Sunday, October 19, 2014

Sunday Funday

It's not often that I have a completely free day, with absolutely nothing on my to-do list. Traveled all week for work,  preparing for retail holiday (mid-October thru January 1 are insane) and taking some down time when it actually shows up.

All the mundane stuff is done. Laundry, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. Finally some time for me.. Just me.

Guesses?
Watching The Good Wife, Scandal, Parenthood & Revenge on DVR.
And after the dramas, watching Big Bang, Modern Family, New Girl & Marry Me. Bring on the comedy.
Reading InStyle first to last page, not just skimming.
Calling & texting friends.
Cuddling with my kitty.
Sitting in the sun on the patio. With coffee. And wine later.
Stalking Facebook & Instagram.
Eating yummy cereal.

Ahhh.... What a great way to spend a free day. Just one. How do YOU spend free days? Rare....
Guilty pleasures are the best.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

New Obessions

I know I tend to get obsessed when I find new things I like. I find something and then try to find all things similar. A few of my latest...

Specialized chocolate. Yesterday, Jen and I went to a Chocolate Festival. Pumpkin chocolate, brown rice chocolate, etc. Yummy. Just a little is all I need.

Roll-On perfume. Need it for travel. I just bought candied citron at Ulta and Beachy Keen at Old Navy. Gotta smell good while on the road.

Fitbit covers. Right now it's navy. Coming soon... TORY BURCH. Cannot wait!!!

Anything jalapeƱo flavored. Odd, I know. See chocolate above. Yep. Potato chips. Cheese. Bread. Oh yum.

There is no pattern here. Just what I like these days.  A lot.

Monday, September 22, 2014

A Little Bit of the Windy City

Love Chicago in the Fall. Not humid. No snow. Staying at The James Hotel of off Michigan Avenue. Love it.

After our evening at RPM Italian, after work, more Italian at Carmine's on Rush Street. Seeing a pattern here.

Good things about being in the city: drug stores on almost every corner when you need meds. Icky colds. Shopping, people watching, exercise, sites seen all while walking to dinner.

Bad things... Listening to the 4th siren of the night on the streets below as I try to acclimate to the time change. *sigh*

More TV premiers from a comfy hotel bed.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Chicago RPM Italian

Arrived in Chicago for work. Meeting starts tomorrow, but some free time to hit the town. On my bucket list- RPM Italian. Owned by Mr & Mrs Rancic.

Now, I must admit, it was on my bucket list simply because it is owned by a lovely pop culture favorite couple. However, I was impressed overall. Provolone stuffed peppers, various delicious pasta.... Yummy. Short rib ragu, fresh pasta, oyster mushrooms...

I came in intrigued; I left satisfied & very happy. I highly suggest a future visit if ever in Chicago.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Hello, It's Been Awhile....

2 months.... No posts. So inconsistent once again. With that, what is important form over the past 60 days.

Colbie Caillat performing her Joni Mitchell-like concert at a winery. That alone deserves it's own page. Love her. Love wine. The 2 together!? Wow.
Goo Goo Dolls at a winery a few days later. Seriously. Does it get any better!? Keep going.
Art Fair and Girls Weekend in Park City. Perfection.
Family and friend time (of course work too) in Minnesota. Fun, but humid.
Chelsea Handler back at the winery. Do you see a pattern here? I love this Summer. I love this life.
Tahoe. Twice. Once for a wine event. The other for The Eagles concert. Simply cannot get enough of these wine and music outdoor events.
And last, but certainly not least, a fabulous long weekend in Napa & Sonoma with best friends.

July & August. Amazing Summer months. Filled with travels, friends, wine, music, comedy, art.... The makings of one of the best Summers ever. It certainly has been.

Technically, I guess we are embarking on Fall. Time for slightly warmer clothes, new TV premiers, switching from white to red wine, maybe? Yes, I think so....

I'm beginning to smell the pumpkins and burning leafs.... 

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Life After the Hawaiian Islands

I cannot believe 1 month ago I was basking in the sun with my dear friend Shannon in Hawaii. Wish I was back there. Love it beyond words. But, great memories with a busy past 4 weeks.

Another relaxing weekend in Park City.
A fun extended 4th of a July weekend in NYC.

I love NYC (ok, not as much as Hawaii, but close). A few things about this trip-

Love  staying in Chelsea. Walking distance of so much- DOS CAMINOS Mexican. Yummy.
Ralph's Italian Ice & Ice Cream. Fun just to taste a few samples.
Drinking rose' on a rooftop with my friend Anne.
Seeing CABARET on Broadway in the original STUDIO 54 building. If walls could talk...
Shopping (need, I say more!?)
Lunch in the meat parking district at STK ROOFTOP with my friend Sarah.

So much fun to be had. It was hot as can be, and very humid, but worth it. All of the NYC natives were in the Hamptons, so Manhattan was empty- so easy to catch a taxi :)

Lots more fun to come in July- concerts and more.
Wait for it.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Kauai to Maui

After 4 days in Kauai, off to Maui. Kauai was great; Maui was even better. This was my 6th trip to Maui and it gets better every time. Simply cannot get enough. Love it.

The Hyatt was amazing. Great rooms, super view, fun pool super clean.... Everything was amazing.
While Kauai was relaxing, we scheduled some fun events in Maui- luau, sunset boat cruise and massages at the spa.

We also went to one of my favorite spots on the world: Cheeseburger in Paradise on Front Street in Lahaina. Love the burgers, cocktails, live music, good service and on the water view. So beautiful and fun. Blissful evening for me for sure!

Every day was sublime with sleeping in, getting some sort of exercise, playing in the pool or ocean, enjoying some pool-side libations and going somewhere at night for dinner and/or fun. I could do that every day. Perfect vacation on a beautiful island- 2 beautiful islands.

Great weather, lovely beaches, favorite company (thanks Shannon!) and scrumptious food & drinks. Could not ask for a better vacation.

Aloha once again....  So in love with island life.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Aloha!

From Kauai....

First time here. Most people say Kauai is their favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. After 4 days, it comes in 2nd to Maui to me, but still pretty close to perfection nonetheless.

Some of the highlights since Shannon and I arrived Thursday afternoon, staying at the Sheraton at Poipu Beach.
The beach... Gorgeous.
Green & flowers everywhere. So serene.
Chickens. Yes, I said chickens. They roam the streets. And the stores. And the pool area. Crazy.
The Beach House restaurant (seems to be recommend by everyone who has been to Kauai).
The ice cream pie at The Dolphin. Combo of banana, coconut & macadamia nuts on an Oreo crust. Wow.
Waimea Canyon. 30 minute drive for an amazing, colorful view.
The Shrimp Station on the way to Waimea Canyon. Coconut shrimp. Thai shrimp. Channeling Forest Gump!

Sunshine, ocean air, great food, relaxation... Now off to Maui in a few hours.
Mahalo!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Saturday Squirrels

And by squirrels I mean things that pull me in different directions when I see or think of them... Like shiny objects!

Caramelized Brussell sprouts. My attempt was a success!

The joy of seeing kitty enjoy new food. So simple...

The beauty of a glass of Pinot noir.

Can't stop staring on my newly landscaped backyard. Serene.

Fiji water. So much better than others. Maybe it's the shape of the bottle and the pretty flower? :)

My washed car. Please stay that way.

The  small stack of birthday cards from last month.

My newly painted toe nails.

Saturday, I will take your squirrels any day. Cheers!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Disneyland!


A few birthday Disneyland photos! 

Arrived! Walt Disney, Mickey & the castle! 

Pixie Land- home of Tink! 
Jungle Cruise!



California Screamin'!
The end to a fabulous Disney Day! 


Monday, April 21, 2014

The Little Things

This past weekend I had the opportunity to drive to Reno (about 3.5 hours) to visit a great friend and her family. I'm not a big fan of Reno; but I am a big fan of Vanessa. And the other Anderson's.

No work; no laptop; no calls to return; nothing to do but have fun.

Great steak dinner. Sleeping. Pedicure & manicure. Walking. Fund raising party. Wine. More wine. Good home made food. More sleep. Hanging out with a joyful 6-year-old.

Did I mention how many times said 6-year-old did my hair and make-up? Braids, pony tails, just brushing... I love that she loves it. (Vanessa's daughter by the way).

The simple things even more simplified... Picking out fun nail polish colors, selecting donuts with frosting, debating eye shadow colors... All through the eyes of a child. Oh, the decisions.

Now I am back home. Working. In the real world. I think some of my decisions this week should be from a giggly childlike lens. We will see what that brings...

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Child At Heart

I'm giggling like a school girl about excitement for the next 3 weekends in a row! Yeah!

This weekend, to Reno to hang with friends and attend a wine auction. Fun!
Next weekend, to Disneyland parks with my brother for my birthday celebration. More fun!
The weekend after that, continued birthday excitement with seeing the movie "The Other Woman", more wine with friends and then flying to San Diego to celebrate a work win. Most fun of all!

It makes each work week fly by faster when it am so excited for the adventures. What more can I ask for? Friends, family, wine repeated, Tinkerbell, theatre popcorn, beach... Yippee.

Next year, I am adding Coachella to the April fun list. Bucket list! 

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Good Eats

As I sit on my Park City couch, with a full belly, I smile thinking about all of the good food out there. That is one of the reasons I LOVE Park City. So many options... Unique, expensive, chains, cafe, bakery, bar... You name it. I prefer the unique, but sometimes chains just work.

So far this weekend:
Friday night... Butcher's Chop House with a friend.
     Homemade chips with blue cheese, ahi tuna, steak, asparagus.
Saturday morning... Subway while out for a morning walk.
     Egg white flat bread with ham & spinach.
Saturday afternoon... Deer Valley Cafe by myself.
     Caesar wedge and soup trio- turkey chili, potato leek & ham with bean.
Sunday morning.... Whole Foods while running errands.
     Yogurt, fruit, berry parfait.
Sunday afternoon... Lorenzo's Mexican by myself.
     2 crispy tacos, one chicken & one beef, with black beans.

Such a variety. So much fun too. Love to plan things around food, as long I plan exercise too. Ha! People ask why I live in Park City when I don't ski? This is one of them... Oh, the good eats.

Time for some crunches now...

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Working for the Weekends

Work, work, work... Lots of it. Every long week, and working many weekends too, the weekends I do have open, I live for. Last weekend was one of them.
Friday night wine phone date with my best friend Andi
Saturday wine tasting in Sonoma with my friend Jennifer
Sunday dinner hosted at more friends, Jen & Barry

Those are the weekends I adore. Sleeping, exercise, a little TV, wine, yummy food & good friends.

This week, after being in Seattle for the past 3 days, looking forward to another relaxing weekend in Park City. Makes me NOT take them for granted when I work hard. Last weekend we visited the winery, Envolve, of Bachelor boy Ben Flajnik. Kinda cute. Fun.  Oh, and the wine was delish. Probably won't run into any pseudo-celebrities this weekend, but fine by me as I relax in the mountains.

For now, I will relish in the fact that I was upgraded on Delta and I am enjoying white wine in the plane. Thank you, friendly skies!

Monday, March 31, 2014

Neglect

Well, I have been neglecting my blog again. My excuse is a busy month of March. Plus I was crabby much of the time which would have made for some poor posts. Oh well.

However, I did get to travel to Southwest Florida, Naples to be exact, for 8 days and had to work half of those days. Cannot complain about working from the beach.  Aside from work, enjoyed sleeping in, going to the beach and drinking yummy cocktails. Weather was perfect- 80 degrees & sunny- every day. Thanks to Mom & Dad. xoxo

Let's see what else is worth sharing from March....
Academy Awards fun... Loved the Dallas Buyers Club wins. Loved a few dresses. Kate Hudson was amazing.
A weekend in Park City. Always great.
A work week on So Cal.
That about does it.

Now, personally, I would just prefer to fast forward to May 3. Don't ask ; just wish it. Oh, aside from a weekend in Reno & to Disney for my birthday. Thanks to the Anderson's & my brother. There are always things to which I can look forward to. Fun stuff. But, still, just need May to be here.

Happy early April Fools Day. Happy early Easter. Hoping for a lack of April showers...




Thursday, February 27, 2014

Food Issues

This past weekend I went out to breakfast and ordered Eggs Benedict without the hollandaise sauce. The server looked at me like I was an idiot. Love the eggs, Canadian bacon & English muffins, but really dislike the thick, fattening, creamy sauce. Just what I like.

Made me think of other quirky food likes and dislikes I have.

French Onion Soup without the onions
Pecan Pie without the pecans
Any sort of tomato sauce without the actual tomatoes
Sun dried tomatoes but no regular tomatoes
Mandarin oranges but no other type of orange or OJ

Is that odd? Sure it is,  it it's what I like. But I dare you to be with me in public when I order the soup or the pie. You think the no hollandaise was bad...
:)


Sunday, February 16, 2014

Another Napa Experience

Yesterday I crashed the Valentine's weekend of my dear friends Vanessa & Rudy on their 2nd day of a Napa weekend. Living less than 45 minutes from the heart of Napa valley has it's privileges.

Our first visit was Groth- new to me. Great experience. Walked away with a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cab. Next up was Silver Oak- always a winner.

Next up... Lunch. Goose & Gander. So yummy. Cheese, artisan cocktails and split burger with duck fat fries. Not really sure what that was, but good to eat.

Last 2 wineries were Flora Springs were I am a member and last was Alpha Omega. This one was an experience... Valet parking, waiting on a list for tasting.... But it was delicious. Most bottles more than $90 each. Worth it. Smooth (yes, I should like a wine snob. I am fine with that). 1 mixed bottle of Era for me. Putting that one away for a special time to come.

Ended the day with dinner at Bottega. Everything was fabulous. Shaved brussel sprout salad, short rib meatballs and warm doughnuts were my tops. Along with a bottle of Cakebread pinot noir- courtesy of Rudy & Vanessa.

About 9 hours of luxurious company, wines, driving through the valley and tasty food. Wow. I can never get enough of wine country.



Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Heart Day

As a single gal, not a big fan of Valentine's Day. But I do like hearts. Especially candy versions.  Here is how my Heart day is going:

Work done
Left over pizza from Da Vinos
Red wine from Justin Winery
A Sprinkles cupcake (one of a dozen left on my doorstep)
Hart of Dixie & Fashion Police via DVR
Cuddling kitty
To bed early (so I can go to Napa tomorrow!)

I may be sadly single, but not that sad... Happy Heart Day from this single girly.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Reasons Why Grilled Cheese is So Cool

This started out as Why Grilled Cheese is Better Than A Boyfriend, which I figured is stupid, because  I want a boyfriend. But, grilled cheese is still amazing, so let's change it up and keep going.

Why is Grilled Cheese so cool?
Melted Cheese
Hot cheese
Gooey cheese
Cheese mixed with bread
Butter between cheese & bread
Grilled cheese makes me smile
Grilled cheese makes my tummy smile
Greasy, cheesy mess on my fingers
Licking cheese off my fingers
Grilled cheese makes my feel good
Grilled cheese makes me not feel lonely even when I eat it alone
Grilled cheese goes best with white wine
Is there anything bad about grilled cheese???

Shall I compare grilled cheese to cupcakes? Nah.
I think that does it. Is that cheesy or what? Now I'm hungry.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Sundance Part 2

Sundance Part 2 was just as superb as Part 1. The last weekend was Thursday evening through Sunday evening. More movies, meals and more!

Dinners at new restaurants- new experiences for me.
J&R Grille at The St Regis
The Farm at The Canyons
The Foundry Room at Sundance Resort
Prime Steakhouse on Main Street

The eggs Benedict with chorizo hash at brunch was amazing and the filet I had at Prime was honestly the best steak I remember ever having in my life. Yum! Really, really delicious Park City meals. I highly recommend he steaks at Prime.

All movies were pretty good too.
Low Down (drama)- pretty decent
Camp X-ray (drama)- excellent
They Came Together (comedy)- super funny
The One I Love (drama & comedy)- pretty good, interesting too

Good Q&A with Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd & Max Greenfield after "They Came Together". Fun!
Also had good times at the spa, shopping on Main Street & walking/shopping at Sundance Resort. Loved it. All of it.

Shannon and Vanessa were excellent company at Sundance Part 2.
Thanks Mr. Redford for an absolutely sensational Sundance 2014.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Sundance 2014

Sundance 2014 is living up to the expectations. Part 1 Thursday through Tuesday with Amy & Jen.  Movies, meals, celebrity stalking...

Friday- 2 films
"Whiplash" and "Through A Lens Darkly"
In between, Jen and I bar-hopped  while Amy napped

Saturday- 2 films
"Frank" and "Young Ones"
In between, spa time

Sunday- 2 films
"Documentary Shorts" and "Infinitely Polar Bear"
In between, shopping at Sundance resort

Monday- 2 films
"Bottle Rocket" and "White Bird in A Blizzard"
In between, relaxation time

Tuesday, shopping before airport drop off.
Wednesday, Darien time before the next round of girls arrive tomorrow.

Some of the celebrities sited include Miles Teller, Maggie Gyllenhall, Robert DeNiro, Gwenyth Paltrow, Luke Wilson & Shailene Woodley. Great movies- very Sundance Style.

Weather is great- sun shining in the mountains. Meals have been delish! Next up, Sundance Part 2.
Coming soon....

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Organization of the New Year

6 days- less than 1 week- into 2014. I spent New Year's Day organizing my home and self (in general) for the new year. What does that mean.. Well, cleaned, organized closets, updated new calendar, planned vacations, ran all errands, created a new budget and when that was all done... Washed all rugs, organized all kitchen cabinets, cleaned out all drawers. You get the point. Feeling ready for the new year for sure.

Now that I am not traveling again for another 6 days, aside from work and sleep, not much to do. Of course, eat and exercise. But, as I watch TV, play Candy Crush and stalk on Facebook, I keep creating more lists in my head.

First list:
Beauty Products I Love & Cannot Live Without


Kiehl's Argan Hair Pak
The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub & Foot Lotion
Moroccan Hair Oil
Yes To... (Blueberry, Grapefruit, or some other fruit) facial wipes
Cetaphil (good old basic sensitive facial cleanser- dermatologist recommended!)
Kiehl's facial moisturizer (basic or others)
Kiehl's flavored lip balms (love cranberry)
Kiehl's eye gel
The Body Shop body butter (love coconut)
OPI nail polish 
Fresh & Fresh Sugar perfume 
Cosmetics by Bobbi Brown, NARS & Urban Decay
          Faves are Bobbi blackberry lipstick and tinted moisturizer 
          NARS Orgasm and Sin blushes
          Any eyeliner or eyeshadow by Urban Decay
Bath & Body Works Anti-bacterial foam soap (love peach)
Secret clear gel deodorant (any fruit scent)
Almay oil-free eye make-up remover pads

As you can see, no shampoo or conditioner listed. Since my obvious favorite of Kiehl's, I love their hair products too,  but also switch between Aveda and Bumble & Bumble. Good stuff.

It's great to find products you love and can rely upon- and that are not crazy expensive. Some at the drug store and others at a specialty or department store- or on-line too.  Fun shopping.

With this said, you are now invited to look into my overloaded linen closet. Looks kinda like a Kiehl's and Body Shop factory!