twenty seven.

Sooo, I have been Twenty Seven for a total of 27 days.  Let me tell you something, 27 has already been crazy good!  I mean CRAZY good!

As most of you know on October 19th, I said yes to spending the rest of my life with the most amazing man.  I CAN NOT wait to be Mrs. Soto.  It makes me giggle just typing it.  He is so supportive and encouraging.  He loves me despite my "terrible" sports teams and my addiction to trashy reality TV.  I hope to one day make him as happy as he makes me.  I love you, handsome!  XoXo

What some of you may not know is, I have been studying for a test to become a teacher.  On November 1st, I passed said test.  When I say that I was excited, I was!  I sat in my car and cried from being so happy.  On a side note, ever since I became an engaged woman, I have become even more emotional.  For warning to all of you! :P

On November 7th, I accepted a position to teach 4th grade.  I am so ready to start my career change.  I know that it is going to be a challenge and I am so ready.  I just hope my kids are smaller than me. ;)

None of this would be possible with out the help of a few people: Fernando, Mom, Jackie, Tiffany, Kristi, and Zach.  I can't Thank You all enough for your help and support.  I love you all! :)

I have started a new blog, Diary of the Tiny Teacher, that will chronicle my journey as a new teacher. Go subscribe!  Like now! :)

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YEEEHAWWWW

For my birthday, my sweet boyfriend surprised me with a trip to Nashville for this weekend.  While there, we are going to be seeing Luke Bryan and FL-GA Line in concert, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame, and much more!  I'm excited for all of those reasons and because I get to break out my fall clothes.  Not to mention, I get to do all of this with the most amazing boyfriend!  All of me loves you Fernando!  ;) <3

Now to packing, it's always difficult for me to pack for cold weather because I never have enough room in my carry-on suitcase.  For this trip I am going to be checking a bag!  Thank God for Southwest's 2 free checked bags!! lol  By the way, look for a blog post later on Packing Tips, but for now lets get ready for Nashville!!!!

Things that I am especially excited about:

- My new booties that I got from HauteLook - if you haven't signed up for this, Do It!
- My new black studded purse from TJ Maxx - I'm a Maxxinista!
- My black polka-dot tights that I have had for about 2 years and have never worn.





<-----I almost forgot about this!!!! hahaha
        (No, I don't own this but it's pretty funny)

Here's to a whole lot of Yeehaws and a fabulous weekend with my man! :)

The Bests Ever (So Far)

YEAR

My 26th year on this beautiful Earth is about to come to an end (on Saturday). I hate to see it go, not only because I don't want to get older, but also because it has been the best year of my life, so far.  All in one year, I have experienced and tackled so much.  Since October 12th last year, I have:

- I have conquered my fear of heights by going Skydiving.
- I have become an Apple fanatic. 
- I fell in my love with my best friend. <3
- I have visited New York, for the first time.
- I have seen my Lakers play, for the first time.
- I have visited Chicago, for the first time.
- I met Victor Oladipo.
- I met Mike Greenberg.
- I moved to Florida (still can't believe this one - lol).
- Established my spot as Christian's 2nd favorite and 2nd most loved person. This one is clearly the best one of them all! :)

Along with all of these highlights, I have would include stronger friendships, new friendships, stronger family bonds, and a more optimistic outlook on life. 

I wonder what 27 has in store...? Can't wait to find out!!

        

        

          

 

The Bests Ever (So Far)

Life Threatening Decision

Some may think, how can any life threatening decision be associated with your "The Bests Ever."  Well I will tell you.  My entire life I have been afraid of heights.  I don't do ladders.  I don't do balconies twenty stories up.  Yet, I jump out of airplanes at 30,000 feet.  This one, 5 minute airplane jump gave me the greatest rush I have ever experienced in my life.  You feel inspired, like you can take on the world.  While you are soaring through the sky, you are forced to enjoy the beautiful thing that is life.  If you are ever inspired to go skydiving, definitely do it with a group of friends and get it on tape!  Anytime you feel down or defeated, watching that tape well quickly change your attitude.  

"I jumped out of a plane! I JUMPED OUT OF A PLANE!!"

Life is about taking chances, you should try it once in a while. 

Warm, Yummy Goodness

Thanks to Pinterest I got an idea for a warm drink that isn't loaded with calories and caffeine.  It's real simple, and only has THREE ingredients. Ready?!

Honey Cinnamon Milk

1 cup of vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon of honey
2 pinches of cinnamon


Warm the milk in the microwave for about 2.5 minutes.  Remove, stir in honey and 1 pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle 1 pinch of cinnamon on top.  And, you're done!

It is light and warm.  It isn't loaded with calories like hot chocolate.  It won't keep you wired like coffee.    Perfect warm treat. Enjoy!!

The Bests Ever (So Far)

Life Changing Moment.

There is no tie with this one.  It's easy, the birth of Mr. Christian Scott Smith.  The moment that little guy entered this world, I had no idea how my life would change.  He has brought so much joy to my life.  Without even knowing or trying, he brought a family together.  Our family became closer and stronger, almost instantly.

He has taught me so much about life and myself. I have learned to be more patient, more understanding, and less selfish - it's not so hard. He has taught me that it is the little things in life that matter.  Love is enough. Love is simply enough. Never did I think I would love someone so much. And never did I think hearing the words, "I love you so much Sissy" could make any bad day, better! I wish he could stay this way, so sweet and sometimes innocent! :) However, I know he will grow up and I just hope he will still call me Sissy. I hope he will still proudly say how much he loves me and misses me. I hope he will still consider me his best friend and his favorite! And, I hope he never forgets how much he is loved.

The Bests Ever (So Far)

With my birthday coming up (10/12 just to remind all of you gift givers - lol), I have reflected on the past 26 years. Yes, I am a woman. And YES, I just admitted my age. The past 26 years have had it's fair shares of ups and downs, but I have been beyond blessed. I started thinking about the best ever's that I have experienced. So I compiled a list and am going to do a blog on each one.

First, none other than Sporting Event: WE HAVE A TIE! 

Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Bobcats

I know most of you would say, how is that exciting? The Bobcats? The Pistons? But, if you know me,  I am a huge sports fan and a HUGE Chauncey Billups fan. The tickets to the game were a birthday gift from my mom. Thanks MOM!

We sat four rows behind The Pistons' bench. Before the game, I got so close to SHEEEED that if I had a normal person's arms, I would have been able to touch him. The best part of the night, the split second that Chauncey himself looked at me (probably thinking who is that crazy girl giggling and taking a million pictures of me). The moment was captured, to forever be remembered. I tell the story of him looking at me, often, with much pride! The picture is framed and in my apartment for all my guests to see.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs. New York Knicks

Many of you probably have heard about my trip to New York about a year ago. This trip was a surprise and an amazing gift from my boss, Zach! I normally do not like surprises but this kind of surprise, I welcome anytime.  Okay, back to the trip.

My mom and I got to go to New York for 3 days and enjoy the city for the first time together. And the best part of it all, I got to see MY LAKERS take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. I was in the same building as KOBE BEAN BRYANT aka The Black Mamba, The Baaad Man that is Stephen A. Smith, Spike Lee, Patrick Ewing, John Legend, Chuck, and so many more. Poke me because I still can't believe that I went. I mean, how many people get to say that they have seen The Lakers play The Knicks in Madison Square Garden?! Not many, but I CAN! :) It was such an amazing experience!  I even got a re-tweet from Spike! Hehehehe 

Fall Must Haves

With Fall approaching (for those not in Florida) I thought I would compile a list of fall items I am obsessed with.

My Must Haves:

Mora Cutout Booties (HauteLook)

Colorful Infinity Scarf (Nordstrom)

Cute Arrow Studs (The Limited)

Sweater with Elbow Patches (The Limited)

Jouer Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Parfait

Leather Strap Watch (Marc Jacobs)

Dark Skinny Jeans (The Limited)

Two-Toned Handbag (Kate Spade)

Blueberry Boost!

One of my favorite things to have as an afternoon snack is my Blueberry Boost Smoothie!

Ingredients:

- 1 Cup of Ice

- 1 Cup of Almond Milk

- 1/2 Cup of Blueberries

- 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter

- 3 Tablespoons of Honey

- 1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon

- 1 Cup of Rolled Oats


Sometimes I add bananas, today I didn't have any.  You could also use cocoa powder or protein powder instead of cinnamon.

This recipe makes two smoothies for me, so the other half goes into the fridge for tomorrow!

Healthy Life, Happy Life.

You know we all hate working out.  We all have to dig down deep to find the motivation to get out of bed and go to the gym.  That's all true until you realize that living a healthy life leads to a happier life.

Recently, I made a promise to myself to get in better shape and live a healthier life.  Since that promise, I have become a stronger runner.  I have been working out 4-5 times a week.  I have maintained my relatively healthy diet.  I believe in eating whatever you want, IN MODERATION! As a result, I just mentally feel better.  Physically, my entire body hates me (I have been so sore)! We all know that after a good run or workout we feel so energized! So why not do it more often!?

Some things that I feel have made the change easier:

- Following folks on Instagram & Pinterest that are also active.  Seeing their results is very motivating!

- Gradually increasing the workout times and days.  Slow and steady is the key to building endurance.

- Do not buy junk food.  If it's not in your house, you can't eat it!

- Drink tons of water.  Anyone who knows me,  knows I drink water religiously!

- Buy a new workout outfit.  I know it sounds silly but I get so excited to wear new running shorts!

- Change it up.  Don't do the same thing every day, that's boring! Kickball, Running, Circuit, Yoga, etc.


Here are a few people that are great to follow for motivation:

Tone It Up - Great Workouts and Recipes!

Lauren Conrad - Great Recipes!

Here's to living a healthier, happier life! 

GoConnect!

One of the things I loved about working at Go Realty is the fact that we were always coming up with something new. Something fun. Something that would help our agents to succeed...both in business and in life.  

Well, I have been cheering from afar at their latest venture.  Jim and Zach are developing a new app for real estate agents called GoConnect.  And I’d like to think I played a role in the inspiration for this project.  That’s right, I said it.  Me!

You see, when I first joined Zach he was experiencing a huge increase in the amount of clients he was working with (that’s why he hired me). But one of the things holding him back was a really good system for handling this new growth.  We used google docs for most of our transaction checklists which worked okay, but we were constantly searching for an alternative to top producer, one of the longstanding CRM tools for real estate agents. And searching for a way for us to handle these items on the go...we were busy!  

By helping to develop a new system, we were able to double the number of clients he could handle...twice!  Once in my first year, and then again during my second year.  As the real estate market heats up again, I think a lot of agents will LOVE using this new app, especially clients who have struggled with what is available.  Most systems are either really cumbersome, really ugly or crazy expensive!  Their app is FREE!  Call me crazy but I think they should be charging for it. :)

Either way, I think you will hear a lot more about this new venture. Probably on every “best apps for real estate agents” list on the internet.

Stay Tuned for more...

When Life Gives You Lemons...

...You make lemon cookies. DUH!

I am a self-proclaimed sweets addict.  I love chocolate everything, I love strawberry cupcakes, and LEMON COOKIES! Here is a recipe that I made today.

Lemon Box Cookies

1 Roll of Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
1 Lemon
1 1/2 cups of Powdered Sugar

Directions:

Bake the cookies and let them cool.  While they are cooling you can make the glaze.  Combine in a bowl, the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 1 lemon, and the powdered sugar.  Whip until all ingredients are combined and the glaze is smooth.  When cookies are completely cooled, add a teaspoon of the glaze on top. And, you are done!  So easy and so yummy!

If you love lemon flavored sweets, I suggest you try these! :)