29 January 2010

The UGG Chronicles

Dear Uggs,

Oh how I love you so.
Especially in the winter.  This wet winter.
I have worn you along with my
next favorite thing -
denim.
Yep, every day for two and a half weeks
you have warmed my feet.
Kept them dry.
Brought a comfy twinkle to my eye.
Really.

Thank you hunny for my Uggs.
I love them both equally.
Well ok, maybe the tall ones a little
more than the short ones, but you get it.

My first pair...
2005 and still going strong

My second pair...
Saw Tori Spelling wearing them in US Weekly.
After that, the hunt was on.
Super thank you hunny for finding these.

In conclusion, if you don't
have a pair of Uggs I suggest you get some.
If it's your thing of course.


28 January 2010

I'm Happiest When...

husband, daughter and i are relaxing.
watching a movie. eating popcorn.
playing a game.

i really love them to the fullest capacity possible
and on and on and on

my family is together and having fun.
all of us.

my friends are gathering.  talking. laughing.

the cutest, funniest, sweetest, smartest sounding things
come out of daughter's mouth.

my family and friends are healthy.

i have a glass of red wine and and good reality show.

inspiration hits me.  out of the blue.  it's true.
...stay tuned here

laying in bed watching t.v. on a rainy day.

client's feel satisfied with the sale or purchase of THE home.
I like seeing them smile.

i learn new things.  this is happening often.

really, in a nut shell
i am just happy.

today. :)


27 January 2010

Tuesday's t.v.

So BL and Idol were both on last night.

Both good shows that never disappoint.
So far...So good

Biggest Loser...
WOW, not sure what to think about
Red team or Green team for that matter.

rewind real quick...
I think Red lady threw the weigh-in
as Jillian & Bob suspected.
I don't really care for them (her) because of that.

back to it...
I do understand that Red team had to give out the cards.

Yay! for Mike and John for prevailing.
John couldn't use the gym - card recipient.
&
Mike got some crap from his housemates that
could have hurt his confidence. But nope.
He rocked on!

Right now, Mike is my fave.
BUT if Sunshine & her dad come back then he might get bumped.

Hmmm Green, you disappointed me.
Attitude. Attitude. Attitude.
That is all I have to say.

Moving on...

Idol ~ not much to say.
Just another good show.
However, I wasn't to thrilled with the
guest judges last night.

Don't get me wrong, I like their music.
Great performers for sure.
There was just something about how they acted last night.

Oh well...still fantastic.







26 January 2010

me change...the first step

So simple but for me,
it's kind of a big deal.

I decided to change my nails.
Took off the acrylics.

Going natural.

Giving manicures a try.

I did the first one myself last night.

Yep, true story.
See...


I'm really looking forward to seeing Kristy ~
my nail lady.
Soon. Very soon.




25 January 2010

It's the simple things...today

Sometimes the simple little things
are all I need.

Seems like this is the occassion
more now then ever.

I am happy about that.

Being simple makes me happy.

Lately I have been drinking soda.
Dr. Pepper, Coke, and now today


This is my simple little goodness today.

Not sure what's up with the soda kick.
I normally never drink the stuff
until recently.

I hope you have found your simple little goodness today.

22 January 2010

change

1a: to make different in some particular: ALTER b: to make radically different: TRANSFORM c: to give a different position, course, or direction to  2a: to replace with another b: to make a shift from one to another: SWITCH c: to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency) d: to undergo a modification of

1: to become different  2: to shift one's means of conveyance: TRANSFER
3: of the voice: to shift to lower register: BREAK  4: to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution   5: to put on different clothes   6: EXCHANGE, SWITCH

Bottom line
We all experience change in one form or another.
The key is to hang in there.
Make it through.
Be stronger then the change.
Try not to stress.

Whether you are moving from one home to another
willingly or unwillingly,

whether you are going bold and changing your hair
style, color, length,

whether you encounter an unusual situation
that has forced you to change things in your life,

just hang in there.
Don't be angry. Be happy.
Learn the lesson and move on.

Not all change is bad. Think of it that way.

And remember
Everything happens for a reason.
(in my opinion)



21 January 2010

The Weather Revisited

Another crazy day of wind and rain.
So crazy I just had to do one more post about it.
This time I have pictures.

The rain came down all day.
The wind was there too.
Just blowing a little harder at times.

At about 4 o'clock it was pouring.
I mean really pouring.

In a matter of 5 minutes - literally 5 minutes
this is what happens...

We go from huge rain drops pouring down to this


Then


And at last


Crazy weather for sure.

Oh well, I love CA!



20 January 2010

The Wind. The Rain.

Here in CA we are having a week
of wind and rain.

The rain is welcomed.  The wind is not.
We sure do need the rain
& come summer we will all be thankful
for this week.

The good thing is you will definitely find out
if you have leaky windows or a roof.  Or both.

The leaks are not good.  Finding out about them
is good.  Better to fix
an issue immediately then to let it go
for a while.

You don't want standing water in your attic
or on your window sills. That's for sure.

Water damage is no fun and if not handled
can lead to much bigger,
more expensive problems.

To all my CA peeps - stay dry.
Stay safe!




19 January 2010

Weekend Steal

Friday after school daughter wanted
to go buy 'prizes' for her and make a
prize bag.

Her idea in her words:
 "if I clean when you ask me
and do other chores then
I can reach in my prize bag."

I thought, good idea. Ok.
We went to Dollar Tree since I
know they have cute nic nacs from time to time
and they have movie theater size candy too.

We got her 'prizes' and were heading to the
registers when I saw these


Pretty blue wine glasses.
Good quality.
Thick glass.
So we bought 4.

That's it. My weekend steal.


15 January 2010

SAVE $. Let's try.

It's a sign of the times.
Things definitely have changed.

For me. This has been a good thing

You can make it.

You just need to
MAKE a budget and STICK to it.

Yes, it's hard at first. Adjusting.
Getting away from the 
just this once syndrome.

Discipline is what it takes.

The biggest hurdle for us:
Eating out.
It's so easy.
So quick.
No mess.

We used to say
"one night out won't hurt"

Well the one night turned into 3 and then to 4 and so on.
Before we knew it we were eating
out more than we were eating in.

Here are a few of our biggies...

1) Vehicle. If you are in the market for a new car think before you buy.
Don't buy brand new.
Did you know a brand new car depreciates once it is
driven off of the lot?
 Get the best rate possible.

2) T.V. Cable. Did you know there are companies that combine
your satelite service, home phone and dsl all together?
Shop around.  There are deals out there.
We had satelite through one company
and our home phone and dsl through another company.

Very recently we switched from satelite to cable and
now have all three combined.  One company.
Wow! You can save a bundle.
Also, do you need all of the movie channels?
Do you ever watch them?
If not, get rid of them.
reminder: make sure you aren't in a contract
before switchng your service.

3) Cell phone. Oh boy. I need everything on my phone.
Being a Realtor I need to be accessible all of the time.
Those phone plans can be expensive.
Sometimes you just can't help this one.
But, give it a try anyway.  Call your provider and ask
what your average monthly minutes are.
Then ask if there is a lower plan (if applicable).
Take advantage of your free minutes (if you have them).
Our provider has friends and family minutes.
Does your provider have something like that?
We are now taking advantage of friends and family minutes.
Don't be ashamed. Just ask.

4) Grocery shopping.  This is so easy.
Where do you shop? Do they have a rewards card?
Are they known for being uber cheap?
Do you love the wearhouse stores
but throw away more than you eat?
So many things to think about.
We recently tried shopping at a new place that is known
for their low prices.  Then bought produce from
our regular store.  We will visit the farmer's markets
as soon as they come back. YAY!
We took our receipt from that shopping trip to
our regular store and found out that we saved
almost half on almost every item.
AMAZING. I would have never thought
about this before.

5) Clothes. Shoes. Accessories. Yes we all need them. HA!
Go online and register at your favorite places.
They send coupons, secret sale info &
only stuff to their 'fans'.
Hmmm... it's worth the time to me.
Did you know that the coupons are good at
the outlet stores too?
(unless otherwise stated)
I must say, I have never had an issue.
knock on wood

6) The Thermostat. Check your settings. Do you really need
the heat running until it hits 73 or 75? Set that baby at 69
and use a blanket or wear a sweatshirt.
That is so much more cozy in the winter anyway.
(in my opinion)
This one was a tuffy for us to get used too.
We were determined. We were focused.
Now it's easy and not even a second thought.

I sure hope these couple of easy things will help a peep or two.

Most important thing to remember is
sometimes the most convenient way
isn't the best way.

Good luck!



14 January 2010

Let's Dish - The First

I have gotten the
urge to cook. Really.  True Story.

I'm talking get out the cookbook,
find the ingredients, use almost everything in your
reach while preparing, completely dirty the kitchen cooking.

Yep, I started with meat loaf. 
Easy.
(in my opinion)

Took some time, but easy.

The best part - daughter
LOVED IT!

She said,
"this is the best meat loaf I've had & I'm
not just saying that."

Ahhh...LOVE her.

Thank you Jessica Seinfeld for the yum
recipe in your Deceptively Delicious cookbook.

Mix it up...


Ready for some heat...


There is something in the oven.  True story.


YUM

(in our opinion)


We had fun!
What's next?

Can't wait.

I may be on to something here.




13 January 2010

in•spi•ra•tion

1 a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or
her to receive and communicate sacred revelation
b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

I hope I have inspired a person or two
in my life so far.
& hope to continue to do so.

Others definitely have inspired me.
Their actions. Their comments. Their way of life.

I don't even know some of the people that have been inspiring.
Some inspiration comes from complete strangers.

Maybe I am one of those inspiring complete strangers.
I hope so. I don't need to know. I just hope so.

Always look for the good.
That's what I say.

I am inspired to be an inspiration.

I watch what I say.
(Mostly)

I watch what I do.
(Mostly)

I try to always be nice.
(you just never know who you will see again)

I work hard. Really hard.
& I love it. Love my job(s)!

I strive to be a good example
to my family & friends & strangers.
All of them.

Who is your inspiration?
I bet you get some every day.



12 January 2010

The Cooking Thing

I have decided
it's time to get cooking!

I know I can do it.
Just never really wanted too.
or thought I had the time.

My wonderful husband
loves to cook.

My thought: why
disturb the good thing he has going?

Well, it's time.

Almost everyone I know (& love) cooks.
And they like it. Love it actually.

They seem like they have so much fun
doing it.

We entertain a lot.  If not us then we are somewhere.
Everyone is always in the kitchen.
Talking. Laughing. Eating.

I want to make fabulous meals.

I want to buy amazing cook wear.

I want to learn how to chop food
very fast without cutting myself in the process.

I want the Kitchenaid super mixer thing.
(not sure what it is called but my brother has one)

I want to show everyone that I can make more
than deviled eggs & know it will taste delish.

I really want to use the oven and not
just clean the glass on the door.
 You sure can see the nothing cooking in there.

I want to see what's cooking.  Really cooking.

I want to cook as a family.

I can do this.  We WILL do this.

Stay tuned...





11 January 2010

That's A Wrap!

Well, the Christmas holiday has finally ended.

We celebrated our last of the Holiday
last night with my Mom, Brother, Sister-in-law & my Niece.

My niece came over on Saturday
and stayed the night with Kylee.
They had a blast playing, giggling, talking.

Sunday evening everyone else came over
for dinner and the gift exchange. 
We decided a few years ago to
only buy for the girls and for Mom.

That's it.
No more Holiday festivities.
Until December that is.
Can't wait!

08 January 2010

Dream a little dream...

Some day we will go to Paris.

The Shopping.

The food.

The sites.

The scenery.

The people.

Ahhh...to dream.

Yep, some day.




07 January 2010

Fantastic Recipe!

Thai Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Fantasticly Delicious!
(in my opinion)

Here is what you need:
§-1 tsp toasted sesame oil
§-1/4 cup light vegetable oil, such as canola oil
§-1/4 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
§-2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
§-1 tbsp soy sauce
§-1 tbsp dark brown sugar
§-2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
§-1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped rough
§-1 large garlic clove, peeled and chopped rough
§-1 tsp Asian chili paste or 1 tsp dried red chile flakes (or more, depending on your taste for spiciness)
§-2 tbsp mayonnaise
§-1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, divided into thirds
§-3 cups cooked chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes
§-1/2 cup green onion, chopped (green and white parts)
§-1/2 cup shredded carrots
§-1 small red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed and chopped into small dice
§-1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
§-1 1/2 cups chopped peanuts
§-1 large head iceberg lettuce

May seem like a lot for us not so much in the kitchen folks but really, it's sooo worth it!

Here is what you do:
Put first 11 ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until smooth. Add 1/3 of the chopped cilantro and pulse only slightly to evenly distribute the cilantro in the dressing. Transfer the dressing to a small mixing bowl and set aside. The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance. (Cover and refrigerate the dressing if making ahead). Put the chopped chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the onion, carrots, bean sprouts, red pepper, 3/4 cup peanuts and another third of the cilantro. Add the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly. Rinse the lettuce. Remove and discard any brown or tough outer leaves. Remove 12-14 whole leaves (large leaves can be torn in half). Rinse each leaf again and pat gently with a paper towel to dry each leaf.

To serve, mound 2-3 heaping tablespoons of the chicken salad mixture onto a lettuce cup. Fold the cup over "taco" style and eat!

Should look like this. Or similar anyway.


ENJOY!




06 January 2010

Reality T.V....Check!

I am a self proclaimed reality show junky.
I like a lot of shows
but not all of them.

I like to give new shows a chance.
Some are permanent settings
on my DVR. 

Some get deleted.

So far this week
I have seen the premiers for The Bachelor
and The Biggest Loser.
Both great!

The Bachelor:
Jake has some good girls
to choose from.

Not sure why he kept
Little Miss Crazy though.
Definitely will stay tuned
to see what happens with that one!

The Biggest Loser:
In one word - Motivating.
Last night I had planned to
sit on the couch and watch
t.v. Just put the unpacking on
the back burner & relax.

Remote in hand I come across the premier. 
I had not realized it started again so quickly.
As I watched it dawned on me that I
simply could not just sit around
knowing my unpacking was on the back burner.

So, of course I was instantly up and moving.

I switched and folded laundry while watching 
and unpacked boxes during commercials.

Boy did I feel so much better about my night
after doing that!

Tonight the show is not on but I got
a week's worth of Motivation
just from last night's episode.

Can't wait for the next one!

P.S. Idol starts next week too. On Tuesday.
The same night. Same time as
The Biggest Loser.

DVR is my friend.




05 January 2010

It's the simple things ~ today.

Ahhh...the simple things
are what sometimes makes
the day a little warmer.

Today's goodness is definitely
simple.

Just a warming cup of green tea.
Yum!



Perfect for this day.
So far the fog has not lifted
and baby, it's cold outside.

The work must go on
so this goody green tea is
the perfect solution.

04 January 2010

And we ski...And we love it!

What better way to relax...
we headed to Tahoe with a few of our
favorite families and went skiing ALL DAY.

Boy we needed it.
Busy. Busy. Busy.
Relax. Ahhh

Fantasticly fun.
Yep that's what the day was.

Our first trip up this season
and it was everything I thought it would be.







Simply. A great day.



Well Hello 2010. So nice to meet you!

So far. So good.

2010 started off perfectly fantastic.

We had a great weekend.
Moving. Skiing. Unpacking.

This year
I am looking forward to

all of the changes, challenges,

new clients, new adventures,

weight loss, crafty projects,

home decorating, traveling,

sun tanning, book reading,

learning, family time,

parties, bbqs,

friend time, anything fantastic
(in my opinion)

 & last

but most definitely not least

blogging.

I hope you all have some plans for this new year too!