12.22.2011

a christmas horror

Let's set the scene:

Your gorgeous, children bound down the stairs Christmas morning, complete with bed head and holiday pjs (possibly opened the night before).  Their eyes widen and the magic of the holiday engulfs them.  One shrieks with delight as he opens the ONE gift he was hope, hope, hoping for!

"Can I open it up?"

"Of course, baby!"

wait for it....wait for it.... wait for it....

"Honey don't cry.  Daddy just has to find a pair of pliers and a screwdriver."

What has caused this Christmas horror?  Toy packaging!  I am sure you know what I am talking about.  Here are few images to simply remind you of the hassle you are about to encounter:

I am not sure the purpose for these torture devices.  Display?  Safety?  Theft?  One of the great mysteries of my world.  Learning many painful lessons, I now swoop in with a preemptive strike.  Before I wrap those little treasures-I make sure it is easy to play with right away.

Get rid of all those twist ties, disc holds, and screws as you drink a glass of wine! Then tie the ribbon around that Nerf Gun.  In all honesty it is more for me than my kids.  Christmas morning is much more relaxing for me and really that is what is all about, right?

12.14.2011

christmas frantic

Oh, I do love this season.  So far our tree is up and shimmery.   The lights outside pop on at 4:30 (yes, that is dusk in these parts!).  Each morning means an advent treat and finding our scout elf, Elfie.  Today brings Santa pictures.   We could plan a trip to ride the Holiday Carousel and visit the gingerbread houses in downtown Seattle.  Holiday song fest and cookie reception, Christmas pageant practice and a big solo to practice for-the list can go on and on.

Meanwhile Santa hasn't completed essential tasks, which will mean having a sitter next week since the kids are on break starting Friday at 3:30.  All of these check lists and must-dos can cause one to be "Christmas frantic".  

Keeping things in perspective, I cherish traditions and look for ways to create memories with my kids.
Things I make time for each year:
  • add one new ornament to our tree each year.  Some are just pretty, others have stories.  This year's ornament comes all the way from NYC.  (That just puts a smile on my face!)
  • adding a new page to an album every year with our family's Christmas card and the boys' Santa picture.  We only have it out this time of year and it is such a treat to look through.
  • crab on Christmas Eve.  This is a new tradition for me, one that I have borrowed from my husband's family.  It is the BEST dinner to ready for.....the cook does almost nothing.  Buy the crab cooked and cleaned and ......Viola!  Dinner is served.
  • chose one classic holiday movie and watch it with my kids for the first time.  This year (although it might be classified as a modern "classic" since it came it out in the 90's.) it is Home Alone. I love to hear hear the belly laughs from all 3 of my guys!
  • lunch date with a friend.  A girl has got to eat and why not squeeze in time to lunch with a friend.
  • buy new wrapping paper.  I choose 3 or 4 designs and find ribbon that compliments them.   
  • make Santa Cake on Christmas Eve.  Every other day of the year it is known to us as Rice Crispy treats.  Santa is gluten-free in our house. :)
Things I have given up on:
  • cutting down a tree. 
  • the perfect photo for the holiday card.  If all 4 of us are in it....that is good enough.
  • buying for everyone.  The kids in our lives still get gifts, but the adults share a good bottle of wine and some merriment instead!
  • the mall.  I try to do most of my store shopping in local independently owned shops.  The rest is done online.  Nothing like shopping in your pj's in front of the fire. 
  • making it all perfect.  It is not attainable, so I try to find humor in all that goes wrong.

11.23.2011

the other squash

Pumpkin takes center stage tomorrow, but I would like to make a case for the butternut squash.  It has a sweet, nutty taste and can be used in classic recipes or stand alone as a delicious side.  I cheat and buy my cubed in the refrigerator cooler in the produce section.



Here are two of my favorites:

1.  Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese (from Cooking Light)
It is seriously delicious and a great lighter way to serve homemade mac n' cheese. The kids will never know!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 [1-pound] squash) 
  • 1 1/4 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth 
  • 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk 
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
  • 2 tablespoons fat-free Greek yogurt 
  • 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) grated pecorino Romano cheese 
  • 1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
  • 1 pound uncooked cavatappi (any short noodle works)
  • Cooking spray 
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil 
  • 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  • 2. Combine squash, broth, milk, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • 3. Place the hot squash mixture in a blender. Add salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt. Remove the center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Place blended squash mixture in a bowl; stir in Gruyère, pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until combined.
  • 4. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well. Add pasta to squash mixture, and stir until combined. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  • 5. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mixture. Lightly coat topping with cooking spray.
  • 6. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.


2.  Pureed Butternut Squash-with a kick (I made the name up!).  This is a super, simple but yummy side!  Sorry no picture.


  • 2 lbs cubed butternut squash
  • ¼ c water
  • ¼ c onion
  • ½ t. thyme
Heat on low to medium heat for 20 minutes.  Stirring frequently until squash is fairly mashed.

Add
  • 1 T. butter
  • ¼ tsp Tabasco (or more for taste)


11.22.2011

move over amazon fresh

Ok.  I apologize for resorting to such an overused, unimaginative expression, but OMG.

Nordstrom, has just answered my holiday wish ~ which is to avoid Bellevue Square at all costs between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.  Check it.

Nordstrom is now testing an exciting Same Day Delivery program in three cities: Seattle, WA, Bellevue, WA, and La Jolla, CA. For just $10, items that are in stock at your local store can be hand-delivered to your door on the same day.
Orders placed by 12pm Pacific will be delivered by 6pm the same day; orders placed after 12pm will be delivered by 6pm the following day—even on Saturdays and Sundays. Select Same Day Delivery in Checkout.
Eligible delivery addresses, excluding P.O. boxes, are located in the following ZIP codes:
  • Seattle, WA: 98101, 98102, 98104, 98109, 98112, 98121, 98122, 98154, 98164, 98174
  • Bellevue, WA: 98004, 98005, 98007, 98039, 98040
  • La Jolla, CA: 92037, 92117, 92121, 92122

Amazon Fresh solved one problem for me and now Nordstrom has solved another!  Shop on.

11.07.2011

the booby trap

just something to make you smile on a Monday...

I came across these ad posters on the world wide web this weekend.  I suppose this is a perfect situation to use, LOL.   Actually, they are down right hysterical!  They are mock horror movie posters.  The horror? Ill fitting bras...and what the consequences might be for the woman in complete denial.

The Quadraboob.  Can you only imagine this under a sweater? Not good. 

The Sagging.  A good friend of mine calls this look "rocks in socks".  


Who is the brilliant mastermind behind this campaign?  A bra boutique called The Booby Trap. (How much do you love the name of their store?!)   It is actually located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.  Hey, if I am ever in their neighborhood, you better believe I will pop in and check it out!  Since I live quite a distance away, I sure hope all the ladies that live in NL frequent this shop. We could all use a little humor while shopping for undergarments. 

You can also check out their facebook page:

11.04.2011

secrets to housewife happiness


Yet another tip on making a housewife happy.  Recall, just a short time ago, happiness came in the form of a garage refrigerator. This week it comes in the form of a single-serve coffee maker.   This is the first K-Cup brewed in my new Breville.  Oh, she is shiny, sleek, and efficient.  



Our family made the big leap away from the brewed pot of joe.  I, painfully and begrudgingly, gave up caffeine this summer.  Since the cold, dark mornings are now upon us-I was desperately missing a cup of coffee.  So, I fell off the wagon and not with out consequences. (I thought I could just sneak a little here and there.  That didn't work out for me so well.)   SO, this is a great answer for us!  Each cup brewed special-just for the person waiting.  Fully loaded for my wonderful husband, unleaded for me.  Being totally new to the K-Cup world, the coffee choices are plenty.  There is also hot chocolate, tea, chai, and apple cider.  Who knew?  I should have jumped on this train a LONG time ago!!

I hope you find a little time for yourself  this weekend.  Even if it just 10 minutes to enjoy a warm beverage.

11.03.2011

ripped in 30

30 days that is.  Yes, please.
Ok.  So if you know me, you know that I love a great workout.  If you know me, you also know that squeezing in the workout usually trumps the shower for the day. (Disgusting, but true.  I am nothing but honest.)  This DVD has helped me achieve a workout AND a shower on many days recently.  Each workout is just over 20 minutes.  20 minutes!  All you need is are light hand weights (or heavy ones if you are really going for it!), a DVD player, and a small bit of open floor space. The workout is 3 circuits of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minutes of abs.  You never do the same exercise twice.  Love.

Let me just say, I now know why the contestants on the Biggest Loser.....lose weight.  Week 1 was a decent workout, but Week 2 is considerably harder.  Looking forward to weeks 3 and 4. Of course you are supposed to do it 5 times each week.  Me, not so much.   Is that why my abs don't look like Jillian's?  Perhaps.

I picked mine up at Target for around $10 and found it on amazon tonight for $9.49.
My goal through the holiday season: No gain, just maintain. (Thinking this DVD should help!)

11.02.2011

holiday red

I know I posted this on facebook yesterday, but is just screaming to be a blog post as well.

Please know, I love the holidays and all that they bring.  Mostly just being with people I love and the spirit of the season.  I don't mind shopping, or cooking, or socializing, or spreading joy near and far.  By goodness...I am not Ebenezer!

HOWEVER.....It being Nov. 1, Starbucks peeled the plastic wrap off the red holiday cups. I call b*llsh*t!  Seriously, 55 days until Christmas and they bust them out.  Can't we look forward to the upcoming season?  By the time the big days finally arrive, we are so sick of the "season" that we often are relieved it is over.

Not sure what the answer is, other than a blog rant!  Sticking to my motto:  only worry about what you can control.  The Christmas season begins in my house after Thanksgiving. Looking forward to it.
I hope you are too!

PS.  I know it isn't JUST Starbucks, they are just lucky enough to be in my crosshairs.   I happened to also get 10 holiday catalogs in the mail yesterday and saw my first "get them what they want" commercials last night. 

11.01.2011

pom-tastic!

Pomegranates are back.  Oh, how I wait for this display to arrive in my local produce aisle.  This fruit is simply deeeelish!  Now with that said, they are also a commitment.  They are not easy like an apple, a pear, or berries.  Oh, no.  These ladies want you to work for the sweet treats!  Every year my first pom leaves my counter, walls, and often times my clothes with red spatter!  Then I remember how to do it.  Those delicious seeds are great on their own, but they are perfect over Vanilla Greek Yogurt.  Seriously could eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner! 

 This is exactly how I do it!  Then seal and eat in the next couple of days.




This salad is my "go to" side dish for special dinners or potluck: 

Fall Pomegranate Salad
Romaine lettuce-torn into bite size pieces
Gorgonzola cheese-crumbled
Pears-diced
Pomegranate seeds
Pecans (If you are getting really fancy, candied pecans send this salad over the top!)
Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette



And of course, there is a Pomegranate Martini.

Servings: Serves 2
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 2 ounces Absolute Citron vodka or white tequila
  • 1 ounce Cointreau liquor
  • Cup of ice
  • Splash of sparkling water (optional)
  • Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Directions
 Shake ingredients in a shaker and put in chilled martini glasses. Put pomegranate fruit into glass as garnish.
Oh, this is a great time of year!

10.31.2011

who let the ninjas out?

Well, let the craziness commence.

Already this morning I have outfitted my boys in ninja and Clone Troopers costumes and watched a Halloween parade.  Later today I will help "host" a Halloween party at preschool for 20+ four and five year olds.  Back home to rest, until off to dinner at friend's and the grand finale of trick or treating! 

What are the pitfalls of this dreaded Halloween nigh for mothers?  Here are few from my highlight reel:
  • small child with a fever of 101 puking all over the carpet as we ready to trick-or-treat
  • same small child pees in not one- but two costumes in the same night.  (thank god for the dress up bin!)
  • a toddler who doesn't comprehend why you wouldn't eat the candy as soon as someone hands it to you.  (No need for a trick or treat bag!)
  • the perfect costume rips at a party days before Halloween-and I forget to mend it like I promised.  
  • the most awesome Clone Trooper helmet won't stay together and continually falls off.  (I guess the small velcro tabs were not a great design choice)
All in all, October 31 is all about the kids.  I know many adults LOVE to dress up.  Don't count me as one of them.  The extent of my costume effort is a t-shirt and some crazy eyelashes.  Good luck to all of you tonight.

May your trick-or-treating be pee free and may your kids collect handfuls of your favorite candy (so you can eat it after they go to bed!)
Happy Halloween!

10.18.2011

occupy wall street. buy from main street.

Every year I set a goal.  Finish holiday shopping before Nov. 1.  Well, it is Oct 18th and I haven't started, but I suppose there is a faint possibility that it will happen. Doubtful, but possible. 


When the shopping does commence, my goal is to use local shops to stuff our stockings.  Last year, I loved the feeling of holiday, community, and spirit in every small shop I walked into.  I look forward to great customer service, seeing their displays, and finding one of a kind gifts.

A few of my local favorites:

Island Books-Mercer Island
greatest book store around.  Books, gifts, expertise, and amazing service.  They ship anywhere in the US for free.
http://www.mercerislandbooks.com/

glassybaby- Seattle/Bellevue/NYC
one of kind, works of art!  Great gift for almost anyone on your list.
http://www.glassybaby.com/

Sweetie-West Seattle
fantastic boutique with amazing finds in every corner. 
http://sweetieboutique.com/

Bellevue Art & Frame-Bellevue
frames, decor, toys, art supplies.  the list is extensive! 
http://www.bellevueartandframe.com/

What are your favorite local shops?  Post them and let others know.  Support local business owners! 

10.06.2011

love that app

If you are like me....you love your iPhone.  And a new app is an easy way to liven up an otherwise boring, dull day.  I have found that I use my phone as my point and shoot camera almost exclusively now.  While the camera itself in the iPhone 4 is fairly decent, it lacks editing features.  Just found 2 apps that I wanted to share with you!  Just got them, but they both have excellent reviews. 

Camera+

"With Camera+ you’re able to use your iPhone to shoot the best photos you possibly can. Packed with several useful features that your standard camera app doesn’t include, your pics will improve the instant you start using Camera+." ~ campl.us
Some of the added features:
  • touch exposure and focus
  • multiple shooting modes-including self portrait and burst (for action shots)
  • photo flashlight
  • 6x zoom
  • cropping

ColorSplash
"You can create some pretty stunning photos with the Color Splash app ($0.99). The app converts a photo to black and white while keeping some parts of the image in color so they really pop. It takes a little practice to edit correctly, but a helpful red tint makes it easy to identify the borders between color and black-and-white sections." about.com~Tanya Menoni

This is a screen shot with a jazzed picture in ColorSplash.  (I didn't take it, but I think this app is uber-cool!)

10.04.2011

no is a four letter word

(First and foremost, my grandest and most sincere apologies for taking a week off. I am pretty sure in the world of blogging that is a huge no-no.  But since I do this just for fun, I am almost certain you will all forgive me!)

Anyone need one of these buttons right about now?  Find yourself saying yes a little too often?

Some questions in life are met with a whole-hearted ..YES!  Would you like to go out?  Yes!  Would you like to travel to Italy?  Yes!  Will you marry me?  Yes!  Others, and those that most of us are faced with every day, also get a yes -but not an enthusiastic one.

In my world, being a parent of school aged children, yeses look something like this.  Yes, I can provide a peanut free snack.  Yes, I will chaperone a field trip in the pouring rain.  Yes, I will serve as room parent.  I would love to sit on a new PTA committee.  Sure, I'll coach.  I guess I can volunteer more than 1 hour a week in the classroom.  You think I can organize a large family event? (notice that last one isn't really a yes....but it is not a no.) Yes. Yes. Yes.

Your yeses could be very similar or very different.  But let's face it, no is a four letter word masquerading as a two letter word. 

Why do we say yes when we really mean no?
Guilt.  We don't want to disappoint anyone.  Peer pressure.  Keeping up.  Climbing a ladder headed somewhere.  Someone has to say yes.  No one else is saying yes.  Worried the boss might be pissed.  Guilt.

We know the phrase, but too often forget it.  It is OK to say no.  (Repeat that 3 times to your self.)

How do we solve this problem? Maybe it is as simple as this.  Say yes to things that interest you.  Say yes to something you are passionate about. Say yes for things that honestly add to the the well-being of your family.  Say yes to things that feed your soul.  Say yes to something that does not revolve around or involve your children.  Say yes to something that allows you to spend time with people you truly like.  Say yes, but be picky.

Say hell ya...to saying no!

9.27.2011

flying high

In the spirit of Mad Men, a new show jumped onto the scene on Sunday.  Pan Am on ABC.
Catch the episode online if you missed it.
http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/pan-am

Watching the first show painfully brings to light how wonderful flying once was.  Full bars, fine dining, ample seat room, lounge areas, and complete customer service (including pillows and blankets).  No TSA, no full body scans, no cramped quarters, no starving passengers.  Ahhh, the good old days.

The Pan Am flight attendants were true pioneers.   Jet setting around the world, when most women their age were settling for "what was expected of them."  Although still having to conform in the ways of the company, they were living life to the fullest. 

Oh, and am dying to have one of their carry on bags.  You are never going to believe what I found! 
Explorer Bag ~ 89.
Round Wash Bag ~ 45.
 Luggage Tags ~ 11.
Passport Cover ~ 24.
 
These treasures, and many others, are available online. 

9.26.2011

lunching with Grace

Remember last Friday afternoon?   80.  Sunny. Wonderful.

I totally lucked out and was able to sneak in a lunch date with a girlfriend.  She picked Grace Kitchen in Seattle's University Village and it was perfect.  Totally understated, but perfectly decorated.  Grays and whites instantly calm you as walk in.  The staff was extremely happy and friendly.  And the menu was unique and interesting.  I love it when a menu offers new twists on old favorites.

For instance, Grace Deviled Eggs.

Grace Deviled Eggs~ eggs stuffed with salmon, sour cream and herbs. 

Those eggs were deelish! (I could have used a few more exclamation marks, but I resisted.  My husband shared with me that I may overuse them?)  We shared 3, but I could have easily eaten all of them myself! 

The menu offered many choices.  Here were a few that popped out at me:

  1. Chutney Burger ~ grass fed beef, beecher’s cheddar, bacon, onion chutney, lettuce 
  2. Spicy Tomato Almond Soup
  3. Mac and 4 Cheese ~penne pasta, parmesan, gruyere, fontina and beecher’s cheddar, sage and oregano
Great options for a date night too:
  1. Meatball Hero ~ classic italian meatballs, marinara, grilled peppers and parmesan cheese
  2. Grilled Flat Iron Frites ~ chimichurri, wilted spinach, served with pomme frites
  3. Linguini and Manilla Clams

After my lovely lunch, I read some reviews online.  Not  many were glowing but I say it is definitely worth a try.  I will to back to Grace Kitchen.  I might even invite my husband.
Check out the whole menu at http://www.grace-kitchen.com/

9.23.2011

Never met an UGG I didn't love

Time to tumble into fall.  I have been waiting and waiting to wear my new UGG boots.  Not that I want our warm September to disappear too quickly, but I DO have something to look forward to when it turns cooler.

UGG 'Lynnea' Ankle boots. 
The perfect combination of warmth, clogs, and comfort.  A little protective suede spray (I do live in the rainy PNW) and these are going to be the winter equivalent to the summer flip flop.  These totally fit my life...but if I had a different life my go-to boots would be different.....


If I was a business girl with a bit of edge. 

UGG 'Aniela' (a mere $995!)

If I was fashion forward girl,  and 'casual' Saturdays actually looked different from my M-F wardrobe.

UGG 'Capera'

If I was a glamazon.
UGG 'Vittoria' (ONLY $1,195)

Like shoes in general, one can not have too many pairs of boots.  Loved seeing all the ladies out and about this week sporting their new fall boots.  I. can't. wait!  Happy Friday.


9.20.2011

secrets to housewife happiness

 

How do you make a housewife happy?  Here are some ideas:
  1. Surprise date night.  Everything planned, including finding the sitter.
  2. A love note sent in the mail on a random Tuesday.
  3. Coffee and her favorite pastry in bed.
OR could it be as easy as buying her a fridge for the garage?  This week it is!  Look what arrived at my house yesterday.  Isn't she gorgeous?  All 18.2 cubic feet of her.

Keeping it real simple around here.
(The aforementioned would also be accepted!)


9.19.2011

spelling t-e-s-t-s

Well, it's Monday!  For most children in elementary school, that means there will be a weekly spelling list coming home today.  Cue dramatic music....dun, dun. dun.  Some may know all the words today, but others will have to do a bit of studying.

The task of practicing spelling words can be monotonous at best.  So why not jazz it up with some technology magic?  I have two ideas that work great in our house.

1.  Spelling City
http://www.spellingcity.com/

Easy, interactive website that allows you to enter your child's weekly list.  Your kids can practice their words during the week with activities using the week's words.  The website can even give them a practice test for you. 


2.  Magnetic Alphabet Lite- app for your iPad

FREE!!
 Remember alphabet magnets for your fridge? This is the updated version.  Kids easily drag the bright letters from the bottom of the screen to spell their words.  Great for little ones that live in your house too!  Perfect for early letter recognition. 


Hope these help this week! 

9.16.2011

it feels great to be normal

I know that you shouldn't say things like, "I am just a normal girl."  Or, "I would love to have a normal family."  Why?  Well, I guess because your normal may not be my normal.  But I will say with the utmost confidence- in comparison to Tareq and Michaele Salahi...I am straight up NORMAL! 

Want a quick ride on this crazy train?  Here we go.....


We first met the Tareq and Michaele when they, "reportedly" crashed a state dinner at the White House in 2009.
Brilliant.

They then, promptly, found themselves in the hot seat.  That hot seat happened to be located in the U.S. Capitol building.  (I am sure they did not calculate that as a risk.)


Next stop...Bravo.


Michaele is cast in the Real Houswives of DC.  This franchise cashes in on the craziness that comes with over indulged women.  As an actual housewife, pretty sure Real Housewives cannot be considered reality TV.  (just my 2 cents).

OH, but the final stop may be the BEST yet.

On Tuesday, Tareq reported his wife missing and suspected that she had been kidnapped after she did not arrive at a hair appointment and called him from a strange phone.  But it now seems that she may have just run off with a rock star.

It appears her new squeeze is Neal Schon, of Journey.  (Not sure that Journey can really be considered a rock band, but that is how they are describing him....a rocker.)  Tareq did not believe the story and thought his wife called under duress to cover for the kidnappers.  He now knows she simply decided to leave him.  Oh. my. goodness.

See what I mean?  We are totally, 100% normal!

9.15.2011

totally shellac-ed

 
shellac manicure day 2

After 12, fun-filled weeks of summer everyone in my house is officially back to school.  Totally treated myself to a manicure/pedicure yesterday!  I ventured out and tried something new.  The shellac manicure.  I had read about it, but had not known anyone that had tried it.  Very much like a classic manicure, but refreshingly without the hassle.  The nail shellac containing no formaldehyde or carcinogens is more like a gel coating.  After being exposed to UV light...it is instantly dry!  I did not have to worry about ruining it with a quick movement nor did I need help finding my keys in my purse.  Voila!  Instant beauty treatment that is inclusive to klutzes like me! Washed dishes last night and it is still looking great.  It may last up to 2 weeks.  I will keep you posted on how well it holds up to my "lifestyle".  (If I do it again, I am going to splash out and do a bright color.  Why not?)


Want to give it a try?  I loved the nail salon Patsy James, newly opened at the Sola Salons in Bellevue. Patsy is warm, fun, and a total professional.  While she does offer the shellac manicure, you may also indulge in classic manicures and pedicures.  She uses Butter London polish and lotions.  Plus, not only does she have the latest magazines, she also had the E! channel on inside her nail studio.  One can never be too far from celebrity news!  

9.14.2011

immunity is back up for grabs

Oh, how I long to hear Jeff Probst say those words to me right before an immunity challenge.  Yes, I am a die hard Survivor fan.   But my obsession goes beyond just loving to watch from my couch every Wednesday night.  You see, I actually want to compete on Survivor.  Always have and always will! 


Some of you might find this a bit surprising.  I am not a rough and tumble girl, nor do I live off the land (or even go camping).  But I do love to compete.  The reward and immunity challenges would be the best days on location for me.  What I lack for in size, I make up for with heart.  Put quite simply I do not give up.

Outwit?
I, unfortunately, am not cunning or deceitful.  This poses a very large problem for me. As we all know, those who play with "integrity" are ousted, blindsided, or simply not given the million bucks.  I would have to play the social game like nobodies business.

Outplay?
At the beginning of my quest to be on Survivor I thought I would be the first one voted off.  Why?  My explosive personality would not bode well when surrounded by strangers looking for someone to boot.   However,  these days I am fairly confident I would not be the first to go.  I have a few more years under my belt (and a couple of kids) and I have been able to take charge of my darker side.  At least I keep it fairly well hidden. 

The one thing I still have no physical control over is my brow furrowing.  I have two wrinkles to show for it.  I may not utter a word, but my brows will say it all.  There is a simple solution for that.  Botox.  While not altogether ready to take the leap into cosmetic procedures, Botox would be a Survivor necessity if I want to at least make it onto the jury.  (And let's be honest. If you don't make it onto the jury, no one even remembers that you were on Survivor.)

Outlast!
Bug bites, annoying or disgusting people, rain, cold.  These would all be HUGE obstacles for me to overcome. But, BUT....if I could-  I might, possibly, be the soul survivor!  (Or maybe at least the fan favorite?)

Survivor: South Pacific premiers tonight at 8pm on CBS. 
You know where I will be!

9.13.2011

@ west elm

Oh, this totally made my Monday!  Spotted this on the back of a West Elm catalog that arrived in my mailbox yesterday.  They are opening a brick and mortar store in South Lake Union, the "new Seattle".  Makes me smile BIG!

just a few of my favorite things......

Lacquer Wood Tray ~ 29.

Owl Measuring Cups ~19.

Martini Side Table ~ 129.

Teacup Measuring Cups ~ 24.

Parsons Mirror Console ~ 549.

Can't wait to be able to pop in and browse.  Catalogs are great, but there nothing like doing a little window shopping!

Opening Early October.
West Elm
2201 Westlake Ave
Seattle, WA  98121

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