Give Away! - Papalote Salsa

This isn't your ordinary salsa people...this is the BEST salsa I've ever had in my life. So much, I buy it in bulk. But of course, like all my blogs, there is a story behind this.

About a month ago I was visiting family-friends in Santa Cruz, California. We randomly realized the local Whole Foods was throwing a customer appreciation celebration with tons of vendors, beer & food tasting, live music & some fun activities. That was a win for us & we probably spent the majority of the day there. It was awesome.

Even more awesome, one of the vendors happened to be Papalote Salsa. At the time, my friends & were like kids at Costco running for the free samples but this salsa hit me like a ton of bricks! I never believed in love at first site but after this, I believe in love at first taste! I was smitten by this salsa!!  Victor Escobedo, Chef & Restaurant owner of Papalote Mexican Grill in San Francisco, California was there telling us all about the salsa but happened to forget to mention how famous and successful he was. Modest Much?! Victor and his brother Miguel are Food Network Stars! They've battled Iron Chef Bobby Flay and have been on Chopped! (I'm a Food Network geek to the fullest.)

Anyway, after me being me and asking for more & more samples and raving about the salsa, Victor smiled and handed me a complimentary jar to take home with me. #WINNING! Seriously made my entire day. Oh, & the best part about this salsa? 100% all natural ingredients, gluten free, vegan & only 30 calories per serving!!

 I've been hooked ever since.

And now I want to get you hooked & spread the salsa loving!
This is my first blog giveaway and won't be my last. All you need to do is:

     1. Make sure you are subscribed to my blog via your e-mail address. (You can find the box along the right side of my blog.)

     2. Follow Call Me Rosie's Facebook Page & the Twitter Page.

     3. Share this blog post either on your Facebook page or Twitter.

     4. Comment on this blog post telling me you've entered & add the link to your Share.

Simple as 1, 2, 3 (4)!

There are three different flavors; House Salsa (black label), Serrano-Tomatillo (green label & my favorite), and Habanero (red label). The winner may choose the type they want. For more info about the three salsas, check out this link. The giveaway will officially close Sept. 13, 2013 and will be shipped soon thereafter.



For those who don't end up winning, you can order the salsa online since they only distribute in California. Check out more information and ordering information on their website.

Looks like I'm not the only lover of this salsa :) Ohhhhh.....

Bloggerversary

Happy Bloggerversary to ME!

I can't believe it's been 1 whole year since I started typing random thoughts, rants & stories.

When I began this blog a year ago I had no idea what it was going to be. I figured it would be some-sort of journal or place where I could clear my head. I didn't even plan on sharing it publicly!

A few of my initial posts have now been deleted but there is one special post named Blogging: Harder than it looks!" that no matter what happens, I will never erase. It's the post that pushed me to share this project on my Facebook for the first time. It was a list of goals I gave myself to complete by the end of 2012 and the second goal on the list is this:

2. Be brave enough to actually post this blog to my Facebook so I may be able to get some followers...If you're reading this, well, I completed my goal.

I can not express how much this simple goal changed my life.

I am so happy that I shared this project. I love writing but what I love more is hearing the responses from you, my readers. Yes, most of you are my friends or family (especially at the beginning) but slowly I started seeing names pop up I didn't recognize. I never thought I would be so excited to strangers names! It's an amazing feeling to hear from you that my crazy thoughts or opinions have helped you or inspired you or made you laugh. I simply love it.

THANK YOU.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my blog. Thank you for all the Likes, Shares, Subscribes & Comments. Whether it be publicly on my blog, Facebook, or a personal message sent to me, thank you. Thank you for the support and encouragement. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for making me a little less crazy :)

This started out as a project for me...but it quickly became a project for all of you. I couldn't have continued doing this without you.

Happy Bloggerversary!

Love is Beautiful

You heard me correct & yes, you are on the right blog. Love is beautiful.

This past weekend I was privileged to play a part in my sister's love story and I had to share the details.

Katie is an amazing, gorgeous, loving person. She's had her love-life struggles but finally met her knight in shining armor, Mike...who happens to be one of my best friends from high school.

There is somewhat of a theme to their love story. You see, Mike is 10 years younger than Katie...and if waiting that long to find the man of your dreams isn't the perfect definition for patience, I don't know what is!

Now even though I take credit for introducing them, because technically I did, their chemistry sparked the very first time they met back in 2007. I don't think anyone besides the two of them can explain their feelings for each other but they knew it was true. I say that because NO ONE  knew they were dating, talking, flirting well, doing whatever they were doing. They kept it all VERY secret until us family & friends basically put a gun to their heads and told them to admit it. (Patience?) They celebrated their 3 year public anniversary this past week...you do the math.

They've weathered some major storms together but in the end, those two knuckleheads loved each other and made it through.

About a year ago is the first time Mike came to me talking about rings. We searched and planned but nothing seemed to work out just right...until I got news that the band who sings "their song" was coming to Sacramento to perform (The Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah). I knew at that moment exactly why it hadn't worked out in the past...the universe was giving us the perfect opportunity, we just had to be patient. So, Mike and I went to planning.

I'll skip to the good stuff...

Katie knew nothing except that they were celebrating the anniversary with this concert and she needed to pack an overnight bag.

He picked her up and took her to the best hotel downtown. Upon arrival she walked in to see long stem red roses, a potted daisy (her fave flower), rose petals on the bed, strawberries, chocolates, candles, cocktails made, the works! A black town car picked them up for dinner down the street at a delicious restaurant where more roses were waiting for her. Another car after dinner escorted them to the concert. Katie, Mike, and some close friends and family met them there to celebrate.

The concert was awesome. We sat in a comfy booth and enjoyed the music. As the singers left the stage, the ENCORE chants were loud and for their last performance, Hey There Delilah began. The lead singer, Tom Higgenson, stopped the music. He looked around and finally said, "So is there a Katie & Mike in the room?" At this point, Mike was shaking, Katie was oh so confused, and we were all jumping around screaming like crazy people cause we knew the amazingness that was about to occur. Tom looks at Mike and says, "So Mike, you gotta question to ask?" Mike dropped to one knee with the ring in his hand, Katie shook her head yes and kissed him so hard you thought she was going to knock him over. We all celebrated with champagne and Tom found us after the show to personally congratulate them.

It was perfect.



I felt so much love that night. I am so happy for my sister and future brother in law. I am so glad to see my sister happy and in love like she has always wished for.

After planning this entire thing with Mike and working to execute it perfectly, I was surprisingly reminded that love is beautiful. True, real love is beautiful. It's out there but you have to be patient to find the real deal. You can't jump into something or feel pressured. The right thing will happen at the right time. If you're lucky enough to have found love, hold on it to. Work as hard as possible to keep it. And cherish it. Some people will never have the blessing to feel that.

Congratulations Mike & Katie. I love you both.

Special thanks to Tom & all the Plain White T's for making this so memorable. And to Ace of Spades for all your special help organizing this amazing proposal.

And special thanks to Mike for asking me to help on this very special day. It will be in my heart forever.

REJECTED!

Being rejected is not easy. Neither is being the one rejecting.

Rejection is tough on anyone and it's really not fun telling someone you're not interested. Feelings & crap. But I realized today, that some situations are worse then others. 

In this case, a nice looking man approached me while I was walking to the bank. (He was attractive but not my type at all.) I noticed he was wearing some-sort of uniform but I didn't know exactly what it was....until he told me. I'll call him Frank. 

"Hi, I'm Frank & I'm a firefighter and  I couldn't help but say hi to you and I wanted to know if you would like to get some coffee with me sometime."

Well Frank, now that you deliberately told me you might be saving my life in the future or putting out a fire in my home one day, I guess I can't just ignore you now can I? 

Firefighter, check! But who else do you kind of have to tiptoe around?

• Well, in the same line of a firefighter, I really wouldn't want to piss off a cop. Talk about an ego. And believe me, I've had my share of parking tickets, etc., I'd like to keep my money in my pocket, not the States. 

• What about your bartender/server? I've been on the other end of this before cocktailing and that is one person you DON'T want to piss off. Bad service, poorly made drinks/food, or even worse, they could just 86 you out of that place! (I've done it before, I should know.)

• I'll definitely add your I.T. guy to this list. Think about it...he's the master computer fixer but in the opposite occasion, he could make your technological life a living hell. 

• How about your banker? You know that one guy who gets to see & have some control of how much money you have in your account?...Yikes. 

• Another person you really don't want to reject coldly is your property manager/real estate agent. Been there, done that too....I wonder if that dishwasher ever got fixed??? 

• Can't help but add a professor to this list too. Repeat after me..."grades are important...grades ARE important"! 

• And then there is your boss....no explanation needed. 

NOW! I'm not saying you have to date them or even give them your number if they ask...but just think twice about the way your reject them. Breathing fire might not be the best idea in this situation. I know I do. 

Did I forget any? 

Weiner, Weiner, Weiner

As per request of a reader, this format is align left, just for you!

If you're head isn't stuck in the sand, you should have heard about the sexting scandal Former Congressman and now second-time New York Mayoral nominee Anthony Weiner has been apart of. Weiner resigned from his Congressional role in June 2011 due to the sex scandal and now almost a year later, in-midst of his latest Mayoral race, another sexting scandal broke. This time under the alias "Carlos Danger".

What the hell dude, Carlos Danger, really? Like Weiner isn't good enough... 

I have a few issues with this Weiner guy. Although, he is definitely not the first politician to be involved in a sex scandal...

(President Bill Clinton, Mark Sanford, Larry Craig, Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards, & most recently San Diego Mayor Bob Filner to name a few.)

...he may be the first politician to credit his own foreshadowing as justification. Back in 2011 when he publicly spoke about the sexts, he stated that he believed more pictures would most likely be released. Obviously he was right & now he's attempting to use that public statement defensively, with little to no apology. Even worse, in recent interviews, he STILL states that this may not be the end in this saga. What a creep. 

Also, have you seen his wife?? She is smoking hot & super smart! (Especially for him....just saying.) She's been an aide to Former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for years! How he thought he could get away with these sexual shenanigans is absurd. And my main point, as an American with right to vote for my public officials, is how can I trust you when YOUR WIFE that you supposedly love can't even trust you? I wonder if she will stay with him...only time will tell. Personally, I hope not. I hope she moves on with her life and her successful political career and becomes Chief of Staff to 2016 President Hilary Clinton. :) 

Finally, my biggest point, there is no way a man with so many indiscretions can judge and run a city to his best ability since obviously he doesn't comprehend right vs. wrong. I hope New Yorkers realize this.

This guy is either a sex addict or an attention whore... Either way, his choices aren't just affecting him or his family. He wants the "the keys to the city" & I believe he doesn't deserve them. So much power & control should not be in the hands of a man who doesn't have control of himself or his family.

He could have played this whole thing so different to earn back some of respect but instead he continues to spit out nonsense. This story seriously gets worse & worse every single day. Especially since the release of his Communication's Directors rant calling a former intern and slutbag, cunt, and worse. By the way, this was female on female hate. I wrote about this already so I won't go into too much detail but you can find that post here.

At the end of the day, be a good person, be a good role model, be a good American politician, be a good husband & father. Take responsibility for your actions. Step down from your race & start looking for another day job.



End. Rant.

Timing is a bitch.

...I couldn't agree more....

[I have been a victim of "bad timing" more than once in my life.] 

One of my multi-year relationships thrived on the concept of bad timing. 

I would bet my first born child on the fact that if the timing were good, or at least consistent, we would NOT have "been together" for as long as we were...And once our timing was right, or so we thought, we realized, our relationship wasn't. 

& that was the end of that.

Another case of bad timing recently just slapped me in the face. Actually, it kinda felt like a stomach punch to be honest. Whatever it was, it sucks/ed. 

Long story short. I have this awesome guy friend. We've always been good friends but we're not-so-secretly in love with each other have talked about wanting more from each other and even tried to escalate our relationship more than once but it just never worked out
...because of bad timing....

He had a girlfriend or I had a boyfriend or I was on a single hype or he lived out of town.

For whatever the reason, we never got the chance to make our relationship work the way we both knew we could. 

Well, my time ran out. He just broke the news...he's engaged and as selfish as it is, I feel kinda cheated. 

I know his fiance is wonderful girl. Seriously, if she got this guy to propose, I know she's awesome and I really do wish them a happy life together.

BUT DAMN! 

At the bottom of the Ben & Jerry's tub, I came to the cliche conclusion that life is too short to not tell people how you feel. Maybe if we just acted instead of finding the perfect moment, our lives would be different. Maybe if I ended things sooner with Bad Relationship, I would have been single and my timing would have been right with The One that Got Away. Maybe this case of bad timing is going to set me up to a wonderful new adventure that wouldn't have happened otherwise.
Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.
But I guess that's life right? I'm going to wrap up all those good memories, tie them in a little bow & mentally file them away so I can start making new ones. 

At the end of the day, I'm sincerely happy he is in love and is happy.

Fight Club

Some of you may not know but as well as my full time job, I also work at a local music venue here downtown as a cocktail server at night. I started this job more for fun then any other reason. 

I know what you're saying. Working for fun? It's true! I get to feel the nightlife that I love. See free concerts & comedy shows. I still hang out with friends (& get them drunk). I've met a ton of new friends (mwah!) and meet new people every day. I don't spend money but instead make some extra cash. 

&& I'll admit...it kinda keeps me out of trouble :) 

...You know what they say...

Working in the industry I see pure insanity every night. 

From the double well vodka Red Bull ass-out go go dancers TO THE nearly deaf 70 year old Hendricks three olives dirty but not too dirty with a twist on the side Martini drinkers. 

Ish gets crazy. 

But we're not talking about baby hoes or old drunks in this blog. 

We're talking about that couple you see awkwardly & constantly arguing. 

I've overheard some crazy arguments while unintentionally fueling the fire by serving them another round of drinks.
Anyways, I think the worst fights are the petty, avoidable, controlling fights...Most of the time I only get to hear the epic one-word response or one-liner since I'm running around like a crazy person. But those short & sweet words make me feel so, so, damn sane & reminds me why I like being single.

FOR EXAMPLE:

"Stop being so high-maintenance! Why can't you just drink well and save a couple bucks?"

"Don't order that" Then proceeds to order for the other person. Talk about awkward.

"Your friends are soooo annoying." or "I hate your friends!"

"Did you really just check her/him out in front of me?"

"I thought you were going to take me out tonight?"

"SERIOUSLY!" (with that blank, wide eyed stare)

"You said you were going to drive tonight."

"Where were you?" or "You just left me"

"Then, go home with her/him tonight!"

"You don't need another beer!"

"F**K OFF!" or "F**K YOU"

"Take me home, now"

"You always do this"

"FINE!"

"K"

While I wouldn't get in the middle of their issues purposefully, (yes some have brought me into their own insecure fights) I  really want to scream at these people!
CHILL THE HELL OUT! or maybe GET THE F**K OVER IT!

I don't understand why you want to fight with your significant other while out and about on the town, trying to have a fun night?? I assume they didn't walk out of the house thinking, "Yep! Tonight is the night I'm going to yell & nag." But who knows these days...

I guess this is me venting & pleading.
Stop fighting & have fun. Enjoy life at the moment you're living it. Whatever it may be.

Communication is key if you're in a relationship but that doesn't mean everywhere is the time and/or place. ESPECIALLY if you chose to do so while consuming copious amounts of alcohol while out together. If you do have some issues, my suggestion would be to wait and discuss this in private (or when you're not drunk), whether it be at home or in the car (don't drink & drive), but definitely not in front of your cocktail server. Believe me, I'll remember you even if you don't remember me. It's embarrassing.

And if you must...make sure you leave a good tip :)

Girls are bitches because....aka The Vicious Cycle

Let me first say, I don't believe many girls are actual bitches.

Although, they may most definitely can have bitchy qualities.

So, you may or may not have seen my last blog post teaser "Girls are Bitches because...". Let me explain.

I was sitting around having a delicious, casual dinner with a guy friend and we were talking about how rude some girls can be (he is playing the dating game right now) and I quickly jumped to the conclusion, it's because their last boyfriend was a douche.

Now, I thought the world was going to stop with the sharp look he gave me. Rethinking the words I just vomited out, I remembered how nice and genuine of a guy he is and how his ex-girlfriend was the "douche" in the relationship. 

Conversation flowed, as did the sangria, and the "Vicious Circle" was created.



STORY TIME!

"Once upon a time, there was a young girl and a young boy that fell in love and wanted a happily ever after. At least one of them did. Perhaps it was the young boy, but it could easily have been the young girl. For one reason or another, maybe parent's martial issues, maybe the pressure to be cool, the craving for empowerment or even personal insecurities, the young couple wandered down a destructive, unhealthy relationship path.  

As the uncertainties progressed, one side of the relationship became arrogant, annoyed, even dangerous, while the other anxious, depressed, vulnerable. Both were desperate for something. 

Though this relationship became harmful, neither one of the sides could end the commitment. They believed this was love. They did not understand that pain was not synonymous to love.  

So after an insane amount of hurt. They finally parted. Their devotion was over but the pain remained.

This is when the vow to never be vulnerable began.  From that day forward, the vicious cycle was a reality."

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[Has this happened to you?]

Maybe a little different? Maybe a little more or less dramatic? 

You were the "nice" one in the relationship and your heart got trampled on? Maybe you were the "mean" one and hurt someone else. No matter who you were, it changed you. Moving on to your next relationship, you knew exactly what you didn't want, cause you just went through it. So you did the opposite. Well, that doesn't always work either. The more and more you're hurt, or choose not to love, you become this stone-hearted person, or a "bitch". 

Should we change this?

I think we should all be cautious. Understand red-flags in relationships or even friendships. Have your make-it and/or break-its and be honest with yourself (and the other person) when something happens. 

Being careful doesn't have to mean cold or bitchy...just like being nice doesn't have to mean weak or naive. 

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Now, my close friends can vouch for me, I'm really bad at being vulnerable. I believe that it's from the insanity of a past relationship. THANK GOD, I've been able to move on successfully and forgive our sophomoric relationship but while I look at the future, I still struggle with being exposed. 

All I can say, is I am sincerely trying to break my vicious cycle. I know one day I will. 

I trust myself. I trust my gut. 

I'm working on trusting my heart and trusting someone else's. 

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This is probably one of the mushiest posts I've had. Let's not do that again for awhile k? 

Girls are bitches because.... (Teaser)

They've had to deal with dick guys.  They're now "immune"...

More to come. 

Pick me up, baby!

Either it's been done or you've had it done to you.

I would say get your mind out of the gutter but it should just stay there for this post.

I'm talking about PICKUP LINES here! These are some of the best of the worst pickup lines ever used on me. 

Events based on true stories....boy scouts honor.

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• Regular print is the dude. Italics are me :) "You look really smart, can you help me with something? I really want to go up to this hot girl and tell her she's pretty but I don't know how....what do you suggest *wink wink*"

• "My buddies and I have a wager on how tall you are...wanna stand up and twirl around for me?" 

• "How are you?" I'm fine how are you? "Yeaaa you are""You're hotter than a campfire & I want S'more...." - (via Yelp, no lie)

• "They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words; I read this one twice." - alright, this one totally made me laugh. 

• "You're so cool, polar bears wear sweaters around you." 

• "Si fueses una falla valenciana serías... ¡de traca!".... which means in English: "If you were a failure Valencia would be ...fireworks!" - Not quite sure what that means but okay Ernie! (also via Yelp...wtf?)

• "Your feet are amazing! We could do a photoshoot of just your feet. I'll call it SacramenTOES"

• "I bet I make more money than you can spend" - yaaaa right buddy!! 

• "Roses are red. Violets are blue. Fireball costs less than a dinner for two. Let's get faqd up!"  

• I had a drink in my hand & a guy came up to me and said, "You trying to get hammered??" I replied, no just having a drink. Are you?" He said, "Just trying to hammer you girlllll." I think my eyes still hurt from rolling them. 

AND MY FAVORITE: 

• I'd hit it.

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A very special thank you to all you creepers who think pick up lines still work :) 

Keep up the entertainment.

& be prepared for a part 2...I'm sure it will happen sooner than later.

WTFitness - Skinny Dress!

I'll make this quick...not because I don't want to bore you but more so because I am so busy I can barely see straight.

I LOVE SHAKEOLOGY! Pretty much obsessed. Feeling good, feeling great!

How do I know it is working? Well, between my shakeology and my cleaner diet, I don't fit into these BRAND NEW clothes I haven't worn yet. Check those shorts out! Yaaa buddy!  

AND THE BEST PART: I fit into a dress I bought LAST YEAR for my birthday that just wasn't comfortable, it was way too tight... So when those those outfits didn't work out, I braved trying it on again....and IT FIT! 

My best friend Jenna & I 

Don't mind my muscle arms...

Anyways, keep it up guys! Results will come in various ways, just be excited for what you're seeing and the progress you're making. 

BTW, working on a funny post now. Should be up by the end of the week :) 

WTFitness!~Shakeology

WTFaq Fitness

There are so many sources for fitness inspiration these days....

Pinterest 

All those Biggest Loser -type T.V. shows

That crazy-ripped gym buddy

The anti-food queen at work 

Or maybe even an old Jane Fonda/Richard Simmons tape you have at home

...it is so easy to get confused or feel overwhelmed. 

I consider myself a healthy person. I'm a vegetarian, I've always been into fitness & always wanted to look and feel good. BUT I do love my french fries. Obsession may be a better word to describe the love. I've posted some of my favorite recipes before and my favorite sources for yummy recipes but I'm going to switch it up a bit. 

Once every one-two weeks I am going to post what the hell I've been doing to keep track of my fitness. Maybe it will help you. Maybe it will just be a record to help me? Either way, it's happening. 

Favorite recipes, meal prepping plans, new obsessions, new Pins, exercises or fads I've tried. 

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This past weekend, I started a Shakeology 3-day Cleanse (Friday through Monday). Basically....

I drank a Shakeology shake in the morning for breakfast with a big glass of green tea to follow. A shake for lunch with another glass of green tea. Had a banana or a 1/2 cup of mixed fruit if I needed it for a snack (which I did). And a salad with 4 oz of protein, I had quinoa, for dinner. 

Now the good stuff: 

-I was starving; hangry the first day but it got better. 

-The shakes are yummy! The chocolate is what I had. Yum!

- It was easy to regulate the timing. 

-I didn't lose a crazy amount of weight but I do feel lighter and it totally jump started my weight loss. 

-It didn't make me poop like crazy! For any of you dieters, you know what I'm talking about!

-There is so much good-for-you ish in these shakes I can't even begin to tell you what all is there. Seriously check out the website. Your mind will be blowwwn. 

-Oh & I didn't cheat at all besides the couple shots of Jameson I had after my shift one night....What can I say, Jameo is love. 

Bottom line: I liked it so much I'm getting a 30-day supply to keep trying. If anything, I will drink it for breakfast or a when I'm starving before my night job.

Check out more information about Shakeology and start working on your fitness! Also, like my independent Shakeology Beachbody Coach's Facebook Page HERE! Her name is Nicole Fisher & she is a DOLL! 

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So now what? Well, I've bought a 30-day supply from Nicole and am going to keep chugging along (you see what I did there). I'll keep you updated. 

As for this week, I'm working on Dr. Oz's "48-hour" cleanse which I'm turning into a full week's cleanse. You can find the link to more info HERE. And of course, I'll let you know how it goes! 

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Other Ish? 

Since I was cleansing, I wasn't doing any heavy exercise but that will start up again. 

    -I ride my bike to work and back every day which totals about 5 miles a day. 

    -I will post my workout routine once I get back into a routine but I did go for about a mile jog yesterday.

    -I am taking some supplements besides the Shakeology. I take GNC's Total Lean Burn 60 Dietary Supplement. Only 1/2 in the morning for some extra energy. I wouldn't recommend any pills to anyone since I'm not a doctor but I do use them. Also a multivitamin from Trader Joe's, Women's Once Daily Multivitamin & Mineral Dietary Supplement.  And if I make a fruit smoothie, I use Muscle Milk's lactose-free protein powder. 

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Again, hopefully this helps you. If there is something you see that you think I should try or have feedback or questions on what I have tried, let me know! I've got 6-pack dreams and I'm going to make them happen!