Throwing a party in another country

...is just like throwing one in the US. 

Except this one was with 30+ people in an apartment overlooking Melbourne. And it was the first party I've thrown in my own place of residence since uni [please excuse me as I use words to sound like the people I interact with every day]!

The occasion was a SURPRISE birthday shindig for our wonderful housemate, Veri, complete with hiding, jumping out of the dark, and toilet paper streamers. 

Saying it was a fun night would be an understatement. Any party that has margaritas, guacamole, AND Tim Tam cake balls is bound to be a good time.

Next party: 4th of July hut party. Words cannot express my excitement. 

Texas forever

In the spirit of the world's greatest tv show, Friday Night Lights, a goodbye party was held for me at the end of February. A hip bar in downtown Houston was our gathering spot where friends from literally every part of my life came together to celebrate. I felt like one lucky girl!

There were endless cocktails, a Texas shaped cake, and an impromptu photo staging area. 

Then the night ended with dancing, a fog machine, and a throwback to my favorite college drunk food. What more could I ask for?

Catch ya later, H-Town.

Cocktails and jackalopes

This past weekend the besties and I roadtripped to Austin to visit our dear friend who is aptly named, Austin.

I don't have to tell you that it was good times.

We all have a very hilarious dynamic. In fact, I think we are all at our funniest when we're together. Everything out of our mouths is comedic genius.

I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time.

Cocktails were had...

Lots of group pictures were taken... 



Notice the color coordination. We've been friends for a very long time.



Jackalopes were ridden... 

And Alexia came out to play. It has been decided that Alexia is my drunk alter ego. She pays for everyone's drinks and after-hours food [much to my money's sadness the next morning] and dances like a wild person.

Like I said, it was a good time.

I <3 Austin, TX

Celebrating obscure holidays that have no major significance is what we do best

Does anyone actually know what Cinco de Mayo is celebrated for?

I feel there is a common misconception that it's a shindig to honor Mexican independence, but nay. Basically, it's only imortant to people living in the Mexican state of Puebla.

Seeing as how I live in Houston, TX, there is no real reason we celebrate this besides having a great excuse to eat fajitas, drink margaritas, and celebrate half of my heritage. Plus, I got to amaze everyone with my knowledge of tejano and Selena songs. You don't grow up on a rougher side of San Antonio and NOT know these things.

And trust me after a week of car accidents, financial woes, and general anxiety, a celebration is just what I needed.

As the resident half Mexican, I had no choice but to wear this dress. And celebrate accordingly.

Showing off her mad skillet grilling skills.

Dosarita. Thank you, Snooki, for introducing the world to margarita + beer.

A chihuahua on Cinco de Mayo? Perfection! Yo quiero Taco Bell.

We love being festive.

Showing that celebrations can be had anywhere.



I'd say it was a successful Cinco de Mayo [and let's not forget, Cinco de Ginger] and certainly lifted my spirits.

Viva amigos y margaritas!

That time I spent my weekend in a pasture

For the record, two things I am not a huge fan of: beer and country music.

Ok, I lie. I actually really do like some country music.

BUT, you will never find me combining the two.

Except for last weekend.

Enter Chilifest. It's country, trashy, and outrageous. It's also a crucial piece to the Texas A&M college experience.

Not that I'm still in college or anything, but we all know how I love re-living it.

This was only my second time to partake, and I must say it will be my last. I love a weekend where you can just toss all your inhibitions to the side and go a little crazy, but I can only drink so much beer + lemonade [try it, it's an excellent fix for someone who hates beer] and eat so much sausage and be pelted by so much dust.

Maybe the pictures will explain a little better than my words can.

Some pretty awesome ladies.

Yes, that is a trojan horse-like contraption.

Not your cup of tea? Not exactly mine either. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a blast.

*Note to self: Start blogging about classier things in order to avoid having everyone think I am a raging alcoholic or Lindsay Lohan wannabe*

Mardi Gras madness

I will start off by saying that Mardi Gras is everything you ever heard about it...then some.

Having a 6 hour drive turn into 12 because of traffic filled with Mardi Gras-goers: Check.

Party in the car in said traffic: Check.

The HUGE mass of drunken people: Check.

Large novelty drinks: Check.

Boobies: Check. [though not as many as I was expecting, and I certainly didn't show mine]

Filthy street: Check.

Loud music: Check.

Pizza at 4 am: Check.

A party that goes throughout the night and into the next day: Check.

Beads EVERYWHERE: Check.

Awesome view from balconies and throwing beads to people who will do ANYTHING to get them: Check.

Getting hit in the face several times by said beads: Check.

Dancing our asses off everywhere we went: Check.

Going to bed, fully clothed, at 4:30 am: Check.

Delicious cajun food: Check.

Male appendages [this was unexpected for me, though I don't know why I was surprised]: Check.

Flooded streets due to sudden rain storm: Check.

Not letting rain keep us out of the streets: Check.

Meeting crazy old people who are obviously alcoholics: Check.

Being asked if I was sure I'd go to Heaven if I died that night [there were many Christian groups out letting us all know that we were surely going to Hell for partaking in Mardi Gras]: Check.

Hot tub party in the Ritz Carlton: Check.

Finding one of our friends laying on the hotel room floor with mysterious cuts and bruises: Check.

One of the best times I have ever had: Check check check check!

I know this celebration is not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm sure by now you are all aware that I am a fan of good times [though I swear that more often than not, I stay at home watching TV and petting my cats]. Mardi Gras has always been on my bucket lists of things to do in life, so I'm glad I was able to cross it off.

Now, with the risk of making some of you think I'm crazy, here are some pictures.

And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to go next year...



Walking through that crowd was quite the experience.



Our outrageously fun group!

The girls.

Ginger boyfraaaan.

Boy bff.

Some French friends we made.

Don't mind my hot mess face.

Flooded streets Saturday morning.

Showing off Captain Morgan tattoos.

On a balcony giving beads to crazies.

Gator!

Gypsy, the police horse. She was so sweet.



 

Now back to DVR, cats, and trying to keep myself from eating too many desserts.