Things to Do List

What a way to welcome a New Year...definitely putting Sydney on my list of places to be on a New Year's Eve!

How will you bring it in?

I know I should be thinking of something like this for New Year's Eve: But, in reality, I think I'm going to be wearing a little less and relaxing here:

And, will most likely end up here at the stroke of midnight with a sweet kiss from the husband. Happy 2009!

Lady In Red

Another ebay post...reprinted from my early blogs...enjoy! Every woman needs a red dress. It's sexy, powerful, grabs attention and makes you feel like a million bucks.I found a beautiful red Roberto Cavalli short flirty dress on ebay from a seller with a stellar feedback rating. She has more than 3000 positive compliments and always has the coolest, up to the moment, hippest designer clothing.
She lives in Pacific Palisades, CA area but I know that she must auction off other women's clothes than her own. I mean, who wears size 10 Jimmy Choo sandals along with size 8 Manolo Blahnik mules?It doesn't really matter to me...I just like her inventory.
I bid on and won an exquisite red dress and the auction did state that there were a couple of spots but the seller was certain that they would come out at the dry cleaners. No problem.
The dress arrived, fit perfectly, but true to her word I did see some spots on the skirt of the dress. No problem.
I took the dress to my local dry cleaners, explained the problem and was told to pick it up in two days. I went to pick it up in two days.
Problem.
I was asked to go to the BACK of the dry cleaners. The back of the dry cleaners? Who goes there?? Where they do the work, the pre-spotting, the pressing?
I felt like all eyes were on me as I traveled through racks and bags of clothes. I met Dorothy who is the pre-spot expert and it was then I felt like I was being interrogated by the government's secret service.
"Is this your dress?"
I answered, "Yes"
"Do you know this dress has these stains on the front?"
"Yes, I do...I was hoping you could get them out."
"Do you know how these stains got here or what they are?"
It was then I spilled my guts. No, I didn't know...I had bought the dress on Ebay and the seller told me there were spots but I just assumed it was champagne from a joyous night of celebration by the woman who had worn the dress before me.
Dorothy told me how she had pre-spotted for alcohol, for food products, for make-up, there was only one thing it could be and she didn't know if it would come out.
"What is the stain, Dorothy?" I was more than curious at this point.
"Well.." she began in slow manner, "it's an organic material"
I thought to myself. Organic? That's good, isn't it? Organic is good, right? Dorothy continued, "I believe there might be grass stains..." (hmmm..the woman must have slipped while wearing the dress? It could happen...) "along with some type of bodily fluids..."
I thought I would die...ewwwwwwwwwwww!
"Dorothy, are you saying that after this woman had a few glasses of champagne she maybe had sex somewhere on a lawn??!!"
Dorothy told me how she had tried spot removers for vomit and other disgusting "organic" fluids but if I knew that it was bodily fluids it would make her job easier.
I again repeated how I had no idea how the stains got there (was she wanting me to take a DNA test??! Did she believe me?!) and perhaps it was best if I just returned the dress to the original seller.
I ran out with the dress, packed it up, shipped it off, completely grossed out the seller of the dress with my story and was immediately refunded my original price, shipping, and dry cleaning bills. She received another positive, perfect, feedback comment from me.
I'm not sure what she did with the dress...hmmm.

Hell hath no fury....

I love ebay. Some of you may have noticed that my web address relates to auctions and all that they may offer. Most of my ebay experiences have been good. I've met wonderful people (yes...as in "I'm in town...how about we meet up for a drink and talk about the fabulous couch I bought from you?!") BUT...every so often you meet a jerk.

I had recently bought a John Robshaw quilt from a seller and upon arrival there was no mistaking that this was a "seconds" or from the poor workmanship even a "thirds". When I contacted the seller and let him know my disappointment I was given a reply of "sorry sucker, you should have asked what it looked like" or something to that effect. I was not happy. I was furious.

I contacted Paypal and let them be the mediator and within one week it was decided that I will be getting my monies returned from Mr. Jerk Seller. Of course, I want to contact him and stick my tongue out and tell him how things could be so much easier if you were open to listening to others...but I won't. But I am carefully calculating the amount of characters I may use for negative feedback in regards to this seller who cares more for money than for people.

Sparkle and Shine

Here's wishing everyone a season of sparkle and take your breath away moments. Send good thoughts to others, hug those that are close by, and let your light shine. Cheers! xoxoxo

girls night out

* miss mary, yours truly, diane, my sharona, and our linda*

I was thrilled when my girl Mary called to say that the girls were doing a quick get together before everyone scattered for the holidays. These are women I have "grown" up with for the past 20 years...amazing. When I returned home my husband joked, "I'm glad you got a night with the girls...now that makes us even for my two weeks in New Zealand." You know what? With these girlfriends, I would take that trade anyday.

Sleepy Princess

I am feeling a bit like this lovely princess on my winter break~ sleeping, sleeping,sleeping....and yes, I do have the canopy, four posters, and people have been known to tease me about the height of the bed. But~ I adore this Princess and the Pea~

from author Lauren Child and with amazing illustrations...loving the mixed media in a book for children of all ages.

Cute as a Cupcake

I just ordered these from the wildly talented, über cute and adorable Amanda Krueger at Bake It Pretty for future giveaways at The Cupcakes Club (that would be MY über cute website). The Cupcakes 101 Kit includes everything thing you need for a crash-course in cupcake decorating. Each kit includes baking cups, novelty toppers, and sprinkles. Everything is bundled up nicely in a small stitched suitcase to make a pretty sweet gift. Her blog is wonderful and her website is a magical wonderland of clever and nostalgic supplies for baking, crafting and decorating.

Woo hoo! Half day of school today--then over and outta there for a TWO week break- one of the perks of working in the education field. I love the buzz the kids give off on the last day before a break...it's electric.

Falling in Love...All over Again

"Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are movies about relationships. People talking; discussing dreams and failures, wants and desires; and discovering who the other person really is. I was reminded of these two films when my husband returned home after being away for two weeks. It was wonderful to greet him at the airport with hugs and kisses and even more magical when returning home, opening a bottle of wine, and staying up until 2 AM listening to his stories of adventure and sharing his journey with me.

Sometimes "life gets in the way" and you miss the real conversations that make you realize why you are in a relationship with this person that just returned to your life. Take a moment with your loved one to sit, talk, and listen.

Airport Love

My husband is returning from his great adventure tonight and a trip to the airport never sounded so good!
*from "love actually"

Maybe not the body...but we share the scarf!

When I first saw this Matta scarf on Jennifer Aniston a couple of months ago I tried to unsuccessfully track it down. I searched, I googled, I researched...but nothing. Whatever.
Then, by a strange coincidence I was turned onto Cerulean's website by checking out a piece of jewelry and BAM! I saw the scarf on their website--unbelievable.
Of course, I clicked to order but...curses! The scarf was sold out! Ack! After the toil and trouble of trying to find it- I did- and then to have it snatched away from me. On a wing and a prayer I contacted their customer service to see if possibly there was one somewhere. Anywhere.
Struck out, but the customer service rep said there would be some new colors in Spring and that she would keep me in mind in case if anything ever showed up. Guess what?
I just got an email saying one scarf was back in stock and if I wanted it they would put it on their website so I could order it. Signed. Sealed. And being delivered by the end of this week. Cerulean...you're the best.

You probably have NO idea how much I would love to do this!

Time for Cupcakes!

If you know someone who loves cupcakes or is a kid at heart--we are giving this away at The Cupcakes Club--just leave a comment (after you sign up to be a member)and good luck!

House Tour

The skydiving, rafting, and fishing on husband's New Zealand trip would not be for me but his stop in Sydney, Australia sounds like something that I would love. He is taking a tour of the Sydney Opera House and I'm sure it will be amazing...hoping he's a dear and stops in at the gift shop for his sweet blogging wife.

Jenn, Jenn, Jenn

wow. My wardrobe budget would go down immensely if I looked like this. I'd never wear clothes...well, maybe a tie. Happy weekend to all!

Does it get any better?

Gorgeous shot of Penelope Cruz by photographer gilles marie zimmermann--love the pink, love the ruffles, and adore that she's wearing a t-shirt with it.

Benjamin Button

Color me curious to see this film. To have the mind and experiences I carry with me now but with the body of a 20 year old...what a dream. Can you believe the cheekbones on Cate Blanchett--amazing.

The Great Adventure

Those of you that have been following know that husband is in New Zealand having a great adventure with our daughter and her husband (see more about their great adventure here).
Why didn't I go? This was husband's time--a "reward" after some medical issues he went through this year--and some of the things they are doing --are not the kinds of things I would want to do on a "vacation" (on a reality show perhaps?). This is Dad and daughter at airport where they just JUMPED out of a plane--not exactly tops on my list of things to do!
Daughter and her husband- who just survived his jump- wearing his stylish flight jumpsuit. I suppose whatever works- as long as the parachute opens.
The three adventurers in their wetsuits on their way to jetboat the river, take a helicopter into a rafting site, and then raft down the river. Another day at the office.

We *heart* Bob

"Survivor" fan or not...you gotta watch the first couple minutes of this video from last week. I'm a sucker for when the family comes (although the smell of your loved ones would most likely knock you over!)but I fell in LOVE with Bob from this season...such a cute guy and his wife is such a doll.

Movie Night

One of the nice things with husband being gone (besides the yogurt or broiled red peppers for dinner) is choosing movies that he may not tolerate but I have been yearning to see. Mrs. Palfrey at The Claremont was one of the movies on my Netflix list.
What a wonderful, charming, the way a movie is supposed to be made film. There were so many wonderful lines in the movie I kept thinking "I should write this down" or "that was wonderful" and at the end was the killer. The one that leaves you sobbing, the one that you have to grab the box of Kleenex and try to regroup.
"There are people that cross our lives in tiny fractions of time, in the briefest of encounters; and yet, they leave an indelible mark in our hearts and our minds."
Here's to being one of those people this season and all year long.

Although I have the Christmas spirit---I'm debating on the Christmas decorating. My husband is out of town until 12/17. Only one of our three children will be back for Christmas and just for an overnight visit.
I DID decorate the entry table, the mantle...it's the tree that has me doing a debate in my head. Why go through all the work, the creative energy for one week and then I'll be the one to have to take it all down, wrap it, and pack it back up? It does have lights already built into it...that would look pretty on it's own don't you think?

Girls with Opinions

I asked the girls on The Cupcakes Club (young girls that range in age from 8- 12) what they felt about real fur, faux fur, or was vintage fur acceptable to wear? Overwhelmingly most agreed that faux fur was a thumbs up but under no circumstances to wear the real thing.

Lil Wayne leads Grammy nominations with 8wtf? I don't have a clue.

Hair

While sitting in the doctor's waiting room I nonchalantly tore out the top picture to show my hairdresser on the next visit ( I know...I'm one of those people). It's L.A. hairstylist Rebecca Bacon and although I have not tried her products, I am smitten with her haircut. The bangs and the relaxed vibe are just my style and look so casually chic that I am tempted to try something new at my next appointment.

Champions

The Queen anthem "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions" was one song among 28 recordings announced today as inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame. You know every word and most likely you have a story to go with it for some moment in your life.
This video is outrageous...can you even imagine performing (or doing ANYTHING) in front of ALL these people?!

He Made It!

Sweet husband arrived in New Zealand safely after his amazing race at LAX. I just can't help wondering if I would have popped one of these tags on his luggage it would have made the trip a little easier?

I have a plane to catch....

My husband is THE most organized person I know. Drives me crazy, but it's his deal, and it's a good thing for his business and our life together. So, on Monday when he traveled down to Phoenix to catch the plane for Los Angeles and arrived at 4:00 for a 6:40 PM flight....I just thought; whatever.
After arriving in Los Angeles at 7:30 PM, he would be taking an international flight (from our frequent flyer miles, thank you very much) to New Zealand and even worked out going business and first class (woo hoo!)at 10:30 PM. Easy and organized, right?
The 6:40 flight from Phoenix did not leave until 8:30 PM thus causing a domino effect of great stress and anxiety that makes you feel like you're on Amazing Race and running for the million bucks. To add to the chaos, sweet husband had earlier checked in his bag and was going to claim it and recheck it for the international flight.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" always late wife asked.
"Sure, I'll have plenty of time at LAX...it will give me something to do before I have to catch the New Zealand plane," always prompt husband replied.
I don't know all the details as I just hung up at 10:15 PM with husband in super stress mode letting me know he was going to be the last one boarding the New Zealand bound plane and "he had never heard his name over the loudspeaker before so that was an experience." This man needs a vacation...go...have fun...relax.

Monkey Business?

If you like Paul Frank, Julius the Monkey, or even Cupcakes--we're giving away TWO of these watches with interchangeable bands at The Cupcakes Club- sign up for a free membership, leave a comment, and you could win!

Actually, I'm a little excited to have the next two weeks all by myself while my sweet husband travels to New Zealand to visit with our daughter and her husband....yogurt for supper anyone?

The Game of LIFE

This holiday weekend was perfect to pull out a board game and play with the family. Our son and his girlfriend are 21 years old- and the game seemed even more appropriate than when they possibly played at 9 years of age! Debt, mortgages, careers or college--it was really fun and a nice hour or so just to talk and play...try it!

Chatting with Cupcakes

In all the holiday hubbub I forgot to mention about my interview at All Things Cupcake in regards to The Cupcakes Club. It was fun to do and hopefully some people got turned onto the site. Enjoy!

love, love, love

I believe there is a new song to this commercial for the 2008 holiday season...but, I love this no matter what background music there is. So sweet.

hopefully, I'll read this day after day after day...and it might become a really good habit. Happy Thanksgiving.

...with all the trimmings

I'm lucky, thankful, and blessed that Thanksgiving is a meal my husband is really in control of. He cooks the turkey (one year we had roasted and deep fried ) prepares a delicious stuffing-- and I handle the sweet potatoes, green vegetables, and dessert. To be perfectly honest, if it were up to me...we would have to go out for turkey...I don't really know what to do with the big holiday bird. Thanks sweetie for being "the man" and talking turkey on Thanksgiving.
PS. Sweet husband just went out to do the last minute menu shopping...how much more can I love him?

YES!

Feeling a bit like this pup today! One of the benefits of working in the school district is having the same schedule as the kids--which means today is our last day for the Thanksgiving week! Yes! A 5 day weekend!

Love

*blush* I am in love with my title and header. I wanted something that was simple but sophisticated, a little quirky, and something that would make me smile whenever I saw it. This does. My illustrator is da bomb and my calligrapher is amazing.
**so, after a few hours I came back and reread this post and had to giggle. Simple and sophisticated, eh? Just imagine what my loud and over the top is....

Try Something New

Everyone has their tried and true Thanksgiving recipes but let's be daring, let's be crazy, and this year let's try something new! My website is a sponsor on Skip To My Lou and she's always coming up with fun ideas for everyday and holidays. Here are a couple of recipes she's already made for Thanksgiving from Cooking Light and Sunset magazines. The sweet potato cheesecake with maple cream looks delish and the streuseled sweet potato casserole has 97 happy reviews along with the joy of making it ahead of time.

Have fun with the making and baking of Thanksgiving...and give thanks to family and friends!

You go girl!

While we're relaxing and kicking back this weekend, my good friend, Amy, will be walking the Breast Cancer 3 day for the Cure walk in San Diego. 60 miles-- and I have a feeling she won't think twice about the distance. You go girlfriend, and a long hot bath better be on the list after you return...I'll let Jeff know.

Keeps Gettin' Better

More Videos

Of course, I'm loving this to walk to...but I love the lyrics more :)
Some days I'm a super bitch
Up to my old tricks
But it won't last forever
Next day I'm your super girl
Out to save the world
And it keeps gettin' better

Story of my life, my friends.

Every other Thursday, you'll find me taking an hour out of my day to get my nails done in my classic, nude polish. My nail salon is a place I enjoy going to and is right out of the classic Steel Magnolias.

The women who work there and their clients are the kind of women I like to be around. They are women of experience. They've been there, they've done that, and they all enjoy a good laugh.

One woman I get to see on my every other week appointment is Marilyn. I believe she's in her 70's and has she lived a LIFE. I love to hear her stories and only wish I had shared my adolescence with her...bourbon, cigarettes, curfew, and a convertible are all part of her teenage years and that's just the beginning.

Most likely I would never have gotten to meet these fabulous women out in my community...our ages, our lifestyles, and just daily life would stop us from ever crossing paths. But this salon has brought us together, and just like in the movie, the salon is really about the friendships that sustain us through life's highs and lows.

Kiss Me Kate

How gorgeous are these fall looks by Kate Spade? I'm loving that mustard gold coat and the electric blue tights.

See you, Tony

Remember when the writer's strike happened in 2007 and we were all scrambling to find something to watch on television? My husband and I started getting addicted to the Sopranos. Tony, Carmella, AJ, and Meadow became the family that you didn't really want in your home, but you liked to peek in and see what was going on in their lives.

We are now on the last season, the last disc of this classic HBO show. I know I'm a year late than others, but I can't help feeling like I'm really going to miss dysfunctional, sociopathic, Tony and the gang. Any suggestions of what our next series should be?

You know you shouldn't watch...but you do

The Real Housewives of Orange County, Season 4, starts Tuesday,11/25--and I just can't wait to see it!! Maybe because they were our first Real Housewives..they're hands down my favorite.

Reincarnation

I'm thinking in a former life I might have been a detective. I LOVE to find out things and the Internet makes that SO much easier and accessible. Don't you love it?
This just happened--My task bar/toolbar- that thing on top of your screen with the address disappeared -poof!-gone! But you know what I did???
I googled up "poof! task bar" (or something to that effect) read what to do, did it, and VOILA! It is repaired.
And if you want to find out how much $$ dancers make on Dancing with The Stars, the definition of ubiquitous, or how old Rachel Zoe is...you've come to the right place.