Happy Easter!!!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT EASTER:

* Of course, finding the Easter basket hidden by the bunny on Easter morning

* Egg hunts!!!

* Deviled eggs (yes, even as a kid!- but again, hold the ham please)

* New Easter dresses and shoes (the shoes were a MUST- again, even as a kid!)

* All the pastel colors everywhere (only time of the year I like pastels)

* SUPER STALE peeps (yep, as I said before they MUST be stale- chewy!)

* Daffodils

* Going to church (aside from Christmas, the best church service of the year)

* Family time

* Friend time

So, aside from the super stale peeps, much like every other day that I like :)

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!!

Easter Weekend

I love this time of year (usually because it's around my birthday!)- but as much as I do NOT like ham- honey baked or not- not a ham fan, but I do like Easter. Maybe it's the bunny, deviled eggs, chocolate, and jelly beans???

Anyway, I have the worlds best Mom who always gave us baskets filled with "good chocolate" (think Fanny Farmer, Godiva, See's etc.)- not that waxy, fake drug store crap- think quality not quantity, friends. Mmmm... I think my favorite was Fanny Farmer chocolate covered pretzels. Love the mix of salty and sweet. Now, years later, I still follow in Wonder Mom's footsteps when I buy candy for gifts and such.

Aside from the basket of tastiness, I also love the family meals (again, as long as I can avoid the ham). As an adult, also not a fan of buffets (as I kid it was fun to pick and choose a little of this and little of that)- you end up paying a ton of money and get full of (many times) crappy food very quickly. So, not a fan in general. One exception is Scott's Seafood Sunday Champagne brunch (Walnut Creek). Yep- that passes the test. Give that one a try.

BUT I love picking great places to go for Easter with family and friends. This year the lucky winner is Skates on the Bay in Berkley with Jarrod and Jennifer. Bring on the mimosas and seafood! Looking forward to being thankful for what I have as we celebrate tomorrow.

Thank you Easter Bunny! (and of course Jesus too).

Weekend Memories

While I am sitting in my hotel room in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (which is not all that great, to be honest--- the city, the hotel room is just fine) I am depressed that I am in Pittsburgh, so I am reminiscing about the wonderful weekend I had with my very best friend Andi last weekend in Park City.


It could not have been better! Some names will be left out (to protect the innocent of course), but here is the scoop:


Started out Friday, once we arrived in PC at my condo, with a bottle of scrumptious Artesa red wine and started our "gossip and catch up weekend". After a few hours, we went to SILVER for dinner- so tasty! At 11PM, we opted to stay clear from getting crazy that night and reserved some fun for Saturday (but we did have a little more wine at home!)


Saturday was even better.. .lunch on Main Street and then some fabulous time spent, along with Mr Big (remember, protecting...) up the mountain at The St Regis in Deer Valley enjoying martinis, mojitos, and Tijuana taxis... Taxi is a cocktail made with espresso, Kahlua, and tequila. Wow. Sounds gross, but so good! After that, we sent Big on his way and did a little (yes, just a little) damage shopping. That of course, created more room for more drinks! So we were off to Easy Street (yes, that is the name of the bar) for some bubbly by the outdoor fire.... Is this the life of what!?


It was enough to simply spend quality time with my very best friend, and the beauty of Park City, and the wonderful food and cocktails made it even better. Yes, confession, I seriously did shed a tear when I dropped her off on Sunday. Boo hoo. I love my friend time.


Just wanted to share a little of my favorite things: best friends, tasty calories and frothy liquor. Ha!

Just Another Saturday

I have a confession: It's been almost 3 weeks since my last post. Busy? Yep. You bet. Crazy is more like it. Work. Good. Just super, crazy, up-to-my-eyeballs busy. I work like crazy all week and weekends are either chock full of errands, to-do list, etc. OR it's nothing. Just pure relaxation that flies by like a snap of my fingers (I wish I had more of those!) Last weekend was busy AND fun.... dinners out, musical Rock of Ages with some friends... very nice San Fran time. Now it's Saturday in "let it snow, let it snow Park City" (yes, it's almost mid-April, but let's keep that a secret from the skiers and snowboarders!). Here is what is on my mind today: * The absolutely amazing gorgeous purse I bought at Prada after Rock of Ages last weekend. Wow! Yes, I know it was ridiculously expensive, but oh-so-worth it. Once per year. That is all. Love my Prada. * How excited I am about my very best friend Andi visiting Park City next weekend for a Girls Weekend full of wine, yummy dinners, gossip, shopping.... Can't wait! * Easter Brunch coming up this month... I love breakfast out (especially with Jennifer after hikes on the weekends in Lafayette and Chow!) but don't often have "official brunch". This has become an annual event for Jarrod & me in the Bay area. Skates on the Bay in Berkeley it will be this year. Yummy. Easter is a fun holiday. Love the bunny. * The hype about St Tropez self tanner IS all it is cracked up to be. I think I blogged about this last time.... yep, great stuff. Bad news: forgot it was in my carry-on luggage and because it was over 3 oz., had to toss it. Boo hoo. Back to the spa boutique I go again today to pick up another bottle. Worth it. Again. * J Crew has the cutest summer dresses this year! Not super expensive, very flattering, practical, classic and oh-so-cute. Picked up a few the other weekend. Going back for more today. * In flight internet is one of the best inventions ever. Really helps the time on the plane "fly" by. Love it. Bad news: when you are crossing your fingers that the plane has it and it does not :( * 90 minute deep tissues massages are the bomb. Even better when you get them every 2 weeks. Did I mention I love my weekends when I work realty hard all week? Give Massage Envy a try people. Economical and body/health saving! Motto to live by: eat healthy, exercise often, get enough sleep, and get regular massages and facials. Ok, that's enough to have on my mind today. Enjoy your weekend. I only have half this time. Off to Arizona for work tomorrow. Bye bye.

Contradiction of Terms

Is it bizarre that I am watching episodes of shows such as "The Biggest Loser" and "Shedding for the Wedding" (yes, that is an actual show) while I surf the Ben & Jerry's ice cream website for new flavors??? www.benjerry.com

Let's start at the beginning.... well, not the beginning.. but yesterday.

Yesterday I was on the airplane reading about a new Ben & Jerry's flavor created for Jimmy Fallon named "Late Night Snack"- vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate covered potato chips and a caramel swirl. YUM. You either love or hate candy-coated-salty-potato chips... me, I love 'em. The best come from Fanny Farmer or Fanny Mae, but I digress... This ice cream rocks (at least from the title). But as I was at the grocery store today, ironically purchasing fruit, veggies, and lean meat, I checked the freezer isle and no "Late Night Snack" to be found. Oh, they had the standards... Jerry Garcia, Half Baked, Phish Food, etc. No nothing from Mr. Fallon.

So, at home.... heating up the DVR for a Saturday evening relaxing at home and on comes the weight loss reality shows. I can't believe this crazy buck-toothed, open mouthed gal Taylor who is trying to lose weight and win her dream wedding actually, truly believes she consumes less than 600 calories per day and can't understand why she is not losing weight!? Honey, the bagel with eggs and cheese that you ate for breakfast had more than 600 calories alone! Again, I am judging while I log onto the B&J's website. On a side note, what a great site! They even have a Flavor Graveyard for all of the discontinued flavors- that was kinda fun. Check it out.

Well, to my chagrin, "Late Night Snack" is too new... not in any stores yet. Boo hoo. But... something to look forward to, I guess. In the meantime, I will watch more weight loss reality. Wait.... better yet, I will just go back to the gym myself and make it real.

24 Hour Fitness, here I come! Elliptical, bring me some more weight loss so I can bring myself some ice cream later!

Glorious Open Weekends

We all run super busy lives... jobs, houses, kids (well, not me, but I understand...), family, money management, errands, worship, community, drama, entertainment, travel..... Get my drift? Heavy emphasis for me on job and travel of course, but the only thing I am missing is the kids, so everything else listed above keeps me busy and hectic. So... it is wonderful when I find myself with a full weekend with no requirements whatsoever.... just the opportunity to relax and do what I like to do- and that is just what I am doing this weekend.

Let's see what that is:
Friday... Cocktails and movies Friday night at home (in this case, 1 cocktail was plenty- work week was long and tiring, therefore, 1 vodka lemonade did the trick for me to fall into an easy slumber)

Saturday...
* Sleep in
* Workout at the gym (even on relaxation weekends, this is key!)
* See where I am in the Sex & the City DVD rotation (yes, I could watch these 6 seasons and the 2 movies over and over and over again... usually watch the entire series once per year.. love when I can do this with a hot cup of coffee--- that is another key to a great weekend... finding great coffee to brew at home- this time it's from Park City Roaster- the Sundance Blend!
* Get a pedicure (love those massage chairs while reading People magazine while my toes are getting pretty!)
* Run a few (fun, but necessary) errands with a little window shopping thrown in- yesterday I picked up some St Tropez Self Tanner at the fabulous store Splendor in Park City... it's supposed to be the best (at $40 a pop it should be) and it's been on my wish list for awhile now
* And back home for more movies and take-out or homemade dinner (or could be a dinner out once and awhile)- last night was cheap steaks and baked potatoes at home and it was delicious!!! And thankful for Netflix for the evening entertainment.

Sunday...
Well, the day is just starting (hello Day Light Savings time!) and Sundance Blend and SATC are up to bat (just for the record, I started back at Season 1, Disc 1, Episode 1... I just realized I have not watched any yet for 2011, so I am starting again now. Oh the joy of Carrie and the girls in the majestic Manhattan- can never get enough!!!)

And after I have had enough of Samantha and her sexcapades, on the agenda for Sunday...
* Gym again
* 90 minute deep tissue massage at Massage Envy
* And back home for more TV and relaxation on the couch.. PLUS maybe a few phone calls to family and girlfriends, laundry and a little light cleaning (yes, I do actually enjoy a cleaning... maybe it's the fresh lemon scent? come one admit it... you like it too... makes the relaxation pad very comfy)

Sounds perfect- or rather right now it IS perfect and will continue to be for me.
Sleep, exercise with music, good coffee, mindless TV and movies, shopping, cocktails, tasty food, magazines, spa experiences, playing on the Internet (including catching up with friends status on Facebook while on the couch).... Yep, that about does it for me. Nice, huh.

I have another long work week ahead and I am sure other weekends with required "to do" lists, so I am reveling in this time now and awaiting the next one to come... not sure when it will arrive due to other weekend plans on the calendar, but I can guarantee IT WILL!
Do I enjoy my down time? From the mouth of Mr Big (episode 1)---- ABSOFUCKINLUTLEY!!!
Happy weekend to all from blog land.

Oscar Fashion!!!

Yep- I become obsessed. Obsessed with the red carpet. Obsessed with the expensive fashion. Obsessed with being catty. 2011 Academy Awards Red Carpet Fashion Show!!!

Nothing super crazy this year. Some good. Some bad. 1 say screamed WOW to me in a good way. 1 that screamed UGH to me in a bad way.

Here are my picks:

BEST DRESSED
Reese Witherspoon (so classic in tuxedo colors and high ponytail)
Natalie Portman (love the maternity prettiness, so cute)
Mila Kunis (va-va-va voom in lavender)
Anne Hathaway (so many to choose from; so little time to see each- sexy little thing is she)

WORST DRESSED
Kate Blanchett (ugh ugh ugh!!! what was that?)
Amy Adams (what was with that necklace with that dress?)
Melissa Leo (was that mirrored gold?)
Scarlett Johanssen (not a fan of lace in general- especially when it is peek-a-boo lace that shows your private bits)
Nicole Kidman (was that a kimono??)

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Those who ALWAYS look great.... Helen Mirren, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock & Hillary Swank. Again- classics.
And a newcomer... Jennifer Lawrence- WOW in red! Stunning actually.

The red carpet was a bit more exciting than the awards. Very predictable. Does not mean I am not already excited about next year....

Naples Photos with the Family

Photos from the fabulous week in Naples, Florida... Everything was perfect!

Jarrod, Dad and Mom on the beach

Mom & me at Bravo! at the Mercato

Dad & Jarrod at Bravo!

Jarrod & me on the boat in Marco Island (yes, I am wearing a swim suit!)

Dad & Mom lounging on the boat... perfect day!

Jarrod & me at Naples Beach & Gold Resort.. If you like Pina Coladas.... :)

Naples, Florida February 2011

Sundance was my first "mini" vacation of 2011 in January and now Naples, Florida is the 2nd "major" vacation in February. The week has almost come to a close and it has been a fantastic one. Time spent with the family, Mom, Dad & Jarrod- has been great.

Every day has started by sleeping in (well, that could be defined differently by many)- meaning anywhere between 7:30-8:30am eastern time. Did I really wake up at 4:30am pacific time and call it sleeping in?? Yep. I guess the ocean air, relaxation, and going to bed fairly early did the trick for me. After "sleeping in" every day I made sure to run and lift weights so I could justify the plethora of food and alcohol every day. Ya right. Keep telling myself that, huh...

Yes, every lunch and every dinner- plus in between- had a few vodka lemonades, pina coladas, and other fruit libations. Yum! Along with some excellent fish, burgers, etc. Noshing in Naples has been successful.

The rest of each day consisted of pool or beach time, boat on the ocean (this is amazing!), spa, and meals out at fun tropical places (see comments on food and liquor above). Of course, lots of relaxation on the lanai mixed in there too. Does not get much better. Every single day brought something unique and fun.

The Naples weather has been 75-80 degrees and sunny with a light breeze everyday. I may sound like a meteorologist, but it's true- perfect Florida weather without major humidity. Every. Single. Day.

We even opted for one tasty home-cooked meal one night- Dad cooked and we enjoyed. Thanks Pops. Much better than the Chicken Balls we had at "Pelican Larry's" the first night :)

That about sums up an absolutely wonderful vacation this week. Could not have asked for a better time. Very lucky girl to be able to have a such a fantastic time with my family on the east coast. So sad to have to come to an end... but not yet... one more day! Off to the pool we go. Will post pics later. Cannon ball into the pool!~!!!

Sundance Photos!!!

SOME OF THE PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM SUNDANCE 2011...
Jen, Amy, and Darien

Festival Credentials

Ready to hit the town Saturday night

Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover) in "Cedar Rapids"

Cocktails at Doolan's with the locals

Terence Howard in "The Ledge"

Walkin' Main Street

Kevin Smith, Director "Red State"

VIP section at Third Eye Blind concert

Liv Tyler of "The Ledge"

Amy & Darien at Eccles Theatre preparing for a movie

Patrick Wilson also of "The Ledge"

WHAT A FANTASTIC ADVENTURE.... SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2011