Summer Breeze

My summer is ending. This week I'm back at school and signing up for crossing guard duties (the BEST DRESSED crossing guard I might add...if there were only an award) and figuring out what classes I'm going to be in and when I'm supposed to be there. It will be good to see the kids again although I do have trouble remembering their names for the first few weeks or so...my usual script is something like: "Oh YOUUUuuuuuuu...it's so good to see you again!"

It was a good summer break. A stay-cation like most of the country but I did get lots done. I'm paragraphs away from finishing Book #3 of The Cupcakes CLub; lots of walking; and I created some amazing summer menus. Now, back to reality...wish me luck.

Happy Cupcakes

The Cupcakes Club website is making a few changes and I'm jumping for joy over my web designer. I'm not sure if he ever sleeps but every morning is like Christmas when I check on the progress of the new pages...it's so exciting! We will be adding an "Every Girl Is A Cupcake" membership where every girl in the world (!!!) can sign up to be a Cupcakes girl... are you vanilla? carrot cake? chocolate?

Look in your "LIFE" coloring box and pull out the "LOSER" color for me! I adore this commercial. I don't know if it's the Air Force Brat gene in me, the cheerleader that I will never outgrow, or just being a giant geek...whatever. When I hear this on television...my ears perk up and I am immediately transported back to cheerleading days. Not that we cheered about meat; but I just love a good chant that repeats back to you. BTW- I have never eaten Hillshire Farm meat- I just cheer along with the commercial (with that information, maybe you can just pull out the "ALMOST A LOSER" color for me.)

Good for you food

I'm not a big fan of Guy Fieri on the Food network. No food reason why- only because I want to tackle him and shave off his facial hair and rip off the awful jewelry he wears--but besides that; I did make a veggie burger he created for his sister the other day. It was really good and good for you. I doubled the recipe and have some patties in the freezer (for you Audrey)to bring out for another day. Enjoy!

you know you're getting old--

Um, yeah, okay...I know they are the Jonas Brothers...and they really are brothers. And, from what I hear the mom takes over lots of the managerial duties and tries to keep the boys grounded. If you paid me a million bucks right now- that's $1,000,000.00-- I would not be able to name one song they have sung, are singing, will be singing. Are they like Hanson and will only have the one really big hit (mmmBop) and fade away or are we talking about that these kids are here long term?

Who Do You Think You Are?

My Deco just might be able to help you figure it out....atleast the decorating aspect anyways. Life in a Venti Cup shared a point and click quiz to figure out why you might like some of the things you do. I'm the "modern maestro" -functional while being stylish, easy on the eye and adaptable.

Sedona Red

This is in my back yard. Well, not really in my back yard...but about an hour from where I live. So, why is it that when you live somewhere (Arizona or anywhere) and there are such great things to do and see--we leave them for the tourists?! Not today, my friend. Mr. B and I took a hike in Sedona today and heard Oak Creek and enjoyed GREEN all around us and RED all above us...gorgeous!

Yes, she did

I got sucked into watching the infomercial for the 10 minute trainer and I ordered it! I just got it last week and you know what? So far, every day for 10- 20 minutes (depending on if I choose to do more than one session offered) I've been doing the exercises. Do I like it? You know what- I like that it's quick and easy, slam-bam thank-you-ma'am, and I'm actually aware of muscles the next day that I have not been working in a "get in shape" way. I'm a walker, a hiker, but I realize I need some upper body/abs and this is giving me a little of this and a little of that and it makes you feel good that you've worked those muscles and can go on with your day. Now go on out there and get in shape!

McDonald's Do-Over

I wasn't sure if I felt pride in American innovation or wanted to cry when I read that "The Frenchman — the first non-American president of the fast-food chain's European operations — embarked on a massive McMakeover of more than 6,400 European outlets. And voilà, today McDonald's Europe is sizzling. "
It seems the main change is in the design of the restaurant:
"In the U.S., customers tend to eat on the go, and around 70 percent U.S. sales come from drive-throughs. Europeans prefer to linger. In Europe it's more about the experience. It's convenient and a destination place at the same time."
and of course, even though we would never eat at McDonald's while in Europe (would we?), I would want to atleast peek inside to see:
"The bold red-and-yellow plastic signage has been replaced by muted facades in dark olive and yellow, and the 1970s-style interiors have given way to more elegant spaces. Retro plastic and Formica fittings are gone, supplanted by wood, leather, and stainless steel. Many outlets are even kitted out with wireless Internet connections and "egg" chairs designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen."
So, when's it coming to the US? Possibly early 2009--all this, plus the kids area will have stationary bikes, climbing walls, and basketball hoops.

Every Girl Is A Cupcake

I am needing a small ad for a website (details to come my sweet cupcakes!) and I have three choices and I can mix and match colors/fonts/whatever...opinion?

mamma mia!

I am such a sucker for a musical...plus, give me music I grew up on and you got me hook,line, and sinker. From Mamma Mia...the song that I came home singing (you may have to refresh the video..for some reason it doesn't work all the time). Oh! and when Meryl is helping her daughter get dressed for the wedding...hello! girl crush! we all want to be Amanda Seyfried and have Meryl take care of us.

Miss Nicole

Congrats to our Nicole..."ours" meaning she is the long time sweetheart of our son Peter, for scoring her first catalog modeling gig. You can see some of the pictures on the photographer's site, Hollye Schumacher, who is just AMAZING at what she does (I could be that mother and show you all the gorgeous photos from our daughter's wedding or our son's graduation pics...but I won't!). Better yet, take a look at the beautiful jewelry (and models) on the SB Collections website.

Summer Lovin

I'm trying to pump myself up. I'm down to two wonderful weeks of summer before I head back into the classroom. I teach small group reading and I LOVE being with the kids--I just hate the politics and the paperwork that goes with figuring out what kids you're going to end up with. There always seems to be so many tests to give and so many numbers to juggle.

The rule at my house at the start of summer is to never figure out how many weeks of summer you have left. Unfortunately, when it clicks down to the 14 day mark it reminds you of the school's Christmas break (and forgive me those of you that don't get two weeks off for Christmas and are listening to me whine that I only get two weeks and don't even mention that I get 8 weeks for a summer break...it still goes by so quickly!) and you know the bell is going to ring to line up for class.

Called it!

This is Leanne: and this is one of her designs:

When I read about one of the Project Runway's designers I thought it sounded a little familiar...as in "favorites" in my Etsy familiar--Leanimal.

I love what she writes in her shop announcement:

"Iam back! And yes, if you know now, it's true. I'm a little famous. ;)"

Are you from Santa Barbara, Cupcake?

Calling all Cupcakes in the Santa Barbara, California area! On Thursday, July 24th, 2:30- 4:30, you are cordially invited to Barcliff and Bair, 1112 State Street, for a celebration of YOUR KIDS and The Cupcakes Club!! What's going on ? Why should you go??? People!!! There WILL be face painters!!
There will be lots of yummy cupcakes for everyone with "shots" of milk to wash them down with--
There will be t-shirts, lots and lots of t-shirts--get a new look, Cupcake!
and there will be books that your kids can go home with, read silently, while Mom and Dad take a nap!!! Can't beat that!! Plus--LOTS more fun activities and food are being planned..it's the biggest, it's the best, it's Santa Barbara!!!

Carry On!

24 hours until our favorite, Project Runway, starts a new season!

Can't wait!!

Who Knew?

Many thanks to Erika of Urban Grace who unknowingly turned me on to "Tuesday Morning" for linens! No, my Les Indiennes were not there but the back bed pillow with blue/white print (I know...I realize they all have blue and white and there's only a snippet showing) is so perfect and feels wonderful. My husband suggested I go and get another set of these sheets for our bed --they were so soft and smooth. Thanks Erika-btw-the website looks amazing!

Pick Yourself Up

Something I have panic attacks over (tripping and falling; not being in a pageant)...but she handled it so well!

Les Indiennes

From the Les Indiennes website/catalog:

Tabletops from my daughter's wedding...gorgeous:
I'm so happy to have been reading about the beauty of Les Indiennes fabric in many blogs over the last year (decor8, rangdecor, bliss , desire to inspire ). I'm proud to say I've been designing with their fabric for the last 4 +years and have even had the opportunity to meet it's owner, Mary Mulcahy and taken a peek at her home (gorgeous by the way--the early photo shoots were taken there)
The company has really grown these last few years with a fabulous website and more to offer the customer...and yes, the prices have grown as well but what hasn't lately? I will be offering some odd lots of Les Indiennes fabric (in indigo, madder red, and gold) on Ebay this week for a fraction of what you'd pay retail--so if you've wanted to start your journey to India, head on over and search for Les Indiennes--I think I'll be the only auction.
PS. If you bid and win on any of the Les Indiennes auctions, I'll be adding another gem or two of Les Indiennes into your box if you mention you saw it here. Why? Because I like you. I really,really, like you.

Play It Cool

Have a great weekend. Get wet and don't worry about the hair.

Gas Saver

UPS states that they plan their daily routes so drivers will only take right hand turns basically creating one large loop for the work day. By doing this they claim to save millions of gallons of gasoline each year. Want to try it?

Shear Genius

The gorgeous Jaclyn Smith is the host and judge of Shear Genius. In an interview she said it's hard to criticize any of the players because she doesn't really like criticism herself and I think that's very kind of her. Now, to the next judge.... This is judge and master hair colorist Kim Vo. He drives me crazy. I'm sure he's a fabulous colorist but there's something about him that bugs me....I hope you can see it in the next photo.
The photo is not that big but his lips are. I become mesmerized when there is a close up of his face...they're not as big as Lisa Rinna's but fascinating none the less. Watch and wonder.

Simple things

Last week when we were in Phoenix (we live about 2 hours north) we went to the Whole Foods store. Our town is too small to handle a Whole Foods so it is a real treat when we go down to "the valley" to hit them and Trader Joes...normal to most; a special day for us! We picked up some milk in the glass bottles from Straus Family Creamery (even the name is old fashioned and pure) and it's such a pleasure to pour into your coffee each morning. How great would it be to still have the milkman deliver?

Frida Inspired

For those of you lucky enough to live near San Francisco there is Frida Kahlo exhibit at SFMOMA.
And for those of us that don't live close enough for a day trip we can gush over this Frida Kahlo inspired photoshoot in the latest issue of small, the online magazine.

Nurse, Nurse!

We all have gifts and we all can't be good at everything. It's good that Mr. B does not get sick very often, because I can honestly say that I suck at being the compassionate,caring, tell-me-everything about your pain nurse.
From a previous post, you'll remember that Mr. B was taken to the emergency room for kidney stones (and BTW--the 20-30+ year old crowd CAN get these as well!). We returned home only to take another trip this morning for a couple of hours. Now; back home, he seems to be doing very well.
Yes, I do make him the soup and toast, make grocery runs at 4 AM for the laxatives that one needs after being pumped full of narcotics, ask how he is feeling several times in an hour, and change the sheets....that's a good start, isn't it?
Unfortunately, I feel as if I'm the girl of steel when he's going through this ordeal. I only want the facts, the symptoms, and let's fix the problem.
Is that an unconscious thing--changing roles and putting on the shining armor for him? I feel as if I'm Bree in Desperate Housewives and put my emotions in a box to take them down another day....and that will be quite the post. Love you sweetie--and please get well real quick!

Meryl Streep recently spoke out about both actors and actresses who undergo surgical procedures to take back the years. The Mamma Mia! star said that these days there are plenty of roles meant for older people.

Surprised by the growing numbers of men in the industry who indulge in little surgical pick-me-ups, Meryl said, "I just don't get it. I think you have to embrace getting older and celebrate life."

"I thought I was washed up at 40, I really did, and there were lots of reasons to think that," she said. "The good thing about getting older is that when they do cast you it's often something interesting- you're no longer asked to be the beautiful leading lady." You go, girlfriend!

Dr.Love

"Don't worry, your husband is going to be fine. I've given him some medication to allow him to sleep so if you'd like to join me for a cup of coffee ..." Just kidding, Mr. B!
Last night was one of those kind of nights that you are happy doesn't happen very often. I'm driving my husband to the hospital at 3AM with severe stomach pains. True story--I ran red lights but I DID put on my turn signal!
And--final diagnosis--poor Mr. B had kidney stones--ouch! His Doctor was Dr. Love (swear!) and was a sweetheart.
We returned home around 7AM with no sleep for the both of us. Pulling those all-nighters used to be SO much easier in college....We are both doing well and Mr. B seems to have "passed" the problem.

Special Day

Happy Birthday to Audrey, my little Fir tree (sophisticated, talented, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, reliable, rather modest, very ambitious and reliable) from the big Ash (vivacious, impulsive, does not care for criticism,ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate) Thanks to The Speckled Egg for sharing the Tree Astrology chart from Martha Stewart Weddings...kind of fun to see where your roots are planted.
Of course my most favorite Tree book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein..I can't get through it without sobbing...wonderful.

Strike A Pose

Is it what they're wearing? Is it the body language? It just looks weird...very strange.

I'm not 21. I wouldn't ever want to be forever 21, but I have to say I am so enjoying the price tags of the fun little accessories Forever 21 offers. You can have your basic womans wardrobe and add in a scarf, hat, or whatever to change it up for under $10...can't beat that.

I love to eavesdrop on conversations...especially the funny, quirky ones that go on out there in blogland (or is that blogville? city of blog? blog valley?) These two have their own style...Mary talks to Tyler.

"Starbucks got my name wrong."

"Now that it's written there...you do look more like a "Barry"
"I once watched a special on The History Channel about Jesus and according to ancient roman texts the day he ascended into heaven one of his disciples discovered a note in the entrance of his tomb which read:

"I think U R hott! Do you like me?" (with corresponding check boxes for “yes” and “no”) and signed Barry Bagdolin. I’m pretty sure the barista must have Tivo’ed the same episode."

Dance Dream

I think I could have been a dancer in a former life and if I was... I hope I would have danced like Katee and Joshua do on "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox...they are good...they are very,very good.

Grillin with John and Giada

We really don't eat too much meat at our house. It seems like I'm always picking up fish or chicken but when I saw Giada De Laurentiis grill this Rib- Eye steak with Black Olive Vinaigrette I thought it would be a great Friday night meal...and I was right! The steak was so tender, juicy and full of flavor. Zoe the dog also liked the pre-dinner show.

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday America!! Enjoy the 4th of July with red,white, and blue and celebrate with your family!
When I was growing up in the Midwest I LOVED the fourth of July. Fireworks exploded in our city park (no chance of wildfires where I came from) along with a parade and a carnival that seemed magical with rides, bright lights, games, food and fireworks at night. I would probably stay clear now but when I was ten it just seemed like it was the center of the universe.

Freedom

Former Columbian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt embraced her children for the first time in six years Thursday, saying the thought of them helped her stay alive until a daring rescue plucked her and 14 other hostages from the jungle. How amazing...anyone else smell a blockbuster movie?