Highland Haven: The TreeHouse!

Hey All! So today I have a half day at work because this afternoon, we are taking off for a mini vacation to Highland Haven which is an amazing B & B in Evergreen! I splurged and went for the "TreeHouse" because you only live once and it's my sweetie's birthday so what the hell! It looks AMAZING so I will give a full report when we return! Here are some pics of where we are staying and the TreeHouse!

 

I hope it's as amaz as it looks!! YAY!

http://www.highlandhaven.com/the-treehouse/

XO,
Rachel

Repeat After Me: I Am Fabolous!

YOU are fabulous!!

XO,
Rachel

Marie.

So my friend Jamie does this thing where she calls everyone their name plus "Marie". It's hilarious! My dog is Audry Marie. Dad is Dad Marie. Larry King is Larry King Marie.

The funny part is my middle name is actually Marie. Well it's Rachel Grace Marie Hoffman legally but I kind of dropped the Marie years ago and just did Grace. Well not anymore, Bitches!! Marie is BACK with a vengeance! Look at this picture Karen just updated to Facebook, proving the fact!!

...and totes LOVED the comments following...

 (Thanks for being my Facebook Elf, Karen Marie!)


Happy Sunday Blog Readers Marie!!

XO,
Rachel Marie

LEDGES.

Happy Friday Folks!!

So quite often, I need to be talked off a ledge. Sometimes it's worrying that I ate too much, sometimes it's that I am too busy, whatever. In hindsight, my stuff always seems like it wasn't worth the ledge walking but as women (and men!) or humans in general, sometimes we just have those moments. We have moments when we grab that third doughnut or take on too much responsibility.

There is a lot to do in life and as mothers, friends, family members, leaders, workers, everything that we are, sometimes someone get shorted.


My advice is to do your best to make the right decision you can for that moment and for larger decisions, ask your friends and sleep on it. Most of the time, you are usually in a situation you have been in before. So you can say, "if I don't eat this candy bar, I will thank myself in the morning" or "If I make this personal choice for my health (no matter what that might be - whether it's not getting drunk or going for a walk instead of lounging) I will thank myself later".

It takes work and self control. It's a choice. Choice is really powerful. The power of choice comes with a full understanding of options and outcomes.

One of my favorite quotes of ALL TIME is by Sophie Dahl: “The problem with life is, we often do things that will ultimately be self-destructive and make us unhappy, yet in that moment it seems like the best idea in the world. You have to be careful of moments - they're tricky things.”

Be careful of your moments. Enjoy your moments. Savor your moments. FEEL your moments.

Have a great weekend!

XO,
Rachel 

Julep Nail Polish!

So my friend Dara gave me two bottles of Julep nail polish at my Melting Pot Girls Day brunch. 

I could tell immediately it was good quality by the bottle and as soon as I opened it. I have never used Julep before but I love it! Every color goes on exactly as it is on the bottle and it's super high quality. 

It's a little pricey at $14 a bottle but if you forgo just one manicure at a salon, you can buy two bottles of this that will last many, many manicures so it's worth it. Also, it's around $11 on their website. They have gorg colors.

I just got these colors and they are super fun. The red is called "Ellen" and is HOT!

My favorite product so far is the cuticle oil. Put some on for sure when you paint your nails and every other day. I have the bottle at my desk so I apply it almost everyday. My fingers and nails look freshly manicured all the time now. THIS is worth the $$. 

If you get some, let me know what you think! You can order it online here!

Happy Thursday!

XO, 

Rachel

Day Drinking Tips!

Well today is the first day of spring...and I see patios, BBQ's and other fun events involving cocktails in the foreseeable future!

Day Drinking 101:

+ For every cocktail, drink a glass of water [ << this one's important ].

+ Eat protein while drinking - or anything really but make sure it's substantial.

+ Try not to mix…too much. Or do. Try not to have an early day the next day!

+ Carry snacks [ ideas: 100 calorie packs, dried fruit, & nuts or even a protein bar].

+ Do not party into the night [ if this happens, at least change clothes & brush your hair - this is not a worry for me because I am usually DONE by 5 if I don't follow my own rules].

+ Don’t over drink, no one likes a sloppy drunk. I am still mastering this one! UGH!

+ Use water, instead of bloating soda water for mixed drinks [ ex. vodka & water w/ a lemon ].

+ Order appetizers, not meals.

+ HAVE FUN!! 

XO,
Rachel

 

Tuesday Ten!

Hey Friends! It's been a BUSY last couple days. Non stop and wonderful! I wanted to share with you my Tuesday top ten of the last 5 days! In order of sequence, here is some of the highlights!!

1) Blue Moon double date with Vicky and Andy. I am obsessed with "Dinner Box B"!

2) Friday morning getting up at 5AM to work Keggs and Eggs for Coors! That has it's own post below!

3) Friday night had a double date at DOMO with good friends Danny and Jeremy! DOMO is SO good and such a fun and healthy place to eat. I <3 it!!

4) Saturday morning I got some coffees and met my cousin Sara at the ARC for some shopping. I found some amazing things - even a pair of Tory Burch flats!! WHAT! I also got some super awesome complies for around the house, Jessica Simpson polka dot heels, a picnic bag, and other amazing clothes for work. $60 bucks well spent! 

5) Saturday afternoon I worked two more Killians tasting gigs at liquor stores for Coors. It was awesome! I love just doing something totally different. The weekend was fun working the events because it was like being a part of the St. Pattys fun without the hangover and calories! I also got hooked up with some Killians after the gigs from the rep!

6) Saturday night was spent eating fajitas at home, going to the hot tub, and relaxing. Just what I needed coming off the last 48 hours!

7) Sunday my friend Dara and I went to an old folks home where my boyfriend played a free Irish music session to the old folks. We dressed as Leprechauns and brought cookies and handed out green Sprite. We even went through to all the rooms to the people who couldn't get to the concert. We danced, laughed, and handed out fun stuff and brightened their day. It was a really sweet and heart warming experience!

8) Sunday night Eron and I went to the Chinese buffet with my family. I don't particularly enjoy Chinese buffets normally but going randomly on St. Patty's actually turned out to be a lot of fun.

9) Last night we went to Zocalo on Broadway for some Mexican food - the salsa there is amazing! The food I wasn't obsessed with but the salsa was bomb.com!

10) Last night we saw Frightened Rabbit at the Gothic!! They put on an amazing show and we had a great time!

I am humbled and blessed to have had such an amazing last couple days. Glad I could share some of the highlights with you, my favorite peeps!

XO,
Rachel

Kegs & Eggs!

Hey All! It's been a whirlwind last couple weeks! I hope you guys have been awesome! I have been working a ton, eating lots of sushi, and just trying to live life to the fullest and maintain balance. Balance is hard when you work more than full time, want to spend time with your bestest friends, family, and sweetie but I think I am doing pretty good and I am happy everyday! 

This morning I worked 93.3's "Kegs and Eggs" for Coors Light. It was super fun! I was glad I got to work it. People started lining up for it at 3 PM yesterday! NUTS! I got up at 5 and had to be at Lodo's at 6:30. 

 Early morning! 

 

 We lined up at the door with swag as the triumphant people staggered in the door!

We had lots of fun in the VIP area!

Have a happy and safe St. Patty's Weekend Lovies! 

XO, 

Rachel

2 Ingredient Pancakes!!!!! Skinny Pancakes?? Way Major!

Are you kidding me?! This recipe is ridiculous. Like, I’m never.ever.ever. making real pancakes again.

Lately this mashed banana + egg recipe has been blowing up the fitness/health blogs. For shits & giggles, I added my own touches: a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, some PB2, a bit of vanilla, & a dash of cinnamon. But honestly, just the two measly ingredients of bananas & egg are perfection.

 I made these and I was almost in tears. I have written off pancakes LONG ago. #UntilNow!!

 You don't even need syrup!! I like more PB2 or fresh berries!!

Here is the recipe! You will THANK me!! 

 1 mashed, super ripe banana

2 eggs (or to save extra calories, 1/2 cup Egg Beaters!)

Oil for the pan.

My additions: a bit of pumpkin pie spice, 2 tablespoons of PB2, a bit of vanilla, & a dash of cinnamon.

Optional: all-natural maple syrup + berries

+ Directions: mash your banana with a fork. In another bowl whisk eggs. Mix eggs & banana together. Add my additions. Put your choice of oil on a pan [ low-medium heat ]. Add a silver dollar-sized amount to the pan. Let the cake set for 30 seconds [ or when the center bubbles ] & flip it! Enjoy with berries & a bit of syrup. 

Let me know what you think!!!!

XO. 

Rachel