the ugly truth ♥

Can I just say how much this is a MUST SEE movie!? Go see it. So charming and it was a non stop laughing kind of movie. So many funny shockers! I loved it! ♥

CA Bound!

Here I am going to DL for the very first time in 2005. I was 23 years old. Who says you have to grow up?

The time has come! I will be LAX bound by the end of the week and I cannot contain my excitement! Well, you could just imagine...this is going to be such a BIG trip for us. Like I have said before, it is a big dream come true. eeeek!!! Hubby is already there for business. I dropped him off at the airport early this morning. I've already begun to pack, too.

But DL isn't the only place we will be going to. I have planned a pretty good itinerary. We will also be going to Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, the Ronald Reagan Library, Walt Disney Studios (you can't tour it, but I just want to see it.), Hollywood, California Adventure, Downtown Disney and having some delicious cuisines at Club 33 and Moonshadows in Malibu!

All that in just about 3 full days. As you can imagine, blogging from there will be very difficult. But rest assured I will be doing the next best thing by Tweeting, of course! If you're on there, you're just in luck. :)

Ahhh, sooo excited!!

I LOVE MACYS!!!

Isn't she a beaut?

Mr. and I went to Macy's to buy him a new shirt to wear for our special dinner at Club 33 in Disneyland. And, of course, you know that everytime I enter a Macy's it is my ritual to stop by the Martha Stewart collection. (you know, I'm devoted).

So any how, I stumbled upon the clearance section and what do I see? Her enamel cast iron casserole on sale. Then I see the "take an extra 40%" sign above. I couldn't believe it was true!!! So, I took it's little price tag and scanned it on their little price scanner thingy....and it read $35.99!!!!

"SHUT UP!", I thought! This thing is regularly $139! I've been wanting one of these cast irons since I got married. And each time I visit Macy's I salivate and beg Ronnie for one. But he always said "maybe next time". I hated him for it, but I loved him for it today!

In the end, I felt great because I was finally able to score one and in MS blue!!!

Hubby felt great because "he was right", yet again! :) (Ladies, you know what I am talking about, right?)

Oh yeah, and hubby was able to pick out a really nice shirt. At a great price, too!

I love Macy's!!!!

early birthday present?

The Steve Madden Trufle. I'm in love with these! so in love! if you know me, I'll wear these for like probably 10 minutes only. I am terrible at wearing any shoes with a heel higher than 3 inches. I always tend to buy these beautiful shoes, with a heel, and can never wear them longer than 10 min! LOL Either way, here I go again! I can't decide between the mustard or the black. Maybe an early birthday present for myself? Have to keep an eye out for a good deal. Especially if most probably wear these 10 minutes at a time. What do you think?

addicted

I need an intervention. Diet Coke is like a drug. Seriously. Once I am off it for a while and I get back to drinking it, it becomes an addiction and I can't quit. I recently purchased a case at Costco. I honestly think the migraines I got this week was from trying to quit this stuff. I was in pain for a whole 2 days. Has this ever happened to you?!

we all dream...

We all dream, right? Each and every one of us has goals and those things in life that we want to aspire to get or experience. If you know me, you know I have many "disney dreams". A bucket list you can say. I've had several come true, like a fantastic trip to Disneyland that I took with my best friend Jackie in 2005 to celebrate it's 50th anniversary. That was spectacular. Then, my dream of getting engaged and married to Ronnie. And he created a dream come true for me in the most special way that I never even imagined possible....inside Cinderella Castle with my ring in her slipper.

And now, I can't even believe what I am about to experience. This is a once in a lifetime experience. A Disney dream that I never even fathomed would be able to come true! What is it? Where is it? Well, it is the chance of a lifetime to dine in Club 33 in Disneyland!

WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?!

Ok, if you're not a Disney addict as I am, I will 'splain it to you. This is a very exclusive club located in New Orleans square just outside of the pirates of the caribbean ride. This is where "Walt Disney felt that a special place was needed where he could entertain visiting dignitaries and others in a quiet, serene atmosphere where superb cuisine and distinctive decor would complement one another." There is a special, almost hidden, door, the sign, and a bell to ring in the exclusive members. This is a money you can't buy experience because you can't even get a membership to this elite club- you have to know somebody who is a member and the members transfer from family to family, organization to organization, etc. And if you do want membership, there is a 3-5 year waiting list. And only about 500 members are currently in the club. No tours, sneak peaks, or visits are ever granted to this area of the park unless you are an invited guest of a member of club 33.

The closest I got to it was by taking a tour on that trip for the 50th. But we weren't allowed to go up to the restaurant. Just a teaser by going through the door and into the lobby area. As you can imagine, when I learned about it in there I got emotional. It was so special! Truly, truly magical.

Here we are on the "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour in Disneyland inside the lobby of Club 33. You take that special elevator (which has a story behind it) to the restaurant upstairs.

And ladies and gentlemen, we have been invited by one of Ronnie's business contacts in California! I know...what?! SHUT UP! I already bought a special dress. Ronnie's sport coat will be sent to the cleaners tomorrow. And I can't even describe my emotions about this right now. I just can't....I am on cloud 9. Or more like cloud 33!

we've been terrible nesters.

Apparently we're not the only nesters in our nest. Saturday ended up being a very sad day here on chestershire road.

While cleaning and airing out some towels out on the deck, I discovered a pre-mature baby bird lying dead and alone on the ground. I weeped and called the hubby to check it out. He began to wonder how in the world could that little baby bird end up where it did, which was on the corner side of our deck. When he looked up he realized there could possibly be a nest in our dryer vent!

"OHHH, GREAT!!! I HAVE THE DRYER ON!!!!", I yelled. Traumatized and worried, I ran as fast as I could to turn the dryer off.

Ronnie grabbed a latter and pulled out a beautiful little nest. He looked inside and didn't see any more birds. So, he threw it on the ground to get it out of the vent. He panicked and said "that could have caused a fire!" and I replied with "You're right! Or KFC for dinner!" (I was crying when I said that, BTW. I do have a heart!)

Anyways, to our surprise, though (this is horrible we know!), THERE WERE MORE BABY BIRDIES IN THE NEST! They were now down on the ground below in the garden where Ronnie dropped the nest!

Ronnie ran down as quickly as he could, and picked up the birdies to put them back in their nest. Ronnie was PALE AS A GHOST. He was mortified. Only 1 survived that fall. And from that point on it was all about the bird for another 3 hours. We watched and worried and hoped the parent would return.

Here's Ronnie trying to figure out where to lay the nest for the parent to return.

I called our local wildlife rehab center. I followed their directions. We waited for the parent to arrive and she did! She came to feed the little one that remained. And we sheltered it and did everything we could to save it.

But after we returned from dinner that evening, the last remaining birdie was not in her nest. We don't know what happened. And we were sad to see it wasn't there.

Can you believe this happened? Surely, this must happen all the time. But we are slowly still assimilating to the country life here of having all sorts of species in our backyard. (deers, grasshoppers, robins, bats in the summer, you get the picture!) We told the neighbors about it (who are native NCilians) and they shrugged and laughed at our attempt to save the little family!

I guess we're just amateurs. *sigh*

10 Things .....

Marta, over at My Big Fat Cuban Family, shared with us 10 things that make her smile. And she wanted us to share and comment about the 10 things that make us smile.

Marta, I have to admit, that finding your blog was one thing that really made me smile! It was one day after I recently moved to NC from Miami when I was feeling really home sick. I decided to search the internet for some Cuban recipes and read about Cuba when I found your super cool blog. This is something I must get from my father, who always made me listen to Radio Mambi in the car and tell me stories about Cuba. You see, my dad is first generation Cuban-American and if there's something he has always taught me is to never forget where my grandparents came from and to learn as much as I can about our family history. He's taught me to very proud. And I am. But, it wasn't until I finally got away from it all in Miami when I finally did. Is that strange? It may be. But I think many 2nd generations Cuban-Americans can relate. But, anyways, Marta, I just wanted to let you know that every time I read your blog it does make me smile because I feel even prouder to be Cuban-American after reading an entry. I tend to learn something new and believe it or not, so does my dad ,who I love to call and brag when I've told him something he didn't know. But most of all, those are the moments that really warm my heart....and make me smile! :) Your blog just makes me feel right at "home".

Overall, I am just a happy, go lucky type of girl, and there are a lot more things that make me smile! And with the help of my hubby, who knows me very, very, very well, I have compiled an official list of just 10. It was hard! So, in no particular order, I give you MY ten!

1. dessert

2. my husband

3. manis/pedis

4. listening to IN THE HEIGHTS

5. my familia

6. iphone/macbook

7. my home

8. my mom's cuban food

9. mickey mouse

10. my engagement/wedding pictures

Oh and lately, this has made me smile...just a little...OK A LOT! :) YES! YES! YES!!!!

So, lets spread the happiness and post your 10 ten things that YOU smile at your blog, Marta's blog or comment below.

recession beauty!

I've given in. To the recession that is. But mostly when it comes to my beauty needs! And during these times it is when you realize just how much money one throws out the door on the personal up-keeps. I may do more than most. I get manicures every week and pedicures every 2-3 weeks. I purchase name brand shampoos, conditioners, makeup, lotions, facial cleansers, you know name it! So, I've definitely changed my ways this summer (because I don't get another paycheck till Sept), but especially during these times of saving.

So, what have I done differently? First things first, I haven't gotten a manicure in over 3 weeks! I've just gotten polish changes, which is a savings of $12 a week. That's a lot. (Mani/pedis cost double here vs. in Miami) Or I've just done them myself. My nails are clean and polished and I am not sacrificing my wallet.

Secondly, I've gone to the drug stores and Costco to get my beauty product needs vs. the mall or beauty supplies. I just want to share these GREAT products because I've just been blown away at how well they work....and they might just be as good or even better than the high end stuff.

(This post definitely feels like a savings segment on the View or Today! I crack myself up!)

St.Ives Apricot Scrub and Makeup Remover/Facial Cleanser

WOW! WOW! WOW! This stuff is just plain awesome! My skin is left really soft after using the cleanser and I feel like it is working while I rub it. Amazing! I must use a scrub after I wash my face because of the type of skin and I have, and thats why I went ahead and bought the Apricot scrub. I can't tell you how clean my face is after I use these together. My skin even looks brighter. I haven't used the scrub since I was a teenager, and I don't know why I ever stopped. Pure and simple...great stuff! Go and buy! They are just $3 a pop at wal-mart! Go, like now!

Suave Naturals Body Washes

These are spanking new and smell so yummy! For just $2 at Wal-Mart, you get the $10 body washes kind from Bath and Body Works. No joke! My favorite is Cherry Blossoms. But there are 5 others to choose from. Excellent stuff!

Costco brand Kirkland Signature Hyrdating Shampoo/Conditioner

This one is so great because for just $6.99 you get double of it. Both the conditioner and shampoo come in pairs and the best part...the hubby uses it, as well! Usually, I buy special shampoo for myself (for curls, etc.), and the hubby has his own for his type. But I thought to purchase in bulk for the summer and I absolutely LOVE the smell and how well this combo works. (I am usually very, very picky about the shampoos/conditioners I buy especially since I like to change every time.) This shampoo reminds me of the high end Biolage, which I love and I usually always turn to. So, if you have a Costco card, buy this next time. Your hair and your wallet will thank you!

That's it for now. I hope these products will make you as happy and make you feel as good as they do for me. And in the long run, your bank account will be happy too!

Life as a little brother....

I had to take video of Nicholas after he found himself a perfect spot to watch Fernando in his swim meet on a HOT miami father's day!

He's too much! Quite possibly the cutest littlest brother a girl could ever ask for...

(Sorry for the video quality. The freeze frame makes him look sad. TRUST ME he wasn't!)

Celebrating the 4th of July

We had a great day on the 4th of July. We mostly spent it together and with the in laws. We went to the Mast General store in Valley Crusis. Had a bar-b-q and then headed to Tweetsie Railroad to watch the fireworks. Overall it was a fun filled 4th of July! We took some festive pictures...take a look!

At the Mast General Store.

Bar-b-q Time!

At the house in Banner Elk.

Watching the fireworks at Tweetsie! They put on a great show!

The New Nesting in NC!

I am proud to unveil the new Nesting in NC! What do you guys think? I absolutely love it and I couldn't have envisioned it any better!

I couldn't do this alone! It all started when I asked my friend Melz to design me a logo for the blog. The design was just too cute for words (the love birds at the top). Then I thought why not ask the Template-Mama to help customize one of her designs to incorporate my new logo and create a layout for me. I honestly didn't think she would respond, but she did and I can't say anything but nice things about her! I discovered her website when I was looking on google for a new background and I found my previous background there. She does amazing work! So talented! She was so easy to work with and I can't say enough things to show my appreciation! She took my ideas and just made them even better! Thanks Alison!

So, there you have it. I feel like an official blogger now! :) Go ahead and snag my button if you'd like to post a link to my little blog on yours. Thanks for following little ole' us. I love blogging!

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Romantic Picnic lunch in the Mountains

OK , so we didn't go river rafting! I know, we're such wimps! It's really chilly and I wish I would have been more prepared. So, instead we opted for romantic stroll down Blowing Rock. Blowing Rock is great small town in the mountains with unique shops and boutiques and several restaurants, too. And Ronnie (the romantic) came up with the idea of a picnic lunch in their community park, which is centered down their little main street of shops and restaurants. We found a perfect little deli and bought some sandwiches (Boar's Head Roast beef, our favorite) and laid out in the park and relaxed and enjoyed the cool 64 degree weather under the sun! It was perfect. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. Maybe we'll adventurous next time!

Here are some photos:

Soaking up the sun.

Our lunch.

The view

loving this. and falling in love with my hubby all over again...ahhh....

By the way, today marks 2 years since we moved into our first home. Time truly goes too quickly. Here are photos of our move in day. We were so happy and excited. It totally felt like Christmas. No one can never take that feeling away from us. :)

July 3, 2007

This was the first thing I bought for the house. :)

4th of July 2009!

On our way to the mountains! Ronnie isn't looking because he's against picture taking while driving...what a party popper!





Not the best pic of the mountains but it will do for now!

We are celebrating the 4th in Boone, NC this weekend! We will attempt white water rafting, but I am a chicken and I want to check out the water first. It's really chilly. Thank goodness I brought a light scarf! I didn't think I would need it and boy was I wrong! It's currently in the 60s. Ronnie really needs this weekend to
relax because a lot has gone down this week at work. But more on that later.

I am blogging via iPhone and this is pretty cool. I guess I have no more excuses for not blogging... Right Meli? Well I hope to post some more soon...maybe of this weekend.

In other news, I am working with the Template Mama on a custom layout for Nesting in NC! She's such an angel and I can't wait to unveil the final product! Yay!

Lots to look forward to here at Nesting In NC! Stay tuned!!!

PS if you aren't already follow me on Twitter! @mrserika if you want to keep up with me a little more!


-- Post From My iPhone