Casual Friday

flats // purse // eyeshadow // jeans // blouse // watch // ring

I wish this was my ensemble today (just like I wish with every Friday's Fancies post!) I did bookmark those Matt Bernson flats to keep an eye on them for when they eventually go on sale. If you saw my Instagram (laurapark3r) from Monday, my leopard flats were by Matt Bernson as well and I adore them! Super comfortable and very cute!

This weekend David and I are headed to Lake Tahoe and I am so excited. He plays in an all-star softball tournament and instead of being a sweet wife and watching him play I hang out with Natasha. Such a better gig there!

Wilson and Finn when they were just babies!!

But this time around we get to hang out with sweet Ethan which is an added bonus (fueling that baby fire!) I am excited to see what we decide to do. Here is to hoping it includes Rum Runners!

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful long weekend!

As on every Friday linking up with

14

Slow Cooker Thai Chicken

I made this a couple of weekends ago when my sister in law was in town. I wish I would have known I was going to blog about it because I would have snapped some photos. #bloggerfail

 However I promise this is something worth making.

For Crock Pot:
2 1/2 pounds chicken pieces
1 cup hot salsa
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

In addition (not for the crock pot)
 Hot cooked rice - I used quinoa
1/2 cup of peanuts chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Place chicken in slow cooker. Combine salsa, peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce & ginger. Pour over chicken.

Cover, cook on low 8 to 9 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Serve chicken and sauce over rice/quinoa; sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro.


I promise it won't make you do this

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Random Tidbits

I saw this floating around in blogland - most recently on Katie's blog and since she tagged everyone and said she stalks Californian's I felt it was my time to share some random trivia.

What's the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

I would have to say one of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from my dad encouraging me to open a 401k as soon as I was able. He said if I do it from the get go I won't even notice it gone. Realizing that by the time I make it to my 50s there will be no more social security left this is sound advice. I never would have been able to save the amount I have on my own. So good work pops!! 59 1/2 looking forward to you!



If you could meet any blogger in person, who would you choose?

Hmm I would actually want to meet Matt Logelin. He experienced the tragedy of losing his wife, Liz, shortly after she gave birth to their first child, Madeline. He writes a blog, has written a book and started a foundation in his wife's name, The Liz Logelin Foundation which helps parents cope with the death of their spouse. He is incredibly inspiring and an incredible man. His family has so much to be proud of in spite of their terrible loss. He seems like the best dad ever. His one flaw...well he's a Dodger's fan.

I recommend his book and a box of Kleenex.

What's your biggest struggle in life?

I think my biggest struggle in life is knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at this moment. I often want, want, want and I never really stop to appreciate all the wonderful things I have right now. I especially need to remember that we are saving for a house and that is the end goal. (I'm talking to you shiny new car!) Patience and timing will align for the perfect fit for our family.

How did your blog come about?

Natasha from Schue Love is one of my IRL friends and I have been reading her blog for the past couple of years. From hers I began to read others and I loved the support and friends she was creating through her blog. So after my wedding was over I decided I wasn't done with www.happilyeverparker.com and decided to turn it into a blog!! I hope to document a major house flip soon!

Name a good deed you did do that went goes unseen.

One thing I am extremely passionate about is animals - especially dogs. So I often ask for pet food samples every time I am at the pet store. Working in San Francisco I often see homeless people and their pets. I hand out a sample bag of pet food to the homeless when ever I can. It's easy, costs me no money and I know it goes to the dog!



So I tag all of you as well to answer random facts about yourself!

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Scenes from the Weekend

This weekend was dedicated to watching my nephews who are three and seven years old. And goodness they are a handful - especially the little one. He is sooooo cute, but before you know it he's calling you a "poopyheady" and throwing matchbox cars all around the house.

 

On Sunday I did some errand running because I did plan on finally putting together my wedding album of the non-photo variety. All the little keepsakes I collected throughout the process. So I was on the hunt for some washi tape in gold and white stripes which of course I could not locate.

 

So Michael's turned into Bed, Bath & Beyond, which then turned into Pottery Barn, which turned into Williams-Sonoma.

 

And ya know what? All I bought was nail polish.

random.

The always classic ballet slippers by Essie

 

But I did discover this

and you know how this makes me feel...

 

And Sunday came to a close with dinner and drinks with my man candy.

 

and of course we had our child with us as well!

 

Nothing too exciting around these parts. Hope you all had a good one! I am super looking forward to this short week and heading up to Tahoe and seeing Natasha and family for Labor Day weekend!

 

Linking up with Sami!

 

 

 

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Friday's Fancies: Back to School

tank // jeans // watch // earphones // iPhone case // bag // shoes

Although I have not had a "first day of school" since 2006 I would imagine this is how I would be fitted. If it were 2006 my outfit would probably look more like a Juicy Couture tracksuit and these:









marshmallow flip flops




Why were these EVER cool? Tell me I am not alone in wearing them...

I also just realized the above outfit would have been way out of my college budget but heck it's fun to pretend! Also if you are looking for a great bag to use everywhere I highly recommend the Marc by Marc Jacobs Tate Tote in Large. I bought one a couple of years ago on sale (it's funky colors) and I bring it everywhere, it's the perfect carryall for traveling!

This weekend I am watching two of my nephews (I have five!) while my sister and brother-in-law celebrate their ten year anniversary. Doing an overnighter with a 3 and 7 year old...wish me luck, I am already tired!

I also want to wish my sister-in-law, Lisa, a very
 Happy 29th Birthday!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Linking up with:

 

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Insta Gratitute

So you all have heard me talk about The Dailey Method and although I have gone to all of three classes I am really enjoying it. So much so that I may need to seriously think about dropping some cash if it gets me into an exercise routine.

One of the things that really struck a cord with me was when class was in savasana the instructor said "thank your body for everything it was able to do today"

As hard as this workout was for me I was able to do it. I felt so grateful for what my body could do physically - even if I have been a bit neglectful of her at times.

Than I got to thinking about a quote I always see on Pinterest to the effect of -

If you had today only the things you were thankful for yesterday...what would you have?


So I am hooking up with Stephanie for her Insta Gratitude weekly linkup because I think it is so important to realize all the things we do have instead of often focusing on all the things we don't. And of course there are an endless amount of things to be grateful for...these are just a few.

this face

I honestly believe it was fate that he became ours. He is the perfect addition to our family and I choke up just imagining that one day he won't be here - then I remember he is immortal and all is right in the world again.

My Body

For being able to still get up everyday and function. I am mad that you don't look like you did in college but I promise to start taking better care of you.

My Job

Hey it's not my dream but it allows me to pay the bills. And go shopping...I like shopping.
And because I have a job and some money left over this little gem is on her way to me.
 BB Dakota Jacket

David's Rational* Thinking

Okay now this sounds silly but I am very spontaneous. I usually say yes to something and then think about the how, where, why after. David on the other hand is completely opposite (*most times). And bummed as I was that we were not going home in a shiny new 2014 car on Saturday. I am so grateful that he is protecting our nest egg for something much greater - a home. Living in the Bay Area is tough, the real estate market is brutal and with me hoping to get pregnant in the near future. A home needs to be our priority. For a moment I was getting distracted by a shiny object but two days later I am glad we still have all our savings intact!

Linking with:

10

Paper Tradition

With our one year anniversary around the corner I need to start brainstorming gift ideas for David. I know the traditional route for one year is paper so I wanted to get him something small for tradition and something non-traditional. We still don't know where we will be celebrating one year but now that it is approaching faster and faster I think a big trip is out of the question. Plus I am headed to New York in less than a month and that was a spur of the moment trip.

 

I would like to head to Carmel to celebrate since that is where we got engaged

One of my good friends is going to be in town for a wedding on Sunday which is our actual anniversary. She agreed to take some photos of David and I on the beach.

 

I really want to recreate this photo but not in my wedding dress - which is shocking considering how much I like to wear it.

 

I'm really looking forward to cutting into our top layer of cake and drinking from our champagne flutes!

 

David surprisingly agreed to photos so we will see if he sticks to his word.

 

If anyone has any ideas for a traditional paper gift please send them my way! I do like the idea of buying tickets to see something together. A concert or play could be fun!

 

As for the other gift the key to his heart is flashlights, knives or tools.

 

So Home Depot can help me with that one!

14

Scenes from the Weekend

This weekend was all over the place and it led me to my couch watching Sister Wives - hey it's an upgrade from Honey Boo Boo.

On Saturday morning I started off the day with Dailey Method (go me!). And as much as I love to sleep it felt nice to get my day off to a productive start.  David and I test drove cars. A 2013 4runner and a 2014 Jeep Limited Grand Cherokee. As fun as that was (and getting my hopes up a bit) we walked away with nothing. Need to keep our eye on the prize

Saturday night I headed into San Francisco with some friends from my book club for a ladies night out. My friends had texted me asking if I wanted to join them and I agreed. Well on the way to the city they told me we were headed to a club...um come again?

It wound up being a fun night but clubs are not my scene and we ducked out and headed to a local bar. We were with a group of about 15 girls and actually had a great night. At this point the wine was flowing!

The next morning we went to Mission Rock which is an awesome little spot on the water in the SOMA district. Had a little hair of the dog and then came home.

And now my butt is parked on my couch where it will most likely stay for the rest of the day - hangovers at 30 are no joke!

 Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Linking up with Sami

10

Friday's Fancies: Running Errands

shoes // hat // dress // watch // necklace // jacket // purse (no longer available)

Aside from my usual go to outfit if I ever need to throw on something quick I usually turn to the maxi and denim jacket staple. It's easy, effortless & comfortable! I also own the Botkier purse featured but I never really wear it, I think it's time to take her out of her dustbag and show her some sunshine!

This weekend David and I are running errands. Checking out cars and hopefully beds - probably purchasing neither. Hope you all have an awesome weekend!
 

Linking up with

 

16

Dailey on the daily?

So last night my friend, Joann and I tried The Dailey Method. Anyone ever heard of it? It's similar to The Barre Method (so I hear) and it is a "is a unique combination of ballet barre work, core conditioning, muscle strengthening, yoga, and orthopedic exercises."

 

We saw there was a deal on Living Social so we thought we would give it a whirl since the deal was $49 for one month of unlimited classes (regularly $225).

it.kicked.my.ass

Seriously my body was trembling all over and I am pretty sure the instructor had to correct me with every new position. However she did tell us after class we had surprisingly good form for being newbies. Smart lady she knows I will come back for more after some compliments!

One thing I really like is you can reserve your spot online through their website. So it holds you more accountable to go.

I'm already sore, I can already imagine how I am going to feel tomorrow. Especially because I got talked into the 6am class - say what?!

I don't have any exercise routine (I know, terrible) so I am really hoping to find something I enjoy doing and make it part of my daily routine. However after the Living Social  deal is up it's pretty pricey. Which is a drawback.

Does anyone else do a barre class? Or any type of routine you love?

Totally unrelated I was really sad to hear about Gia Allemand from the Bachelor. Such a gorgeous girl, that seemed like such a wonderful person - so sad to imagine the demons she felt she was facing alone.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

 

12

Big Dreams

I never really felt like I was getting older until I turned 30. Every year was just another birthday, one more candle on the cake and one more reason to celebrate.

When I was approaching the age of 30 I was actually excited about entering a new decade because I have come so far from 20. And although there is plenty I miss about being in my early twenties...I'm looking at you fast metabolism. I think there is so much to look forward to in my thirties.

 

I also think it is too young to have regrets. I mean if you want something you still have plenty of time to go after it. Which leads me to:

 

What is your dream job?

a housewife with no children

oh what...weird

 

I have said it on here before that I have an awesome boss. Seriously my review was over cocktails...

However I fell into a job in real estate and I work in a small office (party of two anyone?) and I know that it's not anything I have passion for.

 

In fact I didn't really know my passion until I rescued this sweet little face

Even though I applied for 21 jobs at Pixar...animals turned out to be where my heart lied.

Pixar hires internally only so I guess I never had a chance considering I didn't know anyone working there.

 

Does anyone know what they want to be when they are 18 and heading away to college? I sure didn't so I entered into San Diego State as undeclared and proceeded to take classes like art and poly sci...not really having any idea what I wanted to get out of my degree. I wound up graduating with a degree in Communications. I figured it was broad enough that I could continue to try and figure out what I was looking for post college...after all I was only 23.

 

But then I just needed a job so I took the first one that came my way and sort of got stuck in it. Especially when I took the same type of job in San Francisco for more money...then I really got stuck in it.

 

So after all this rambling the truth is that I wish I would have known that I wanted to work with animals. If I could have a redo I would have studied to become a veterinarian. And although there are many sad parts of that job I think it is one that ultimately I would have thrived in.

 

Which leads me to turning 30, there are other things to think about. I want to have children - and I don't see how I could go through schooling and be pregnant and raising babies at the same time. Woman at some point have to choose which basket to put more of their eggs into.

 

Just my thoughts spewing out, until then I will continue to look for ways I can work with animals that don't involve an MD. Even if it was an office where I could bring Finn to work - that would be a dream come true!

 

Are you in your dream job? Would you ever start over to get there?

 

19

Scenes from the Weekend

While this weekend felt long and fast all at the same time it was a quiet one round these parts. We never made it to Saddlerack but still had a good night out on the town celebrating Kerri's birthday.

 

If you follow me on Instagram (laurapark3r) you would know the hardest part of my weekend was

 

Deciding which chick flick to watch since David was gone at softball...

Well turns out he had to work on his car and walked in on me making

"my toughest decision of the day"

terrible photo but you get the point #awkward

 

After he went in the garage to work on his car I instead got sucked into a marathon of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo...wtf. It's like a train wreck, I couldn't watch and then I couldn't not watch. And when June started giving Pumpkin advice on how to lose lower belly fat I knew it was time to get my butt off the couch. I'm embarrassed I even know their names!!

 

Oh did I mention this is how I was dressed

Really getting my bottom dollar out of that one! Because beergaritas and wedding dresses are always a fun time.

 

I did do one thing productive and that was pickle my pepperoncini's yum cannot wait to eat those up in ten days.

 

I'm guest posting over on According to Jax today while Jacqueline is in her final week of being a Miss!! Dishing out some advice on marriage (you know all 10 months of my knowledge) and that everything we need to know...we learned it in kindergarten! Damn could have saved myself some serious time!!

 

As always hope your weekends were awesome!

linking up with:

 

22

Friday's Fancies: Fruit Inspired

Brian Atwood pumps (no longer available) // polish // bangle // bracelet // romper // purse

Apologies again because the only thing affordable on this photo is the pomegranate. Joking.

kinda...

you can also probably afford the nail polish, bracelet and dress if you're feeling spendy! If it makes anyone feel better both the romper and purse are on sale...nah didn't help.

Inspired by my favorite fruit this is a look I would like to rock to work or anywhere I wanted to feel important and awesome. I would also be cruising along in my white Audi A4...hey I always said if you're going to dream - dream BIG!

So happy it's Friday! Tonight we are off to celebrate my friend Kerri's 30th birthday at a country bar called Saddlerack. I've never been but live country music and a bull is a big fat 
YES PLEASE!
Hope you all have a lovely weekend as always! 

Linking up with

 

11

Having a blog makes me want to...

SPEND MONEY

I see so much cute stuff online everyday that it makes me want to get my shop on as much as Miley likes to twerk! Plus with my Lovin' Lately posts I only fuel that desire further. I say it's in my bones - I am a retail baby. After all my mom worked at Macy's for over 18 years and you have to get it from somewhere right? Gosh just imagine how much worse it would be if she had worked at Nordstrom!

via

REDECORATE

Problem is my house is oh...idk...maybe 700 sq ft? And pretty well decorated if I do say so myself. But I like switching things up at home!

via

Until we buy I subject David to endless hours of HGTV.

MAKE A BABY

Because of course I want to decorate a nursery (please see #2 and #1) take photo shoots, have a pregnancy chalkboard, build a teepee, rub my belly

but then I remember how much I like to sleep...

and drink...

and how I can leave my dog alone for long stretches of time...

 I love the ideas and inspiration I get from blogging and pinterest but sometimes it can be overwhelming!

Random thoughts for Thursday.

Also would like to wish a very Happy 30th birthday to my very best friend, Kerri!

Here's a #throwback to David's thrift shop 30th!

 (Look I was rocking Kimye's name before it was cool - and yes we found those awesome outfits at good will in SF, mine even has my name embroidered on it!)

Love you, Mean it Ker!!

xoxo

19

American River

When I met David I pretty much hit the lotto with his family and we are lucky enough to live pretty close to his parents and brother. They are a two hour drive north of the Bay Area. His sister and I have become super close too but she is currently in Colorado for nursing school. Sometimes I think it drives David crazy how close Lisa and I are.

 

And yes we are aware we look kinda similar...

 

She is on a break from school and her hubs is off somewhere in Mexico catching bad guys for the Marines so she got to come home for a little bit. We drove up to Auburn to hang out with the in-laws, kick it with Lisa and spend some time with Rommie - my newest puppy nephew.

 

We also trekked down to the American River which is GORGEOUS! I don't know why we haven't done this before. It was so hot out I was bummed I wasn't prepared and without a swimsuit!

 

My newest sister-in-law with Rommie.

 

It was such a beautiful day! If you're ever up by Auburn, CA I recommend a day on the river. Hopefully we can get a full day out there again soon...this time with swimsuit!

 

 

p.s. I am almost to 50 on GFC if you read but aren't a follower I would love if you did!

Thanks as always for reading!

 

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