In Lieu of Favorite Stuff Friday

What up, Friday?!? It's been a couple of weeks since I did my Favorite Stuff Friday. And, while I like doing them, I've been trying to cut back my spending which severely limits my potential to try out new beauty products and review them online for your enjoyment. I know, I know. You're heartbroken.

Speaking of heartbroken. Those fabulous Target jeans that I spoke so highly of in my very first Favorite Stuff Friday were murdered  last week!!! Murdered! I have been in mourning for almost four days. I haven't been eating (chocolate) or drinking (alcohol). I just don't know how to move forward without them. What happened to them, you ask? Well, my friends, my penny-pinching husband decided to do a load of my laundry with some cleaning rags. Total carelessness, I tell you. And at first, he was all "Oh man, that sucks. I don't know how that could have happened" and then (after I tried to figure out for hours-yes, hours!- how it happened), he was all "So, I may or may not have washed those jeans in the same load as the cleaning rags". Can you believe that!?!? So, looks like next Friday I will be doing a review of my new favorite jeans (which have yet to be purchased, btw).

For now though, I am doing a High Five For Friday link up with Lauren @ FMGD. They are, as follows:

1)My nose is looking better! Yay!

2) Tonight, I'm going to LA with the cousins: Karyn, Kristi and Heather.

3) My vacation starts in an hour and a half. I'll be here on Monday:

4) My BFF comes home Saturday!!! Sadly, I don't have a picture of her to share with you, but you've seen her here before :)

5) I snagged these at Target. Oh, and that watch too.(don't judge me and my spending habits!)

Have a great weekend! 

Favorite Stuff Friday

I cut back on blogging because my sister in law Katie was getting married, and I was working very hard to help her complete all the little tasks that would  make the biggest day in her life go smoothly and look beautiful. Now that that's over (insert content sigh here) I can get back to my normal routine, like blogging and watching episodes of Real Housewives. You know, the important stuff. So, how about another Favorite Stuff Friday?

1) This is where I leave you-Jonathan Tropper. 

Judd's finds out that his wife and boss have been having a year long affair, his father just died and his last wish was that his (semi-dysfunctional) family sit shiva, and his soon to be ex-wife just informed him that he's about to become a father. This book is so well written, I found myself laughing out loud, on the verge of tears and shocked enough to go back and re-read sentences- all in the same page. It's a pretty quick read, so if you're looking for something to read while sunbathing this weekend, go pick this up. Costco has it on sale for $9.97 this week.

2) Nectar Clothing

This fantastic little boutique is a place I cannot frequent enough. It has everything- shoes, jewelry, tops, skirts, pants, hats...and most items are under $30.00! I never have a problem finding something here, whether its for work or play. I would warn, that it's probably not the best shop for anyone bigger than a size 12, because their items tend to run small, and a good portion of their clothing is obviously meant for the under 30 crowd, but even if you're not into bandeau tops and booty shorts (or shorts at all for that matter), you can still find something adorable for any occasion. The girls in the shop are amazing and always so happy to help you find whatever you need, even if you're really too old to be wearing sunglasses with tiny mustaches affixed to them.

3) The Dollar Tree.

2 packages of Silly Straws, 6 poster board, 4 plastic table cloths, gift bags, bouncy balls, army men, napkins, cups, water balloons, dessert plates, pie tins, bubbles, candy, candy, candy, more candy, and streamers all for $38.00!!!! The majority of the boys party supplies came for the Dollar Tree, and I am so glad (this once!) that I didn't just go to Target :)

Chris Martin Love

When she was just a girl,
She expected the world.
But, it flew away from her reach,
So she ran away in her sleep
and dreamed of paradise.
Every time she closed her eyes.


...and I still do. Enjoy!

Favorite Stuff Friday

I asked one of my favorite mommies to share her favorite stuff today. Jasmine is mom to my adorable nephew Kai and will soon be having another baby (and this time, it's a girl!). She's one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet and more than anything in life, she loves her family.You can follow Jasmine and her adventures with Kai and Cory (and soon, baby Emee)on her blog, here. Take it away, Jas...

My "someday" sister in law ;) blogs and every Friday she posts a few of her favorite things and explains why they are her favorite. I'm going to hop in and write about a few of my favorite things for her, by "co-blogging."

Hope you enjoy! 

1. Burberry Brit by Burberry: This is one of my all time favorite perfumes! I just cannot seem to wear it enough, and I have a pretty nice collection.. but this one always gets my pick~ :) It's a light and sweet smell that goes a long ways. 

2. Almond Poppy Seed Muffins: Now, I'm 28 weeks pregnant.. So, I definitely have to add one of my favorite food delights to the list. . . and this is it. I was out grocery shopping last week and saw this pack of 6 HUGE almond flavored poppy seed muffins- with 360 calorie for only 1/2 of a muffin. I'm a SUCKER for poppy seed muffins so I bought them. They are delicious. :) Now, I know everyone doesn't have these awesome muffins to buy that come cooked and wrapped at the store, but you can easily prepare them yourself or use this easy box of Krusteaz Almond Poppy Seed Muffin mix. :) These are just as tasty. . . 

3. Seeds of Change: http://www.seedsofchange.com/

My love for this company started out when I received a notice of getting $75 worth of all different kinds of Organic seeds for just $5. Thought that was great.. When planted- they grow amazing, tasty vegetables and not to mention they are 100% Organic seeds and when used with Organic soil/fertilizer you get organic veggies! I was shopping in Walmart last night and noticed that you no longer have to buy them through site or catalog.. because they are a part of Walmart's inventory now. Thought that was awesome too. All you organic people should give them a try!~ 

I figured 3 is good for now, Til next time... :) 

Excuses are like what, now?

I didn't get around to Favorite Stuff Friday last week because I had a cold. And, I had three kids to watch. All by myself. Also, it was raining and I was stuck inside with all of them. All.Day.Long. And also, there were three of them. There is only one of me. Okay, you get it, you get it.

Instead of a catch up of Favorite Stuff Friday, I'm going to share a video that melted my heart. I actually had to stop myself from crying at my desk whilst watching it. I'm a mom, so I am totally allowed to cry at this stuff, you guys! And I have three kids- so, you know, I cry. A lot.

Enjoy!

Favorite Stuff Friday

Just to keep you updated-I didn't win the lotto. And, I still don't have a Perfect Brownie Maker. But, what I do have is a list of some of my favorite stuff. How exciting is that!?!?!

1) Lancome Gel Pot Eyeliner

I am not usually a fan of eyeliner. I think I own four eyeliners, counting this one. I have a pretty thick lash line, so it looks like I'm wearing the stuff, even when I'm not, but I tried this out when I was in San Francisco three weeks ago, and I loved it. When applying, it feels soft, like a crayon,or....um, gel? I guess. It stays on all day long, and if you forget to wash your face at night (don't judge me!), it will last well into the next morning. I bought the great brush Lancome sells specifcally for applying it's pot eyeliners, and I love that too! If your looking to spend a good amount of money (Lancome-I learned the hard way- is not cheap!) I would recommend this one.

2) The Band-The Submarines

I cannot get enough of this band. And, the lady you hear singing (Blake Hazard); she's the great-granddaughter of F.Scott Fitzgerald.

This is one of my favorites:

3)Chapeau!

If you happen to be visiting San Francisco, or SF, as the natives call it, (Never, ever call it San Fran!) please visit this restaurant. It was recommended by this lovely gal @ Nothing But Bonfires and my co-worker, Brad.Oh!My!Goodness! I have never been to a restaurant where each morsel tasted better than the last.I loved everything the table ordered.Everything. And people, I had sweetbread. Do you know what that is? Well, apparently it is not bread covered in syrupy goodness, as the name would suggest. It is sheep's throat!! You can read about it here. You're welcome for that tidbit, by the way. Should you ever see that on a menu, at least you'll know what it is before it arrives at the table, unlike the author of this post. But guess what? I totally loved it. It wasn't until after I ate every bit on my plate that I let my mother in law tell me what it was I was eating.

Chapeau!'s service was just as wonderful as their delicious food, and every patron there was so unbelievably friendly-which I found odd for a big city. Nice, but odd. This is definitely not a touristy spot; mostly locals or frequent visitors (I'd settle for being either one of those!). It was far and away the best food experience I've had to date.

4) Coral and Navy

I love this color combination! I will definitely be rocking the navy and coral this summer.

Next week, my Birchbox comes in! I can't wait to share all the fun stuff!

Five ridiculous things!

In substitution of my Favorite Stuff Friday, we have Five ridiculous things I would probably buy if I won the lottery since I would totally be able to afford it Friday. It's nice to dream, and since $640mm is letting me dream bigger and better than ever before, I thought I would share with you the most ridiculous things I would purchase.

1) A date with Jude Law.
Everyone has a price, and I am willing to bet, I could match or exceed his.So dreamy. So English. So mine for a friday night at Chapeau! if I win that lotto.


2) A stylist for Ms. Britney Spears
You would think that with all that money, she would have hired one by now, but apparently, this is not the case. What's that saying...something about taking the trash out of trailer...


3)Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival.
The whole damn thing. It would be mine. And I would get a ticket (or 30) every year. None of this sit on the internet for 3 hrs trying to get tickets, b.s.


4) Pay Pitbull to stop singing/rapping/entertaining...whatever it is that he does.
No words can express just how ridiculous this man is. He is so lame, I'm not even posting a picture of him on my blog. And I'm going to stop typing about him right now. He doesn't deserve my words.

5)The Perfect Brownie Maker
If you know me-and you don't even have to know me that well-you know that I LOVE brownies; yet every year, every birthday, Christmas, mother's day, Cesar Chavez day...etc, this amazing invention never finds it's way into my arms. Do I really have to buy it myself, people!?!?!

Favorite Stuff Friday!

A couple of days ago, my friend Remeny, who rides the afternoon train with me, remarked "Girl, you certainly do love products!" It's true. I have a thing for pretty packaging and any kind of girlie product for hair, face, or skin. And it doesn't help that I have now subscribed to Birchbox, which is sure to keep that  fire for all things girlie, a burnin'. Speaking of Birchbox, it's my #1.

1.) Birchbox

Here's the deal (which is kind of hard to grasp from their website alone): When you visit birchbox.com, you will need to fill out a beauty profile, so the Birchbox team knows what kind of products you're into i.e. face, hair, skin. Fill out your credit card info and for $10 a month (or $110 up front for the whole year) and you get a beauty box on or around the 10th of each month (if you live on the west coast, expect it around the 15th). It comes filled with 4-5 goodies, individually wrapped, like they packaged this box just for you. Most of the items are sample size, with one or two items being full size. Received a product you absolutely adore? You can visit their website to review the product or order a full size version of the product. I am going to start reviewing my boxes each month, but for now, you'll just have to believe me when I say that if you're a woman that enjoys the latest in trendy beauty products, you'll thoroughly enjoy receiving one of these cute pink boxes in the mail each month.

2) OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go

The most annoying thing in the world, is the word "moist", but a close second (in my book) is dry hands or cuticles. For all things skin related, my go-to products are usually Burt's Bees, but every now and then I will test new products just to confirm how wonderful Burt's Bees really is. When JC Penney was having their month-long sale in February, I picked up this on a whim because the weather here in So-Cal this year has been awful on my skin (and hair!). I have been using this for about three weeks and I am pleasantly surprised. It's convenient, compact and the best of all, does not require that your hands get all goopie during application. I hate that! Please tell me, what do you ladies do after sticking your hand in a tub of lip balm or cuticle cream, when you're not conveniently located near a sink? The cuticle oil doesn't last ALL day, but if applied once in the morning and once at night, will keep your cuticles looking fresh.

3) OPI-Kiss me on my tulips

This color is fun. Like, Barbie fun.

Favorite Stuff Friday (but, really, Saturday)

Warby Parker

This lovely site took two Jack Kerouac characters, squished their names together and created an adorable place to shop for  vintage inspired eyewear; but it’s not the name that I am in love with, it’s the Home Try On feature. Simply pick your top five frames and register your credit card (note: It cannot be a debit card). They send you the glasses to try on in the comfort of your own home and give you five days to make your decision. You let them know which ones you like best, fill out your prescription information, and you’ll have stylish eyewear for less than $100.00

Redken Body Full

This shampoo was suggested by the the creator of this blog. Her hair ALWAYS look amazing, so I ran out and grabbed a bottle and once I got over the sticker shock ($14 a bottle!), decided I was in love with my new shampoo. I don’t know if it’s because I decided to also grab some Kenra Volumizing spray #13 and  paired that with blow drying my hair upside down , or if it’s just the shampoo, but my hair is full of volume.

HoboJazz

Have you heard of this band from Redlands? I think they sound like  Jack Johnson meets the Soggy Bottom Boys.Charlie recommends “I ain't gonna give nobody”, and you know that kid has great taste in music.

Girl Gone Child

 Besides stories of her adventures with four kids, she offers up great fashion and makeup tips, has wonderful taste in music and serves up alternative, healthy ways to cook food. Her mom guests blogs occasionally, which I think is super sweet. Her kids have the most adorable names to match their equally adorable faces and I never tire of looking at them in the endless amounts of photos this busy mom manages to take each week. Here is just a sample of what she had to say last week:

           My mother tells me we all have an age inside of us. Some of us are born with little old men in    our souls or little old women or infants or toddlers. Archer was born one hundred and two but I am thirteen. I turned thirteen and seventeen years later, here I am: confused by the appearance of my face without braces, my bedstand without Sassy magazine. There is a strange man in my bed and a sound machine in a bedroom full of babies. And they're all real. They're real and I don't remember how any of it happened.

                               Sometimes.

                              I still call myself a girl. I'm thirty years old and I have four children and one of them is going to be seven in two months and I'm only six year older than he is. I still think about what I want to be when I grow up and I still wear the same hoodie I wore in High School school and even though the wrists are all stretched out, it still makes me feel cool because I got it from the skate shop where I worked for two summers. All the cute boys used to hang out there and we'd all pile in my Cabriolet after work and get burritos and eat them on the beach.

Olay Total Effects 7 in 1  Anti Aging Eye Cream

 I put this on at night and before work every day, and if I don't- the little lines that are starting to creep up around my eyes, make an appearance.  I'm sure any anti-wrinkle cream would work, but this just happens to be $8 and works well enough to make me happy about my aging face.

Favorite Stuff Friday!

For shame! A whole week has passed, and I only manged to post once. And it was about effing donoughts. This. Blog. Is. Epic. 

       Anyhow, it's time for Favorite Stuff Friday. Who's excited? ...Well, I am. Let's do this thang!. That's right, I said "thang". I'm one quarter hood-rat; it's totally acceptable.

1) The Small Things Blog

I love to read. I love to read blogs. I love to read blogs about hair and jewelry and clothes. Lucky for me, this chick writes about all those things! Bonus! She even has great hair tutorials. If you are stuck in a hair rut-or, even if you're not-try one of her cute hairdos. You'll be getting compliments on your hair all day!

2) OPI's Tickle my France-y

It's no secret. I am a total weenie when it comes to nail color. I stick to the creams, blushes, nudes and the occasional soft grey (if I'm feeling frisky). I picked this color out at the most adorable nail salon in San Rafael three weeks ago, and I've received at least one compliment on my nail color, daily. Yeah, it's kinda boring; but any nail color that procures more than three compliments is a keeper in my book.

3) My husband introduced me to this cover. It's amazing. Your ears will thank me.

4) If you liked that, you'll most definitely get a kick out of this:

5) Anxiously awaiting the 23rd, so that I can see the Hunger Games. If you haven't read this trilogy, you must have been living under a rock for the last six months. What are you waiting for? Go buy this book now!!! Why are you still reading this when you could be reading fictional gold? Pure Fictional Gold, people!!

Favorite Stuff Friday!

This is my first edition of Favorite Stuff Friday! I don’t know why anyone should care about what my favorite things are, but I LOVE when fellow bloggers share their favs. I have discovered some of the most amazing products that way. So, without further adieu:

1.) Mossimo Supply Company Flare jeans (Fit 3)

    I love love LOVE Target. The only bad thing about Target –besides the fact that I can rarely get out of there for less than $100- is that everyone shops at Target. If you go to a party, chances are you and at least one girlfriend will be wearing the same shirt, jeans, outfit, etc. But, when I spotted these stretchy, low rise bad boys for $6.98 on the sale rack, I had to purchase them. I am petite, curvy and long legged and these jeans fit as if they were made specifically for me. I get compliments on them EVERY time I wear them. Had I known what a gem I found the day I purchased these, I would have purchased this style in every color they make.

2) Adele Station on Pandora.

                Seriously, this woman makes my ears tingle.

3)OLAY Pro X cleanser

    I read about the Clairsonic Mia right here. Unfortunately for me, I can’t afford to spend $110.00 to have glowing, flawless skin. But when I mentioned on the train that I was seriously debating giving up eating for two weeks so that I could purchase this gadget, a gal mentioned she bought the Pro X for $30.00. I could afford that, so I had to research it. When I saw that it received four and a half out of five stars out of approximately 1,000 reviews online, I was sold! I purchased mine at Costco for $36.00 and it came with a full sized face wash.  My skin looked drastically better within one week, and by week two my acne prone t-zone was pimple free! It also evened out my skin tone and makes my foundation look amazing!!! Seriously, did you see how many exclamation points I used right there? That alone should have your running to your local Target to pick up the Pro X (don’t forget to buy the flare jeans while you’re there).

4) Nothing but Bonfires Blog

    Above everything else, she is an amazing writer; but she's also hilariously witty, adorably nerdy and super sweet. So sweet, she helped me pick out a restaurant for Katie’s Bachelorette weekend in San Francisco by emailing me several of her favorite restaurants in SF, complete with a link to Yelp so I could research myself before deciding.Did I mention, she did that without knowing me? She's just that nice. Read her blog, you won’t regret it.

5) Starbuck’s Sweetened Iced Green Tea.

   I could drink this all day, every day.