A Little bit of this and a Little bit of that.

"The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants."

Johnny Depp

Hello, lovers!  If you are anything like me, well, you are secretly wishing Monday never happened.  Monday, Monday, Monday, as always you've won.  Monday-1, Renata-0.  This weekend flew by quicker than I can say Sasquatch.  Trust me, I am a fast talker.  We aren't complaining about the weekend in this house (well, maybe Ziggy is).   

Let us all take a moment to enjoy Ziggy Marley's hair-style.  Isn't he the cutest little chinky-eyed Maltese, ever?  I know, I know, I couldn't agree more.  He looks refreshed and renewed.  The Ziggles on-the-other-hand thinks otherwise.  If we are being honest here, well, Ziggy looks like an adorable Gremlin.  However, due to circumstances beyond our control, the fluff had to go.  I keep reminding him it will grow back.  I think he understands.  At least I hope he does.  In the meantime he is spending extra time in the sun where he is warm and cozy.  I don't blame him, do you?

Weekend, where are you?

xoxo  

Little Things I Love.

These are some of my favorite things...well, you know what I mean.  

/1./  Oh, my, nostrils.  This shampoo-shower gel-bubble bath has the most amazing scent I've ever encountered.  Cinnamon buns equates instant happiness.  I am currently using this as a body wash.  And, just as the bottle says, it is ultra-rich.  I feel as though I am lathering cream on my body.  Philosophy, you've done it again.  I am tempted to go back and buy the cinnamon buns lip gloss.  Win-win?  I think so.

/2./  Let me just put this out in the open.  I dislike shaving cream.  I think it is messy and it does not moisturize.  My mission has always been to find the best product to shave my legs.  Best product that is NOT shaving cream.  Therefore, the other day as I was walking down the several aisles at Target and came across this baby moisture wash it finally hit me.  How did I not think of this sooner?  This my friends is the absolute perfect substitute for shaving cream.  Shaving cream adios.  Johnson's baby moisture wash exceeded all my expectations.  It lathers, it moisturizes, and it smells like baby heaven.  

/3./  OPI's Russian Navy will most definitely be a monthly occurrence in the manicure department.  The photo truly does not do it justice.  It is a rich navy blue with a hint of purple.  In one word it is fabulous.  I am a lover of all colors dark.  The darker, the better.  This is the color currently adorning my pretty manicured hands.  I almost love it more than the color black, almost.  The next time you get a manicure ask for OPI Russian Navy.  Oh, come on, just do it!

/4./  My heart beats a little faster at the thought of wearing this black, floppy hat.  From the very first moment my eyes hit this hat I knew it had to be mine.  It flops in the just the most perfect way.  I am a hat kinda girl.  I'd were hats all the time were it socially acceptable.  I am crossing my fingers for cooler weather.  The minute the temperature drops I am taking this bad girl out.  Eh, who am I kidding, cool weather or not, this is going to be THE accessory in my wardrobe this season.  

/5./ I am love, love, love, loving this Initial R Charm bracelet by Alex and Ani.  My birthday is in November, in case you are wondering.  The obsession with the Initial R has taken over my life.  Initial R necklace, Initial R earring, Initial R errrthang.  This is definitely on my 'I want it now' list.  How can I convince the husband to buy me this?

If I have one suggestion for you this weekend, well, it would be to go out and buy yourself the Philosophy Cinnamon Buns body wash, kick back, and relax.  Happy Saturday!

xoxo

Good night, Friday.

"You had me at Friday"

Merry Friday!  After quite possibly the longest week of my life, the weekend is finally here.  Finally.  Even after eight hours of sleep I woke up exhausted.  Have you ever tried to open your front door with your car keys?  From the inside?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  This morning I did just that.  I walked up to the door, keys in hand, pressed the button and waited.  Dude, I waited.  I'm not exactly sure what I expected to happen.  What was I thinking?  Let me go back to sleep!

I took a step back, looked up at the door, said a quick thank you for the absence of witnesses, and walked out the door.  For the greater part of my day all I did was daydream of a big bed with a thousand pillows.  I cannot fathom the reason I am still awake.  Well, honestly, I just needed to share this video.  Have I mentioned how much I love Joseph Gordon Levitt?  I haven't?  Well, I do.  His 'Nicki Minaj' number was the absolute cutest thing ever.  I'd choose him over Brad Pitt any-day-of-the-week.  True story. 

Without further ado, I present to you, the best lip synch battle I've seen this week.  I may have to convince my friends to play this game.  Any takers?  

Whatever it is that you are doing on this Friday evening, do it happily and with love.    I for one prefer spending Friday night in my pajamas.

Good night!

xoxo

#throwbackthursdaysaywhat

"Kid, you'll move mountains."

Dr. Seuss

Things are too exhausting around these parts to think of anything creative to write.  Therefore, today you are privy to Little Renata.  Aren't you lucky?  Oh, yes you are.  Personally, I adore the idea of 'throwback Thursday'.  In my opinion I think it is important to know the person completely.  Past, present, and hope to be in their future.  Perhaps that is just me.  However, I enjoy the glimpse into a life I never knew.  I revel in the idea that once before, long ago, this is where you started.  

These photos are just a small part of the little person I was.  A little fashionista from early on.  And, look at those bangs. They almost make me want to try that bangin' style once again. I was a spit-fire.  I was a force to be reckoned with.  Trust me, don't let that cute face fool ya.  

I also swore I was a model.  For days on end I would hope and pray that I would one day be tall enough to be the next Cindy Crawford.  Obviously, that did not happen.  Clearly, I am not even close to Cindy Crawford status.  Eh, what can ya do?  You can't win them all.  

Have a happy Thursday!

I'm throwin' it back and I'm not ashamed, holla!

xoxo

I want it now.

"The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter." 

Paulo Coelho

When I want something, I want it now.  I do not want to wait five months, five weeks, five days, nor five hours.  I want it now.  Which is weird considering I am very patient in my professional life.  In my personal life?  Not so much.  At this very moment I want something badly.  I want it so much it pains me.  Yet, the more I want it, the further it is from my reach.  The further it is from my reach, the more I want it.  It is a crazy, vicious cycle.

The more sane part of me thinks, "Renata, be patient, it will happen, just give it time."  However, I am not sane, nor am I patient.  Being impatient?  Now that I am good at.  Actually, I am great at being impatient.  I want something and I want it now.  Is it really too much to ask for?

I sit and watch as others take for granted what I so badly want.  It just isn't fair.  Sure, it sounds immature.  Sure, it sounds like I am being a child.  Yes, I understand that the world isn't fair.  Yet, I can't help it.  I can't help it.  I have spent so much time being an adult, being mature, and I am over it.  

For once I am just going to allow myself the freedom to feel how I want.  And, right now I am angry.  I am mad.  I am irate.  I am pulling a Veruca Salt and I could care less what anyone has to say.

xoxo

I am feeling Fall'tastic!

"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." 

Henry James

Be kind.  Such a simple concept, isn't it?  Yet, so many of us go about our day without doing a single kind thing.  Trust me, I get it.  We have bad days, we are only human.  Now, a bad day is not an excuse to be unkind, is it?  No, it most certainly is not.  There are individuals fighting a much harder battles than ours.  There are individuals whose life are much more difficult and yet they still manage to smile, to be filled with hope, and cheer.

I work for an amazing organization with an even greater mission to help the world at large.  Every day I am shown how fortunate I am.  Every day I find that I could, I should , be a little more grateful.  Therefore, I have made a conscious decision to be a little more kind to everyone.  You see, it doesn't take much.  It hardly takes anything at all.  Today I decided to do something extra kind.  You know, go out of my way to make someone other than me happy.

Our department is gearing up for the fourth quarter at work.  This means that meetings, upon meetings, upon meetings, are upon us.  That is where the goody bag idea came from.  I wanted to do something a little extra, something to bring a smile to each one of my co-workers.  It was simple.  Just a bag with pumpkin caramel latte hand sanitizer, some chocolate, and a card.  Upon handing out a goody bag for each one of the women, I looked up to face a room full of smiles, mission accomplished.  Their happiness was contagious.  It warmed my heart. 

I'm cheesy, I know.  I am a big, big, big, ball of cheese and I love it.  Here is to a fall'tastic week!  Oh, and if you are wondering, yes, I used fall'tastic in those cute little cards, boom!

xoxo

The Problem with Sunday.

"Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless." 

Bill Watterson

I really do have an issue with Sunday.  I know, there are times where I can't understand it myself.  How can anyone in their right mind dislike Sunday?  Well, to be completely honest, the relationship I have with Sunday is more like love/hate.  I love that I am able to sleep a little later than usual, I love that I get to hang around in my pajamas all day, if I really want to, I love that the only thing on the agenda (normally) is that I get to spend time with my husband and my doggy.  Then we have our Sunday afternoon tradition of grilling steaks and eating them over pleasant conversation.  It truly is a wonderful thing.  

Then we have the hate part of the equation.  Well, maybe it should be an ardent dislike, I am trying to be more positive (which includes taking words like 'hate' out of my day-to-day vocabulary).  I really dislike that the next day is Monday.  When I say dislike, well, I mean I passionately dislike the fact that Monday comes after Sunday.  I am a true believer of incorporating three day weekends as a part of the American work culture.  I dislike the fact that no matter what I do, I can't fall asleep on Sunday night.  Which to me is torture.  If there is anything worst than a hungry Renata, it would be a tired Renata.  I have come to associate Sunday with sleeplessness and anxiety.  I lay in bed, close my eyes, and make a true attempt to get comfortable.  No luck.  I toss and turn all-night-long.  It is either too hot or too cold.  It is never perfect.  I dislike Sunday night.

I've yet to pinpoint the exact cause for my Sunday night sleeplessness.  However, I am beginning to think that it must be caused by the amount of nothing I usually do.  Like I said before, I don't schedule many social outings for Sunday.  It is our day to regroup, relax, and rejuvenate.  Which is most likely the cause of my inability to fall asleep; I am already too relaxed.  It must be due to my lack of being tired, right? Whatever the cause, I am ready for a solution.  It cannot always be this bad, can it?  I must not be the only individual with Sunday Night Insomnia, am I?  Please say it isn't so!

There you have it, my personal issue with Sunday.  Sunday, it is you, not me.

xoxo

Ipsy Glam Bag, boom!

_Ipsy Glam Bag September 2013 Edition_

“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting” 

Andy Warhol

I admit it, I have betrayed the Birchbox.  A few months ago I raved about how amazing the little box known as the Birchbox was.  Yes, I did in fact believe that the Birchbox was the Cat's Meow.  I was a Birchboxer until I saw the light.  I was randomly perusing blogs and came across an individual who had amazing things to say about the Ipsy Glam Bag.  Immediately I went over to Ipsy to find out more.  That very instant I canceled my Birchbox and signed up for Ipsy.  The waiting process was complete torture for someone as impatient as me.  Finally, this Saturday the husband tossed a shiny pink package on the sofa and as soon as I realized what it was my day was made.  I am a sucker for getting mail, what can I say.  It is my very first Ipsy bag, so, I don't have much to compare it to.  However, I love it. Also, like the Birchbox the Ipsy Glam Bag is ten dollars a month.  In my opinion, it is ten dollars worth spent!

So, in the September Ipsy Glam Bag we have:

/1./ Elizabeth Mott 'It's So Big Volumizing Mascara: I tried this out yesterday when I went out to lunch with the husband.  I can't say it is the best mascara my eye lashes have ever seen, however, it did its job.  My eye lashes looked full and voluminous, what more can I ask for?

/2./ NYX 'Single Eye Shadow': I received the shade known as 'Fantasy'.  It is a shimmery bronze color which I am pretty excited for.  It goes hand in hand with the shadow I am currently using, Bare Minerals 'Nude Beach'.  

/3./ Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil by Starlooks: This eye liner went on super smooth.  At first I was like, "yay", this is awesome.  However, as the hours progressed it didn't look as great.  

/4./ Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil by Chella:  I haven't tested out this bad boy yet.  However, if I were to judge from all the amazing reviews it has been given, I don't think I will be disappointed.  I'll let you know how it goes!

/5./ Pouty Pop Crayon by POP Beauty: My Pouty Pop Crayon was the Rose Romance.  It is almost a nude color which looks great for a pretty casual look.  I tried this on yesterday for an afternoon out on the town and I can't wait to use it again.  I think it will be perfect for those days where I'm looking for a more toned down look.  This was a win!

Oh, and let's not forget about the cute little pouch my goodies came in.  I think the little bag is adorable and is perfect to carry my chapstick and lipstick.  Plus, now every month I'll be able to switch it out for a new one, score.  I can't wait to see what next month has in store for me!  Oh, and Ipsy>Birchbox, the end!

xoxo

The things making my heart go thump!

"Enjoy the Little Things"

Woo, Hoo!  It is Thursday.  Ya know, making it one step closer to Friday.  Can I get a Woot! Woot!  And a heck yes!  Okay, I am done.  Here are a few things that are making my heart swoon these last few weeks.  Prepare yourself, these are uh-mazing.  Shall we begin?  Well, here we go...

/1/. MACs 'Girl About Town'.  This color is the bomb diggity my friends.  I find that as I get a little older, I become more and more obsessed with lipstick.  As in I have way too many to ever admit, I get it from my momma.  'Girl About Town' is my absolute favorite right now.  If you are a fan of pink, this is for you.  Trust.

/2/. I have always had a love affair with the original Burberry perfume.  It represents all that I love.  However, my wallet is not necessarily a fan of the price tag.  Ya know what I mean?  Fast forward to the moment in which I spray Jessica Simpson's 'Fancy Love', oh-em-gee.  Can you say mega flash back?  It isn't Burberry, yet, the resemblance is uncanny.  I can almost pretend that I am holding the Burberry bottle in my hand, almost.  My wallet is happy and my nose is happy, win! win!

/3/.  The other day I found myself in 'Charming Charlie' during my lunch period.  My eyes glanced over to the right and there it was, the perfect leopard print scarf.  Did I mention it is perfect?  Yes, it is perfect.  I am slightly obsessed in the sort of way where I want to where it every-single-day.  My next leopard print purchase?  Leopard pumps.  

/4./ I have super sensitive skin.  Combine sensitive skin with laziness and you have a problem.  My make-up remover process needs to be three minutes or less.  It needs to be three minutes or less and not cause me to break out like a fourteen year old teenage girl.  These handy-dandy cleansing wipes do just that.  And they have this unique scent about them which I love.  They smell super-di-duper clean and I love it.

/5./ Clearly there was something seriously wrong with me back in 1998, I mean, how could I not have watched 'Felicity'.  What in the world was I thinking?  This show is phenomenal.  Amazing.  Awesome.  It doesn't hurt that it is in one of my favorite cities in the entire world.  Everything about this show screams, "Love me! Love me!"  And love it I have.  It may be too soon to say since I have not finished the first season.  However, Felicity Porter may just be my favorite character in the history of all characters.  I am filling my spare time with Felicity, Ben, Noel, Elena, and Julie.  I am a sucker for those love triangles.  And have I mentioned how fabulous the dialogue is?  Well, it is fabulous.   I mean what kind of show has quotes like this, "I guess we all have our own war stories, but they're meant to be shared, they have to be, because these stories, they're what bring us together, and... they keep us alive."  Yeah, no show.  So, do yourself a favor and watch Felicity.

What are some of the things you are loving these past few weeks?  Sharing is caring ;)

Good night!

xoxo

A Trip to the Grocery Store.

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants." 

Karl Lagerfeld

Lately I have been obsessed with buying magazines.  When I say obsessed, I mean, crazy-girl-can't-keep-her-hands-off-the-glossy-pages-obsessed.  Every trip I make to the grocery store I leave with a magazine.  Scratch that, every trip I take to a place where magazines are sold I leave with a magazine.  Houston, I think we may have a problem.  I just can't help myself.  Those shiny pages call out to me.  In my defense I intend on using them for research.  Ya know, research for becoming a more savvy fashionista.  Well, a fashionista on a budget.  Don't get me wrong, I would love to splurge on a $300 dollar skirt, yet, somehow I just-can't-do-it.  So, I look to Glamour, Marie Claire, Allure, and In Style for inspiration.  And, it works out well, for me and my wallet.  

And, I have tons of reading material for those days where flipping through a magazine is just what the doctor ordered.    

xoxo           

Ziggy Marley the Fur Baby.

"Happiness is a warm Puppy."

Charles M. Schulz

Ziggy Marley was only four months old when this photograph was taken.  He was the fluffiest of fluffy puppies.  THE FLUFFIEST!  The way he would waddle as he followed me through the house warmed even the coldest of hearts.  He was a puppy dream.  For the first two years of his life he lived in a house filled constantly with chaos.  That fluff ball was never alone.  It did not matter what time of day it was, he was always in the company of a human being.  Ziggy Marley was spoiled rotten since day one.  However, the day Felipi and I got married his little world was rocked.

Our little pup went from spending every waking moment with someone to pamper him, to being left alone for a little over eight hours a day (Momma has to work).  The worst part?  We couldn't leave him loose in the apartment.  Why?  Because the Ziggles is a vindictive little munchkin.  The times we left him to roam around always led to catastrophe.  It was his way of showing he was angry, mad, completely offended that he was alone.  You may not believe me, but Ziggy Marley suffered separation anxiety.  Yet, what could we do?  

Then we bought our house.  Ziggy Marley was homesick.  For the first few days he would whine, and whine, and whine.  All day and all night.  It was horrible.  Again we tried leaving him loose in the house while we worked.  And, again, this proved to be a massive failure.  Unfortunately, Ziggy needs structure and rules.  Otherwise, he takes out his feelings on our rugs.  When I say takes out his feelings, I mean he poops on the rugs, every-single-time.  He just doesn't think he should be left alone, he's a stubborn one that Ziggy.  There are times where I just don't think it is fair to him that eight hours a day he is left all by his lonesome.  Then, I realize that Mr. Ziggy has no sense of time.  Five minutes, fifteen minutes, two hours, it is all the same.  And, when I come home and see that fluffy tail wagging, I know he forgives me.

So, every morning I let him loose for five minutes and say to him, "Ziggles, Momma needs to work, I mean, who else is going to buy your food?".  He stares back at me with those black eyes, wet nose, wagging tail, and I know he understands.  Then I do what I always do, I tell him to go to his bed, put up the baby gate, and walk away.  My husband has started leaving the radio on for him to listen to during our hours away.  I think he likes this, because there is less barking and more tail wagging when I come home.  

Ziggy Marley is a brat.  He barks at everything, he paws at you like a cat, and he demands his presence be noticed.  I swear he thinks he is royalty.  And no matter how many times I ask him to not make a mess, he does it anyway.  Hopefully my human children will be more obedient, hopefully.

xoxo

Have our paths crossed?

"When two people meet, each one is changed by the other so you've got two new people." 

John Steinbeck

We are inextricably connected to all the individuals we meet.  Every-single-one-of-them.    There is no such thing as an insignificant moment.  There is no such thing as an insignificant encounter.  Each meeting, each conversation, each smile, they are all of consequence.  From the stranger you exchanged a glance with, to the boy you  shared a kiss with, once upon a time.  It all matters.

There was once a time where I pleaded with my heart to just let go.  It is so much easier to let go, isn't it?  To forget all the memories, to simply shut out those individuals that caused you so much hurt.  Well, I don't feel like that anymore.  It matters.  Even the hurt, the pain, the tears.  In the grand scheme of things, all those bits of your life matter.  The consequential and the inconsequential, every second holds weight in the journey of your life.

Which leads me to this glorious evening.  For a good five minutes I sat staring at the computer screen.  Staring into the glare of my reflection.  And, the same resounding thought came to me, as it always does.  Am I thought of as much as I think of others?  Right now, is there someone, somewhere, thinking about whether or not he or she has crossed my mind?  And, if you need an answer, then yes, they have.  I think of all the lives I have somehow touched.  I think of all the lives that have touched mine.

This photograph seems like a lifetime ago.  I admit, I am horrible at keeping in touch.  It is quite shameful at times, to be honest.  Yet, not a moment goes by when I don't sit and think of each and every one of you.  I imagine the moments we shared, close my eyes, and smile.  I hold each of you like a memory of a wonderful and beautiful summer, tucked away safely in the corner of my heart.  My life was  forever changed in our chance encounter.  It was made fuller, greater, better.  

So, the next time you meet someone, remember, you could be exactly what their soul is looking for.

xoxo 

On a Friday.

"The universe may not always play fair, but at least it's got a hell of a sense of humor."

Carrie Bradshaw

Source

Welcome Friday, welcome!  I have been waiting desperately for your arrival.  When you are sick the days seem to go by excruciatingly slow, tick-tock-tick-tock.  And, when I thought the worst was over, congestion slaps me right in the face, holy sinuses.  Hello stuffy nose.  Hello scratchy voice.  Goodbye easy breathing.  Being sick blows.  Being sick and going to work?  Oh, well that is just a fiesta.

You know what I enjoy when I am not feeling well?  A Sex and The City marathon.  I just love being carried away.  I may or may not have watched the same episode six, seven, twenty times in a row.  And, guess what?  I'd watch them a hundred times more.  Sex and The City is a staple of a time I look back with warm fondness.  A time where life was easy, not better, not worst, just easy.  Those were the days where I would crave noise, chaos, and crowds on a Friday.  These days I yearn for silence, peace, and Felipe.  My, oh my, how things have changed.  

On this particular Friday night?  I want the couch and a little soiree with Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda.  Oh, Felipe and Ziggy can join too.  I am taking this weekend to renew and rejuvenate.  This girl needs her rest, and maybe her vitamin C.  What are your weekend plans?  Whatever you decide make it a super-di-duper one (yes, I just went there).

xoxo

  

Hunter Green Errthangg!

"Forget the Rules.  If you Like it, Wear it"

You may not know this about me, but I do actually use 'errthangg' in my vocabulary.  True story.  Something else you may not know?  I am a closet fashionista.  Though I would never attempt a go at a fashion blog (I'm not good with the whole picture taking thing) I like to dress as if I am going to a fashion show (most of the time).  However, I am so obsessed with Hunter Green that I could not hold back my feelings.  I must share with anyone and everyone my sick obsession.  This Fall I am going to make Hunter Green my bish.  For real.

Just look at all that green goodness.  I cannot wait for the next person to ask me if I am 'going green'.  I just want to scream out, "Damn straight."  My mother is an amazing crochet artist.  AMAZING!  You see that Hunter Green cowl?  Well, it is going on my momma to-do-list.  Those nails?  I may just have that as a manicure from now until next summer.  I am also loving that Dooney and Burke bucket bag.  IN LOVE! To be honest, I have always had a love affair with the color green.  Always.  Hunter Green just takes the cake.  

So, this Saturday when I go get my usual mani/pedi you better believe I will be walking out of there with Hunter Green nails.  I have to start somewhere, might as well be with my nails.  And, the other week I saw the cutest Hunter Green pouch at Forever 21 for only $12.99.  Silly me decided not to get it (I was obviously not feeling like myself) and now I am kicking myself in the butt.  I am saying a little prayer, and crossing my fingers that it will still be there upon my return.  Probably not, but a girl can dream, right?

Oh, and let me be perfectly clear.  I do not intend on wearing all those Hunter Green items at one given time.  Well, maybe my nails will coordinate, but, that is just because I don't think I can part with a Hunter Green mani.  Besides the nails, I would not attempt an all Hunter Green ensemble.  For one you are not a Leprechaun, and secondly, it is not St. Patrick's day (even then you are pushing it).  If you are lucky I may get a picture or two of my Hunter Green inspired wardrobe this Fall, maybe.  This Fall what color are you itching to wear?  Whatever color inspires you, wear it loud and proud!

xoxo

A Sick Girl's Essentials.

Source

Last Thursday I awoke with a funky soreness in my throat.  I thought nothing of it and went about my day.  Come Sunday night and bam!  One o'clock in the morning rolled around and my husband wakes me up by saying, "Babe, babe, you are shaking uncontrollably, are you okay?"  Apparently, I was not okay.  Apparently, I had a fever.  So, I did something I refuse to do under normal circumstances; I took some cold medicine and went back to bed.  Monday morning rolled around and I had the full-blown flu.  Lucky me!  So, I toughed it out on Monday and took Tuesday off to rest.  While I lay on the couch I had an epiphany.  When you are sick there are certain things you absolutely must have.  You know, kind of like a 'Sick Girl's Essentials'.  Don't worry I am willing to share.  

1.) The first thing you MUST do is take a warm shower and put on a pair of clean and comfortable pajamas.

2.) Bring your pillows and a blanket and make a cozy spot on your favorite part of the couch.

3.) Arrange an area on your coffee table to set all your necessary sick girl items.  My must have items include: EOS chapstick, a box of tissues (preferably the tissues that smell like Vicks VapoRub), Bath & Body Works' warm vanilla sugar hand sanitzer (disinfect those germy hands), Bath & Body Works' moonlight path lotion (moisturize those hands after all that hand sanitzer), a thermometer, and a glass full of water.

4.) Make yourself, or have someone,  make you a batch of soup.  My favorite?  My crazy concoction of chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, northern beans, onions, garlic, kale, and noodles soup.  It sounds weird, but dudes, it helps.  Trust.

5.) Keep that echinacea tea, lemon, and honey on standby.  You never know when you'll need a natural kick of germ fighting herbs.

6.) Find a television show that you can watch various back-to-back episodes.  I decided that I would finally watch 'Felicity'.  Why didn't I watch this show when it first came out?  Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking.  It is the bomb.  Felicity and I could be soul sisters, ya dig?

7.) DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE MOVE OUT OF THAT COMFY SPOT ON YOUR COUCH.  Stay there all day long, only get up to use the restroom, refill your glass of water, and fill your bowl with soup.

8.)  Be kind to yourself.  Be kind to your body.  Be kind to your soul.  Just let your body rest.

9.) Have a sick-time buddy.  Ziggles, I heart your little fluffy self.  I know, I know, we are definitely team Noel ;)

10.) Lastly, make sure you have absolutely awesome friends who will send you lots and lots of "get well soon" text messages.  I have the best of friends.  I am feeling very loved.

And, this morning I went to work.  I am not feeling one hundred percent, however, considering the way I felt Monday and Tuesday, today is a great improvement.  We don't ever want to be sick, I know.  Yet, having these little rules with you next time the little bug comes around will ease the pain, I promise.  Just in case, stock up on Emergen-C, flu season is just around the corner!

xoxo

Renata Untangled: Part Deux

“I like flaws and feel more comfortable around people who have them. I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.” 

Augusten Burroughs

Today is the day.  You know, the second part of 'Renata Untangled'.  You sensed this would be a good day, didn't you?  Surprisingly, this is much more difficult than I had originally expected.  So, here we go.

1.)  If it were possible I'd eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  What can I say, I'm a dessert kind of girl.

2.)  I wear very little make-up on a daily basis.  However, I can't go without blush, ever.

3.)  I am still a sucker for young adult novels.  I'm not sure I'll ever get past this.  Am I embarrassed?  Nope, not at all.

4.)   I don't have a favorite color.  I don't have a favorite movie.  I don't have a favorite song.  Basically, I do not have favorites.  I may really, really, really like something, however, I'd never say it was my favorite.  I guess I just can't commit.  I must keep my options open.

5.)  As a young child I used to hate the beach.  The idea of having sand stuck to my entire body made me cringe.  I loved the water, I loved collecting sea shells, but I hated the sand.

And, that concludes the second installation of getting to know Renata.  I can only imagine how entertaining it must be to learn random facts about a complete stranger.  I know, I know, awesome!  Stick around, you never know when one of these posts will pop up.

xoxo

Renata Untangled.

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth."

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

It is almost impossible to get a well-written post on Saturday and Sunday.  Unless of course I am feeling particularly inspired.  Which has not been the case these last few weeks.  Actually, it isn't lack of inspiration, it is more like the overabundance of laziness.  Yes, my name is Renata and laziness takes over me at about 5:01 PM on Friday.  What is a girl to do?  So, therefore, in order to make a serious attempt at the 'one-post-a-day' I am going to do the easiest thing there is in the blogging world:  I am going to talk about myself!  Aren't you lucky!  And, to make it super fun (yes, I use the word super on the reg) I am going to break it down into two parts.  I know, I know, you are so welcome.  Here goes nothing...

1.) I could never pick between Biggie or Tupac.  Nope, sorry, I just cannot do it.  East Coast?  West Coast?  Why can't we all just get along, peace and love, that is what I'm about.

2.)  I am ridiculously stubborn.  You know that really stubborn friend you have?  Well, I make that friend look like a cute little puppy.  Just ask my mother.  

3.)  There are only two men in my life that have heard me say 'I love you'.  My husband being one of them.  No, this does not include family.  

4.)  I am not a huge fan of American chocolate (Hola, my name is Renata, I am a chocolate snob).  However, if you offer me a snickers, I won't say no.  Dude, it is chocolate, I never say no to chocolate.  I eat chocolate like it is my job.  Can it be my job?

5.)  When I was in high school I would buy a plain bagel with cream cheese almost every-single-morning.  My bagel obsession even earned me the nickname "Bagel Girl".  I was unaware of this moniker until I dated one of the boys who coined it.  Hey, it could have been worst.  Trust me, it could always be worst.

And if you didn't know, well, now you know.  Tomorrow Part Deux.  Stay tuned!

xoxo

It is so nice to see you...

"Today I am Excited About Everything"

Source

It is Friday.  Can I get an AMEN!  Let me just tell you that this week has been the longest shortest week of my young life.  You see the photograph of that cute little primate below?  That would be an accurate description of how I am feeling at this very moment.  At least he looks cute while drooling, right?  My thoughts exactly.  Don't get me wrong.  I do not always wish time away (unless it is Monday morning, then I'm wishing it is Friday).  However, these last few days have been rough.  Let me break it down for ya.  Imagine an enormous yellow school bus has run you over.   Now, imagine that enormous yellow school bus hits the brakes and then reverses to hit you one more time.  Jackpot!  

Friday, my heart goes pitter patter when I know you are approaching.  It is the indicator of freedom.  Freedom for one night and two whole days.  Friends, make today an unforgettable day.  Turn this weekend into a positive one.  Call that friend you've been missing.  Hug your loved ones a little tighter.  Breathe in the hope that a new day brings.  Remember, once again you are given a clean slate, make the most of it.

xoxo