Good Friends, Good Times, Great Memories

For all of my single friends out there you know that there is one accessory you must take out with you on a Saturday night... your girlfriends!

These last few years I have watched my girlfriends walk down the aisle, have babies, build their relationships, and grow professionally. I have also been a shoulder to cry on, watched them move away, and been there when they needed encouragement. I did all of these things without thinking twice. I did it all for these girls because I know when the tables turn, these girls will do it all for me.

I don't know where life might take me or what I may be faced with, but the one thing I know is I will always have is my girlfriends!

This post is for you girls!

Thank you for being there.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for your encouragement and wisdom.
 

I may not see you everday or talk to you once a week, but I know you are always there and you know I am always here!

Big girls don't cry...

We don't cry because we want to.
We don't always cry because we are sad.
We don't cry to make people feel bad.

We cry when it is the last result.
We cry when we are so overwhelmed with emotion it is the only thing left to do.
We cry after we have bottled everything inside for too long.

Today I cried. I hate crying. I hate the way I look when I cry, and the way my eyes are red and swollen afterward. I hate admitting to crying or for others to see it. I hate all of these things about crying, but the one thing I hate most is the reason I am crying in the first place. There is always a source to the tears. I might not admit it a first, but after I step back, calm down, and take a deep breath it is all very clear. Yes, sometimes this leads to crying all over again.

Sometimes we cry in happiness.
Sometimes we cry in sadness.
Sometimes we cry in anger.

Tonight my tears are in disappointment. Disappointment in myself... Disappointment in another... Disappointment in decisions...

We all make mistakes, sometimes we can take them back, sometimes we can't. Sometimes we can say I'm sorry, sometimes it's to late.

For all of you that have recently made a mistake or hurt someone and you want to take it back... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? GO NOW... I wish someone would.

I will probably regret posting this, but for now I'm selecting PUBLISH POST!

Life in Aggieland

I always hear about people leaving Aggieland for a fun night out, weekend away, or just to get-away. Some of us are restricted to budgets and do not get to enjoy these luxuries (cough cough ME). I have compiled a list of fun things that I enjoy about this "college town" and I thought I would share these things with you!


La Bodega on North Gate has great drink specials, great food, and a nice patio to relax on!
They have drink specials daily and at night even have live entertainment!

La Bodega Baja Taco Bar

Lakeside Icehouse
We frequent the Icehouse on Sundays or when they are having a good concert.
They have good drinks and a great patio to relax on and check out one of the best sunset views in Aggieland!

Lakeside Icehouse

The Tap
Home of the Pickle Shot!
In college I was at the Tap every Monday and Wednesday for karaoke and piano night
I don't get to enjoy those late nights during the week anymore, but we still go for
Happy Hour and during football season TAP BINGO is soooo fun on Monday nights!

The Tap

Briarcrest Country Club
Yes, I used to work there! We went a few weeks ago and played 9 holes and hit a few balls on the driving range.
It was a blast!
If you are ever looking for something fun and inexpensive to do I suggest checking it out!

Briarcrest Country Club

Uncorked in Downtown Bryan
Have you been to downtown Bryan lately? It is really coming around!!
They have cute shops, restaurants, and the 1st Friday of every month they have live music everywhere!
Uncorked has a ok wine list and is a great place to plan a girls night! It is relaxing and full of couches and comfy
places to sit and enjoy yourself. Their prices are great and you could sit and visit for hours with your friends!!

Uncorked

Football Season is right around the corner and this is by far the best part about still living in Aggieland!
This year I have become very involved with the BEST tailgating crew ever!
 If you haven't liked us on facebook or if you don't have a tailgate to call your own you should check this one out!
It is full of great people, great food, and is the best place to get pumped up before the game!
We also have big screen TVs for you to watch the game if you don't want to make the journey into Kyle Field!
Visit our facebook page and find out where we are at and how you can become a part of this truely one of a kind Aggie Tailgate Experience!

 Brazos Valley Tailgaters

BCS Marathon
This is the Half Marathon I am currently training for.
I am up to 5 miles so far and having a blast getting prepared for this event.
You still have time to start training! Get started and set a goal to run the HALF on 12/11/11!!
Running has been a great way to clear my head at the end of the day and I'm getting into shape too!

BCS Marathon



Wolf Pen Creek
This is a great spot! It hosts lots of local concerts and events.
I have attended many events here and also like to go for jogs around the park!
Fav Events: Duck Jam, Weinerfest, Earth Day, Worldfest
Check out their event calendar to see what is coming up!



Ok that is all I have this evening! I am sure that I have left things out, but obviously these are the things that fill my week and keep me busy in Aggieland! You don't have to always get out of town to have some fun! 

Summer Loves

Wayfarer Sunglasses
Made famous by Ray-Ban, but now you can get copies for $15 or less

Sailor Shorts
Available at Express



Strappy Flats
I just got this pair yesterday at Macy's... LOVE 



Wavy/Curly Hair

Wedge Sandles
These are by MIA and on my "wish list"



Silver Hoop Earings



Rose Gold Fossil Boyfriend Watch
Birthday Present from Mom & Dad



First Date... Second Date? Last Date?

As a single 25 year old gal I am not going to pretend to know the secrets to a great long lasting relationship, but I can tell you a thing or two about first dates. I have been on my fair share of great first dates and even more HORRIBLE first dates. One guy actually took me to a shooting range to shoot his pistol!!! Comforting?? I don't think so! I didn't even know the guy!! So for all of you just starting this 1st date journey I will fill you in on a few tips I have found to be successful...

First, DO NOT behave like the individuals in the videos below:
Guys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFK3Spacdus
Girls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVCWWbfg4H8
Yes, it may seem shocking that someone would actually behave like these characters, but they must be based on something. Right? Someone went on a truly horrible date and then wrote about and then it was exaggerated and now we have these entertaining movies to watch! It's all fun and games until you find yourself in one of these nightmare situations!

Second, dress for a DATE, not an INTERVIEW!

It's summer! Show some skin (not tooo much) and ROCK IT!

You are going on a Date! Not to Sunday morning service with your Grandmother!

Third, conversation is the key to a successful first date. Discuss your favorite venues, movies, music, etc. Stay away from conflicting opinons such as politics or money.

Lastly, guys this one is for you! Pick a good spot for the first date! No noisy restaurants or bars, you want to be able to hear eachother! Also, stay away from over the top, fancy, expensive places. This does not make you look cool or make us want you more. You really are probably just wasting your money whether you have it or not! Whatever you do... NO SHOOTING RANGES!!! Yes, I am still a little traumatized from that one! While I can enjoy shooting guns just as much as any other Texas girl, it just freaked me out!!!

Yes, this was short and sweet, but that is really what a first date is all about! Short, sweet and finding out if you even want to put forth the effort for a second date!

AHHH I give up...

I was working on a post for the last hour and all of a sudden BANG it closes and doesn't save half of it!!!!

It's late, I will have to try again tomorrow!

Sorry to disappoint, I promise a good one tomorrow!

Happy Wednesday!

A bad case of the Mondays

I have always heard people complain about Mondays, but I never agreed with all of the negative connotations. Today however that all changed!

I forgot to take my breakfast with me on the way out the door this morning. Therefore I had to deal with the following events on an empty stomach. If you have ever had to deal with me on an empty stomach you already know my reaction to the following events. If you have not had to deal with this then TRUST me when this girl is hungry you better just RUN the other direction!!

1. Morning Delivery - I went above and beyond to deliver a few orders to a customer's office that is located on West Campus at Texas A&M. As I am walking back to my car (car is parked at the loading dock with the flashers on) I find a A&M Parking Nazi writing this for me:

Warning for improper parking

 2. Items delivered - The items I was delivering when I got this "Warning" were all for the Texas A&M Health Science Center. After delivered I got back to the office and much to my surprise I already had an e-mail from the customer. Apparently their magnets did not match the color they asked for. When I requested a sample to compare the two this is what I got:

How do you argue that one?!?! "Oh I'm sorry I don't see the problem" YEAH RIGHT!! They are in fact COMPLETELY different colors! So I got to spend the rest of the morning trying to get this one resolved (still empty stomach). I am sure the customer service department thought I was VERY pleasant to talk to!

3. Lovely customer just before lunch - An out of town customer calls and begins CHEWING me out because they have not received their order that they placed weeks ago. I am very confused because I had received a confirmation that this order was received. I track the order once again and sure enough, received, signed for, delivered! I call the customer back to report this news and I forward the tracking information that I received. He replies with, "Oh, maybe I should check the front office." WHAT you call and chew me out before you even checked with the front office?!? He never called back today... I feel very confident that he found the package, felt like a fool, and yet just because he is not nice he is not planning on calling me back with an apology!

The day did not make a positive turn after these events, but these were the major things that RUINED my Monday. By the time that these were over I cannot lie to you and say I was super productive for the rest of the afternoon, so tomorrow should glorious!! At least it won't be Monday though!

Tomorrow I promise to have a more positive post for you! Tonight though I just want to tell you that I now understand first-hand what people mean when they say "I have a bad case of the Mondays!"

Good Night!

That's what I love about Sundays

Tonight I made dinner for Jae and I at my apartment. I am happy to report that it was delicious! We ate early, but it was so good that it left us both passed out on the couch, I just woke up and finished cleaning the kitchen.

We started out with my new favorite summertime drink... Sangria and Sprite. (Yes, very Classy!)

For dinner we had sirloin steaks, homemade mashed potatoes, zucchini and purple onions, & caesar salad.

Sirloin Steaks - I marinated the steaks in Roasted Red Pepper Italian Salad Dressing. I added some of Emeril's original grilling spice. We both like our steak medium-rare. Jae did a great job at monitoring the fire and grilling them just right =)

Veggies - I sliced up the zucchini and onions and sauteed them in a large skillet. I seasoned them with light butter and Morton's Natures Seasoning.

Mashed Potatoes - I used 3 large potatoes, this makes more than enough for 2 people, but who doesn't like a few left over potatoes. I boiled them, drained them, then mashed and seasoned them. I use salt initially in the water when boiling them, then when mashing them I like to add a generous amount of light butter, minced garlic, salt, & black pepper. 

It was not a fancy dinner by any means, but it sure was a great way to end the weekend!  

Singing at the top of my lungs!

Unfortunately, I was not blessed with the ability to carry a tune. However, I have never let that get me down =) I have no problem singing at the top of my lungs whenever I get the chance. My favorite places to really belt it out are when I'm in the car and when I am getting ready for a night out.

Yesterday I got to get out of the office for a few hours and  to visit a few of my favorite customers in Montgomery. It is about an hour drive so that gave me plenty of time to play a few sing-alongs!  I have already informed you that I have a pretty random taste in music, so the list below should come as no surprise. I have narrowed down my favorite sing-alongs to a top 10 playlist. I am sure you have heard them all, but I made them all links in case you need a refresher!

My Top 10:
1. You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette

2. It Takes Two - Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
3. What's Up? - 4 Non Blondes
4. You Never Even Call Me By My Name - David Allen Coe
5. At Last - Etta James
6. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
7. Wonderwall - Oasis
8. Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar
9. Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
10. Express Yourself - Madonna

I know I said top 10, but here a 10 more that you could add to your own playlist... Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi, American Pie - Don McLean, Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks, If You Need Me Call Me - Diana Ross, Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leopard, I'll Stand by You - The Pretenders, Like a Virgin - Madonna, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison, I've Had the Time of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Whether you need a karaoke song, a playlist for a party, or just a pick me up before a night out these songs are sure to do the trick! Try it out! You can't tell me you don't find yourself singing at the top of your lungs!

Have a Good Weekend!

The 5 things that make it EASY!

We have all taken polls that ask, "If you were going to a deserted island what would you take with you?" I have a different question that applies to our daily routines... What 5 things make your day easier? Really think about it, what 5 things do you rely on to help you make it through the day? It took me a while, but I narrowed down my lengthy list to 5 things....

ROXIE - she makes even the WORST of days that much BETTER!

I am a morning coffee junkie!
I have to have that 1st cup before I can even think about what comes next.
I used to be HOOKED on Starbucks French Roast, but
Dunkin Donuts has changed my coffee palette opinion! Try it I promise
you won't be disappointed!  

Bare Minerals Make-Up
This is the natural girls answer to coverage!
I hate make-up that leaves you feeling greasy,
fake, etc. Bare Minerals is still natural feeling and
will provide the coverage every girl depends on.

Iphone
I still have the original 3G, but still
this device saves me on a regular basis.
I still don't know what we did without them!
Whether its getting checking e-mails or snapping
random photos, it is the answer to every day's last minute dilemmas

Skinny Jeans
I never thought I would admit it, but I am addicted
these jeans save me on a weekly basis!
Whether it's t-shirt Friday or getting ready for an appointment
you can depend on this staple item to help set your style standards.

I know it is still early in my blogging career and I probably should be thinking further outside the box, but this is what I have for the day... I have a few good ones in store for you, bare with me!

HELP!! I have nothing to wear!!

What is the hardest part about getting ready in the morning?? If you are anything like me it is figuring out what to wear! I go through this at least 1-2 times a week! I can have my hair & make-up done and have "plenty" of time to spare and then... I step into the closet!!! That is the only place in this world that 30 mins can feel like 5 and I still have no idea what to put on! After trying on 5 different shirts with 3 different skirts/pants and changing bras 3 times... I'm still half dressed and have to walk out the door in less than 10 minutes! 

If you can imagine this used to happen to me 4-5 times a week, but then I found a few tricks that have helped me cut the occurrence of this dreaded dilemma in half!

1st - I bought a book! I got the book pictured below for my Mom a few years ago for her birthday. The same day I gave it to her I found myself glued to the couch flipping pages, reading style tips, and thinking of outfits that I owned that followed the guidelines in the book! I went out and bought one for myself the very same day. If you haven't read it you should definitely check it out! It is unlike magazines that just tell you where to buy items (that still cost $100 +), it gives you tips and how to mix different items to fit your style/body! It helped me think about things I already had and put together outfits before I hit that I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR wall. Even after reading the book cover to cover multiple times, I still find myself grabbing it when I have a few extra minutes with my morning coffee. Every morning that I do this I walk out the door feeling like a million bucks $$! 

2nd... While I was in college I worked at Old Navy! Exciting, yes I know =/ I did learn one thing that has made a lasting impression on my closet organization skills. It is something we all learned about in Elementary school... ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). I organize my clothes by type and color (tops, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, sweaters, etc.). This has helped more than you can even imagine! I usually have a color in mind that I want to wear or that matches the pants I have already decided on, this makes finding that article of clothing so much easier! Try it! I guarantee it will help cut those morning dilemmas in half!

Yay!! My 1st post that actually gives useful advise! 

Where am I going with this?

I was reading a few successful blogs online last night and it made me ask myself, "Where am I going with this?". All of the blogs I enjoy to read have a theme, direction, target audience, etc... While contemplating this thought I answered my own question, so here it is... I decided to start this journey so that I could find myself. So I am not going to follow the blogging rules set by others. I am going to set my rules as I go and we will see what kind of hot mess I end up with.

Theme

Eclectic, a collection of subjects that I come across that interest me and that I feel like I can elaborate on.

About "I do de... CLAIRE"

Throughout this search of finding myself I am bound to screw up (possibly ALOT) so hopefully this will be the comedic relief you need at the end of your day. I want to make it clear... this is not a "How To", I am not an expert, and I am not trying to set any kind of blogging standards, this is simply me being me and finding a few missing pieces along the way, ENJOY!

Goals

I am probably the worst at starting a new hobby and then weeks later I get "too busy" or find a new activity to fill my time. My personal goal for this blog is to stick with something! I figure that if I know 1 person is reading this then I can't just throw it to the side, I have to stick with it. As you all know, if you have support behind you or someone depending on you it makes it much easier to stick with it and conquer your goals. Congrats, you (whoever you are) are now my support!

Potential Subjects/Posts

These are just a few things I have thought of so far that I think would be fun to blog about. Once I get started I may be able to narrow it down a little. If you have any advice, personal input to offer, please let me know. 

Food/Wine

I LOVE FOOD, I would like to share with you a few dishes that I have picked up in my life, but there will also be some creations of my own, these will be the fun ones.

Dating

I have had my fair share of 1st/last dates, these posts are going to include some current experiences and how they relate to some past experiences

Decorating

I enjoy making homemade decor and moving furniture around on a regular basis, since I just moved into a new place I will share some homemade projects and hopefully a few before/after pictures of my home. I will also include decorating articles I enjoy reading and pictures I come across

Current Events

Not completely sold on this one... this is not going to be a blog about a feminist or a female's perspective on political issues, so if that is what you are after... WRONG GIRL. While I may have an opinion about a few of these topics, I choose to keep them to myself. There is enough of that other stuff in this world without my input. These posts will be more along the lines of fun, feel-good things going on around us that may not stand out because of all the other stuff! 

Reading Material

Coming Soon... I am going to figure out how to have a page just about what I am reading now. I will include books, magazines, blogs, etc. that I am reading and then I will have a "discussion board" where I can post my input. This is your queue... I want to know your opinion too, that is why there is going to be a "discussion board" =)

Style/Beauty

If you are looking for high end designers, you probably won't enjoy these posts. These will most likely consist of outfits I put together straight out of my own closet. I try to stay up to date on trends, so we will see how that goes as well. 

Entertainment

I am currently struggling to make ends meet, while living paycheck to paycheck, but these posts will include fun things you can do on a budget. Somehow I still manage to have fun even with my limited funds. Hopefully these posts will be most useful for the local readers. I will include local venues I come across and upcoming events that I am looking forward to. If you know of anything fun please post them in the comment boxes of these posts, I will gladly share information with others about your event!

Music

I have a WIDE variety of music I listen to on a regularly. Everything from Oldies and Country  to Rap and Rock... hey don't judge, I know what I like! As I come across new/old songs I will post a link that will let you listen to the songs. 

Fitness

Despite past knee injuries I have committed to a half marathon that is taking place on December 11th. I will share my training techniques and keep you posted on my progress

There you have it! That is "Where I am going with this". 

A little about me...

I think it would be a good idea to tell you about myself... I am not sure that anyone is reading this yet, but maybe someday =)

Here it goes...
My name is Claire Papp and I am a sales representative in College Station, Texas. I just recently moved into a one bedroom apartment with my precious chihuahua, Roxie (pictured below).

I graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development and a minor in Business from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!). After graduating I worked for over a year as the Director of Dining Services at Briarcrest Country Club. While this was a blast the event/hospitality industry is very trying on your personal and family life. My favorite things about working at the country club were learning about food, wine, and decorating for special events! I now work as a sales representative at C.C. Creations, we produce and sell custom apparel and promotional products for individuals and corporations. My personal life is jammed-packed full with family and friends. I am very blessed to have so many loved ones close to me in the Brazos Valley!

My best friend/younger sister, Claudia, just recently left the area and I am finding myself a little lost without her. Claudia and her chihuahua, Archie, moved to San Marcos where Claudia is attending Texas State. I am so proud of her for making the commitment to move away, but I do miss her like CRAZY!

This is Archie, he was a puppy in this one,
I will get an updated one ASAP!

My Wonderful Sister and Me!

My parents, Chuck & Arnee', live about an hour away in Montgomery, TX. It is so nice having them close! Dad is in the car business and makes trips to Bryan/College Station regularly. Mom was a stay at home Mom while I was younger, but then made the commitment to go back to school and is now a teacher at Montgomery Intermediate. I am so proud of her!

I love getting out and trying new things, but more than anything I just like being at home. I enjoy cooking, a good glass of wine, crafting, reading books/magazines, listening to music, and just cuddling on the couch with Roxie while we watch TV. Right now I am working on getting my apartment decorated. I am shooting for an eclectic feel in my new humble abode, much like this blog it is still a work in progress, but take a look at a few pics below...

The Entertainment Center

Living Room Window...
I still need to add a few things,
but you have to start somewhere right?

Ok, enough for now... You will have to learn the rest as this Blog continues...

I guess I have to start somewhere...

I am not real sure what made me what to start this, but I guess I have to start somewhere...


I have contemplated starting a blog for over a year now, but just couldn't work up the courage to get it all going. I would like to use the excuse that I have been too busy, but honestly I think I was just a bit intimidated. I have read a few blogs by friends, professionals, and people just like me and they are all AMAZING! I guess I was just worried I couldn't live up to the challenge... Either way today marks day one on my new adventure...


Why did I want to start this blog?
I recently had some challenges come up in my life and I (Miss Dramatic) thought "This is the worst thing that could ever happen to me!". Since then I took a step back and took a good look at the friends, family, and world surrounding me and realized "NO, I am so blessed!".
So I guess the reason for this blog is to not only make me realize how SWEET life is, but to hopefully inspire others to take that step back and see how much they really have.


I am sure all of your parents have told you sometime in your life "Be thankful for what you have". When we were younger we would just let those words go in one ear and out the other... NOW, I GET IT! I was talking to my best friend, Lauren, the other day and she said "I feel like all I have heard lately is BAD news". After hearing her say those words that was when it CLICKED, I am SO thankful for what I have and what I went through was so minimal compared to all of the things going on in families and lives around me.


OK, so far I feel like I am just rambling... I promise to get better at this and I will get more to the "point" of this blog hopefully within the next few posts. SOOO instead of boring you with a LONG rambling 1st post, I will politely end here and start again tomorrow. =)