Lately

Life has been flying by it seems... Along with lots and lots of laundry...my internship will be coming to an end before I know it- I hope it does not end- school is getting tougher and tougher (FOCUS!!), and there is that crispness of winter in the air. Recently I wrote a post on banned books, which featured one of my favorite books, Bless Me, Ultima. The book written by Rudolfo Anaya has recently been turned into a movie, and one of the best movies. It is now one of Carlos's favorites. If it is showing near you, I highly recommend it. Also, the SF Giants are playing in the 2012 World Series!! I am currently watching game number one as I am writing this (8-1: Giants). 

Lastly, I was recently at my grandparent's house where my grandma and I already started talking about what we would be eating on Christmas Eve, at my house. We even talked about taking a walk around old town after we eat and open presents. 

That's all that has been going on around here, have a wonderful weekend.

-Jamie

Before I forget, a professor who has inspired me recently published a book on  her field work in Oaxaca, Mexico. Today was the signing and reading of it and I could not have been more excited to have spent time with her in Mexico when I studied there a few years ago. 

Love Locally

I have always been an advocate for everything local and last weeks alibi really excited me. They had the Best of Burque: Restaurants. I can't wait for us to try lots of new places! One of our favorite burger places is Holy Cow, and they received best burger and fries, I must agree! 

Also, I had to include this adorable picture of Bo cuddling with my giraffe blanket in his new hoodie from American Apparel. 

-Jamie 

My life.

Here are a few things that have made me happy this week! Bo taking rides in a mop bucket (he's such a good sport with me), Sam Adam's Octoberfest, the cute pumpkin my grandma bought me, and of course Grower's Markets. 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

Nails

Sadly, my nails started to split form the base of my nail up to the tip. After I almost had a meltdown, I started taking multivitamins, iron, and biotin. Needless to say my nails are growing out and not getting worse. I can not wait until I can paint my nails again! I have been pinning many nail polish ideas on Pinterest these days.

-Jamie  

Banned Books

Tomorrow is the last day of Banned Books Week, and I couldn't help but notice that some of my all time favorite books are on the list. For starters, The Giver. If you have not yet read it I highly recommend it. Also, Bless Me Ultima and The Handmaids Tale; both excellent choices. Another favorite of mine has always been James and Giant Peach. Also can you believe that Anne Frank's Dairy was banned in 2010 in Virginia???   I cannot understand why anyone would want to ban a book from other people? To encourage the imagination by reading and not be sitting in front of a TV is the one of the best things for the younger generations. I found this site, and got lost in how many books have been banned and/ or challenged over the years. 

Do me a favor this weekend, read a book that has been banned, I bet it will be the best book that you will ever read. 

-Jamie

Sweet Potato

I do not know how to exactly cook with sweet potatoes or how to incorporate them into many dishes, but I do love sweet potato muffins! I have written about Java Joe's multiple times (our favorite local breakfast spot), and today I stopped by to get some studying done before a midterm, and saw my beloved sweet potato muffins that they have every fall! Maybe this is a sign that today will go very well. 

Have a wonderful fall day!

-Jamie

Wish me luck on my Anthro midterm! 

Dress Up!

Halloween is just around the corner!! Usually I only dress up because it is mandatory at work, but I have been thinking of what I was going to be for Halloween, and what do you think of this???? Vintage, and original? Well I guess it is not original to those Pinterest-ers. But I love it!!! Other than that it's a facial and homework kind of night. 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie 

PS: Market this weekend, I can't wait!!!  

Loving Etsy

The other evening I was killing time by searching things that I just NEEDED on Etsy. I searched "beer" and these were two things that I am considering purchasing. Do you have any favorite shops on Etsy? Please share them!

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

They have an option for Beer also, I just preferred the red over the other colors :)

Mums from Mum

Today I spent time at my parents house helping my mom pack a few things before they move this week. We made a quick trip to the store to buy some containers and my mom picked these adorable flowers out for me! I absolutely love the warm fall colors they bring to our front door! 

Thanks Mom!

Happy Fall.

-Jamie 

According to Me.

Just another reason I want to go to Portland, and hopefully move there!

Lately I have been consumed by my internship, school, and a little bit by work. But I have been shopping online here and there just to get a quick break from a few things. Here are some clips of what has been on my mind. Have a wonderful Sunday! 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

I am ready to buy a few of these great shirts from Anthropologie.com 

It's time to decorate!!! 

Yes, I am thinking of upgrading.. white or black??

I don't care if you have the same views as I do, just please vote!

Aromas

After all it is officially autumn, why not make our home smell like it! I bought an amazing pumpkin spice candle at Target, and I can not express how much I love walking through the door lately! 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

Watch Your Step.

What a wonderful weekend! We enjoyed a local brewery festival on Saturday where we ran into friends of ours and enjoyed lots of beer. Then today when stopped by Target for some essentials, I fell in love with something that was not so much essential. These flats! $20 and hot pink soles, why wouldn't I buy them?? 

What did you do this weekend? 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

Happy 6th Birthday!

A couple days ago making pumpkin muffins, with sprinkles :)

Today is Isabella's birthday! Carlos and I could not ask for a better niece in the whole wide world! I met miss Izzy when she was only 2 years old and couldn't pronounce my name, and now she is all grown up and in kindergarten! I can not believe how time flies. I dedicate this post to the birthday girl, who has made our lives full of love! We love you Isabella, HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY!!

-Jamie

Time to put them in the oven!

This summer at the Natural History Museum

Summer 2011 w/ Uncle Carlos at a baseball game

Laughing because she didn't think I could make us blue. (Her favorite color)

Isabella on her 3rd birthday. 

Matching shoes 

I saved the BEST for last. This is my favorite picture of Isabella and I, 4 years ago. 

University Style Comida

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I am either eating a packed lunch, or days like today, grabbing food between classes and munch while taking notes. My go to spot is the Co-Op which had tomato bisque today. I am one happy camper with my lunch today.

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

Street Tacos

Currently we live just a block away from historic Old Town which makes for great afternoon walks. Bo, loves seeing all the tourist and chasing the birds around the plaza. Not to mention that a small little shop makes Bo's favorite dog treats. I am a sucker for anything sweet, and there are multiple ice cream shops and a couple candy shops that I just love dropping in. This weekend was the annual Salsa Festival where they had live music and lots and lots of salsa. Unfortunately, we were not able to try all of the different salsas; but we were able to stop by the next day for lunch at a new little taco restaurant. Back Street Grill opened the day of the festival and Carlos and I couldn't wait to try it out! Especailly since it was just a block away from our house. The result?? We loved it. They have a table outside so it was nice that Bo was able to join us. 

Carne Asada Tacos + Mexican Coke

Bo excited waiting for lunch to arrive. 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

Fall for the Market

Beautiful Flowers

It is no secret that one of my favorite weekend pastimes is riding our bikes to the Downtown Farmer's Market. Not only do we buy almost all of our produce there, we are able to eat breakfast, listen to music, and people/ dog watch. This past Saturday was one of my favorite trips, we sat in the grass and shared a delicious pork tamale and enjoyed the crispness in the air. It is times like that when I realize how much I love Carlos. 

yummmmmy breakfast!

Smile :)

A fun picture Carlos took while we sat in the grass.

Eggs, Corn, Green Chile, Apples, Onions and Sweet Potato Dog Treats all loaded up! 

 Happy Fall.

-Jamie 

Blog Reflection

Goole search "pink peonies" and this was the result = ME+SMILE :)

Blogs, I want to think that I follow blogs because of the content, which is true, but then there's this other part of me that doesn't miss a day without checking a blog once if not two times throughout the day. I had to ask myself why? And here is my answer: Their lives seem great, wonderful, happy, and almost perfect. There are weddings that I lust over, engagement rings to die for, houses that I would kill to live in, and the CLOTHES.. omg. It is like I went from watching Laguna Beach and The Hills (yes, I did just admit that) to reading blogs, and imagining my life to reflect those whom I follow everyday. But then, question number two arose, they really cant be THAT happy can they? I mean I am sure they can be, but still everything always seems so put together, and now in my life between school, two jobs, an internship, and well LIFE, I feel anything but put together. 

Just a little reflection. 

Happy Fall.

-Jamie 

The Mondays

Today, I have a case of the dreaded Mondays! Luckily I will be working from home on Mondays, but still waking up early with lots to do is never fun, even if it is the most adorable black miniature schnauzer wanting to play with you at 6am. This weekend was great, Saturday we hung out at the market and checked a few things off of our to do lists. I will share photos and more detail later today, because Carlos has all the pictures that I want to post :). I just wanted to say hello, while I am waiting for a few e-mails to be sent my way!

I hope everyone has a great Monday!

Happy Fall.

-Jamie

I think it's time for some coffee!!!

Send Me a Note.

I would love to hear from you!

simplyjamesmarie@yahoo.com 

I look forward to your notes.
-Jamie 

Hipster.

www.shopruche.com
I love how they layered a sweater over a dress + tights!

I have no problem admitting that I am completely in love with this new trendy lifestyle! While I do not have a fixie bike, I do love my light pink 10 speed road bike! I love riding my bike to the brewery a few blocks away from our house, plaid shirts, TOMS, thrift stores, and blogs. But what does it matter??? The other day Carlos and I went to Buffalo Exchange where they had almost EVERYTHING 50% off!! I got a great pink Webster shirt with flamingos on it for $3.50! A berry colored cardigan for only $4! And a great red plaid shirt (full price) for $20. This small shopping trip really made me wonder why I ever buy anything NOT on sale. 

This weekend, we will be going to the Farmer's Market near our house, possibly the State Fair, and maybe- just maybe a small shopping trip!! I can't forget that the dishes are piling up :( I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Urban Outfitters: LOVE!

www.shopruche.com
Wouldn't this look adorable layered?? 

Happy Fall!

-Jamie