15 Questions - Reflection On Week

I follow a lot of different blogs that have different meanings to me. Some I follow for fitness, for different lifestyles, fashion, humor, gossip, inspiration and motivation. A blog that I enjoy reading for inspiration, motivation and to just make me think and reflect on myself is And Yes To Joy. Amber does a great job at making me think, and not think like I did when I was in school but to really reflect on myself and my life. Her mission is to inspire and that is exactly what she does. 

photo via : And Yes To Joy

The questions below are designed to help you reflect on your week: the accomplishments during the week, the hardships during the week, the unchanged during the week and the new things. Take a moment and read the questions and think of your responses. Reflection is the best that you can do to really understand yourself and to continue to make better choices. 

1. What was the most enjoyable work activity of the week?

The most enjoyable work activity of the week was joining a new workout studio. I have been trying to slowly change my lifestyle to better myself. I want to not necessarily workout more but workout better as well as I don't want to eat less I want to eat more of the good things. This new studio offers Barre classes which I've been wanting to try, my first Barre class is tonight!

2. How many enjoyable work moments did you have?

I few good ones. Joining the studio, getting a really cumbersome report done for work as well as catching up on my work notes since my boss received a promotion. And I've done a good job keeping up on my blog this week too. 

3. How many frustrating or boring moments did you have?
I wouldn't say that I've had any frustrating moments but I've had a few boring moments at work. All of the people that send in requests for me to do were all in Vegas for the week for the International Roofing Expo so I didn't have a busy work week.

4. How would you describe your impact on others you work with, your customers, or those whom you came into contact with this week?
I always encourage others that things will get done. I work with two women that are as new as me in their roles (about a month or two) so stress can be high at times. I try to help as much as I can but also offer words of encouragement that things will get easier with time.

5. Is this the type of impact you want?
Yes, I love helping people.

6. If not, what prompted this change in desired impact?
N/A

7. Were you challenged this week?
I wouldn't say everyday but about 2-3 days.

8. Were you bored?
A few dull moments here and there but that's okay because next week is going to be crazy! It's month end so lots of things to get done at work and I have a workout class (or 2) scheduled every night.

9. What were your biggest and most exciting challenges this past week?
Biggest and more exciting challenge was getting through my Booty Camp workout classes. I can barely walk today...correction, I could barely walk all week. Those classes are very challenges but like my instructor said last night "hate me all you want right now but you'll love me in the summer".

10. How confident did you feel this week?
I would say that I feel confident this week.

11. Did you have any negative mental chatter about yourself?
Just some thoughts during my workout classes. I was very mad at myself for stopping my workout schedule a few weeks ago because getting back into things is very hard. And I was beating myself up for having cake for breakfast 3 days this week...yes you read that right, cake for breakfast.

12. Are you practicing actively believing that you can achieve whatever it is you have set your sights on?
100% yes! I take small steps each day towards my mental goals that I want to achieve. I take things one day at a time and I try to not let any step backs get in the way too much.

13. Are you committed to having joy and groundbreaking results at work?
Of course, being in a new position really helps to mold who I want to become as a professional. I want to inspire others like others have inspired me. I want to motivate others to get through the hard times and just focus on getting things done.

14. What distractions came up this week that prevented you from getting the most out of your job?
Walking. I know that sounds crazy but walking has been the biggest distraction this week. I am very sore from working out but I don't want to stop going to classes.

15. How can you avoid that going forward?
Keep going to classes to break through this soreness phase so that next week even though I will continue to workout the soreness will lessen. 

How was your week? What are you proud of? What could you have done better? As Amber states, please feel free to answer these questions yourself on your blog. 

Thankful Thursday Link-Up

Welcome to the first Thankful Thursday Link-up!

This link-up was created to reflect & approach what we have in our lives.

We live in such a busy world that demands so much for us. Sometimes we are so wrapped up on doing more and having more that we forget to appreciate the things that we always have. Today let's be thankful for what we have and reflect on these things as a way of impowerment to take steps to a more balanced and appreciative lifestyle.

I am thankful for:

- my health. As much as I always say I want to become healthier I am still so blessed to have the health that I do have.

- my family. I am the person I am today because of them. I aspire to be like them and to have to be able to provide my kids the life my family provided me.

- my guy. He is amazing and loves me unconditionally. Even though we are so far apart we are always find a way to be close at heart.

- my friends. These girls are the best girl friends a girl could ask for.

- my education. Without it I wouldn't have the job that I have or the career I am trying to build.

- my job. I seriously love my job, yes it's stressful but I love it. 

- this blog. It makes me reflect on who I am as a person. It makes me want to be a better person.

- the ability to travel. I love exploring new cultures and see new places. 

- memories. Somethings will never be forgotten and it's definitely best that way. The memories I've created with loved ones are like gold.

- wine. when all else fails, wine will always be there. 

Link-Up Instructions

1. Write your post about what you are thankful for

2. link-up your blog post here

3. follow your host

4. read at least 2 other posts

5. reflect & appreciate what you're thankful for

An InLinkz Link-up

Blog Design Giveaway

I am in a dire need of a redesign, don't you agree? I made this blog about 4 months ago (can't believe its been that long) and I think I need to update things. I am entering in a giveaway to win a free blog redesign by Hulka Design. The giveaway is through this fabulous blog I found named Fred Rongo. She is going to pick two winners, one winner will win the Le Petite design and another one will win the Le Grande design.

I need all the help I can get so fingers crossed that I win this! 

move it

truth. 

you want to see change then you are going to have to do something about it.

motivation to get up and move it

Fitness Giveaway

I have recently started to change my lifestyle and no I'm not talking about dieting or a new workout routine but it's about a total lifestyle change. Yes, I know it will take (lots) time but I'm in it for the long haul. I am young and I want to feel young and look young forever. I started eating better, looking at the ingredients that I am putting into my body because lets face it, most of us treat our bodies like garbage cans. We put all of this junk in our bodies without even thinking twice. We eat till we can't breath anymore and then sit on the couch because we are too lazy to do anything. I'm taking a stand against treating our bodies this way, we only have one body so treat it like gold.

To help me on me in my new lifestyle, I have entered to win this amazing fitness giveaway with Fitness Blondie.

Wish me luck on my change and the chance to win!

Elkhart, Indiana - RV capital of the United States [work trip #2]

Last week my boss, our financial analysis and myself got in the car for a work trip to Elkhart, Indiana. The drive wasn't too bad, about 3 hours to be exact. Since I'm a chatterbox that never knows when to stop talking, I kept everyone entertained the whole time we were driving. I think they were getting sick hearing me speak. A road trip is never fun without sharing stories, even if it is a work road trip.

Elkhart, Indiana

There is no way to describe this place other than your ordinary off the highway little town. Yes, I might be exaggerating because quite frankly I didn't see very much of this town but as a first impression ... I don't think I would enjoy living there as much as I enjoy living next to a fairly big city, Cleveland. The thing that took us to this lovely little town is Geocel. Geocel is a company that we acquired by the company I work for, they specialize in caulks and sealants, mostly for RVs and roofs. I mean Elkhart is the RV capital of the United States (fun fact). 

While at Geocel, we went got a tour of the manufacturing plant. It was actually interesting to see where they mix everything and the machines that are used. Can you believe that these machines never stop!? After our morning meetings we get to get lunch at the Chubby Trout. 

This was probably one of the best stir-fry's I've ever had! It was a sesame chicken stir-fry and it was amazing. I'm really glad I ordered this instead of something actually breaded and fried. Even though I don't know how healthy this dish was, it was still really amazing.

 We stayed at the Hampton Inn which was so cute! On the outside it looked like a normal Hampton Inn but on the inside it seemed so much cozier than they normally are. As soon as I walked in I had to turn the heat on because it was so cold outside. And of course I needed to make some coffee, which was terrible...absolutely nasty. 

Oh yes, and the most interesting part of my trip was getting food poisoning. It was terrible. I couldn't wait to get home and sleep. I don't think I've ever felt so sick in my life, especially being away from home.

Have you ever been to Elkhart, Indiana?

How do you deal with not being sick when away from home?

Do you think hotel coffee is nasty too?

The Weekender - Dad's Birthday!

Welcome to another edition of my lovely (sometimes boring) weekend

& first link-up with Showered With Design & Dateless in Dallas

This weekend as all about my dad. There is no man I adore and respect more than my dad. He is the type of man that will drop everything he is doing to help his little girl and his wife. This man basically gave up his life for me and my mom. He is a truck driver by profession and a fantastic father & husband by heart and choice.

Friday night / bosses last day 2.21.14

Friday was my bosses last day with our team and let me tell you, I will miss her so much! No she didn't quit or get fired, she got a fantastic promotion that she definitely deserves. The only thing that will be difficult is the people working under her (myself, Jessica and our Financial Analyst) are all new. Jessica has been with the team for about 2 months, I've been with the team for a month and our Financial Analyst has been with the team for about 2 weeks. While I do have faith in all of us, this change might be a little rocky. 

In celebration of my boss's last day, a bunch of us got together around work for happy hour at Flannery's. Everyone enjoyed some beverages, laughs and great conversation. I left a little earlier than everyone to get home since my dad had come home for the weekend. 

Saturday 2.22.14

My mom and I had planned for taking my dad out for lunch to celebrate his birthday, to pick up a cake for him and to do all birthday festivities. Unfortunately, when my mom got home from work (yes she works on Saturdays because she's an overachiever) she didn't feel very good. So we decided to stay home and hope that by Sunday she would feel much better. I did get to go purchase my dads birthday present from myself and My Guy! 

 Saturday night, was of course spent with my girls! Lavi and I met at Press Wine Bar for drinks and food before going downtown. We really need to change things up and try somewhere else before going out. While Press is great, I'm sure there are other places that are great as well. After Press we met some girls out for a night of drinks and dancing! I'm terrible and didn't take any pictures....I need to get better at that, especially since I was having a great hair day!

Sunday / Dads Birthday Celebration 2.23.14

I cannot believe he turned 56. One thing that I have a really hard time accepting is my parents getting older. I mean I saw a grey hair on my dad and I wanted to pull it out! Oh and then I ask my mom to dye his hair because I don't want to see anymore signs of aging. Sunday was spent at Red Lobster stuffing our faces and enjoying our time together. After Red Lobster we had cake and champagne at home! We always do cake and champagne on birthdays and we always take a bunch of pictures that I always forget to print. 

how was your weekend?

how do you celebrate birthdays?

how do you deal with your parents aging?

are you terrible at taking pictures sometimes too?

crazy things & blessed things

I have been MIA again. Let me tell you new followers, I tend to do this thing where I get super overwhelmed with work and just life in general that I "forget" to post. I don't forget forget to post I just don't think anything in my life is worth posting about right now or I just haven't had the patience or time to. So here we go, the crazy things and blessed things going on in the life of me.

Lets start on Valentine's Day. 

Man oh man, this is not My Guy and I's holiday. Let me explain, last year we were broken up on this lovely holiday and it just was a complete disaster. Two years ago, he moved to Tampa 2 days before this lovely holiday. All the other ones obviously weren't that great since I can't remember them. This year, I woke up early and got dressed for work making sure that I put extra time into getting ready since I would pick him up at the airport right after work and we would have our whole evening planned.

I was all ready for the day and super excited to see him since it had been about 6 weeks since the last time we saw each other. And then my mood changed...his flight got canceled. He went to the airport in Tampa to see if he could get on a different flight to make it home sometime that day. Thankfully, he got one a different flight that went to PA instead of Charlotte (like the original flight). Then things turned south again, he made it to PA but then his flight to Cleveland got delayed. And when I say it got delayed, I mean it got delayed a lot! This is where I becoming extremely thankful for having amazing friends that are willing to be there for me when I need them most. 

Ana was sweet enough to meet me at a local Harry Buffalo for drinks to wait out the delay. When we walked in to Harry Buffalo the hostess handed each of us a lovely flower. It was a nice gesture since it was Valentine's Day. Needless to say, Ana and I sat and enjoyed our drinks for about 2 hours. His flight was supposed to land in Cleveland at 8 PM and he didn't arrive till past 11 PM. Like I said, Valentine's Day isn't our holiday. Hoping next year will be better!

Saturday family day + Christening

For Valentine's Day, my lovely man got me a much needed Starbucks mug, beautiful red roses and my favorite wine that I didn't think could be found anywhere! I found this wine at one of my favorite restaurants and at that restaurant they only have it from the barrel not the bottle. So this girl is super happy to have 2 bottles of this sitting at her house! Romanian Christenings are almost like weddings, I am not joking...centerpieces and all! Women wear beautiful dresses and men are expected to be in suits.

Nothing better than taking funny pictures together when we are at such a formal event. Looking at these pictures just makes me miss this man even more. 

how was your Valentine's Day?

do you experience over the top events like this too?

have you been MIA from blogging lately?

how do you get caught up on blogging when you're so far behind?

Things that currently annoy me, maybe you can relate

This past week has been very trying. Basically everything and anything has been annoying me to the point that I want to pull my hair out. Ok, not really that bad because I like my hair but you get my point. (sorry for the lack of pictures)

So here we go.

- Drivers. I mean basically all drivers on the highway to be a little more specific. You know that person that is in the far left lane (the FAST lane) and is doing 55 mph in a 60 mph zone. Oh my gosh, that person just better get out of the way.

- The driver that taps his breaks every 30 seconds. Do you really need to keep so close to the car in front of you that you do that?! Oh and then when the dude that taps his breaks every 30 seconds actually stops, I don't really believe that he will stop because for the past 10 miles he has been taping his breaks. Which causes me to slam on my breaks to avoid hitting him.

- The woman on the highway on Wednesday that just slammed on her brakes. I mean we were doing just over 60 mph and she just slammed her brakes so hard that I almost hit her ( mind you I was keeping a good distance between her and I). When I drive by and look at her like "what the heck are you doing lady?" she just looks at me like I did something wrong. Nope, not my fault lady don't give me that look.

- People not using turning signals. Your car comes with some great turning signals, I mean you paid for that shit when you bought the car so USE them. Don't just assume that because you want to get over that everyone around you knows what the hell you want to do. I mean, is it really that hard to use your turning signal when driving in rush hour traffic!? If you would just pay attention and use your damn turning signal more than half of accidents would be eliminated.

- People who cut me off. I mean, do I drive an invisible car? Did you just not see this fairly decent car right next to you? Oh wait...you expected me to slow down for you?

- People asking for something and that something being right in front of them, ohhh and the kicker on this one is that they respond with "oh I'm still sleeping, I didn't see it." YOU'RE STILL DOING WHAT?!? Man (or woman) you drove here and you want to tell me you're still sleeping!? And you wonder why people drive like idiots....maybe everyone is still sleeping. I just don't understand.

- Potholes (sinkholes) on the road. WTF Cleveland, fix that crap. My car has definitely taken a beating this winter with the absolutely terrible roads in Cleveland.

- Canceling of flights. Remember how I said that I was so excited to see My Guy this weekend, well his flight just got canceled. Every single time that we are really happy and excited to see each other something happens. Its like Life just thinks that its being too easy on us so it just throws you a curve ball to the face.

- My nails. I just don't even want to explain. They look great from far away but I'm a detail person so these just FAIL.

What annoys you?

Do you agree with anything on this list?

2 years & still 1,085 miles apart

Today marks the day that My Guy moved to Tampa. I originally wanted to call him and tell him "Happy 2 year anniversary" but it's not really an anniversary I want to celebrate. It has been really hard these past 2 years with living apart. 

Just try to imagine, the person you are (seriously) dating for 2 years and the person you are so happy with just moves. Moves out of the state, 1,085 miles away from you.  After you two have planned your lives together in a specific location doing specific things, it all just changes with on phone call. 

We have been 1,085 miles apart for:

24 months

104.3 weeks

730 days

17531 hours

1052000 minutes

63110000 seconds

Let me be the person to tell you that it has been anything but easy. It has been the biggest and most complicated roller-coaster I have ever been on. 

I remember having to tell our friends that he was leaving. 

I remember sitting at our friends house and him saying the words "guys I have something to tell you". 

I remember having an out of body experience. 

I remember crying without wanting to cry anymore. 

I remember the morning he left. I thought he would be gone forever, our future gone forever.

This used to be our lives. We used to have out him own place. It was like we were finally on our own, figuring things out together. Nights in and days spent on the couch were considered our dates. 

Then this became our lives. Well not our lives but his life. Traveling back and fourth from Cleveland to Tampa became normal and expected, no matter how hard it was to say goodbye again. We eventually broke up and did our own thing for 3 months but its like a magnet we were brought back together. 

Breaking up was one of the best things that has happened to us. Not because we didn't want to be together but because when we did get back together we were that much stronger and better together. And yes, 2 years have come and gone and yes we are still apart but I don't think we are ready to give up on each other yet. 

Some of my favorite posts about us:

We Live In The Airport

New Years Eve Together

All I want for Christmas

Tampa for Thanksgiving

2013 In Pictures

Maybe fate will bring us back together, fingers crossed

The Weekender - negative degrees but we still party

Why do we do this to ourselves?

Negative degrees but we still go party

The weekend began with Carson and I going downtown because we just really enjoy freezing our butts off going to the bars....YOLO? After we decided to freeze our butts off we got hungry so we had to go get food, which in the morning we realized we shouldn't have eaten. Nothing worse than waking up hungover with omelette taste in your mouth.

The rest of the weekend was spent at home, thank goodness because I needed to relax and sleep. I don't know how to explain how sick of this whole cold/snow I am. Yes I know I live in Cleveland I shouldn't be complaining...blah, blah blah. Well I'm still complaining. I started trying to figure Twitter out again ( I don't know why but I am). I got so excited when I saw that Channing Tatum is following me on Twitter...till I realized that this isn't Channing Tatum's real account, it's some weirdo trying to act all cool...no no not cool, don't get my hopes up. I have a huge bruise on my arm and I have no idea where it's from. And it's a sock bun kind of day.

How was your weekend?

Do you wake up with random bruises?

Are you sick of the snow/cold?

Do you like sock buns?

5 On Friday!

I'm not sure if you know 

this or not but it's Friday!!

And it's time for 5 on Friday

with Christina & Darci...

here we go!!

one...Florida. I traveled to Orlando for work on Tuesday and it was amazing! Since I am still fairly new to blogging I'm sure a lot of you don't know that I love airplanes, airports and flying so this trip was right up my alley. You can read all about my first work trip here.

two...My mom and I had a heart to heart about a woman she knows and her daughter that is in her early 20's, doesn't have a job, sleeps till 3 PM, has a daughter that she doesn't take care of and just sitting on government assistance. Don't get me wrong, there are people that really need the help of the government but you're telling me that I work 45 hours a week so my tax dollars can go to this girl!? Go get a job girl and quiet wasting my money.

three...My poor car. Those of you who know me know that I adore my car. Well these last few days its been taking a beating from all of the darn potholes  sinkholes in Cleveland. My gosh, can someone fix these before I really get stuck in one!? I hit two really big potholes  sinkholes on Monday and since then my tires felt weird so Costco Tire Center came to the rescue. Well kind of...I went to them since my tires are from them. Thank you Costco Tire Center

source via 

four...No gym again. Since this week was so busy with traveling I haven't made it to the gym but today is the day. I will go to the gym and run my heart out! I have to get back at it, who's with me to make February this best fit month!?

five...Tonight is girls night out! You know the other 4 girls night out weren't enough, I need to go out tonight too because it's going to be like negative 5 degrees but who cares it's the weekend! Don't worry it makes sense in my head...kinda of...not really...but I'm only young once. YOLO.

What are your plans for the weekend?

How do you feel about these darn potholes?

Give me feedback on what I posted :) 

Happies & Crappies [1]

This is my first link up for Happies & Crappies with Stephanie from The Vintage Modern Wife. This link up basically has you look back at your week for the Happiness and the Crappiness (if that's even a word) that has happened. So here we:

______________________________________________________________________________

The Happy:

-  I went to Florida! While it wasn't for pleasure, it was still really nice to get out of this insane cold and snow that Cleveland is getting. I don't know about you guys, but I am beyond sick of the negative temperatures and the snow. You can read my post about my first work trip here. I was so excited to get to Orlando and out of this mess!

-  This week I also wrote my first list of Tips. This has been a goal of mine since the new year. My blog is all about the odds and ends of my life, my thoughts, My Guy moving back home (hopefully soon, fingers crossed) and I also wanted people to learn something from me. So I took my first work trip as the perfect opportunity to put together the 10 Tips for Work Travel!

- Well the only other good thing is that it is finally Friday! Finally, finally, FINALLY FRIDAY! As you can tell by the picture I am kind of excited! Oh and being at the office alone also has its perks, even though it's really quiet. 

The Crappy

- This weather. Need I say more!? If you live in Cleveland or anywhere north of like Georgia I'm sure you feel like me....over this crappy weather. Let me show you how cold it was this morning coming to work:

- I think that's the only crappy I have...other than not being in Florida anymore but that goes hand in hand with this crappy weather. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Check out Stephanie's blog to link up! 

What are your happies & crappies of the week?

10 Tips for Work Travel

10 Tips for Work Travel 

I, myself, am new to the whole "corporate world" and traveling for work. I actually just got back from my first travel for work trip, you can read about it here. I kept a close watch on what other people were doing, saying, wearing, eating...everything so I could get a better idea of what is expected. So I came up with the list below, now remember this is from my experience and I am no way an expert.

1. Dress professionally. I put this as the first tip because it is very important to look your best. Most of the time you will be meeting new people. Pack as neatly as you can so your clothes don't get wrinkled, if they do then iron them before you put them on. 
2. If your company provides you with a company credit card do not take advantage of it. While you should (if your company allows it) charge your airport parking, meals, transportation, hotel and so on to your card, you should not purchase things above what you would purchase with your personal credit card. 
3. Someone is always watching. While you might not believe me on this, it is true. After all work business is over, most people will go to dinner or to the bar and this is where you want to be extra careful of how you present yourself. 
4. Be conscious of how much you are drinking. It is unprofessional and inappropriate to get out of control drunk while on a work trip. If there is an employee of senior status or executive level drinking a lot and getting out of control, do not join in. They have years of experience under their belt that you don't. 
5. Put your cell phone away. While at dinner, a bar, in a meeting or socializing with co-workers during company events do not use your phone for personal use. This is considered rude and you are giving off the vibe that you do not care about the conversation happening around you. 
6. Always give a firm handshake. This goes without saying, just because you aren't at a formal business meeting that does not mean that you don't shake someones hand that you meet. Remember, you are traveling for work not for pleasure. 
7. Do not be late. And by this I mean don't be late for breakfast, to a meeting, for lunch and for any informal meeting. While traveling for work, you are still in fact working. If you wouldn't be late for a formal meeting then do not be late for an informal meeting. 
8. Be aware of your actions at the airport. This goes hand in hand with number 3, there are always a lot of people around at airports and you never know who works for the same company as you. While you are traveling, you are still representing your company. Be courteous to everyone you come in contact with and never bash your company, fellow employees or customers to strangers or talking loudly on the phone. 
9. Be prepared. There is nothing more embarrassing then arriving to your meeting without a pen, something to write on, business cards or anything else you may need during the presentation. 
10. Leave significant others at home. It may be tempting to has your wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/husband to come along for your work trip when traveling to touristy destinations. Again remember you are going to be traveling for work not for pleasure. Your focus needs to be on your fellow teammates or business partners to build a better business relationship.

First Work Trip

As any of you know, I started my first big girl job only a few weeks ago. One of my favorite things to do is travel, hence the name Boarding Together, so when I was asked to step into this position I knew it would involve some traveling. The company I work for flies over 400 employees to Orlando for a week of meetings and team building. I've worked for the company for almost two years and this was the first time I was able to go since I am finally of full time status.

Talk about a short and sweet trip! Flew from Cleveland on Tuesday at noon, arrived in Orlando at 4:20, then flew out of Orlando the next day at 6 PM. My flights were good expect for sitting next to a gentleman that smelled like BO, cigarettes and terrible cologne. I swear there is nothing worse than being confined in a little area next to someone that smells terrible. This trip was much needed so I could meet the guys I am going to be working with and to break the ice between everyone. I swear this company does it right, every time. I have never been disappointed at any work event by how they treat their employees.

Upon arrival to Orlando, I was notified that they have arranged transportation for me to get to the hotel. Let me explain to you this transportation...a man in a suit waited for me, walked me over to a private area where all the Cadillacs were. The car he picked me up in was a brand new black Cadillac SUV with tinted windows and all, talk about feeling like a rock star! We stayed at the Hilton Disney, we basically took over all of their conference rooms, most of their hotel rooms, the bars, everything was consumed by us. The picture on the bottom left is a list of meetings for just one day, everyday was just jam packed with meetings.

Everyone received a really nice notebook to write down notes which was a nice little touch. We all broke out for more meetings throughout the day and then all gathered back together for lunch. The food at this hotel was pretty good and there was a lot of variety which I'm sure everyone enjoyed. We had different team building events and signed to dedicate to our teams and our success. At night we had a more relaxed dinner, with open bar and lots of great conversations. It is really good to see people of out their "work mode" and more on a personal level.

Unfortunately I had to come back to Cleveland a few days earlier than everyone else, so I wasn't too happy about having to leave. The flight back to Cleveland was good, felt short since I kept reading my book. Landing in Cleveland was a "back to reality" moment, the snow and the cold really made hit home. All in all, it was a really good first work trip and what a good place to go! I will admit that being a part of this team really motivates me to do more and become better. Seeing people get congratulated on retiring from this company after 40 plus years of work is a true inspiration.

Have you traveled for work?

Where did you go?

Do you enjoy traveling?

The Weekender - Face meet ice

Walking into work this morning was a balancing act. While I was walking, I saw a man slip and fall in the parking lot since more than half of it was covered in ice. And of course like the mentally judgmental person that I am, I laughed a little to myself. And then it happened...I almost slipped. I guess that's what they call karma, right. If only I would not laughed about the guy falling, I probably wouldn't have lost my balance and almost slipped too. Lesson learned Alisia, lesson learned.

Cheers to the weekend!

Friday night was the most relaxing night I've had in a long time. All I did was eat, drink and sleep. Yes I was in bed by 9 PM on a Friday, no do not judge me. 

Saturday I did some shopping and returning while barring the cold and rain. I had a bunch of stuff to return to Victoria Secret, and by a bunch of stuff I mean 5 shirts I had purchased online and I was so disappointed by when I received them. Let me explain, I purchased 6 shirts online and 5 of them were returned. When did Victoria Secret change their manufactures? They made a big mistake, the material was absolutely terrible. 

I found a new store called Mademoiselle in Westlake...what a great find! This little boutique is owned by one very sweet woman and the clothes/dresses/accessories she sells are out of this world! Pictured above is the small ring I purchased from Mademoiselle, talk about ah-mazing! The decor, clothes and atmosphere at this little boutique was so inviting and a place I will definitely return to. 

My makeup for Saturday night was very neutral plus a pop of color from my lipstick. Whenever I wear bold lipsticks, I try to stick to a neutral face and casual hair...no need to walk around looking like a clown. My lipstick was Maybelline Mauve Me. The whole look was complete with a black button down, black skinny pants and nude booties.

As always, my little dancing partner and I spent our Saturday night dancing the night away at Drop Bar. While the DJ was not playing the music we like, actually I'm just trying to be nice....he was terrible, our friend Ana joined us out! I swear there are no nicer & sweeter girls than these two. You know how typically pretty girls are caddy and mean, well these two prove that statement otherwise. 

I am an avid watcher of the Weather Channel, and let me tell you it was not supposed to snow in Cleveland on Saturday night. I know the picture above is amazing, magical actually, but driving home (pictured below) wasn't so amazing or magical or anything positive other than slow and scary. 

I know it looks like I live in the middle of nowhere America, but I swear I live in a "normal" American suburb (depending on what your definition of "normal" is). Let me explain Avon to you very quickly... football players, stay at home moms, luxury cars, hillbilly's, preppy kids, up and coming, big houses, small houses, no sidewalks....you get the point, like any other American suburb. 

Nothing better than waking up to this view in the backyard on a Sunday morning. I love the way the trees look in the back with the snow...this is my definition of winter magic. Don't judge the random Christmas decoration I forgot to take down or the messy morning room table. Just enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. 

Tell me about your weekend.

Do you still go out when its snowing and cold? 

What is your go to look?

Do you have dancing buddies?

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

Life According to My iPhone

• Last week was started with some wine, soup and dessert at Rocky River Wine Bar with Lavi. We can never go wrong at a little wine bar with some wine in hand. I am definitely lucky that my friends like wine are much as I do. The soup, carrot and pumpkin, was ok...not fantastic but not the worst I've had. And let me tell you, the dessert was ah-mazing!
• I loved my nails last week! Viorica painted them for me last weekend before we went out and they looked amazing. Love the simple color with the glitter tips. 
• I started feeling a little under the weather mid last week. There is nothing worse than being stressed out because of a new job and then feeling sick. On my way to work, I stopped at Giant Eagle and bought some cold medicines and vitamin C. I started feeling better the next day, note to self...start taking vitamin C and medicine as soon as you have symptoms. 
• The drive to work has been very snowy lately. I love the snow because I think it's magical but I don't like drivers who don't know how to drive in the snow. Slamming on your breaks while doing 60 mph on snow is never a good idea. 
• At work we have a Keurig, which I adore! There is nothing better than making some coffee as soon as I get to work. Now the creamers we have, I'm not so in love with...correction....they are terrible. Therefore, I decided to buy a small creamer to keep at work in the fridge. 
• My Guy sure knows what I love! He sent me a picture of the sign above (Lord, give me coffee to change..). He knows I love my coffee and I adore my wine, I am currently looking to see where I can find that sign for our future apartment together. 
• Oh My Gosh! When I saw a quote from my restaurant review on Press Wine Bar's website I almost died! I few months back I wrote a review on one of my favorite wine bars in Cleveland, Press Wine Bar (read review here). There is a link to my blog from their website which takes you directly to the post. I am still on cloud 9 about this quote! 
• And I wish I had a picture about my frustrations at work last week. There is nothing more time consuming than people who waste my time! If you know what you want, then tell me don't make me e-mail you and contact you a million times to get an answer from you. Quit wasting my time if you have nothing better to do with yours. So far, I've learned how to keep comments to myself and to just smile when I really just want to slap someone silly. 
• Oh and of course I didn't make it to the gym lately. Why do I always come up with some excuse as why I don't have the time?! Come on Alisia, get it together.

How is your life going? Can your iPhone tell your life story?