Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 

Blog Every Day in May Challenge {Day 1}

Okay everyone, Jenni over at Story Of my Life Blog is hosting a Blog Every Day in May challenge!  I'm actually excited for this, maybe it will give me the push and help I have been looking for to not only blog every day but to get my blog to where I saw it going 3 years ago when I started it!

So here we go with day 1!

The Story of my Life in 250 words or less.
 

Well I consider to have had a "crazy" life up until now. My parents divorced when I was little so I was always back and forth between my moms house (where I spent most of my time) and my dads "house" (where I spent every other weekend and some holidays).  I rebelled a lot in high school, surprised I graduated and nothing really bad happened.  I thank god every day for changing my ways and meeting Steven.  I have never been happier than where I am now.  And even though I wasn't the best child and I have made A LOT of mistakes, I do not regret anything because it has made me who I am today as well I am able to help give advise to those who might be following down the same path I did!

 Until tomorrow!
Happy Wednesday and May 1st y'all!



{friends}

OFriend [frend] noun, plural friends. 1. a person not in your family whom you know and like and who likes you; someone you like to spend time with and do things with. 2. someone who supports something by giving help or money: He is a friend of the Arts Society.

 

I was never that girl who had 100 friends, and I was more than fine with that!

I had my best friend and a few other close friends and that was that.  But for some reason those friendships never seemed to last more then a few years.  It was always very hard for me to accept because I was always the friend that invested EVERYTHING and did ANYTHING for my friends and they never did the same. 

(I guess its a good thing I finally realized that cause that's not a way to live life)

 

Any ways after graduating high school I never spoke to any one I went to school with.  They were all still stuck in "high school" mode and I was the grown up. Went to school full time and had a job straight out of school.  It hurt because I felt like I had to start all over again making friends, and that is NOT easy for me.

 

Friends came and left, I had a few boy friends that came and left as well.  It was very hard for me. I didn't think at 18 and 19 it would be so hard to find that friendship everyone talks about.

 

4.5 years ago (by this time I was 3.5 years out of high school)

I met a girl who instantly became my best friend.  We were inseparable right away.  She was not just my best friend but a sister that I never had. 

 

Silly things that happen in Tahoe!

 

Fun times at weddings I didn't want to be at

(she was my sanity when I needed it)

 

Laying on the beach in Tahoe

 

Well 2.5 years ago we had a falling out.  We are both to blame I do blame my self more because I never talked to her about how I was feeling and what not.  I ended up cutting her out of my life, and that was a huge mistake.  A friendship is like a relationship and you have to work hard to keep it and communicate.  I wish I would have just told her how I was feeling and not be a butt head. 

 

With the wedding coming up (in 11 days, eek so excited!) a lot of things have been going through my head.  My mind hasn't shut off in days and even though were not having a bridal party I still think of all my friends and of course her.  We use to spend nights talking, ok planning our weddings and what we would do for our bachelorette parties and so forth together.  I truly makes me sad that we have missed out on so much in each others lives in the last 2.5 years.  We both bought house and she just got married a few months ago. 

 

I know people come in and out of your life for a reason.  But does this count as one of those times?  Was I meant to lose her as a friend?  Or was it all just a result of me being a stubborn ass and not talking about how I felt?

 

Well I'm taking it as my fault and not gods.  I reached out to her last week, and we are going to meet for coffee or a drink soon.  At first I was extremely nervous, like it was a first date with a guy I have never met.  I'm scared she is going to hate me, be mad at me, not let me in.  I'm truly not sure how it will go.  Part of me wants to be strong and not get overly excited because I have no idea what is going to come of this, and I am sure that we wont be back to the way we were right away or maybe even at all.  It has been a long time and we both have changed a lot since then.  But I cant help but hope that things will be better. 

This is just my claim code ignore it 

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{we cleanse together}

along with many things the Mr and I cleanse together.

 

About 6 months ago I got hooked up with a wonderful lady through Instagram and she is a Beach Body Coach.  She was getting ready to do a 3 day Shakeology Cleanse.  I have always been interested in doing a cleanse and after speaking with her about what it in tales and how safe, natural and good for you it was I signed up! 

(both for the cleanse and as a Beach Body Coach!)

 

I did the cleanse back in late November early December and had AMAZING results.  I was not expecting to lose any weight seeing how small I was already and the fact that we ate clean.  I would have just been happy knowing my insides were healthier and that I just felt better.  Much to my surprise I lost weight, felt amazing and looked so much better.

 

Here is what the cleanse in tales

 

 

1. You start each morning off with a cup of green tea you can have it hot or cold. 

(of course ours is organic)

2. Next you follow up with a shake, I just have mine with 12 oz of water and add about 1 tbsp. of cinnamon to mask the chocolate flavor (yes I hate chocolate!) You can also blend your morning shake with ice, water, and 1/2 cup of fruit.

 (These packets are purchased through a Beach Body Coach and they are already measured in packets, unless you purchase a 30 day supply)

3. You can have one piece of fruit between breakfast shake and lunch shake.  I always have an apple, a BIG apple.  It fills you up better than most fruits.

4. For lunch you have your shake, again mixed with 12 oz of water, this time no fruit.

Then you follow up with your cup of green tea (again hot or cold).

5. For another snack or save it for dessert you have one more shake for the day.  I have mine at around 3:30-4pm because I do not get home until 7pm.

6. For dinner!! Yay for dinner!!  You get a 4 oz piece of white meat, chicken or fish!  You may season with what ever you want but stay away from salt.  You also get a large salad with 2 tbsp. of non dairy dressing.  Or you may have 2 cups of a dense green veggie, I always have zucchini.

 

You also MUST DRINK WATER!  72-120 oz of water A DAY. This is so important because your body needs it and it helps to keep you full between meals. 

 

If you stick to this cleanse and follow it you will see amazing results as well just feel amazing.  Every ones body is different so some people may not see weight loss however just feeling better and knowing you did something good for your body is good enough!

 

So, on day 4 we wake up and weighed ourselves and I also measured!
Steven lost 4 pounds! I lost 3 and lost 1" in my waist and a 1/2" in both my thighs!

So happy with these results!
If you are interested in doing a cleanse contact me and I would love to help you get healthy!

{Thankful Thursdays}

Dear Thursday .. Oh how I am thankful for this day alone but today I am especially thankful for my best friend.  If it were not for her I would be going crazy with this wedding planning.

(ok well crazier than I already am!)

I always swore I would never let wedding planning get the best of me.  I swore I wouldn't be one of those crazy brides who loses friends and fights with everybody.  I'm not to that point yet but some days I feel like I want to call the whole thing off and just run away with Steven.

 

Our actual wedding is planned, done, finished and I am so excited!

However the reception to follow two days later, that is a whole different story.  We have invited around 130 people and well I'm still waiting to hear from 35 people who decided that RSVP'ing isn't in their vocabulary.  If it were around 10 I would just say yes and see if they show up, but 35 people, that is just too many to say yes to.

 

AHHH

(me screaming in my head)

 

Thank you Thursday.

Thank you Morgan.

Thank you Mr. Ruiz.

 

I love you all

 

Mud Run

So back in November my best friend and I did a Mud run. It was my first and her second.

It truly was an amazing experience I plan to continue to do. It pushed me physically and mentally. I didn't do as well as I wished but I finished and that's all that matters.

The next run is in May and I cannot wait. I've been working hard to stay in shape and hopefully have a better time! I want to push my self even harder this time and do better with some of the obstacles!

 

Here are some pictures enjoy!!

 

 

We did it and had such an AMAZING time!

 

The Dentist Made me Cry!!

Yes I'm almost 26 and the dentist made me cry yesterday.

I've always been a good brusher and rinser ..

HOWEVER when it comes to flossing .. I don't do it.

Well it finally bit me in the ass ..

Last August, yes in 2012, I went for my 6 month cleaning which was a few months late. I had a few cavities and one that the Dr said was pretty bad. I didn't "have the money" to pay to have them done right away. I know that's no excuse but I sure as hell used it!

With the wedding coming up ill be getting off my moms AMAZING insurance so I needed to get them taken care of.

I went in to have the bad one done, I knew it was bad and if I left it alone for too long I might have to have a root canal (I'm even cringing as I write this) but it never hurt .. Ever .. So I figure it was still all good!

NOT .. She was doing her thing while I lay there with my mouth open trying not to have a panic attack .. I dislike the sounds and vibration of one of the drills .. I hear her say "oh no" and she hands me a mirror to look in my mouth (no damn idea why) and there's blood EVERY WHERE.

I burst into tears. I was scarred cause I knew what that meant but I was also mad at my self for allowing this to happen ..

Thank go my mom was there (we just picked up my wedding dress together) she came to the back to comfort me and assured me I'd be fine!

THANK GOD for my mother .. Xoxoxo

{Wednesday Wake up}

Dear Marcus snuggles on the couch last night melted my heart.  You are truly a blessing in my life and I'm so grateful I get to marry you.  Dear Tank you gross me out when you eat dog poo outside, but some how I still love your hairy little self.  Dear morning cup of coffee .. you warm my body and my soul.  Dear family you seem to amaze me every day with how generous you can be. I cannot thank you enough for the help of this wedding reception.

 

 

Happy Wednesday my loves.



{Letters to my husband}

Dear Marcus 23 days till you are my husband. 

Here are 23 why I love you ..

1. You make me smile even when I dont want to
2. You make me laugh every day
3. Your passion for life
4. I would love to raise a son just like you
5. You always concider my feelings
6. You put up with my craziness
7. You love me despite my flaws
8. I feel safe in your arms
9. After 3.5 years I still get butterflies
10. We love the same beer
11. Youre supportive of my Natural ways
12. We have the same goals
13. You eat my left overs
14. Youre honest
15. We work out together
16. You push me to be better
17. I strive to be the best I can for you
18. You eat everything I cook
19. You always teach me something new
20. The light in your eyes
21. Your work ethic
22. We sing in the car together
23. Youre sexy





An Engagment

*Read Fall Creek Hike first!*

We get to the top and he says:

"see wasn't it all worth it?"

I look around and say:

"yes"-however i am searching for a place to sit my ass down and take a break for a moment

With my back turned to him -spotting a giant log that looks like a good seat

I hear "Nicole!"

I turn around and ....

I turn around quickly to see him 

down on one knee in front of me 

with the ring in his hand!

I scream "STEVEN" and instantly cry!

As I look into his eyes,

He tells me he loves me and that he is lucky to have me.

(however i feel like the lucky one to have him)

He says "i know you have waited a long time for this

I just hope its been worth the wait"

(3.5 years and the purchase of our home is more that worth the wait for this man)

He tells me he wants to spend forever with me, he even used my whole name

(that will be the last time for that!)

*at this point i still haven't really looked at the ring i couldn't help but look at him*

I of course said "yes" between all the tears!

He truly is my best friend, my one and only.  I've never been so happy in my whole life.

even though he made me hike for an hour and a half for this it was completely romantic and more than i could have ever asked for.

Due to the fact that i had barley put any make up on and was red in the face and sweaty we didn't get any amazing pictures but we did get a few.

He did an amazing job picking out the ring.  its exactly what i have always dreamed of.  its simple but completely gorgeous! and i had no idea this was gonna happen! 

*good job surprising me baby!*

I would not change a thing about this day.  I normally don't give him enough credit when it come to planning things or being romantic.  he bus be getting soft in his old age!

i just want to thank all of our family and friends for all of their kind words with our announcement.

Now its time for the planning to begin!! 

Here are a few pictures of the ring i cannot stop looking at it

Fall Creek Hike

Well the Mr. decided last week that we should go to Santa Cruz! 

I thought that it was an amazing idea 

seeing as I hadn't been in 8+ years 

and he has NEVER been!

A lovely lady on IG had just recently gone hiking with her boyfriend to Fall Creek which is inside Henry Cowell State Park. Her pictures were beautiful so I thought that's exactly what we were going to do while we were there!  

Oh and of course go have some pizza by the ocean 

(which never happened)

Sunday morning we woke up had coffee 

and breakfast at the bar, 

in our kitchen that is not an actual bar 

you'd go to on a Friday/Saturday night! 

As Steven went to check the oil and tire pressure on the truck I took care of a few things in the house and then got dressed so we could head out! 

While I was brushing my teeth he comes up stairs to get ready and proceeds to ask me "you gonna put make up on?" I give him a look and say "no, we're going hiking there is no point." He asks again and I say "well obviously you're trying to say I need it so fine!" 

(This will be important later!)

Santa Cruz is about a 2 hour 40 minute drive from our house. 

We didn't turn the radio on once on our way down there. 

It was so nice to enjoy the drive and each others company.  Laughing at the horrible drivers and dreaming of our future together!

We finally made it to the parking lot and began our hike. The weather was perfect, the air was crisp and the canopy of trees above us was breath taking. I love nature and this was at its finest. This place was amazing, so quiet a place that I could turkey spend forever in!

The redwoods smelled amazing, the blue skies peaking through the tops of the trees here and there was heavenly.  every way you turn the view was the same but it never got old.

The first map we read said it was about 2 miles to Fall Creek.  Shot 2 miles is nothing we got this!  

As we hiked we followed the signs that said Fall Creek to the left Fall Creek to the right. 

I just have to say something about the kind of people you meet on the trails.  They are all the kindest people.  

They say hi and ask how you are and how your day is going so far!  I can barley get the bag girl at the market to say hi to me.  

I'm not sure if its the kind of people who hike or if there is something in the air that makes everyone so nice and friendly but i wish everyone in the world was this way because it would be so much enjoyable!

At this point we had been hiking for close to an hour and a half now.  we had seen many streams, 

creeks and waterfalls along the way but still no Fall Creek.  

We had the feeling we had missed a turn somewhere along the way .. OOPS!

Steven said "lets just go a little farther, then we can turn around and go back." (i was hungry now!) I agreed with this even though i was hot, sweaty and sore.

While hiking up the last hill  he was a little ways ahead of me and i wanted to die and just stop.  I kept saying "I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him"

(obviously i never would, i love that man too much.)

We get to the top and he says:

"see wasn't it all worth it?"

I look around and say:

"yes"-however i am searching for a place to sit my ass down and take a break for a moment

With my back turned to him -spotting a giant log that looks like a good seat

I hear "Nicole!"

I turn around and ....

Come back later for what happened next!