What We Have Been Up To

I have been trying to write this post in what seems like forever. No really, my computer wouldn't download the photos, sign into my blogger account, and then write this. It took me way longer than it should have. And now I know that I need to do a major overhaul on my home computer. She runs slow.

Anyways, I have been traveling and super busy, so I thought I would do a little photo dump on what we have been up to.

First up, we celebrated my birthday on Friday August 2nd. I went out with my girlfriends and had the best time.

 Stacey sitting in a child's carseat with their leftover McDonald's. No it wasn't my car. It was Becky's and her leftover auntie duty.

My favorite, an Old Fashion from Death & Taxes

The day after I celebrated my birthday with my husband. Yes, we celebrated the day before, but on Saturday, he took me up to Lake Tahoe for dinner at The Soule Domain.

The next day I left on a work trip to San Diego and Phoenix/Tucson. I can't really say what I did in each place, but know I walked a ton (in San Diego), ate a lot of good food, was really hot, worked out and had a pretty good week.

 San Diego Marina

 Some amazing ramen

 Salt and Straw ice cream

 Really good coffee at Bean Bar by the Padres Stadium

 Del Mar race track

 Del Mar beach

 View from Coronado Island to San Diego

And then I headed to Phoenix and the heat was crazy. It was 109 when I arrived and it stayed that way most of the time. And it wasn't much better at night...well at least the sun was down.

 The best tacos at La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop

 Indian food at a new restaurant, Khazana Indian Bistro

 Sausage meatballs with a spicy sauce at The Sicilian Butcher

 Lunch in Scottsdale

 Mysterious bug bites that I got at the Phoenix airport on the way home.

Then I had breakfast with these beauties the day after I got home. It has been a crazy couple weeks, but it has been pretty good. And I am still busy. I hope to get back to comments to you all on Monday. Fingers crossed. Have a great weekend!

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

What's Up Wednesday

It has been awhile since I participated in a What's Up Wednesday and I finally got a prompt to do it before I wrote my other scheduled post out.

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...

Well this is an off week in that we have a lot of appointments between Rory and I after work. But I am managing to cook a bit this week.

Sunday: Spicy Meatball Subs with Blistered Green Beans
Monday: Chrissy Tiegan's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Tuesday: I had a hair appointment, so I picked up dinner on the way home.
Wednesday: Turkey burgers and sweet potato fries
Thursday: Rory has an early softball game, so a salad for me and a burger after his game with his teammates for him.
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Unsure

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

My friend's wedding last year. This Sunday they celebrate their one year anniversary. Love this couple and the love they share for each other.

WHAT I'M LOVING...

Finding new Rose wines that I can have in the Spring and Summer, evening family walks, seeing my nephew, my new Toyota Highlander and so much more.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Work has been crazy lately, so I have been going full force there which means a bit has been taken home too. We have been spending time outside when it is warm, but Spring weather is very bipolar here.

WHAT I'M DREADING...

My two big work meetings. One is next Tuesday and the other is in July. I have some crazy things on the agenda and it has been causing a lot of stress lately. While I am dreading them, it will be good for them to be off of my plate.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

As I mentioned in the dreading part, it is also what I have been up to lately. It also means that I travel to Vegas for both of those meetings. At least there is a bit of a silver lining there. 

I am also working on some Spring cleaning in the house. I have been going through the girls' stuff and selling things online along with prepping, tagging and setting things aside for the next consignment sale. 

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

Our camping trip and our two Graeagle trips. I look forward to them each year and this year is no different. Our first camping trip is over Memorial Day weekend with my family and then the following weekend we are spending a long weekend in Graeagle. Our week long trip to Graeagle isn't until August though. 

I am also excited to see my girlfriends and their kids next week at my friend's daughters second birthday party. I am braving it alone with my girls and have high hopes they will play with all the other kids while mommy has a glass of wine with her girlfriends.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

I am reading All the Missing Girls which was recommended to me by Biana from B Loved Boston (I think). I am watching Prison Break, Better Call Saul, Fargo, Parenthood and Grey's Anatomy.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Mostly my favorite stations on Sirius XM. I used to have it for the first two years that I had my Subaru, but then they upped the price so much that I got rid of it. Now that I have my new SUV, I have a free three months of it, so I am enjoying it while I can before I will cancel it again.

I am loving Ed Sheeran's new album, the Chainsmokers and some classic Justin Timberlake right now.

WHAT I'M WEARING...

I have been on the hunt for new jeans for awhile now. I never buy myself jeans, but since I have been running a lot lately, I knew I needed something. I scoped some jeans out online, but needed to try them on first. When I went to Buckle, they didn't have any of the jeans I saw online, but I tried on a few others and fell in love with these ones. They feel so soft, comfy, form fitting and are long enough. What I don't like is the price. Ouch, but well worth it to feel this good in jeans.



I have also been scooping up anything with pineapples on it, some basic tees from Nordstrom (and here). I can't wait to wear shorts and dresses all weekend, but we are still teetering between blizzards and sunshine on the daily.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Not much at all. I am mostly hanging out with the girls while my husband attends the Spring football game and "lays" dg in the backyard on Sunday. I am hoping to escape for a brunch Sunday morning.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

A quick trip to Vegas, camping, going to Lake Tahoe for the first time this year and brunches with my best friends.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...

- My girls are mimicking everything. We listen to the Colin Coherd show on the way home from work most evenings. Gotta get our sports updates and there is a part where someone says "Whhhaaattt" and my girls say it right after him every time. They love copying everything we say and do right now.

- We measured the girls recently and they are just over 36 inches. I can't believe how tall they are!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPRING/SUMMER SHOE?

I am really loving t-strap and lace up sandals. They go with most of my Spring and Summer attire and stay on my feet. 

Sam Edelman Lace up Sandals 

 Sam Edelman t-strap sandals

Cole Haan Anica Sandals

I am still loving my Dolce Vita wedges from last year. They have already made a few appearances lately.

What's Up Wednesday

It has been awhile since I participated in a What's Up Wednesday and since I am on vacation, I thought this was the perfect week to participate.

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...

Well we are eating soooo much Mexican food, but they don't call it Mexican food. They just call it food and it is heaven. We are eating al pastor tacos, fish tacos, fried red snapper, fajitas, pastries, so many eggs and just so much seafood. I have been working out hard so I can enjoy all the goodness Mexico has to offer and let me tell you, we are enjoying plenty of margaritas and cervezas.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

Our Mexico trip last year. Just before we went to Mexico last April, Rory's great aunt passed away. So this time while we are in Mexico, we are celebrating his great aunt even more.

WHAT I'M LOVING...

All the sunshine, warm temperatures, family time and food. Did I mention, I love the food here?

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Well we have been relaxing, walking the city a ton and today we are taking an adventure over to Sayulita for one night. Rory and I are kid free today and part of tomorrow and we are traveling an hour north to have a day to ourselves. The girls are hanging out with their grandparents and we plan to explore the city.

Sayulita (not the hotel we are staying at)

Tomorrow is Rory's birthday, so we will be celebrating full force.

WHAT I'M DREADING...

Coming home. Ha. I do miss my pup, Walter and love the comforts of home, but I just love it here. Oh and going back to work because who wants to do that?

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

My tan. Pool days and 80 degree temperatures make it so easy to slip into the vacation mode.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

Our trip to Sayulita today. Too bad they are not filming Bachelor in Paradise here yet. That would be fun to see the couples on dates here.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

Finally reading Big Little Lies. It only took me over a month to start it. We are also catching the March Madness games here.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Lots of Spanish music, March Madness games and my girls whose language has really exploded lately. They are taking up a storm and wanting to know what everything is, where someone is and how to do something. It is so much fun watching my girls learn about new things and discover the little things.

WHAT I'M WEARING...

Summer attire and it feels great. I have been working out hard to try to get in bikini shape and while I ate a lot of pizza and pasta, I feel like I did a pretty good job.

But I am wearing a lot of J Crew shorts, a J Crew bikini, Madwell t-shirts, Gap tanks and some late picks from Nordstrom Rack.

 Madwell

 Joe's Shorts

 J Crew Bikini

 J Crew chambray shorts

 J Crew black shorts

 Gap Crochet Shirt

Gap Muscle Tank

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Relaxing in Mexico. Well until Saturday afternoon. Then we head back to the states and to see my Walter pup. The rest of the weekend will be spent doing laundry, unpacking and getting ready for the week ahead.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

My mom's birthday, Easter, Spring like weather, snowboarding, work travel and more outdoors time.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...

Not much else is new in my life. Kinda boring, huh?

January Currently

I had a totally different post in mind for today, but I didn't get all the photos taken for it, so that will have to wait for another day (soon). So in the meantime, I am going to do a January Currently.

What We are Eating This Week

Monday - Date night sushi
Tuesday - Vegetable Tortilla Stew (from my Cravings cookbook)
Wednesday - Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Thursday - Stuffed Shells with a Caesar Salad
Friday - Slow Cooker Ribs with a BBQ Sauce from Kansas City, Rice and a Salad
Saturday - Some Sort of Take-out
Sunday - Dinner at The Depot for our friends going away party

What I am Reminiscing About

Seeing my best friend for the first time since June.
When we left for date night and Avery said, Bye Guys. She loves saying Hey Guys when she walks into a room.
The amazing sushi we had on Monday. Seriously this new place was soooooo good.
College days and the impending move of one of my best guy friends.

What We Have Been Up To

Going on date nights, being snowed in from three massive storms, having surgery, celebrating my girls turning 2 and cooking in my new kitchen!

What I am Dreading

This next snow storm heading our way this weekend. It means another weekend inside which means stir crazy toddlers. I love the snow, but keep it in the mountains and not on the valley floor.

What I am Working On

I have a posts coming your way featuring the cutest custom print for my twin girls. I searched for sister and twin quotes and customized it to my liking and to my girls. I can't wait to get it framed and put up in their room. I am in love and it is in pink and gold....the theme of my girls room. Stay tuned.

What I am Excited About

Let's see, I am excited about: seeing Matt before he moves overseas, hearing the new words my girls are learning everyday and getting my hair done on Friday.

What I am Watching/Reading

The Bachelor and let me just say that I love all the drama. Corrine is such a B. I am watching The Affair, but this season is just sort of weird. I can't stand Helen anymore. I hope it turns around for the better. Grey's is back this week and I am excited. Last season sucked, but this season is better. I just can't stop watching it. Been watching since season 1. Still making our way through Parenthood and loving it.

I am reading What Shew Knew (it's on sale for $1.99) and so far it is good. I am almost half way through the book.

What I am Listening To

Nothing new really. Just the same old stations on Pandora.

What I am Wearing

I bought a few more sweaters this weekend at the Gap sale and I am super excited to wear them. They were all under $20 each with free shipping. I couldn't pass it up. I wore my new Pearl and Monroe sweater this weekend and it is so comfy. So in love with it.

via

What I am Doing This Weekend

We have a going away party, getting my hair done and probably staying in the rest of it with the impending massive snow storm headed our way.

What I am Looking Forward to Next Month

Next month brings my travel to Mississippi and Louisiana for work. It also brings my sisters birthday and Valentine's Day. We never went big for Valentine's Day, but now with children, we use it as an excuse for date night. But we usually go near Valentine's Day, not on it.

What Else is New

I have a countdown for vacation and we are at 58 days. I can't wait. I am walking at the gym (until I am cleared to work out again) and getting in shape to wear a bikini again. I am also scoping out bathing suits for my girls. So many stores have Spring and Summer stuff out already. It's only January. But I need to shop for some stuff for Mexico, so I will take it.

Not much else going on in the Butler household.

Don't forget to link up tomorrow for Confessional Thursday!

I am linking up with Jenn.

Currently (April)

It has been a long while since I did a Currently post, and since I don't have Part 2 of our Mexico Trip done, I thought now was as good of a time as any.

Drinking/Eating. Coffee and water...my forever staples. I have given into my sweet tooth and have been eating AirHead bites and gummy bears from my trips. Gotta finish them up and they cure my sweet tooth in an instant.

Planning. A Picasso and Wine day with my mom and sister. I got my mom a gift certificate last year for Mother's Day and we are finally getting around to using it. I can't wait. I am also making Father's Day plans (way in advance since we go on vacation right after).

Reading. I finished reading two Shopaholic books (you know the Confessions of a Shopaholic series) that another blogger recommended and I just downloaded I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends by Courtney Robertson because I am a huge Bachelor fan. Next, I want to read Emily's tell all book.

Dreaming of. Another vacation (ha!) and finally renovating our kitchen.

Wishing/Hoping For. That my next work trip is moved to July instead of early June. I would love for a longer break between out of country travels. Fingers crossed that we can make that happen. Remember how I told you I couldn't say where yet? Well now I can....England, Scotland, France and Gibraltar. Soooo excited. I want to travel to as many European countries as I can in my lifetime and this will cross off another three for me (I have already been to England).

Wearing. Jeans and sweaters. We have had lots of wind, clouds and spits of rain the last couple days. But hey, when I get to wear jeans to work, I am one happy lady. We get two weeks of wearing jeans for employee appreciation. I will take it.

Enjoying. Watching my girls interact. They may take things away from each other and hit each sometimes, but when they are apart, they (fake) cry for each other. It is so sweet. Plus I have been enjoying lots of cuddles and slobbery kisses from my girls since being home.

Loving. The way my hernia surgery turned out. I can't wait to show you my progress. I am so blown away how much better this surgery was compared to the last one. So thankful for my doctor, his extra care and my results. I don't feel as embarrassed to wear a bikini now.

Looking Forward To. Mother's Day weekend. My sister-in-law is coming into town that weekend and we get to see her belly! We haven't seen them since the girls' birthday party. We also get to celebrate her birthday (which is a week later). And then it is Mother's Day and my husband has something special planned for me. I can't wait to spend the day with my sweet family.

Pinning. Ha, whats that? Just kidding. I haven't pinned much lately since I have been out of the country for the last 2 1/2 weeks. But I should be pinning some new week night recipes and some crafts to do with the girls.

Watching. Grey's Anatomy (still love the show), The Family (so good, but so scary to think of this happening), Better Call Saul (just finished the season finale), Silicon Valley (love this show) and Gilmore Girls (on Netflix since I never watched it when it was on tv).

And that is what I have been up to when I am not traveling.