{Wish} List.

Wow, as of late, I have been racking up a huge wish list of things that I want, but of course do not NEED. blah blah blah. So here goes...

First things first:
A 'professional' camera... I'm dying to have one of these- our current camera is just a small digital one, which is nice, but I want one that has good zoom ability and just overall has better quality!

Next:
Now that we are moving into a new apartment with two 'living' rooms, Justin and I are looking for a new couch, as well as to kind of update our look. I found this at a local store for a great price, plus the colors are perfect! I'm going to have to head out shopping to make sure it's as comfortable as it looks!

Third:


I've been eying this French Connection dress for a few weeks now, one of these days I'll just splurge. If I had an occasion/excuse to wear it, I'd for sure get it...

And last, but certainly not least, (and not actually the last thing on my list- just the last thing I'm going to post today...)

Stinking Garth Brooks tickets!! Holy smokes- these things are impossible to get!! But I WILL get them and I will LOVE every second of it!!

to all my {family} & {friends}...

gorgeous.

While I wasn't too impressed with Kate's dress and hair at the Golden Globes, I thought this dress was amazing and her hair was beautiful!

Young {Love}

ahh... so refreshing!

Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles...

...A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...

...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...

...Green stoplights on your way to work...

...The fastest line at the grocery store...

...A good old sing-a-long song on the radio...

...Your keys found right where you left them...

(unknown)

{Classy}&{Fabulous}

"A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous."

Coco Chanel

I Wanna go on {Vacation}

Even though my life is like a vacation, for some reason I have this incessant itch to go on a vacation. Maybe Justin and I will have to take a quick road trip sometime soon... Maybe we'll head to Lake Tahoe, LA, or even Mt. Charleston or Lake Las Vegas, just to get away...

a.wonderful.weekend.

As I mentioned, my parents decided to drive up from Scottsdale this past weekend for a quick visit. They arrived Saturday around 1:00 p.m. with Mr. Nash in tow. After a crazy reunion between the dogs, we headed over to Justin and I's new apartment to show my parents. Later that night, we decided to go walk around the new casino/condo area, City Center, and scope it out. Our overall impression was not so good- we got lost, it was dark- no signs, confusing, HUGE, and just inconvenient to do or get anywhere. Once we finally made our way OUT of the casino, we headed over to the Paris hotel to find some dinner! Justin and I had this burger place we'd been meaning to try, so we decided to go there- Le Burger Brasserie. After dinner we decided to go to a movie and the one that worked best time-wise for us was 'Extraordinary Measures.' Although it was kind of slow moving, overall it was a good movie.

Sunday we got up early and went out for breakfast and then headed to the strip again in an unsuccessful attempt to get Garth Brooks tickets! [I'm still fuming mad that we didn't get any]. After being told to go to the wrong place and waiting in line for 3 hours, we decided to give up because our chances looked pretty bleak. BUT, we did learn a lot and now we know all the secrets and tricks, so we're going to attempt to get them again at the end of Feb. for his next show. [I <3 Garth Brooks]

After our disappointing morning, we headed back towards our place and hit up the casino right by our house to play a little blackjack. After losing a combined $600 (daddy's money, thankfully!) in an hour, we caught on that the cards weren't in our favor today. Which was only to be evident later on, when we watched the Vikings lose. Justin is still moping around about that. Oh well, there's always next year!

Finally, all good things have to come to an end, and mom and dad left early Monday morning- dad wanted to get back in time to golf.

Thanks for a great weekend mom and dad- I love you!!!

Last{Minute}Visit!

Yahh!! I'm so excited... I just got word that my parents and Mr. Nash are driving down from Scottsdale to visit Justin and I for the weekend!! We've been begging them to come for weeks now and they're finally obliging! The only bad thing is that it all happened so fast, I haven't had time to prepare, i.e., figure out what we should all do, what restaurants to eat at, what shows to see. It's overwhelming trying to figure it out all in such a short period, but I think I'll live! :) Emma is just going bonkers waiting for her boyfriend to get here too! 5 hours 'til there here!! In the meantime: CLEANING! :)



(Nicki's not coming this trip- he's coming end of March!)

Book Report...

As I previously posted, I was reading the book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain," which I just finished this morning! Overall, I thought it was a really enjoyable book. The concept was very interesting (it is written from the family dog's perspective); however, it only further encouraged my thinking that Emma Joy does indeed think and comprehend things like a human does. It really does make me wonder what do dogs really know, think about, and comprehend?!

I give it an 'A' for an enjoyable read!

{Singing} in the {Rain}

Whoa Baby! The weather in Vegas (and on the whole west coast) has been outrageous lately!! For the past 4 nights this week, it's been pouring down rain! While I tend to enjoy the typical 60's and sunny weather we get here in Vegas, I am kind of enjoying this MN-fall-like weather we are getting!

I actually <3 rain!

{Decisions}Decisions...

It's hard to believe that Justin and I have been living in Vegas for almost 6 months already, well almost 5 technically, but I'm planning ahead, so it seems like 6! Since we didn't get to come down to visit before actually moving here, we just signed a 6 month lease at a recommended apartment complex located conveniently RIGHT (literally) next to Justin's work, a 1 minute walk for him. While this convenience has been nice for him, we aren't too impressed with our actual apartment, so we've been looking to 'upgrade,' if you will. For me, I HATE, living in a place where other people have lived and I can never feel at 'home' in such places. Thus, I set out to find a brand new apartment/condo/townhouse, still located by Justin's office. Not only because it's nice to get by with one car, but also because we really do like the area we are in (it's so close to EVERYTHING, restaurants, target, groceries, etc.) And guess what?!?! Lucky for us, there is a brand new, openning in March 2010 (right when we need it!) apartment complex going up just down the road!! I'm so excited and can't wait to go see it this Saturday for it's open house! I'm hoping I won't be disappointed! I'll keep you posted!

Another big decision we are making at this time is whether or not to get a new puppy!! We've been talking about getting a big dog for awhile now, but we aren't allowed to have one in our current apartment. Now that our lease will be up, and our 'future' apartments do allow big dogs, we are considering sneaking one in for the remainder of our current lease, getting it potty trained and everything before we move into our new place. [plus we are both too impatient to wait much longer!] But, the big decision is, what kind of dog do we get?! It's a tie between a German Shepherd, Golden Retriever [my choice], and a Labrador Retriever [Justin's choice]. Any recommendations/suggestions?
Will you be my new Mommy?!?!

I Try...

For the {Love} of Shoes.

Write About Your Relationship...

Take a minute each week to write down your deepest thoughts and feelings about your relationships, it boosts your chances of staying together by more than 20 percent!! It results in using more positive language when speaking to each other, which leads to a healthier and happier relationship.

-Elle Magazine

A {Star} Performance

Last night Hollywood's award season was in full force as the Golden Globes brought together some of the most famous stars! While the speeches were a little lazy and got lengthy at times (sans Robert Downey Jr.'s, my favorite <3),>

Here are my awards for 2 categories: best dress and best overall appearance.

Best Dress: Toni Collette in Carolina Herrera

Best Overall Appearance: Sandra Bullock looked radiant!

And, of course, my all-time favorite celebrity of the night, with the best acceptance speech: Robert Downey Jr.

{GOoOoO} Vikings!!

For anyone who has an avid Vikings fan in their home [for me, it's my husband], you know that this is a B-I-G weekend for them! The first weekend of playoffs...Yippee [In a fake, sarcastic tone]. You know what that means- the whole weekend will be dedicated to watching football, rooting against our enemies, and trying to avoid a nervous breakdown [for Justin, that is!]. While I am not a super fan, the potential for us to be in the Superbowl this year has gotten me a litle excited, and for Justin's sake, I am going to try and get into the games and enjoy them [we'll see how long it lasts...].

First up on the agenda for today: Root for the Saints to lose [mostly b/c Justin's boss loves them and Justin and him must have a bet going on about whose going to win]!

S-K-O-L Vikings!

Don't {Quote} Me...{Quote} Marilyn.

"I`m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle, but if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

- Marilyn Monroe

One Hand, Reaches Out...

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank

Help the victims of Haiti, and/or anyone in need today.

Here's ways you can help:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-americas/?gt1=43001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FuPOO1OdhM

{Ripple} Effects...

...Try it out for yourself, see what happens!

{Addendum}

In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned a new book I was going to start reading. While I am still planning on reading, "Mountain of Crumbs," I have pushed it back to my next one. Mom and I searched for it while we were at Target the other day to no avail, but I saw another book I've heard is good and decided to get that one instead (I was in desperate need of something for the plane ride home!)

My new book choice is called, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. So far, so good. It's an interesting twist on the typical 'pet story' as it is written from the persepective of the dog! I'll keep you updated as I finish it up!

Oh Happy Day...

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. ~John Wooden

Mr. & Mrs. Wolf

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle."

-Amy Bloom

This past weekend I was lucky enough to fly home to MN for my friends' [since preschool] wedding. The weekend, as short as it was, was jammed packed with memories!

Recap of the Memories:
**"Coach:" On Friday, mom and I headed out for a quick shopping trip, as I needed a dressy purse for the wedding. The 'memory' comes in as I was reminded how much cute stuff Coach has. Although it was a challenge for me, I managed to leave with ONLY what I went looking for: a dressy, black purse.

**"I Love BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwhiches & Tequila-berry Salad:" Friday night of course was the rehearsal dinner and as the personal attendant, I was only required to show up and eat [rough, I know!]. So I fulfilled my very first duty as a personal attendant and obliged. :) On the menu: Yummy pulled pork sandwhiches and unforgettable Tequila-berry salad ['Steven's' speciality I hear. I wonder if I can find the recipe?!]

**"See you at The Finish Line:" After the rehearsal dinner, I was ready to P-A-R-T-A-Y! And luckily, so were mom and aunt Sandy! :) So we headed of to the local town bars. My cousin Nicole met us and we all enjoyed ourselves. Although it was jamming (making conversation tricky), Nicole and I managed to have a good chat, while mom and Sandy had some good drinks! :)

**"It's much more relaxing when you're NOT the bride:" Saturday 1.09.10, it's the BIG day! Arrive at church at 10 a.m. Check! Help Brielle stay calm, get last minute details together, eat, and lace up dress. Check! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful sermon and see a beautiful bride. Check!
Brielle's Beautiful Dress!
Mom & Bride: When the Tears began!
**"Friends are Friends Forever:" Conveniently, Brielle's wedding was like a mini PHS Class of 2004 reunion, as there were a lot of our friends from high school there! A wedding is a perfect thing to go home for because you kill many birds with one stone and you get to see a lot of people at once! It was so nice to see these friends, catch-up, and dance together, I was sad to see the night end. Love you guys, see you soon!
"Der-Bear & I"

Our table at Dinner: from left, Tony, Bethany, Lauren, Jamisson, Maria, Derek, Me, Heidi, Matt
**"Some things Never Change:" Sunday was a day of traditions for mom and I. For the past 15+ years, it's been tradition for mom and I to go to a movie, lunch/dinner, and shopping when dad is gone. To relive this tradition, we headed to Arby's for a quick lunch [I am obsessed with the roast beef sandwhiches so this was my choice over anything else!!] and then rushed to the theater to see "Alvin & The Chipmunks, The Squweakel." Adorable!! I loved the first one and had to see the second one. It didn't disappoint! Finally, we rounded off the day with a shopping trip to good ol' Target, then headed home! Thanks for an awesome day and weekend mom, I miss those days!

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Wolf, and thank you for an awesome day!!

Ra-ra-ah-ah-ah/roma ro-ma-ma/Gaga

Listening {2} Now...

"I{am}...

...always on time. I grew up learning that early is on time, and on time is late."

-Carrie Underwood

Develop a {Gratitude} Attitude

00:59 SECONDS



DEVELOP THE GRATITUDE ATTITUDE
Latest brain science suggest that honing your mental facilities can actually change your brain and help you tame your moods.

List 3 things you are greatful for or that have gone well over the past week. This will significantly increase your happiness, optimism, and improve your physical health.

-Joseph Hooper, Elle Magazine

Books, Books, Books

One of my New Year's resolutions [although I'm not big on resolutions, I'm just attributing it to that] this year is to read more books (especially while I am not working, not only for entertainment, but to ensure that I do not get 'dumber' in my time off!). This means literature and history [no more Twilight or Gossip Girl, although I do love these books!]

"I'm Throwing on my Louboutins..."

Christian Louboutins

...for Valentine's Day?!

Hint, Hint Justin! Daddy?

{Raining} Love

Las Vegas has a total of under 4 in. of rain/year... yes, PER/YEAR! Which means there's over 300 days of sunshine in this beautiful state.

Today's temp: 65 F, forecast for the week: 58,59,61,61,61...

MN forecast for the week: 7, 2, 9, 16, 16, 20

Let me know if you want to come visit!

I prefer when it rains {love}. :)

What to wear?!

As mentioned in my previous post, I have a wedding this weekend... and of course, it is a girl's priority to look her best at a wedding, and luckily for me, I have an Anthropologie conveniently located within a mile from me {not so lucky for Justin :)} So I headed over this morning in a last minute panic to find the perfect outfit! While I tried on a few dresses, I wasn't too impressed, so I'm considering going for a different route - a skirt and dressy shirt. Of course, I have a few back-up dresses in mind, we'll see what my final decision is on Saturday!

Upcoming Weekend

Tonight I am flying back to {Snowy} Minnesota for the weekend to attend my friend since pre-school, Brielle's, wedding. Not only am I looking forward to spending time with momma, but I also always enjoy a good wedding, especially when it's someone so dear to my heart! I am also honored to be her personal attendant, so I am going to be ready and willing to do anything and everything she needs me to do in order to make her day just perfect! Here's to the future Mr. & Mrs. Tim Wolf!

{I wonder if she'll be so daring as to wear leapord print heels?!}

Change.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

-Maria Robinson

A New Start

This post is about a few new starts. Most obviously, this is a new blog for me, so that's the first. And more importantly, this new blog is intended to cover my very gigantic new start as of 4 months ago... marriage, move to Nevada, and a search for a job! While the first 2 have occurred, unfortunately, the third has yet to come true.

Please travel with me in the ups & downs of married life, life in Vegas, and the {never}ending jobhunt!