Champagne Dreams

Valentine Dreams

2012-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

The Cartier LOVE bracelet.
It was created in the 1970s in New York, is the symbol of genuine loving attachment, a discreet token of passionate love. Your loved one will lock it firmly onto your wrist with the aid of a golden screwdriver of which he will remain the guardian. A style. A signature.

Cartier Love Bracelet

Singing in the Rain!

2012-02-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

Gloverall: Anthropologie

Hunter: Nordstroms

Marc by Marc Jacobs: Bloomingdales

So True...

2012-02-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Travel Tuesday~ Paso Robles, CA

2012-02-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

My husband and I went on a little weekend trip to Paso Robles, CA. It is located in central California, half way between San Fran and LA.

Paso Robles has many wineries and are known for their Zinfandel~ My Fav!!

The wineries and tasting rooms are very intimate. So much that you may see the owners pouring tastes. You can tell that they really take a lot of pride in their product.

I would definitely recommend visiting Paso Robles {even over going to Napa}.

The tastes are cheaper too! Some are even FREE.

"Second Chances"

2012-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

The following pieces are making a comeback along with other looks and pieces Sarah Jessica Parker made famous a decade ago. Will SJP ever go out of style? {Nope}

2012-02-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

Pink Drinks

2012-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some drinks to get you in the Valentine's Day spirit!

Pinky Rose

Ingredients:

2 parts Pinky Vodka

1 part white cranberry juice

Splash of lemon sours

2 squeezes of lime

Shake over ice and serve in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a pink rose petal.

Boa, Santa Monica

Sugar Plumtini

Ingredients

1 oz Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka

1 oz Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka

1/2 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Preparation

Pour Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka, Vanilla Vodka and Raspberry liqueur into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Chocolate Pinky Valentini

Ingredients:

2 parts Pinky Vodka

1 part Stoli strawberry

1 ½ parts Godiva white chocolate liqueur

Dark chocolate syrup, dark chocolate shavings, and strawberries for garnish.

Shake spirits thoroughly in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into martini glasses coated with dark chocolate syrup. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and a strawberry dipped in dark chocolate syrup. Serves two.

Recipe by Pinky Vodka

Hibiscus Pinky Valentini

Ingredients:

2 ½ parts Pinky Vodka

2 wild hibiscus flowers

½ part syrup from the flower

½ part pomegranate/blueberry juice

Champagne

Place hibiscus flowers in champagne flutes and pour in champagne to cover them. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake Pinky, the flower syrup, and juice, and pour into the flutes. Top off with more champagne. Serves two.

Recipe by Pinky Vodka

Drink Responsibly!

NCLA Los Angles Nail Wraps

2012-01-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Nail wraps are so easy to do and look great! I usually buy the Sally Hansen ones, but I think that I have bought all their designs (twice). I recently found this brand (NCLA) in my Lucky mag. They are so cute and different, and for only $16! I'm sold!

Flamingo Resort

Gemstone

Secession Strikes

Peta

15% is donated to the animals

The Ray & The Ro

Electro

NCLA

I need this!

2012-01-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

I don't know when i would use it, but I think it's so cool!!

Etsy

Wine Lingo

2012-01-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

Wish you could walk into a wine store and explain what you wanted? Now you can.

ROUND Think plump, full and juicy.

LEAN/CRISP OR BRIGHT It’s more acidic, like a lemonade.

RIPE Lots of fruitiness. Period.

TANNIC A dry, puckery, astringent sensation in your mouth.

BIG Bursting with fruit, tannins or alcohol. (Just know which one of those you’re really after.)

HOT Mucho alcohol. Enough said.

LIGHT Not just in color. This means smooth and delicate.

GREEN Made from grapes that didn’t reach optimal ripeness.

MASCULINE Think Bordeaux. Something that reminds you of tobacco and leather.

FEMININE Flavors of raspberries and violets,common in Beaujolais.

FLORAL White wine that smells of flowers rather than fruit, typical of Torrontes, a grape variety.

TROPICAL Just what it sounds like. Pineapple, mango, papaya, oh my!

HERBACEOUS Smell those aromas of grass, mint, lemongrass. Just to name a few.

Here’s how to taste your wine so you’ll look like a pro.

1. See Hold your glass by the stem at a 45-degree angle so it catches the light. It’s really about appreciating what you’re going to sip.

2. Swirl Hold the base of the stem between your first two fingers and move it around (slowly!) in a small, circular motion to aerate the wine and unlock its aromas.

3. Smell Stick your nose way into the glass (no, it won’t get stuck) and deeply inhale. This ritual triggers your taste buds.

4. Sip Take a nice-sized sip and let the wine touch all parts of your mouth, rolling over your tongue and hitting the sides to really get the

Tongue-tied? These terms will help you describe what you’re tasting.

• acidic The tart (or over-the-top sour) quality that wine gives off naturally.

• tannic Tannins create a dry, puckery, astringent sensation in your mouth.

• body A full-bodied wine feels heavy (the way whole milk feels thicker than skim).

• dry A wine is called dry if it’s not sweet. Most table wines are considered dry.

The Perfect Pairs

The cheese you serve with your wine is as important as what you pour, so try these combos:

• sauvignon blanc + humboldt fog goat cheese

• chardonnay + hudson valley camembert

• pinot noir + sottocenere

• shiraz + manchego

• malbec + piave

More Vino-Friendly Nibblers

Beyond your cheese pairings, put out these easy crowd-pleasers.

• Dark chocolate truffles are a perfect match with shiraz.

• Water crackers have a neutral flavor; pop ’em in your mouth between sips.

• Almonds are rich and salty yet not overpowering -- a tasty way to cut through the creamier cheeses.

• Strawberries and peaches go best with the lighter, sweeter wines, like prosecco and sauvignon blanc.

Superbowl Party!!

2012-01-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Invites

Dessert

Decor

I think I can pull this off! {LOL}

Host

Bling

Let's go Giants!!!

Source

6 Ways to Make the Most of a Flight Delay

2012-01-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Since a lot the country is experiencing inclement weather and flights are being delayed or canceled, I thought it would be fun to post some ways to help you get through it.

1. Drink Away the Delay: Okay, it's an obvious way to kill time, but it's also a great way to deal with all the stress caused by a delay. Hey, a couple of margaritas and some potato skins at the airport T.G.I. Friday's and, suddenly, missing your cousin's nuptials to sit in a Dallas airport might not seem so bad.

2. Have Some Fun: Channel your inner teenage self and challenge your partner to a game of hangman or I Spy. Or blow off some steam by taking a luggage cart for a joyride. Take turns pushing each other and dodging other travelers. Heading off on a romantic getaway? Get in the mood with a little sexy game of "I Never," which works particularly well if you already have a drink in hand (see #1). Stuck solo? Whip out your phone or computer for a game of Tetris, Boggle or one of the thousands of other apps offering hours of distraction.

3. People-Watch: So, you're supposed to be sitting in a cafe in Italy watching glamorous Italians sip cappuccinos by now? Well, we can't guarantee you'll find Italian-worthy espresso at the airport, but it is next to impossible not to run into a Starbucks (mmmmm, Frappuccino!) before taking a front-row seat at your gate for some of the best people-watching around. While we admit the view of the Golden Arches and the constant buzz of airport announcements don't make for quite the romantic setting of, say, a piazza in Florence, we promise you'll catch some of the most fascinating people (and getups) in the world if you stick around the international terminal long enough.

4. Pamper Yourselves: If you're lucky enough to get stranded in one of the airports with massage therapists and manicurists, um, take advantage. 'Cause they're not in every airport, you lucky bastards, and it's just about the most appealing option you're going to find for passing the time during a delay. Plus, come on: You're on vacation, aren't you? Stuck at one of those bare-bones airports that doesn't have a Manchu WOK, much less a spa? Sucks for you! Just kidding. DIY it: Take turns rubbing each other's backs and toes.

5. Have a Food Court Fest: Give yourselves permission to enjoy some of the greasiest, fattiest and tastiest fast food you'll find outside the mall. Yep, we're talking about hitting up the food court for a tasting (slash binge) of all that food you know better than to eat: fried rice and sesame chicken from the WOK, a frosted Cinnabon that's larger than your head, a not-so-healthy fro-yo sprinkled sundae courtesy of a childhood throwback you may remember called TCBY (yes, they still exist, and airports might be the only place you'll find them), a slice of Sbarro's pepperoni pizza or the ultimate fast-food meal -- a Whopper from Burger King, McDonald's fries and a Wendy's Frosty. Sorry, we can't guarantee that the plane ride after will be fun.

6. Shop: Buying new stuff is a great way to feel better about wasting one of your beach days at the airport. Plus, now's your chance to stock up on everything you forgot (toothpaste, much?). Or maybe you'll spot something to make your trip a little more pleasant if you ever actually get in the air, like one of those neck pillow thingies or, perhaps, a tax-free bottle of rum courtesy of duty-free. Flight canceled? Don't forget about a few tabloids and an overpriced tell-all (you know you want to know what Oprah's really like) to get you through the next few hours...or days.

source

Wine Not?

2012-01-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

Recycled Wine

Wearable Wine

Silly Wine

Wine for Butter

Wedding Present Wine

Monogram Wine

Party Wine

Wine for your Pooch

Candlelight Wine

Electric Wine

Christmas Wine

I <3 Wine!!

Source

Nautical {Old} Navy

2012-01-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Old Navy has the cutest selection of Nautical items in their 2012 Resort Collection.

They call it French Nautical, whatever that means.

Stripes, Blues, Whites and Reds~ Summer can't come soon enough!

Yay or Nay?

2012-01-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

They are on sale at the DSW for $35???

Should I?

Obsessive Closet Design {OCD}

2012-01-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt of a book I'm reading, Princess: You Know Who You Are, by Francesca Castagnoli.

It's such a fun, light read.

Princess is the celebration of the princess in every women.

..................................................................................................................................

The Anatomy Of The Princess Closet

Closet mantra: "No matter how big the closet, it could always be bigger."

The No-No: Improvisation. It's eight A.M. Do you know where your outfit is? Yes. Princesses answer this troubling question by laying their clothes out the night before and/or waking up with a mental picture of what we plan to wear, which came to us in a dream.

The Enemy: Wire Hangers. Otherwise known as closet kyptonite, wire hangers weaken our style by allowing us to overstuff closets and leave indelible points in the shoulders of our blouses, making us wish for the return of shoulder pads. Exception: clothing sent out to the dry cleaner that stays in tissue/hanger/plastic while in storage.

The Weapon: Puffy Hangers. One puffy hanger takes up the space of three hangers whose name we shall not speak so they force us to ask tough questions like, are we really going to wear those feathered jeans again?

The Philosophy Emancipation Frocklimation. The understanding that clothes should be treated based on how they make us fee, not on how much they cost. Once we've decided what we want to keep, we'll pamper that sort-of-rare and very romantic $5 vintage sweater from Goodwill with the same puffy hangers and tissue paper that triple-digit suede backless cocktail dress we can't afford to dry clean.

The Legacy. The vintage alligator bag inherited from your great-grandmother, your grandmother's fur stole, and your mom's hat box from a department store (Bonwit Teller circa 1968).

Mood Food

2012-01-17T18:24:00.000-08:00

Slim, Calm, and Sexy Foods

These foods are packed with natural nutrition that start soothing, healing and reshaping you almost as soon as you put them into your mouth.

Slim Foods

Artichokes
Chili Peppers
Grapefruit
Pears
Tomatoes

Calm Foods

Asparagus
Avocados
Berries
Oranges
Oysters
Walnuts

Sexy Foods

Chocolate
Coffee
Eggs
Peaches
Saffron
Steak
Watermelon

Next time you want your mood to change, just look to one of these foods.

{Women's Health}

I Get My Kicks on Route 66!

2012-01-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

Beginning {Chicago}

End {California}

I have been to the beginning and the end, but no where in between~Yet!

Summer Lovin'

2012-01-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

It was gorgeous here in the Marina today, 77 degrees!

I am really going to miss the Winters here, but I do love the Summer in NJ.

Available on Etsy

Style Icon: Brigitte Bardot

2012-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Floppy Hat

Tortoise Shell Glasses

Smokey Eye

Crops and Ballet Flats

Trench

Classic Beauty

Bangs:

2012-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yay or Nay??

I am assuming that they are a clip on, but I love them! She should commit!

10 Worst Restaurant Chain Meals

2012-01-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

I never have and probably never will even think about ordering any of these meals, but it is interesting seeing the calorie count and fat for them.

1. Applebee's

Provolone Stuffed Meatballs with Fettuccine

1510 Calories and 43 Grams of Fat

2. Chili's

The Southern Smokehouse Burger with Ancho Chili BBQ

2290 Calories and 139 Grams of Fat

3. TGIFriday's

Anything with Jack Daniel's in the name. The lowest is the Salmon with 890 Calories.

4. California Pizza Kitchen

Pesto Cream Penne with Chicken and Shrimp

1631 Calories and 23 Grams of Fat

5. Olive Garden

Tour Of Italy

1450 Calories and 74 Grams of Fat

6. Outback Steakhouse

Baby Back Ribs with Fries

1539 Calories and 38 Grams of Fat

7.Cheesecake Factory

Factory Burrito Grande

1840 Calories

8. Chipotle

Burritos (Meat, Beans, Rice, Sour Cream, Cheese and Salsa)

1000 Calories

9. Cosi

Smokey BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

913 Calories 11 Grams of Fat

10. Red Lobster

Admirals Feast

1280 Calories and 73 Grams of Fat

Source

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

This year for new years J and I went camping in the 'bu with a couple of friends.

It was so foggy when we left.

Since we had to drive pass our winery on the way we stopped in for a comp taste.

When we arrive at the site it was beautiful out!

Camping puppies!

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Years!!

Six Married Money Saving Sins

2012-01-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

Starting your new life together is the perfect opportunity to reassess your finances, from credit cards to car insurance. Along with that comes the goal of saving for future aspirations: a home, kids, travel, or just a fat emergency fund. But starting new bad habits won't help matters. Don't make these six saving mistakes:

Saving Sin 1: Sneaking Money
Yeah, you don't have to account for every cent you spend, but making major purchases on the sly will come back to bite you in the butt.
The Fix: if anything you need costs more than $200, let your other half weigh in on the decision. Saving money requires teamwork, and you both need to live by some rules.

Saving Sin 2: Setting Unrealistic Goals
Putting 10 percent of your paycheck into a 401(k) might sound great in theory, but don't let it leave you strapped for cash. Be honest about what you can really save.
The Fix: Put away 5 percent now, up it to 8 percent next year, and close the gap over three years.

Saving Sin 3: Being too Cheap
Limiting dinners out to one per week is one thing, but don't feel like you can never indulge yourselves or you'll just wind up caving in -- and doing more damage.
The Fix: Treat yourselves once a month to something fun, like hitting a new lounge or a cheap outdoor concert.

Saving Sin 4: Lying to Yourself
Promising yourself you'll go cold turkey and won't shop for months after you splurged at a huge sale at may not be 100-percent realistic.
The Fix: Make practical goals, but when you do need to cut back, don't tempt yourself. No window-shopping or browsing with friends allowed!

Saving Sin 5: Being Set in Your Ways
Assuming your regular old savings account is the best place to earn interest on your hard-earned cash isn't the wisest route.
The Fix: Look into getting an online savings account (some give you a 1.5-percent higher return), or consider moving cash to money market accounts or CDs.

Saving Sin 6: Staying Mum
You may think your partner's on the same page -- so much that you never discuss savings goals. But skipping that discussion could work against you.
The Fix: Make two changes or compromises apiece in service of your shared goals, or just switch roles. For three to six months, the person who normally pays bills gets a break while the other spouse takes over. This can give you more insight into your budget.

Source

Travel Tuesday~ Santa Barbara, CA

2012-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Fun and Easy 2012 Resolutions!

2012-01-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

1. Plan more roadtrips!

2. Plan more Scrabble

3. Host more soirees!

4. Knit more sweaters

5. Plant a garden

6. Dance all night

7. Spruce up your place

8. Visit more museums

9. Bake more cookies

10. Send more letters

11. Sport more sparkle

12. Take more chances

Source

Tangerine Tango

2012-01-05T23:58:00.000-08:00

Tangerine Tango is Pantone's color of the year. Designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, Elie Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini, are incorporating this attractive orange into their spring collections. A fun, lively take on a traditional autumnal hue, Tangerine Tango will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.

Tommy Hilfiger

Alexander McQueen

If you're itching to get it into your closet, but do not want to invest in a large piece I recommend starting small, with a pair of shoes, a handbag, or a simple scarf.

Love Moschino $100

Mango $29.99

All Aboard!

2012-01-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Love Love Love!!!!!

Kate Spade, $358

Photo Challenge~ Day 12

2012-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

Day 12~ Sunset

Marina del Rey, CA

Lilly on RLL!

2012-01-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Lilly is on Rue La La again!
Thursday @ 11am {ET}.

Good Luck!!

Photo Challenge~ Day 11

2012-01-03T22:24:00.000-08:00

I have continued to do my photo challenge after a short hiatus.

Here is a recap of what I have done so far~ followed by my new one.

Day 1: Self Portrait

Day 3: Clouds

Day 4: Something Green

Day 5: From a High Angle

Day 6: From a Low Angle

Day 7: Fruit

Day 8: A bad Habit

Day 9: Someone You Love

Day 10: A Childhood Memory

Day 11~ Something Blue

The Sky! Joshua Tree

Classic

2012-01-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

I love this look!

It's so classic and simple with the perfect pop of color.

Bag: Fendi $1510

Flashback!

2012-01-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

This was New Jersey last year at this time!

This year I am in California going for runs on the beach, it's amazing how things change!

Jelly Belly!

2012-01-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

When J and I went to Napa last month I saw that there was a Jelly Belly Factory right by our hotel. Of course we had to stop.
Upon arrival we were greeted by a giant Jelly Bean!!

I was very excited to get inside and take in all the smells of the sweet candy! To my dismay it was a dingy OLD factory that did not smell like Willy Wonkers at all!

Silly Flavors

We purchased some jellys for the ride home, but unless your hotel is next door I would skip this factory.

New Year! New You!

2011-12-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

Make 2012 your best year yet!!! Here are some easy tips for staying happy and healthy in the new year!

1. Organize your clothes!

A clean closet will make getting ready each day a lot easier. Go through your clothes and divide them into three piles "Keep", "Sell" and "Donate". Then when putting them back into your closet organize them by category and them by color.

2. Sneak exercise into your routine!

Regular workouts are a great way to improve your mood. No time to workout? walk an extra lap around the mall or take the stairs when you can.

3. Wake up your space!

Give your home a new look. Rearrange the furniture or paint something!

4. Eat something Green!

Eating raw~veggie salad will fill up and keep you energized. Have a small salad before lunch or dinner.

5. Keep a journal!

Recording fun memories can increase overall happiness. I have a planner that I write down what I did that day~ Went to dinner, concert, movie etc.. It's fun to look back on them and see what you did a year ago that day.

6. Laugh!

The simple act of smiling can help generate positive feelings in your brain. Make plans to go out with friends or rent a funny movie.

7. Just add color!

A bright shade can perk up your mood! Pick some flowers, add a throw pillow or new rug in vibrant hue.

The Stinking Rose

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

J and I went to dinner at The Stinking Rose in Bev Hills.

Their motto is "We Season Our Garlic With Food®!"

Roasted Garlic in a hot tub

Garlic spread for your bread

Rose Lamp

Garlic and cheese fondue

Garlic French fries

Garlic Seafood soup

Tent seating

and of course Garlic Ice Cream

They do give you a much needed mint with your check.

Christmas in the Desert

2011-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Camped at Joshua Tree

J tending to the fire

Hotel in Palm Springs

Christmas Eve Dinner

{Seven Fishes? Close! LOL}

Christmas Morning Coffee {Maple Sugar}

Veggie Crepes

Only highlight from Christmas Dinner

Last day of vaca Mexican!

His and Hers

Shrimp Fajitas

Fixings

Christmas Tan

Love birds

Love Citrus Trees!

2011-12-27T00:48:00.000-08:00

I never go to the movies!! Usually I will only go if there is something I really really want to see. This is usually because we can never plan a night when we have to get somewhere at a start time {we are normally fashionably late}. Also our little night out ends up costing as much as a new pair of shoes and I 'd rather have them! Between the price of two tickets {$30} and the amount of snacks my husband gets~Large soda, Hot dog, Pretzel, Nachos with cheese, Popcorn, skittles and sour patch kids {$40}~ No Joke! and he eats every last bite and gets a refill on the Coke.

This month we went to see two movies! Harold and Kumar Christmas movie in 3D {my first 3D movie} and Young Adult.

H & K was pretty funny! The fact that it was in 3D made it even better. I wanted to go see it to get in the Christmas spirit. Young Adult was really good, however you did leave the theater feeling a little depressed. It is definitely not a feel good movie! {More like a very dark comedy}

Have you seen any good movies lately?

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

Venice Al House

2011-12-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Venice Al House

Local Brew

Portabella Burger

Grilled Cheese

Devastating Karate @ The Venice Whaler

Sunday in the 'bu

2011-12-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday my hubby and I went to a tasting party at a local winery we belong to. They do this four times a year and on the way out we take home our newly released wine.

We had the option to bring a picnic lunch, but do to time I didn't get a chance to pack one. We decided to go eat at Dukes. I have never been and was really excited to eat Ahi tuna! My Fav! We had a fabulous time and the sunset was gorgeous!

Random iphotos

2011-12-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

Anniversary Roses

Camping in the Rain {Ojai, CA}

Crab

Palm Springs

Burrowing Owl

Sunset

Clouds

All dressed up!

2011-12-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Does everyone have their Christmas dress yet? When I was young my mom would get my brother and I a Christmas outfit for Christmas Day and Christmas pajamas for Christmas Eve.

White, Red, Green, Black or Pink!!

Nanette Lepore

Kate Spade

White House Black Market

Express

Lilly Pulitzer

Holiday Saving Tips

2011-12-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

1. Make a budget and stick to it!!

Figure out how much money you have to spend this holiday season. {Key word: HAVE} Try to avoid using credit cards! You will be sorry in January.

2. Make a list and check it twice!

Write down all the people who you would like to purchase gifts for and what you were thinking about getting them. Keep it handy while shopping in the mall and online to prevent buying extras.

3. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons

Check online before going out or purchasing you shopping chart. You will probably find money saving coupons or free shipping.

4. Wrap it

A lot of stores are offering free wrapping and cards with purchase. This will save you time and money.

I hope that everyone is having a great holiday season!!

Joshua Tree National Park

2011-11-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

This pass weekend J and I went to Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Palm Springs is our favorite place in California. In the future we want to get a place here. It is nice and hot in the winter, with the temperatures reaching 85 degrees. The skies are so Blue and no clouds in the sky!

This is the second time we were at Joshua Tree, so instead of just driving all the way through and stopping at all the exhibits we decided to take a hike.

A Fox!!

Thank you Kate!

2011-11-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

I just purchased my Mom a Kate Spade purse for her birthday and got the best deal!

BERKSHIRE ROAD LORI $139 from $325

Love cyber Monday!

Sangria!

2011-11-24T00:41:00.001-08:00

Red Wine {750 ml}, 1/4 Orange liquor, 1/4 Brandy, 2 Tablespoons of Sugar. Mix and add fruit! So easy and so very good! I often get requested to make this for gathering :D

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:28:00.001-08:00

Source

Down and Out

2011-11-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

This morning when I turned on the TV one of my favorite movies was on!

I started watching and I couldn't stop! If you have never seen it I highly recommend renting it.

___________________________

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow! My hubby and I are going to a friends house for dinner. I am making the Sangria {by request} and Lasagna. Stay tuned for the recipes.

Give Thanks

2011-11-22T17:27:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for everything I have been blessed with in my life.

Soaked!

2011-11-22T12:55:00.001-08:00

Saturday morning J and I decided to go camping in Ojai, CA. We got up there kind of late, but none the less we had so much fun- until we woke up. It was raining so hard! Without an end in sight we had to take down and pack up the tent. Oh well!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!!

2011-11-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

To my best friend in the whole world!! I love you more and more each day!

Life is like a box of Chocolate...

2011-11-19T14:59:00.001-08:00

Last night J and I rode our bikes to the Santa Monica pier to eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp. The food here isn't the best, but the atmosphere is fun. It is also one of the first places we ate at when we came to California.

Napa Valley {3}

2011-11-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

{Continuation}

Our Picnic Area

{Delicious}

Swirling

And now we are back to reality...

{with some leftover wine :)}

Napa Valley {2}

2011-11-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Our first stop in Napa Valley was the Cosentino Winery. The flight that we had here are just like I loike them with a lot of "heat". {I just found out that's what it was called}

Of course the wine club was too good to turn down and they deliver to NJ, which is going to be amazing when we move back there.

We purchased the Sangiovese {they compare it to a Chianti} and 2 bottles of Zin that were on the sale wall for $5!! You can't beat that!

Since we joined the club we went over to their sister winery, Girard.

This winery was right across the street from the renowned, French Laundry restaurant.

This was cool to see because my previous company was a high end plate distributor and we had a line that Thomas Keller created with Raynuad.

Next up, Rutherford Grove.

This tasting room was decorated with a photographers work that was all shot from inside a warehouse looking out the windows.

After the tasting we went outside and had picnic on one of their tables.

To be continued...

Napa Valley

2011-11-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

J and I began our journey to Napa on Friday. First stop, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a Pumpkin Latte. This was my first pumpkin there and it did not disappoint!

Then some driving music~Holiday Road!

I found out long ago

It's a long way down the holiday road

Holiday road

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick

Take a ride on the West Coast kick

Holiday road

I found out long ago

It's a long way down the holiday road

Holiday road

From National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!! I'm a huge fan!

Central Valley

6 1/2 hours later we arrived! {Hungry}

After checking into our hotel room, we asked the front desk for a

recommendation for Dinner. She suggested that we go to a place

right up the road called Sticky Rice.

We decided to do family style and get Crab Wanton Lagoon, Hot Perking Prawns, Walnut Pineapple Prawns {not pictured} and Brown Rice.

The food was AMAZING!!

After dinner we went back to the hotel to go in the hot tub and rest up for winery hopping in the AM.

Larry's it is

2011-11-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I hope that your Thursday is going well. I am SO excited because we leave for our road trip tomorrow!!!

As much as I am so excited to be home and cooking again, my hubby really wanted to go out, so I gave in. We went to this new place in Venice called Larry's. It is owned by Erwin and Mark Sokol of the semi-adjacent Erwin Hotel. Larry’s is named after local minimalist artist Larry Bell.

They have 26 beers on tap, so you know what we started off with.

Farmhouse Saison {para mi}

An LA IPA {para J}

We sat outside in an enclosed half wall of glass. The heaters were on full blast! {it does get down to 50 degrees at night! LOL}

Bar Area

Outside

I ordered the Shrimp and Maine Lobster Ragu, and J got the Short Ribs. {As per his request I took a picture}

Our dinner did hit the spot, but yet we felt we had to order something sweet. How can you turn down an ice cream sundae?

Now to do some laundry, pack and hit the gym.

Photo Challenge~ Day 10

2011-11-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Day 10~ A Childhood Memory

Going to Disney World and riding the "It's a Small World" over and over. I do not know how my mom did it because I recently went to Disneyland and rode it, boy does that song get old fast!

Done and Done!

2011-11-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

I booked the hotel for our trip to Napa this weekend! J and I are going to leave early on Friday morning, so that we can get there and have time for a taste or two. Saturday, weather permitting, we are planning to rent bikes and explore the vineyards.

Source

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My beach walk was so peaceful today. I think the wild life agreed! I saw seals in the Marina and dolphins in the ocean. I didn't get a chance to paparazzi them, but I did get some good shots.

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As far as eats goes:

Breakfast: Pumpkin smoothie.

Made with Pumpkin, Original Silk Almond Milk, Fage Greek Yogurt, Protein powder and some pumpkin spice.

Lunch: A Panini

Provolone cheese, Tomato, Avocado and a side of Asparagus

So nice to be able to cook again!!

P & P

2011-11-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin at Pinkberry!!

I know I'm a little late and by now everyone has moved on to the minty flavors of winter, but I am a huge pumpkin fan! J and I will definitely be going to Pinkberry after dinner tonight.

See you later!!