memorial day weekend.

Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend. Mine was pretty low key. I tried to remember what we did last year but for the life of me I can't remember. Therefore I assume I worked the whole time, which is probably pretty accurate. It's pretty nice being able to enjoy holidays without having to worry about requesting time off or switching shifts or just getting the luck of the draw. Or just working EVERY holiday.

Nothing fancy, just lots of grilling (!), nice morning walks on the Esplanade, a bright and sunny afternoon on The Strand in Hermosa Beach, lots of iced tea, and even some iced coffee in there. Yum. I have to say, I was the ultimate caffeine junkie prior to my pregnancy. Like, my diet consisted mostly of Diet Pepsi, my specialty iced coffee drink from Seattle's Best (there was one right next to where I worked, they made it special for me!), and sugar-free Rockstar energy drinks. So cutting out all caffeine was quite the adjustment. And it didn't work. I cut out the energy drinks (they're no good anyway), cut waaayyy back on my Diet Pepsi (meaning I have a small glass once in awhile. But that's really hard. :( ), and have just recently started adding little bits of coffee back. I'm sorry baby, but mama loves her caffeine. 

Homemade baby, 'cause the other stuff is just an added expense! I'm on a budget, people.

Please note the coffee mug. I'm pretty sure my boyfriend made it in a high school ceramics class. Aw, so artistic!

Also, I give you the obligatory weekly pregnancy photo.

24 weeks. Sorry about the toilet in the background.

Now, for a horse of a completely different color. Let's talk breast pumps! So, I'm gonna need one. Is this something I can put on the baby registry? Because, honestly, I feel a little awkward putting it on there. Like, "Hey guys, here is the breast pump I would like. Feel free to purchase it if you like. Spend $200 on my boobs." I don't know, man. But those things aren't cheap!! Good lord. I've been reading reviews and comparing different brands and systems online for so long and so often that I feel like my eyes are going to bleed if I see the words "breast" or "pump" one more time. It's so hard to really see what the differences are between them. In the end I fear it is going to come down to personal preference, which obviously I won't know until I choose one and try it. BUT WHAT IF I CHOOSE WRONG?! Seriously, I lose sleep over these things. High strung and neurotic much? Yes, I think so.

the past few days.

Just a few shots from the weekend.

Delightful new nail color I bought a couple weeks ago. Perfectly ritzy shade of green. Reminds me of the green you would see on a peacock. Also makes me think of Lady Luck? Above picture doesn't quite do it justice. Here is what it looks like on.

Ready for a workout, in girly colors. Looking rather...large. Should look into cleaning that mirror too.

Yesterday's outfit. I am really trying to make my clothes work as long as possible. But it's definitely getting difficult. I feel like my belly is bigger everyday. I'm also trying to look cute as much as possible. No frumpy maternity wear here. 

On Sunday evening, boyfriend and I decided pizza was in the cards for us for dinner (or did I decide this?). Since I am from New York I fully admit to being a pizza snob. NY Style pizza is by far the best. But just try and find anything like it on the West Coast! I feel like I've tried every pizzeria in the South Bay. I happened to drive past Brooklyn Brick Oven Pizza a few months ago and knew I had to try it. It was definitely worth it! Okay, so it's not as good as the real thing, but it will tide me over since I can only make it out to NY a couple times a year. We got the Italian Veggie Pizza which was bomb and I would have taken a picture of the beauty that it was, but by the time I thought of it, I had pretty much eaten half the pie. So worth it though!

I've been online shopping for the past hour and it's really making my brain hurt. Shopping should not be so hard.

that's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an aeroplane and Lenny Bruce is not afraid.

Grand undertaking of the day: cleaning the house! Apparently cleaning our house is not a job that is done in a day. I was hot, sweaty, and covered in dust and cleaning products. It was not pretty. My lower back is all knotted up but these just means I am going to weasel a back rub out of the boyfriend.

Also, Happy Day Before The Rapture/Judgement Day! Does anyone really believe this? Are there people out there taking this seriously? I can't help but make as many jokes about it as I can. I live right by a Walgreen's that I end up at about four times a day and while I was there today, I was talking to one of my favorite cashiers about this "Rapture". We agreed that all of the good people as well as the good musicians/music would be judged rather harshly so we would all be in good company. I proudly declared, "Well, I'm having a child out of wedlock so I am pretty much screwed. Ah but there will be good music in Hell!" The old woman behind me did not seem too thrilled at my statement. 

So in honor of The Rapture or Judgement Day or whatever tomorrow is, I bring you a classic song about the apocalypse! Just try not to dance!

Call me crazy, but something tells me we'll all be pretty okay tomorrow. And if not, at least I'll be in good company.

not so fast, girlie.

Today I braved the California DMV. I had heard some horror stories about it, so I was pretty apprehensive. Word of advice: make an appointment! I did and it actually wasn't too bad. Anyway, the point of the whole trip was to finally, and I stress, finally get my CA license. I have a license, but it is still my NY one. Did I mention I have lived here over two years now? Whoops. I think I was a little afraid to part with my NY license/ID. But alas, the time has come. I had to take the written test, which I was especially nervous about, but I passed on the first try! Phew, I knew my boyfriend would never let me live it down if I failed. So we start a new chapter! I feel like a real California resident now. However, not thrilled that my DL picture is me at five and a half months prego. 

Speaking of prego things....friends and family have been clamoring for a new baby bump picture. I finally got around to taking one today. Mind you, I am 23 weeks. Here is said picture:

Now, I am ultra sensitive about about my weight. Okay, what female isn't? But I think it's fair to say I have some, oh, you know, issues regarding weight, weight gain, and body image. Getting pregnant and having to accept significant weight gain has been pretty hard. I do not know how much I have gained so far, my doctor and I agreed it might be best if I don't know, so I can't obsess. Anywho! My mother made a great comment on how I look seven months pregnant. REALLY?! She says I misunderstood what she said. And maybe I did, but what I clearly heard was , "Wow you are BIG for not even six months!". Friends, I ask you, do I look normal? Do I look bigger than average?! I'm trying not to let this get to me, but I kind of can't help it. Blame it on low self esteem and vanity, but I am pretty upset about this.

In other epic fail news, on our way to the DMV this morning we stopped at a gas station to pick up some bottled water, as I left my beloved CamelBak bottle at home. I ran inside and grabbed two big bottles of Dasani that said they were $1.79 a piece. When the cashier rang me up and said the total was $2.20, I thought, hey what? He was very friendly and smiley so I thought I lucked out. I smiled and thanked him and had a bounce in my step as I walked out thinking, "Hey, alright, I may be pregnant but I've still got it". I jumped in the car and proceeded to boast to my boyfriend about how "I've still got it". Until he pointed out the sign in the window showing the large bottles of water on sale for $.99. Oh. Fail. Perhaps today is not my day.

homage to the 845 and the nyc.

Grand Central Terminal.

I don't know what's gotten into me lately. Maybe it's because of the trip we have coming up. That is most likely the case. You see, I've lived in sunny southern California for a little over two years now. And don't get me wrong, I LOVE it. It's beautiful, the sun shines pretty much every day, and I live three blocks from the ocean. What more could you want right?

I take it you have probably figured out by now that I am not from here, and you would be right! I was raised in good ol' New York. A wee town called Hopewell Junction (or Hopeless Junction, as it is affectionately known to it's younger residents). I also lived in Poughkeepsie, which is twenty minutes north on Rte 9. If Poughkeepsie sounds familiar to you it is probably because Snooki claims to hail from there (she's not, and ask ANYONE from that area that question and you will get the same response), there is that line "If you pick your feet in Poughkeepsie" (which I am not sure if it is from a book, song, or a movie), and it was mentioned in a Something Corporate song from like 2002. My entire life was spent scheming and plotting various ways to get the hell out of that place. Look, ma, I did it!

So why am I so nostalgic for it?!

All things considered, it wasn't a bad place to grow up. I grew up on a cul de sac. We had a small house on an acre of property. I had a swing set, plenty of woods, and many forts. A small creek ran through the neighborhood. There was also a baseball field, and in later years a playground. It's about a hour and a half from NYC so impromptu city trips were aplenty. You could drive, but that was lame and a hassle. All the cool kids know you take the train! Metro-North Hudson line, represent!

Boyfriend and I are taking a trip back to my homeland next month, which I am thoroughly excited about. He has been to New York once, when he was a kid, so naturally that doesn't count at all. I am excited to introduce him to all sorts of wonderful things like a Jewish deli (apparently there are some out here but IT'S NOT THE REAL THING, I TELL YOU), Central Park (in the late spring/early summer no less! SQUEALS!), pretzels and hot dogs from the street vendors, the subway system, etc. Also hometown faves like the Eveready Diner, Walkway Over the Hudson, any general Greek owned diner. If I wasn't going to be six and half months pregnant I would introduce him to the legendary bar scene. I would never take him to Mahoney's. Ew, gross. Mahoney's is to Poughkeepsie what Sharkeez is to Hermosa/Manhattan/Redondo. Catch my drift? No no. You go to the dives. Or the great Cabaloosa's. Well it was great to me! Or that amazing bar I stumbled upon once in New York with some co-workers when I worked  at BCBG. I want to say it was called Jake's? New York, where the fun never ends and the bars and clubs don't close until 4am. Imagine my shock when I moved to California and found out closing time was 2am. I was outraged, let me tell you!

But I digress! Obviously, no bar scene this time around. But just thinking about this upcoming trip, and taking Boyfriend to all of these places, and in general just being back in New York-well, I could just shriek with delight and anticipation. You spend your whole life trying to get out, and once you do, you can't wait to go back. To visit. Because moving back there is a whole other story!

Just a little love song to the 845.

a week in pictures.

Sooo I've been quiet on the blog front this week. Honestly, I was just a bit lazy. To make up for it I bring you a picture heavy post. The week in review!

Sunday was Mother's Day and unfortunately I was unable to spend it with my Mom or my Grandma, both of whom live back home in New York. I guess technically this was my first Mother's Day (officially? unofficially?). I was surprised with take-out breakfast in bed from my wonderful boyfriend. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, and most of all, PANCAKES. I had been having a pancake craving all week and I am sad to say I was bested by the pancakes, although what I did eat was absolutely delicious. We spent the evening with Boyfriend's mom and sister. We took his mom out to dinner, which was an easy task, since she loves her some El Burrito Jr. If you've never had El BJ before, you are missing out! Trust me, I grew up in New York and thought I knew what Mexican food was. I didn't know anything until I moved out to LA and ate at El Burrito Jr. Giant portions, quality food, guaranteed food coma. How can you go wrong?

Next up was a trip to Hennessey's, a local bar favorite. Sunday nights are Karaoke Nights and Boyfriend's momma loves her some karaoke. In fact she's kind of legendary on the local karaoke circuit! I love me some karaoke too, but it's a little harder for me to get up there and sing without some liquid courage. So this time I just nursed my club soda with lime and watched from the sidelines. The bartender was kind enough to make me a virgin Bloody Mary which I had about three sips of. It gave me the worst heartburn! Better luck next time.

I'm at the point in my pregnancy where all the books and websites say I will start gaining a pound a week. Egads, are they serious?!! In an effort to keep that at bay, or at least the weight gain down to a minimum, I try to go on a walk a least five times a week as well as use some light weights. I couldn't tell you if it's working or not (I haven't weighed myself since I got pregnant and although my OB keeps track of it, I prefer to be weighed with my back to the scale and not know. Let's just say I have some issues with weight.), but it sure makes me feel better about myself.  Just thought I would share a couple pictures of what I see along the way. I have to say, those morning walks sure make me appreciate where I live. It's pretty beautiful.

Those were taken on the Esplanade. You can see Palos Verdes in the background. Someday, when I've made my bazillions I will live there. I'm serious!

On Wednesday, Boyfriend decided he had a hankering for some sushi. Just so you know, boyfriend and I take our sushi very seriously, and we can put back a very large amount of it. No, really. We can easily drop $100 on sushi for just the two of us. I treated him to some lunch at Ra. Don't tell my doctor, because she would kick my butt for this, but I couldn't help myself and I indulged too! It was definitely worth it. But no more sushi for me for the rest of this pregnancy! However, I am putting it on my list of demands for right after I deliver this baby. 

Thursdays are Boyfriend's day off so I made him go on a walk with me to Alta Vista Park. It was just such a nice day I couldn't help myself. Sun shining, flowers blooming! We were also scoping it out as a possible location for my upcoming baby shower. Frankly though, I have no idea where to have it.

Today I attempted to go shopping with money I don't have and it was pretty unsuccessful. Good for my wallet? Not really, because I made up for it when I went to Target. Let it be known that I am a Target junkie, I could spend all day in there and with an unlimited amount of money there is no telling what damage I would do. I am at 22 weeks now and my clothes are starting to feel a bit.....snug. Oh sigh. I feared this day would come sooner or later. A friend taught me this trick involving a hair tie that allows me some extra room in my jeans. So far that seems to be working just fine, but I think it can't hurt to invest in some new leggings. Yeah, good luck. I feel like this is one of those things where if I wasn't in need of black leggings they would be everywhere. Alas, I couldn't find any. I did find some nice maternity ones (grumble) but I refused to pay $24.99. What?! Man, they really try and get you with those maternity clothes. Ridiculous, I tell you. 

Now we're off to see Bridesmaids with our good friends Nikki and Adam!

this post brought to you by Starbucks and sandwiches.

Just when I think I have all my ducks in a row when it comes to health insurance, something happens to remind me that no, there is no row of ducks when dealing with insurance. I found out I was pregnant and lost my job within two weeks of each other. Oh, those were fun times. With that said, my health insurance that I had through my job was no longer valid. What's a girl to do? Hello, Medi-Cal. There, I said it. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. After a long and drawn out process, I got approved, only to find out I was denied from the plan I wanted because my doctor did not fill out the form completely. I believe this is an appropriate time for the saying "face palm". It's a bunch of insurance mumbo jumbo but I am hoping it gets squared away by the end of next week. At least it wasn't MY fault? I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or not.

But anyways...it's FRIDAY, you guys. Do you know what that means? It means this:

Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Light time! This is my treat to myself every week now, on Friday. Also, did you know they have this Frappuccino Happy Hour from 3-5pm for the next two weeks?! Starbucks you just got some free advertisement there! But seriously, my love runs deep for the Fraps, especially now that they have the Light versions, which means less guilt for this Neurotic Nancy over here!

Pregnancy makes you crave weird things. I've noticed I've had an overwhelming desire to eat sandwiches for a couple of weeks now. Truth be told, I liked sandwiches before...but this is different. I could eat a sandwich for every meal, everyday. Today, for the sake of saving time, I just went to Subway. But I need to find some good, A+ sandwich places. I've found a couple good ones in my area, Leonardo's, Rinaldi's (always an Italian name, why?). But I am on the hunt for the ultimate sandwich place in the LA area. I will keep you posted on my findings. And I am open to suggestions!

This is what I looked like today. Stunning and sultry, huh? Okay no, not at all really. Please note maternity pillow right behind me. Hawt! Wish I could've given you a much better picture of the outfit but we are severely lacking in decent mirrors in this house. I'd say it's high time I purchased a full length mirror for optimal outfit shareage! That was definitely not a word but hey, it's my blog.

P.S.-If anyone knows ANYTHING about HTML and all that good stuff I am totally open to suggestions and tutorials . I'd love to give this blog a proper identity.

Doctors, registries, and hippos, oh my!

So far today has consisted of doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, Olive Garden, and the creation of a baby registry. Eventful! Well, at least I think so.


We had our monthly check-up this morning. 21 weeks already! I felt like the first trimester went by at a snail's pace (probably due to me being sick as a dog). Luckily I've had the second trimester reprieve- lots of energy, not  a whole lot of sick. Anyways. This was Boyfriend's first visit to the OB/GYN so it was especially a big day for him. We waited for about 40 minutes and spent about 5 minutes with the doctor. But that's the way it goes. She just asked me how I was feeling (great!) and checked the baby's heartbeat (also great!). I was super excited for Boyfriend to hear the heartbeat! Gotta say, can't beat the look on a guy's face when they hear their baby's heartbeat!

I have been craving Olive Garden (classy, I know) for WEEKS now. Nothing fancy, just a good old soup, salad, and bread sticks lunch. But as my fellow prego ladies know, when you want something, you GOTTA have it. I was also able to partake in a fancy non-alcoholic beverage! Behold, the Sicilian Citrus Splash!

My sub-par camera phone just doesn't do it justice. Sad face. Note to self: really should think about getting on the iPhone bandwagon. It had mint leaves! And fresh fruit! Truthfully, I was just excited to drink something remotely fancy, something that wasn't water or unsweetened iced tea (and my love for iced tea runs deep). It's springtime in LA and the weather is warm and sometimes I miss having a fruity cocktail. Or any cocktail for that matter.

And then there was the baby registry. I've been putting it off for awhile, as I didn't know if there was a "right" time to start it or not. What if I register too early? What if I register too late? I figure five months is as good a time as any. I went into this with sheer excitement at being able to hold the scanner gun and SCAN MANY THINGS. But Boyfriend wanted to do it online, so online it is. Boy did it give me a headache. BABY REGISTRIES ARE HARD. There so many things! Babies"R"Us is kind enough to give you lists, but still. And why are baby things so expensive? I felt guilty putting most of the bigger things on there. I don't want people to think I am some sort of baby snob. Like, "Buy me this $200 play yard!". Even if it is the one we like. I fear I will be judged by my registry.

When in doubt, just go with hippo stuff for baby. We really like hippos. Like, really insanely love them.

Especially these giant hippo Pillow Pets. Love love love.

the times they are a-changin'.

Well it's safe to say I completely abandoned this blog for the last say, 6 months or so. Oops! Not my intention, but you know, it happens. I guess I could say life got in the way....but life experiences make for the most interesting blog fodder! No matter, I'm back in the game, baby.

I originally started this with the intent of it being solely a fashion blog. Now I think I am going to take it in a different direction...maybe a life blog? Everything blog? Maybe I should just blog about anything at all?!

Let's be real right this moment. So in the last 6 months I have lost my job (no shame in admitting it, people! Really, I am waaayyyy happier without it) and gained this:

a baby bump! Whaaat?! I'm still in shock about it sometimes. Let's just say it was an unexpected surprise. I can tell you it was a shock for everyone, I am pretty much the LAST person anyone would think would get pregnant. But there it is, or I guess I should say there SHE is, 'cause it's a girl! I'm five months (or 20 weeks) into this pregnancy thing, and after a rocky first trimester, I have to say it's not so bad now.

That's all for now, but get ready for more, because this is just the beginning.