Here Comes the Sun!

     Ever since I started my big kid full-time job, I have made a promise to myself to make the most out of the free time I do have. It is so hard to motivate myself to get off my lazy butt and do something, but I am trying. The hardest part is when I get home from a long day of work, all I want to do is go lay in bed, cuddle with Hudson, and watch shows on my computer. 

{Tell me this scenario does not sound ideal?}

     But alas, Hudson and I both deserve a little exercise. As much as I'm sure he loves watching The Office for hours on my computer, he would probably rather be chasing anything anywhere. Luckily, I have great friends to do great things with in this amazing city! Meet my little sis, Kat!

    That's right. You read correctly, my little sis. But Kai, you never mentioned having a sister before? Good you have been paying attention! She is not my biological sister, but my sorority sister.
     I know, that doesn't explain the "little" part of "little sis", right? When you are in a sorority every girl has a big sis! So, from the second I met Kat I knew I wanted her as my little! I even told her at a party one night she was #1 choice (strictly forbidden in sorority world). She has been an amazing little and friend!  Even though I'm not in college anymore, I will probably always call her little until we are both old ladies...

     Anyways, the great thing about Kat is she is always up to do something fun and active! SO when I told her I wanted to take Hudson on a hike she was ready to go!

     We went off to find a trail we read about nearby in La Jolla! I am not sure if this is the one we were looking for, but it was good enough for us! It was quite the entertaining trek, which produced some quality laughs and a few quality pictures as well.

{"My name is Hudson, and I am adorable"}

 {I love the way the light is shining through these!}

{Taking a break from exploring to look back and make sure we were still there.}

{Trying to pose with Huds on the makeshift bridge. He clearly refused to turn around. Thanks, dude.}

{Soaking up the sunshine with the little one.}

{He finally posed! Do I see a little bit of a smile?!?!?}

     It was an amazing bright sunshiney day, filled with great friends and one handsome little pupperoo! Days like these make me look back and smile. I am learning to make the most out of each and every moment, and I am loving every minute of it!

Cooking Catastrophe!

     Okay. Do you remember when I said I love cooking and baking, but things never ever EVER turn out how they are supposed to look? 
     I beat the system! That's right food, you aren't the boss of me! I found TWO things to make, and here is the best part. It absolutely positively does NOT matter how they look! What? Jackpot!


Messy Item #1: Sloppy Joes
Messy Item #2: Monkey Bread (don't know what this is? Google it, and try not to drool too much.)


     I mean first of all, Sloppy Joes? Genius! Why I never thought to attempt this before is beyond me. I don't really know how you can mess up the presentation of a Sloppy Joe. I mean the whole idea is the messier the better right? There is no way I could mess this up, well at least how it looks. I am sure there are tons of ways I could mess it up taste wise, but lets not get into that.

     I got my Sloppy Joe recipe here. I usually find some obscure fabulous food blog for my recipes, but I was too lazy to search one down for this particular day. But, AllRecipes is a pretty cool website with an endless supply of recipes. 
     So I started cooking away, and Nick being the expert chef that he is, couldn't stay out of the kitchen for more than five minutes. Probably because it was taking me twenty minutes to chop an onion, which I apparently was doing "the hard way". Um, I didn't know there was an easy way to chop an onion? Can somebody please inform me of the proper onion chopping procedure?

     So we put all the yummy ingredients, including brown sugar(random?), into our pan and sizzled the makings of the Sloppiest of all the Joes. We also had criss-cut fries, which were from a bag. (so sue me.)

     Next I was on to my next messy task of making Monkey Bread. My Papa used to make this when we were little and it was TO DIE FOR. He is one of the only men I know who loves to be in the kitchen and bake. And he has a bigger sweet tooth then me, which is quite hard to believe. This Monkey Bread takes me back to my childhood, sitting at the counter in Mimi and Papa's kitchen head perched in hands, waiting for the bread to be done! Isn't it amazing how something so simple can bring back so many great memories? 
    I knew expecting it to be that good would be beyond my skill set. Except, in my household we called it "Pull-apart bread", which doesn't exactly roll of the tongue but that's okay. 

     Unfortunately, I don't have that old-school recipe so I had to hunt down a good one. I found the perfect and easy recipe here at this cute little blog Gimme Some Oven. And I know that I said I was eating healthier and working out more, but I have been wanting to make this beauty for so long. I couldn't pass it up. But, I did go to the gym yesterday so that counts for something!

     At this point, I was about 2/3 of the way done when (of course) disaster struck. I was happy and smiling going over the recipe to make sure I did everything right. Then, I screeched in horror! I forgot the cinnamon! I forgot the CINNAMON in a recipe for CINNAMON Monkey bread!!!!!!!!!! 
     The bread had already been in the oven for five minutes, so I yanked it out immediately and drenched it in cinnamon. Then...and here is the real shocker...I started to cry. (Pause for shock and surprise) I cried to Nick that "I ruined everything!" and "that I can never do anything right". He held me in his arms, smiling a little bit because he knew everything would be okay. 
     He very calmly said to me "Babe, it is still going to be good. Anything dipped in butter and rolled in Sugar and brown sugar is going to be good!". Then he went on to say one of our inside jokes that he knows I can't NOT laugh at (dang you!). And I came back down to normal sanity levels once again. 
     When the bread was done baking, I plopped it out of the oven and flipped it over to drench the other side (and the middle, and the outsides) with cinnamon. I decided to take a deep breath and move on from my mistake, not completely satisfied that it would be good still. 
     The I made homemade cream-cheese icing to go on top.....um yeah I could eat a gallon of this on its own.

     As much as I KNOW it would have been better with each individual piece coated in cinnamon, it turned out kind of amazing. Nick was right (don't tell him I said that), anything drenched in butter and sugars is definitely more than alright. 

P.S.

Don't forget to add my new AMAZING buttons to your blog....I want to show off Lindsay's great work!

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Trendy Tuesdays

Because of my fabulous new blog design, I have decided to add a fabulous new feature to my blog!

     If you have been paying attention, I have a certain passion for fashion. And nothing brings me more joy then spreading my love for fashion to other people. Ask any one of my friends, and they will be the first to tell you that I literally JUMP at opportunities to dress them. I just love putting an outfit together on someone else, and knowing what will look amazing on them. 

     So, I thought that I would share my love affair with fashion with all of you! This week's Trendy Tuesday is dedicated to one of my favorite patterns in the whole wide world. 

Stripes!

Stripe Obsession by KMercado988 featuring hair flower accessories

     The other day I was looking for my closet, hopeless because I had absolutely nothing to wear(I can hear my mother and boyfriend laughing from here), when I realized something. I have a LOT of stripes in my closet. I am literally a "Closeted Stripeaholic"! I made a quick decision that from then on, I musn't buy anything striped for fear of getting judged by friends and family of stripe overload.
     After a few weeks of browsing, but staying strictly away from all things stripes I has an epiphany! You know what, I don't care! I love stripes!!!! 

Here are few reasons why stripes are so near and dear to my heart:

- They add a simple elegance to every outfit!

- Stripes can be dressed up or down, and therefore acceptable to be worn whenever and wherever!
- For you edgier people out there, a shoulder pad, a slouchy beanie, or a ruffle detail on the shoulder can really rough the look up a little bit.
- A striped bangle, or ribbon detail on a hat is the perfect way to test if you are a "stripe person" (although in my opinion, you all are!)
- Stripes is one of the few patterns that make a statement, without overwhelming the person that is wearing it. The focus is still on you :)
- The classic preppy look is always ALWAYS in style.


There you have it, a few quips and tips on this week's Trendy Tuesday: Stripes!


p.s. If you guys want to use my features on your blogs, let me know. I can make buttons available to everyone!

Step Right Up!

Ladies and Gentleman! Boys and girls! Now for the main attraction!
My new blog design is finished, all thanks to Lindsay over at Scenic Glory! I am absolutely thrilled! As you can see, I decided to go with sort of a vintage circus theme. The amazing thing was, that when I told my idea to Lindsay, she knew EXACTLY what I was thinking and had millions of great ideas for me! Her wedding had a vintage circus theme, so it has sort of a soft spot in her heart. 


Anyways, she did an absolutely amazing job! This girl is seriously talented. If you are thinking about adding things to your blog, or just redoing it entirely, she is the girl to see. Thank you Lindsay I appreciate everything you have done! You are awesome!


I thought today I would show you where I got my inspiration for my new theme. The thing that started it all was this trailer.

I love the feeling of whimsy the circus gives, especially from this time period. I wanted my blog to present the same type of whimsy and wonder. Here are a few more images that truly inspired me.

I think that Lindsay did a great job at capturing the wonderment and whimsy that I was going for. I hope you all love it as much as I do!

Easy A for Emma!

OKAY. I know I said I was going to wait to post, but this couldn't wait. I sat down to watch the Golden Globes, and even though I love love love movies, I can't help but be more obsessed with the b-e-a-utiful gowns!

This year, my obsession was....

EMMA STONE

Ummmmm....seriously? This girl worked it OUT!! As you can see, I didn't even edit these photos, because they don't need one done them. 

I really don't know what it is, because modern and simplistic is NOT my style, but she literally took my breath away. I am openly admitting I have girl crush on her. 

To be able to look so effortlessly cool and gorgeous is a hard thing to do...AND she if funny. Good job Emma, good job!

M.I.A

For those of you who are following me I just want to apologize! I know I have dropped off the face of the blogoverse! Please Please forgive me!

I hope you can give me a chance to redeem myself because great things are happening over here!!!! 


My blog is getting a complete and total MAKEOVER!!!!! The oh-so-talented Lindsay at Scenic Glory is designing my blog for me and I am beyond excited! 


So I am holding off on doing any new posts until I have a beautiful new design to post on. I hope you are all as excited as I am. I have seen previews and it looks amazing!


Revamping Complications. Stay tuned!

Hump Day Ramblings

It is that time of the week again. Hump Day. That middle of the week day, when you are climbing that big hill! But guess what, once you get over the hump, it is all downhill from there!

Because these are my ramblings, and I can talk about whatever I darn well please. I am dedicating the next few Hump Day Ramblings to my Christmas back home. I know what you are thinking...But Kai, Christmas is over! Yes yes I know, but I have trouble letting go of the holiday spirit, so lets celebrate a little longer okay? Okay!

So after seven, yes SEVEN, hours in the car, I finally made it home to good ole' Bakersfield. The whole time there was only one thing on my mind...sex! Okay get your mind out of the gutter! I mean the sex of the baby my brother and his wife are going to have! haha! Let me explain...

So Shea and Sarah were waiting for Bryn and I to get home, so they could announce the news to the whole family. But, leave it to them to find some cute and special way to let us know!

They gave us this cake...and we had to cut into it, and whatever color the frosting inside was would let us know if it was a boy or a girl. Um, HELLO! Cutest idea ever, right?? A fun way to surprise everyone, and free cake? Sweet deal I say!

So we cut into it, and I obviously was too excited after finding out to actually take a picture of the inside. But, anyways are you ready to find out? Are you sure? Its a....

Boy!!!!

I am going to be auntie to a little baby boy, and I couldn't be more happy or excited!!!!! Not the only problem is that I need to control myself from buying every cute little boy thing I see, in fear of going completely bankrupt. I just can't help it, I am so excited to have a little bambino around!!!

We do already have a lot of boys in our family. I am actually the only girl (with the exception of my mom and Queen Sass Sarah of course!) in the family... The boys are as follows...

Broseph #1(and avid Lakers fan, clearly.): Shea (a.k.a Shea-D)

Broseph #2(and fellow writing enthusiast): Bryn (a.k.a Bryney)

Boy #3 (and fatty puppers): Roddick (a.k.a. Roddy)

Boy #4(The baby boy of the fam...for now): Blake (a.k.a. Beeky or Beeks. Don't ask.)

There you have it...I am surrounded by men! No wonder I have always been more comfortable around dudes....it all makes sense now! 

Anyway, I cannot WAIT for the little boy to arrive. We are so blessed to have such a great family, and to have the opportunity for our family to grow. I thank the Lord every day for providing us with such great things! 

I forgot to tell you the best part, this baby being a boy means I am still the youngest girl in the family. Which means that I still get to be the most spoiled, for now. Muahahahaha!

Stay tuned for more on the Mercado Christmas festivities!

it's a new year!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!! I just got done with an EPIC new years weekend. I felt beyond blessed to be able to celebrate surrounded by amazing people! My bestie, Jenny and her boyfriend were in town, and we went out on the town.

Luckily my bestie and I agreed that we didn't want to make any extravagant New Years plans. Getting dressed up and spending a ridiculous amount of money seemed like too much of a hassle this year. And I am a big believer that New Years is too built up anyways, so it almost always ends up a let down. So this year, my plan was to not make a plan, therefore I couldn't be disappointed. And let me tell you, it turned out great!

Reunited and it feels sooo good!

I couldn't think of a better person to bring in the new year with.  This was our second New Years together, and hopefully there will be many more!

We are kind of strange together. I am pretty sure that both of our boyfriends are a little freaked out by our relationship. She is the person who can read my mind before I say anything, and then laugh hysterically with me about it for the next hour.

 Right here, for example, we had developed a new dance move. (Involving putting perfume on your wrists. Don't ask.) Everyone else thought we were crazy, but we of course thought it was hilarious. Best. Friends.

OKAY, so this wasn't taken at midnight, but still. I am so lucky to have a gorgeous supportive man to kiss at midnight. 

The night went amazing! I really believe that as long as you surround yourself with great people, there is no way you can't have a great time. 

And thanks to Kelsey at Eat, Drink, Be a Tourist. I found a fun little New Years quiz, to recap my year! 

What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?

Started a blog. :) Got a grown-up job!

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't remember my resolutions from last year? Maybe my resolution this year should be to be less forgetful. My resolutions are to get my butt in shape and to be organized.

What countries did you visit?

I have never been out of the country. Maybe this year!

What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

An ability to budget money, and spend wisely. 

What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?

September 25th, May 22nd.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Graduating from school and finding a grown-up job.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Lots of colds but that is about it.

What was the best thing you bought?

Haha I had no money this year. So, I don't think I had any amazing purchases. 

Where did most of your money go?

Rent, food, gas...I could go on...

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

When I found out I got a job that will be my actual career. 

What song will always remind you of 2010?

ANY Glee song!

"Poke Her Face" Kid Cudi

"Lucky" Jason Mraz

"Pursuit of Happiness" Kid Cudi, Steve Aoki remix.

Compared to this time last year, are you:

happier or sadder? 

Happier! My life is coming together, and I am growing up with my boyfriend by my side. 

thinner or fatter? I plead the 5th.

richer or poorer? A little richer. But now I have student loans to pay off. 

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising and traveling.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worrying about things that don't need worrying about. 

How did you spend Christmas?

In Fresno with the whole family like I do every year. (More stories to come.)

Did you fall in love in 2010?

Fell in love! Falling more in love every single day. 

What was your favorite TV program?

How I Met Your Mother and Glee. Hands down.(Heck yeah Kels!)

What was the best book you read?

I don't remember? That is bad.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Mumford and Sons and Ghostland Observatory. 

What did you do on your birthday?

Went out in Pacific Beach with some friends. Lost my license for the second weekend in a row, and found it for the second weekend in a row. MIRACLE!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Getting an offer to write a novel and get paid 489758473029831 dollars.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

A mix of fashion forward and a blast from the past. Hopefully with more funds this year I will create my ideal wardrobe!

What kept you sane?

My boyfriend. Whenever I take a drive to crazytown, he knows exactly how to bring me back home. 

Who was the best new person you met?

Everyone! I love meeting new people and making new friends!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:

Surround yourself with good people, and you will flourish in happiness and love.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

"I'm on the pursuit of happiness, and I know everything that shines ain't always gonna be gold"

I hope you all had a great 2010, and hope even more that you have an AMAZING 2011! Also, be prepared for my 3 part Christmas tale coming up. Yes, there is 3 parts to the story, get excited.

New Year. New Complications!