westmont, left after a semester, moved out of my parents' house a 10 months after that, moved out of that apartment back to my parents' six months after that, moved into another apartment two months after that, moved back in with my parents 5 months after that, went to DC 5 months after that, and back in with my parents 8 months after that. Then 9 months later I graduated from college and moved to DC. Now, almost a year later, I am feeling restless. Part of being a grown-up, though, is staying put for a bit and only moving for some really great opportunity. It's kind of funny to think, though, that my little apartment is the place I've spent the most time since I turned 18. However, if you know me, you know I love that apartment.

I am realizing how wonderful my life is. I have a good job, the best apartment in DC, a college education, an amazing boyfriend, and the cutest fish ever :) Chris has fallen in love with Percy (my/our fish...he was my fish, and now Chris wants some parenting rights). Chris and I are great. It's almost been three years. WOW! For those who knew me before Chris, settling down wasn't my style. I have finally found someone I don't mind cooking dinner for, who understands my obsession with making the bed and hanging up towels, and who is as silly as I am. He's also stepped up to the plate as my family in DC. It is hard living out here without my family--we are really close. He is doing a great job of celebrating holidays with me, cooking dinner with me, grocery shopping with me, and feeding my fishy. I could not have survived without him out here.

My job has been tough. Republicans are going to take back the majority (can I hear some good ol' fashioned hootin' and hollerin'?!) and there is a lot of work to be done to get there. The free market will prevail! Lower taxes! Individual freedoms! This go I think you will see a lot of fresh perspectives from incoming freshman--leaders who believe in fiscal responsibility, who also want to kick government out of the bedroom. I am so excited! Follow the special elections this month--I have worked long hours for those guys, and I'm really excited!

That's my life. I love you all!

Transitioning Into Grown-Updom: I DON'T WANT TO GROW UP!!!

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!!!

Election Year!

Well my dearies, I've decided to let you know what's on my mind lately. As most of you know, I do political fundraising (I am assistant to the two guys who own the firm I work for and their sole employee). Because of my job I have interest in quite a few political races. I have a couple that are really interesting, and I think you should take a little peek at just for funsies!

1. Charles Djou--HI-1
Charles is a really impressive guy. He's in the reserves, has been a state legislator, is a city councilman (in HI a city councilman is a higher position than a state legislator based on the size of the constituency--the only state like that...well, maybe RI), is a law professor, a husband, and a father, and he isn't even 40 yet. He's perfect for Pat Saiki's former district. Hawaii has elected Republicans in the past, so it is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Charles is currently in an open, winner-take-all special election against 3 Democrats (and no Republicans). If you're looking to throw some support behind a Republican, I recommend Charles. He is one of my very favorite candidates. Not only is this an interesting race because a Republican can take a currently Democratic seat, it's the congressional district where Barry Obama grew up.
www.djou.com

2. Pat Toomey--PA Senate
Whoa! This race is dramatic at best. Current Senator Arlen Spector betrayed, yes BETRAYED Republicans and switched parties to cover himself during what seemed would be a liberal landslide. Unfortunately, the oh-so-popular president's rating fell faster than my boyfriend walking home drunk in the snow. Pat Toomey, the man who almost beat Spector in the Republican primary almost 6 years ago has stepped up to the plate. He is a great candidate and it really looks like he's going to take this race. This is another race to support!
www.toomeyforsenate.com

I only have the Republican side (as that is the only side I care about--GO SCOTT BROWN). There are certain blogs/sites that are fantastic to watch as well. I usually don't go straight to the pollsters, because blogs will give you the outcome of many polls at once (and I don't have time to search through everyone's sites).

www.swingstateproject.com (my FAVORITE--huge lib, but he does a good job analyzying polls)
www.realclearpolitics.com

Also, and this is really important, don't get all your information from FoxNews, CNN, Huffington, or anything of the like.

Now you can see what's going on in my brain.

BROWN WINS MASSACHUSETTS!

Sorry, guys. It is my civic duty to get excited! Also, as someone who's living revolves around whether or not Republican candidates win seats this is very exciting news for me!

Let me know if you're interested in politics at all. I love to discuss, especially with those who usually don't have such an outlet. I am a wealth of information, especially if you want to get involved. I am happy to help anyone (even dirty Democrats...just kidding! y'all aren't all dirty) get involved. This is a representative democracy, so I think we need to make sure the right people are representing us!

Again:

BROWN WINS THE LATE SENATOR TED KENNEDY'S SEAT IN THE SENATE!!!

Staying Positive

Sometimes to stay positive you have to list the good that's going on in life. Here are a few lists of reasons I love certain things:

Reasons I love my job:
1. All politics, all the time. Instead of looking at me like I'm a crazy person when I talk about different elections, I am educated on races I didn't know much about.
2. I can listen to Lady Gaga while I do busy work.
3. I can snack on popcorn.
4. My bosses crack me up and never cease to surprise me.
5. I got my first raise!
6. I get the occasional free meal.

Reasons I love the beef:
1. He has a goofy side that is just for me--though sometimes it comes out other times, it's mostly just for me.
2. He can't dance and it's adorable.
3. He bought me the Lady Gaga cd I listen to at work (well one of them--his sister got me the other).
4. He's as snobby as I am and likes how high maintenance I am.
5. He is definitely the smartest boy I've ever dated.

Reasons I love my DC friends:
1. They will play Jersey Shore dress up with me.
2. They will steal balloons with me.
3. They are as domestic as I am (not at all!).
4. We're all political.


Reasons I love my Fresno friends:
1. We can still dance around like kiddies.
2. They are always there for me.
3. They are some of the most accepting people I know.

Reasons I love DC:
1. It's the center of the world...well, right after NYC.
2. It looks beautiful covered in snow (though I HATE the cold).

Reasons I love Fresno:
1. My mom lives there.

My life is pretty great. I love that it is NEVER boring. I feel like when I look back I will have plenty of interesting stories, and I think that's important.

Transitioning Into Grown-Updom: Making up my own recipes!

If you know me, you know I love to eat. If you're with me a lot, you know I love to eat junk food. However, fried is just not something this California girl can do everyday. So, I've been trying to figure out how to get my junk food fix with good food nutrition.

Here is a little recipe I came up with that I am in LOVE with and feeds two people (because most people our age are not cooking for a family).

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:
-2 thawed chicken breasts
-Any spice mixture you like (I use 2 parts garlic, 1 part salt, 1 part pepper, 1 part cayenne pepper, 1 part thyme)
-Pre-made bread crumbs (you can get them at Safeway for $2 and they'll last you forever)
-3 tsps olive oil

Instructions:
1. Mix the bread crumbs and spices in a small bowl
2. Pour the olive oil into a separate bowl
3. Cut up the chicken breasts into bite size pieces
4. Put the chicken into the olive oil and coat
5. Move the chicken from the olive oil into the bread crumb mixture
6. Stick on a cookie sheet and broil for 8 minutes.

Ta-da! It's a grown-up version of a kid meal. If you want, take boiled green beans and dry them off (I'm talking super dry). They are the perfect french-fry substitute (and even taste OK dipped in ketchup)!

*Other ideas for spicing up your nuggets*
-Instead of olive oil use teryaki sauce; don't spice the bread crumbs
-Chili pepper, salt, pepper, garlic
-Garlic
-Rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, oregano
-Instead of olive oil use hot sauce; don't spice the bread crumbs


Let me know if you try it and tell me what you think.