For the past two weeks, I've been back in the Bay Area of California. I hadn't been back in almost a year and a half, so having the opportunity to be there as long as I did was great. I not only saw friends from high school and college, but experienced working in San Francisco for my company. My complete itinerary, along with some photos, are below.

Today is National Love Your Pet Day and let me tell you, I love my pets! Kinchie and Whinnie are half sisters and best friends. They are so precious together. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that these love muffins pop up a lot, so what better day to introduce them to the LE blog world? 

MEET KINCHIE

NAME ORIGIN: Glenkinchie, Scotch from East Lothian, Scotland

BIRTHPLACE: Ireland

AGE: 10

FAVORITE TOY: Her hedgehog

FAVORITE SLEEPING SPOT: On a lap or anything super soft

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Fetch or being chased

FUNNY QUIRKS:

- If your laptop is on your lap and she wants to lay there, she'll paw at it until you move it out of her way

- She has an obsession with all things soft - you can find her on a blanket or pillow most of the time

- Her internal clock is so strong! She'll start bugging you for dinner at 5:30 and if she hasn't been out by 11:00, she'll start scratching at the door

- Kinchie will often greet you at the door with her hedgehog in her mouth, ready to play

MEET WHINNIE

NAME ORIGIN: Dalwhinnie, Scotch from Highland Village, Scotland

BIRTHPLACE: Ireland

AGE: 9

FAVORITE FOOD: Turkey from the deli

FAVORITE SLEEP SPOT: On the leopard blanket, with her back paws pushed up against the couch

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Going on walks and being pet

FUNNY QUIRKS:

- She goes crazy for turkey, barking and spinning around in circles

- If you're petting her and you stop, she use her paw to tap your hand to keep going

- For whatever reason, the nose if her favorite spot to kiss

- As soon as someone walks into the kitchen, it's not long before Whinnie has followed, always sitting on the mat in front of the sink

These dogs have been the best. They are both so loving and sweet and never fail to brighten my day. We've had them for 10 years and I still look at them like they're little puppies. They'll do something cute and I'll automatically take a photo. (The camera roll on my phone mainly consists of my dogs.) Before I had dogs, I didn't think of myself as a pet person - now I can't picture life without them.

Happy National Love Your Pet Day!

This past weekend, at my Galentine's Day Sleepover, I made something I never had before - jell-o shots. I looked at a lot of different recipes, but ultimately decided to create my own using peach vodka and pink champagne. What made them even better was the fact that they were heart shaped! Interested in making your own? Read the recipe below.

This past weekend, my friends and I celebrated Galentine's Day a little early. We decided to have an adult sleepover, coupled with a Galentine's Day theme. I hosted the slumber party here, taking advantage of my parents' basement. It was the perfect setting for our night. Comfy couches, big tv, and a bar. Interested in hosting your own Galentine's Slumber Party? Check out everything we did below!

Last weekend, I joined friends on my very first ski trip. I'd never been skiing before, so was super excited to learn. It snowed the entire time (which ended with three of us buying sunglasses so we could see), but it was still so nice out.

Below is a recap of my weekend.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Once we arrived in Wisconsin, we grabbed groceries and then went to dinner. We ended up at Moosejaw, a restaurant that gives all of its customers moose antlers (the Canadian in me was pretty happy). After dinner, we spent hours playing card games. It was a great night full of food, drinks, and friends.

SATURDAY

After breakfast, we headed to Cascade Mountain. We began the day with Anil and Dana teaching Morgan, Emily and me how to ski. We did the bunny hill and then moved on to the next step up. At noon, Morgan, Emily, and I took a beginners lesson while Anil and Dana skied the harder slopes. We ended up having a semi-private lesson with an instructor which was great. Once our lesson was over, the five of us had lunch. I also got hot chocolate with Bailey's, which was delicious! For the rest of the afternoon, we skied different slopes. At one point, we ended up going on a Blue Run, which wasn't the best idea. We all fell. I fell three times. It was rough. When we got back to the cabin, we headed to the hot tub, and then had Anil's homemade jambalaya.

Overall, I had a great weekend! I was super sore on Sunday, but I'm so proud of myself. Skiing is definitely not easy, but I did it.

Here's to another snow-filled weekend here in Illinois.

Today, I'm celebrating two birthdays: my own and Lavender Elizabeth's. One year ago, I entered into the world of blogging with my own little piece of the lifestyle world. I've loved this past year with you and can't wait to continue posting and sharing glimpses of my life this next year. 

Today, I also turn 26. Tonight, I'm headed to a Paint Nite with friends to celebrate this next milestone and I can't wait!

Today marks one week until Galentine's Day - and I'm so excited. I love that the day before Valentine's Day has been created purely to celebrate the ladies. This year, I'm hosting a Galentine's Day sleepover to celebrate and it's going to be fantastic!

In preparation for G-Day, I'm sharing some gift ideas to give your best girlfriends on this happy occasion.

Is there anything better than hot soup on a chilly winter night? I didn't think so! In honor of National Homemade Soup Day, I thought I'd share a new recipe I found from The Mommy Bunch. It combines two of my favorite things: a crockpot and corn chowder.

I am so excited that February has started! I start my new job, go on a ski trip, turn 26, and head back to California - does it get any better? My full February list is below, but first, my January recap.

Start "Mission: Get Back Into Shape" by eating healthier and working out.

Start my new job as a Talent Engagement Specialist.

Go on a weekend ski trip with friends (and learn how to ski).

Celebrate turning 26.

Test my artistic skills at Paint Nite.

Host a Galentine's Day sleepover.

Spend time with friends while visiting California.

Visit my endocrinologist while in San Francisco.

See a movie in theaters at least once.

Start a bullet journal.

February, I am so ready for you!