First & Last

I am linking up with Ashley today for her First & Last Link-Up! I think this is a great idea for a post, and an awesome way to look back at some great memories that I might have forgotten.I think we move so fast sometimes, we forget to look back. It is important to learn and appreciate your past in order to be grateful for where you are today. Okay enough with the seriousness...

Today's First & Last Post is to post the first and last pic of my significant other and I.

This is very appropriate Miss Ashley because it is Nick and I's 3 Year Anniversary today! (did you plan that especially for me!?!?) 

First Pic...

Holy moly. This is from my 21st Birthday, so excuse the fact that I look like a complete mess. We had just started dating this week, and I already knew he was something special.

Anyone who would put up with me during the ridiculousness that was my 21st is worth keeping around...

Last Pic...

Three years later, and we have our own little family. I also realized, since that this was taken two months ago, that we need to take more pictures together.

I am so lucky to have this man by my side every single day, and to have our pup at our feet. We are so blessed to have each other, and I couldn't be more happy these days...

I am so excited to see what Ashley's next First & Last link-up will be! Have you guys linked on up yet??

2012 Emmys Fashion

I'm not sure if any of y'all care what I have to think about fashion, but I am going to tell you anyways!

While I was watching E! Live from the Red Carpet yesterday before the Emmy's, Nick turned to me and said "It's not even about who wins anymore, it is about the dresses". To which I looked straight at him and responded "Obviously". At least he gets it now...

Red Carpet Season is upon us, and The Emmy's kicked it off in a major way. There was some fashion highs, and of course some fashion lows. I love seeing everyone all dolled up in dresses I could never afford. I might be living vicariously through them for a minute or two while sitting in pajamas on my couch. 

Today I wanted to share with you my favorite, and not so favorite, moments from the Emmy's 2012.

Best

Ginnifer Goodwin- Monique Lhuillier

{via}

From the top of her head to the tip of those shoes, Ginnifer Goodwin absolutely KILLED it. The color looks gorgeous on her. Her make-up and hair are flawless. And that dress...I mean...it is perfection. I love dresses that have the perfect touch of Vintage, and this dress nailed it.

Julie Bowen- Monique Lhuillier

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Is it weird that Monique Lhuillier designed two of my favorite looks of the night? No, of course not, because she can do no wrong! I love how the color is the focal point of the dress. It is a simple silhouette, which lets the color shine. Not to mention that Julie Bowen's hair is just perfect.

Leslie Mann- Naeem Khan

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Blink and you might have missed Leslie Mann looking to die for. This might be the perfect sumer gown, and I love that she complimented it with turquoise. She is always effortlessly chic and tonight was no different. 

Tina Fey- Vivienne Westwood

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I know some of you might disagree, but I thought Tina Fey looked the best she has ever looked on a red carpet tonight. She usually sticks to black, so it is so nice to see her in this Merlot color (which was everywhere on the red carpet). Also, her body looks ridic!

Worst

Sofia Vergara- Zuhair Murad

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I know some of you guys might have stopped reading at this point, but hear me out. I just didn't like it...I mean, of course her body looks amazing, and she would look good in a potato sack. But, this dress isn't anything special. First of all, I wish it was strapless because that V-strap is driving me crazy. Also, I feel like we have seen the sequin mermaid dress a million times. Maybe you disagree, but it is a miss for me.

Lena Dunham- Prada

{via}

Actually, the more I look at it, the more I don't had it. She isn't like every other young hollywood star, and we expected to see something different. If she was going to stick with the lace, I think I might just like to see her in a more youthful color. But her make-up and hair does look absolutely flawless. 

Christina Hendricks- Christian Seriano

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I am sure this color look beautiful in person, but it looked a blah on camera. I would prefer to see her in a great emerald color with her gorgeous Red hair. And I do NOT like that belt. The dress could have been a lot better without it. She is such a beautiful woman, and I feel like this dress was frumpy.

Lucy Liu- Versace

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I know it is always a risk to wear straight from the runway. I applaud her for making a statement, but I didn't like it. It is a bit much, and above all else, it looks super uncomfortable. It is stiff, and too much.

Honorable Mention

Kat Dennings- J. Mendel

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Wow. Kat Dennings looked effortless and beautiful. That color complimented her skin beautifully, and I love the matching red lips. She is a beautiful woman!

Zooey Deschanel- Reem Acra

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Okay. This was SOOO close to being a best dressed. When she walked on camera, I thought her hair and make-up, and the top of the dress looked killer! Then it panned down, and I was left wondering what happened? It looks a little too like fabric scraps to me, and not finished. So close....

Hayden Panettiere- Marchesa

{via}

I love Marchesa, and I love Hayden. I think the Navy makes the dress look a bit heavy. I would have preferred to see maybe a peach color over the gold, to lighten it up? It is a gorgeous dress but the navy makes it look a bit old.

Beauty

{via}

While I think she looked a little too loosey goosey (a.k.a. she was about to fall out at any moment) in her dress, and I wasn't a fan of the head-to-toe color, I think her hair and make-up looked amazing. She looked like a 50's glamour queen!

Living for the Weekend

I know it is only Thursday, but right now my mind is already in Weekend mode. Why, you might ask? Well this weekend begins my birthday festivities! 

While 24 isn't the most exciting age, I am really excited to spend the week celebrating with my family and some of my closest friends!

And that also means I am getting closer to wearing my birthday outfit...

I may be 24 year-old next week, but I do believe you are never too old to wear a couple dozen layers of tulle.

Be Girly. Be fabulous!

Sunny with a Chance of a Sprinkle!

I'm not sure if I have told you guys, but my Sister-in-law is expecting her second baby! A baby girl!

Last weekend we celebrated a Baby Sprinkle (not to be confused with a bigger, more extravagant Baby Shower) for Shea and Sarah's second baby. Why a Sprinkle you ask? Well it isn't as big of a party as the first baby...so when it's not a Shower, it's a Sprinkle. Get it?

{Mom's art skills}

And I dunno if I am biased, but I always think Sarah has the cutes parties, and the most adorable decorations (with the help of the party planner Kyla). Observe...

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 {let's see if you can guess the theme...}

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 {SO adorable right?}

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{These might be the most precious napkins I have ever seen..}

And finally....what Sprinkle is complete without individual Sprinkles Cupcakes for all? I mean really, these girls think of everything. 

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I think it was safe to say that a fun time was had by all the ladies who got together to celebrate this Baby Girl. She is going to be one lucky little lady to have parents like Shea and Sarah, and a big brother like Parker.

{Sarah and all of Baby Girl's gifts!}

Speaking of Parker, at the very last minute the boys decided to crash the party!

 {Cutest. Family. Ever.}

It was a good thing Shea stopped by because I got to give him a gift I picked out for him and his Baby Girl on the way!

That's right! A PINK Dodger's uniform...I mean...I can't even...it is SO CUTE!!! Gotta start 'em young in the Mercado household!

Can't wait to meet you Baby Girl Mercado! 

You are gonna be one spoiled little chica (especially by Auntie Kai)!

Fall TV Review Round-Up: Week 1

I don't know about you guys, but I love Fall TV Premiere time!! I am always excited to check out brand new shows, and even more excited when my favorite shows are back. I get so pumped actually that I have a document saved on my Desktop with the premiere dates of all the shows (in order), so that I know what to record when (insert Nick making fun of me here).

So I figured I would share with you in the weeks to come my opinions on the Fall TV Schedule this year. Maybe I might inspire you to check some out, or to avoid others all together. This week I will be recapping all the shows that premiered from the week prior.

Week 1

New Shows

Go On

What is not to like about a room full of crazies trying to work out there problems, and who can't relate?

 Network television must really have faith in trying to re-create lightning in a bottle with past Friends actors. They just keep giving Matthew Perry shows, bless his heart. I actually thought this show was pretty funny, and mostly because they have a good cast. I recognized a few people, including John Cho (Harold & Kumar) and Julie White (the crazy funny mom from Transformers).

Although it is a good ensemble, I don't know if it will have the staying power as some other comedies on TV these days. One can hope though, at least for Matthew Perry's sake...

The New Normal

Taking a cue from the success of Modern Family recreating the family, Ryan Murphey decided to bring his own version to NBC. Who is Ryan Murphey? Oh, he just created a little show named Glee, you might have heard of it...

The good news here is it isn't a cheap Modern Family knock-off...it is actually a really great show. First of all, I love Justin Bartha (National Treasure, The Hangover), and would probably watch anything with him in it. Second of all, this has a lot of the same type of writing and feel that Glee has, without the singing. It is witty and adorable, and I think it is going to stay for a while. Also, that little girl is kind of the cutest....that is all.

Returning Shows

Parenthood

You guys...I LOVE this show. I actually was late to the Parenthood train. My mom and sister-in-law kept telling me how good it was, so one day I decided to sit down and start from the beginning. I am so glad I did! If you haven't started watching, do so now!

If you have anything resembling a family, you will relate to this show on way or another. Yeah, there is drama, but at the heart of it is love, and a little bit of humor. They are all crazy, but at the end of the day, they are family. 

This season premiere focused on Haddie going to college across country, and of course made me cry. I love how this show has grown because there are always new things that happen in a progression and a growth of a family, that Parenthood captures it all so well...

Seriously...go watch it now. :)

The Voice

I had actually given up on singing competitions until this show came on a few years ago. The Voice gave the run of the mill singing shows the shot in the arm it so desperately needed. The judges are all great, and I love how they each have their own team that they mentor. 

It has been good every season so far, and this season is turning out pretty solid as well. There has been good talent, and some pretty good smack talking between these feisty judges. And really, if all else fails, can we just pause for a second and look at the gorgeous Adam Levine? 

XFactor

I decided to give XFactor a shot this year, having never watched it before, for a few reasons. First of all, Britney Spears basically defined my childhood, so how could I not have interested in a show with her on it. And also, Demi Lovato is the cutest little thing ever, and has become quite the good role model for young women. So with those two stars, it can't go wrong right?

Eh...

I was honestly kind of unimpressed. I kept thinking the show sort of missed something, and it very well might be the fact that there is no host? I think a good host can fill that empty space between auditions very well. But also, the talent was alright. Although, there was this girl that had been bullied that did make me cry (but then again, I cry all the time)...

So overall, I am just kind of on the fence about this one....and I think The Voice is better.

Glee

Confession: I have been a Gleek since day 1 of this show. 

I will never say anything bad about Glee (even when Quinn had that whole wheelchair plot), because I love it so. If you know anything about me, you know I am a Musical junkie, so this show is my drug of choice. Yes, I have over 100 Glee songs downloaded onto my iTunes...please don't judge me.

This season should be interesting! I am excited to see what Rachel and Kurt will be up to in New York, and what the New Directions will do without some of their best singers. But besides all of that, it needs to be said that I am SO excited for Kate Hudson to be on the show. She is just...fabulous...

If you haven't watched this show, I don't even know what to say to you right now.

That is my review of all the shows that premiered last week! 

What did you guys think of the new and returning shows? Are there any shows you are looking forward to? Let me know your thoughts on all the Fall TV out there!

Next week I will be reviewing Revolution, Parks and Recreation, Up All Night, and The Office!

Date Night in Orange County

One of the best things about moving to a new city is it means one thing...new Date Nights (or day?)!

After living in San Diego for six years, date nights had become a bit stale. The same movie place, the same place for dinner. I was ready for some new adventures! After a couple hours of research, I found some great ideas. Here is a list that I saved on my comp (yes I have that much free time), and I thought I should share with you!

Date Night Ideas in Orange County

(In no particular order)

1. Check out the amazing marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific. They also have discounted late night rates as well!

2. Like a little challenge with the one you love? Try out rock climbing at Rockreation.

3. The Orange County Museum of Art always has new exhibits, so it can be different each time you visit!

4. As long as you don't get seasick, Whale Watching sounds like a great way to spend a day.

5. A great way to check out local artists, and even see them create art in person, would be to head on over to Push Gallery.

6. The art community in Laguna Beach is always thriving, and it can be seen at their semi-annual SawDust Art & Craft Festival.

7. Gondola Cruises provides a romantic night out on the water, at a pretty reasonable price too! I wonder if they include a singing Italian guy...

8. Laguna Beach hosts an Art Walk the first Thursday of every month!

9. Who doesn't love fresh produce, and homemade yummies? Check out the Farmer's Market hosted by the City of Orange. 

10. Irvine is host to the Great Park, where they have a balloon that will take you 500 feet into the air! That sounds like all kind of fun to me!

11. Since Nick says I need cooking lessons, why not do it with the man I love? Black Market Bakery hosts a variety of Cooking Classes each month!

12. Get a group together and rent a Duffy Boat for the day! You can bring your own food and drinks, and spend a few hours on the water. And split between a group of people, the price isn't bad at all. (Bonus!)

13. The Laguna Canyon Winery has a Wine Tasting party the 1st of every month. I love me some good wine!

14. Crystal Cove State Park is known for their Tide Pools (which I love!), and also hosts great monthly events!

15. Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach is said to have one of the best views in Orange County....and good drinks of course.

16. Do you love to hike, and love nature? The 10 Mile Back Bay Loop is the place for you...and it is dog friendly.

17. I know we don't have any great forests, but we do have some pretty great views, so why not Camp for the weekend in Orange County.

18. Catalina Island Ferry leaves out of Long Beach, and is a great way to spend a day or a weekend.

19. The Observatory in Santa Ana is supposed to be one of the best places to go for live music, and to check out new local bands. I love music, so this might be the place for me!

20. Want a whole new adventure? Have Brunch at the break of dawn (literally), at this cool concept restaurant. 

21. Does your man have two left feet...do you? Pick up a dance class or two at Fullerton Dance!

22. If you guys have a furry friend in common, make sure to check out the Huntington Dog Beach for a fun time for all three of you. 

There you have it. My compiled date night list thus far. I hope it can be helpful for all you love birds out there. And if you live in Orange County, and have some great ideas for a fun date, please throw them my way!

The Locals....

Today, I told you I would fill you in on one of my favorite things about living in Orange County. What is it, you ask? Well, there are a few locals around these parts that I have grown quite fond of over the years...

{p.s. we need a more updated pic of us 4}

That's right. A part of my family! My brothers, Shea and Bryn, and my sister-in-law Sarah, all live within 10 minutes of me! And let me tell, you this hasn't happened since before Shea went away to college. So that means, for the last 12 years of my life, I haven't been in the same city as three of the most important people in my life.

I feel so blessed now to get to see all of them basically every week...and to have the close knit bond that I do with each of them.

I could go on about how much those three mean to me, but I don't have enough tissues over here for all the waterworks. Besides, there is one family member close by that I forgot to mention, but who is the cutest of us all...

Mr. Parker Rhodes Mercado

The cutest Mercado to date!

That's right! I now live within a mile of this little guy, and he makes my day a little brighter each day I get to see him. I feel so lucky to get to see him grow up, and change, and develop. He is the smartest little boy. I might be a bit bias, but I also think he is the cutest thing this side of the Mississippi. 

And now, because I haven't blogged in a while, you guys get a Parker Cuteness Overload...deal with it...

{he loves his cheerios}

 {When BiBi comes to visit!}

 {A Water Baby}

 {Cheesin!}

Yes I just posted a bajillion photos of my nephew....no I don't care....

The Locals here are pretty awesome...