Coupon Crazy

Have you seen that show about crazy coupon people? Women (yes, it is most always a woman) who spends her life cutting coupons to basically get groceries for free? Insane.

Well, that is not me. But, I will admit I am very gullible when it comes to coupon offers. 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic, etc., 20% off or $5 off a purchase of $15 or more at Bed, Bath & Beyond, surprise 15, 20 or 30% off at Kohls, etc. Give me a coupon to a place I like and I am there.

Ok, I sometimes I will simply go because I have a coupon and other times I will wait to buy something I need or want until I actually have a coupon. For example, Gap... yep, I will just go and shop. BB &B, this time I waited because I needed a new hairdryer and I was not going to spend the extra $5 if I could wait for a coupon! I did that today.

I also sometimes, just sometimes, will actually open a store credit card if the discounts are simply that good. For example, I love J Crew... and for every $500 you spend, you get a $25 gift card. Yep, so worth it for me. Especially visiting the J Cew Outlet in Park City. So great!

Now that I do not get a newspaper at home, I fail to use the proper amount of grocery store coupons, but if I am eating healthy with lots of fruits and veggies, and leans meats, there are not coupons for those places, are there..... nope- just store "specials".

Anyway, I confess to my shopping addiction. It's there. But these coupons do help for saving up for fabulous finds such as my lovely Prada, Jimmy Choo, and others that NEVER have coupons. Oh the horror!

Shop 'til you drop, friends. I do :)

Reno and Prior

I have some good news and some bad news... well, actually lots of good news and just 1 piece of bad news to share today.

Let' start with the good news of course.
Last weekend, after spending some time out of town for some other bad news (that we are not going to talk about since it has been put to rest and we must put positive vibes out there now), I ended the weekend with PINOT ON THE RIVER in wine country.. Healdsburg, CA to be exact.
Check this out:

More than 50 wineries
All serving Pinot Noir (my favorite varietal of red wine)
In 1 square block
With the BEST Humboldt Fog Cypress cheese to nibble on
Other local haunts and wineries to visit (Portalupi was my fave!)
All you can drink for one low price

Wow- huh!? Nice for a sunny Sunday afternoon. My teeth may be permanently purple.

Next up... Holiday Leadership Meeting for work in Reno. That is the bad news. Just Reno. Kids, not a fan. The meeting and people there were FANTASTIC, but Reno lacks some luster. Literally. We stayed at The Nugget. I am sure in the late 80's (when it was constructed) it was quite the joint- but these days... well, let's just say it got the job done, but I am fine if I never visit that hotel again. Ever.

But, to be fair, let's share a few positive points of The Nugget:
Inexpensive
Few edible goodies in my room every night
Starbucks in the lobby
Cute old women serving as hostesses who continually referred to me as "cutie" or "sweetie"
Good water pressure in the shower
Free cocktails

Ok. Done with that.

Aside from The Nugget itself, the meeting was a success (I can breath now) as well as I got to spend time with LOTS of wonderful Best Buy people for 4 days, many who are also great friends. Of course, this mostly involves food, but a few more highlights shall you visit Reno in the near future:

Dinner with my HR team at Ichiban at Harrah's (always a hit)
Bistro 7 with my local team- fabulous red velvet cake after a tasty meal
Gaslamp to round out the week- everything was delicious (thanks Vanessa, Colleen & Rudy!)

Done with HLM. Now onto more holiday prep in the stores. It's retail fever. The time is upon us. But for now... coffee, my couch and E! News are on the agenda.
Happy Saturday to all.

Just Your Average Week

Or rather, just your average Monday.. or Tuesday... take your pick. Both were... well, let's just explain:

Monday started with my "workout neighbor" vomiting on the elliptical and splashing on me. Gross! The day did get better for a bit, but dealt with some major body odor at the San Jose Sharks hockey game last night. Cold BO in the arena is worse. For some reason.

Today was one of those crazy stress days. Issue after issue after issue at work... all I was looking for was a normal Tuesday. Headache began about noon.

Came home from the office about 6:30PM. Watched "American Horror Story" on FX. Wow. Talk about a freaky show. Not sure what to think about that. Not so normal. But kinda intriguing.

Then, back to normal, with some evening cleaning. Is there anything exciting about cleaning the shower on a Tuesday night during TV commercials? Ya... I think not. Oh well.

Forget the puke. Forget the BO. The pizza, Halloween candy, and a cozy little kitty made it all a little bit better.
Next up: Grey's Anatomy. Then back at it tomorrow. Nighty Night!

Darien Does Dallas

Last night I arrived in Park City (yes, Park City... the love of my life) after 4 days in Dallas for work. I knew the week would be stressful so I was very on purpose about planning to be healthy and not sucked into eating like crap and not working out due to staying up late drinking to much. I deal with the "all too familiar endless meal buffets" and late night drinking binges associates with out of town meetings.

So, here is what I promised myself:
Only certain foods consumed from each said buffet (i.e. veggies, lean meats, etc.)
Limited cocktails at night
In bed early enough to be able to get up and exercise at least every other day

And.... drum roll.. it worked! Aside from lots of stress and sad news that occurred, I was not over tired, I felt good and I lost 2 pounds! See, friends, it IS possible to be healthy under peer pressure, traveling and crappy food offerings.

What else can I tell you about Dallas:
No hills or mountains
Cheaper gas (this is where oil comes from, right?)
Lots and lots of beef
Decent weather (apparently the record breaking heat has passed)
Whataburger in place of In & Out Burger
Ranger and Cowboys (the athletic kind of course)

Yep, That's all.
Dallas was decent. Now back to lovely Park City. I love u, PC.

Working for the Weekend

Yes, I am quoting Mike Reno & Loverboy. But it's true- worked hard this week- rough week, and now ready for some fun with the arrival of the weekend. Home from MN to CA. Weather is gorgeous.

Saturday- Noe Valley dinner & Steve Nicks concert in the city
Sunday- Pleasant Hill Art, Jazz & Wine Festival

I love this. Time to relax and hang out.. with some fun events with friends sprinkled in. Yes, I am counting Stevie as a "friend" in this case.

Check it out. Sleep in, exercise, catch up on DVR, and then out for some fun. Ahhhh.... this is what weekends after drama-filled weeks are made of. Love me some fun weekend time that is well deserved.

Coffee in one of my favorite mugs is hot & yummy. Revenge of DVR is riveting. Casey loving to cuddle in my lap is nice. When will I get to the gym?? Soon enough...

Thanks to Vanessa, Rudy, Dan, Chris and Jennifer.... and, of course, Stevie for creating a wonderful Northern California weekend for me. Before I head out of town again on Monday for work. Work, work, work. But not now. Now the weekend is here.

I kinda feel like I am on the edge of 17.... Thanks again, Stevie.

A Little More October

As I stress (just a little) about how hectic October will be for work, I am "honing in" on the relaxation zone and trying to focus on the "fun" the month will bring tossed in between the work.... here is what I am looking forward to:

Well, of course, last night KEITH URBAN in San Jose was great- super musician and entertainer- wow!

Seeing MOM & DAD in MN this week.. always a pleasure

STEVIE NICKS at the FILLMORE in San Fran next weekend- CANNOT wait for this!!! And... I may just arrive early and do a little shopping in the city first.... double the pleasure!

Pleasant Hill WINE & JAZZ FEST on a Sunday the first half of the month

Surprise entertainment in Dallas?? Wait for this one my friends.... your guess is as good as mine!

MR BIG and the SPA in Park City mid and again end of month (again, double... well, you know...)

SAN JOSE SHARKS hockey game with the little brother on his day off

Haircut and color (yes, this is FUN and makes me perkier... and I dare say a little prettier!)

Pinot Wine tasting in WINE COUNTRY

A little GAMBLING in good ol'RENO (ok, this one is a stretch)

But, for a very busy work month, this is some good stuff, eh? I think so.... keepin' it positive my friends. Happy October to all!

October is Here...

Last night I spent the evening relishing in what the arrival of Fall brings... the first chill in the air, fire in the fireplace, smells of pumpkin, burning leafs & crisp Fall wind, and bringing out the sweaters and Fall clothes. Also, call it good or bad, for me, working retail, it brings crazy, busy days and nights.

Here is what October looks like for me:
California
Minnesota
California
Texas
Utah
California
Utah

Yep, that is just for the next 31 days. Mostly work, sprinkle a little fun in there, but yep, mostly work. And what can be the highlight in each? Let's see...

California- just home. Love being home. That should be enough, but let's throw in Keith Urban and Stevie Nicks for some extras. And some wineries. Twice.

Minnesota- family & friends in the hometown state

Texas- hopefully some surprise entertainment to come and maybe some Texas BBQ???

Utah- Mr. Big. And the mountains. Park City. My favorite. Wonderful way to end the busy month.

As crazy and hectic as the month will be for work, definitely look forward to some fun. And relaxation. Balance people- that is what it's all about. Bring on the Fall Fun! Any suggestions you have in the many states I will visit?

Disneyland

A few shots from a fun sibling weekend at Disneyland!!!

The Little Mermaid ride

Jarrod & the mouth of the whale

Jarrod & Snow White

Me in a teacup!

Me & the Chipmunks

Me & Mr. Toad (before his Wild Ride began)

Jarrod upon arrival

Jarrod in "Hollywood" back lot

Fall Shopping Plans

While I hate for the Summer weather to slowly slip away, I do adore what Fall brings... new clothes! When I was a kid, I loved the "new school clothes" shopping. As an adult... well, it's just fun shopping!

Here is what is on the "fun list" for me this Fall- or shall I say "wish list":

* A big, fun tank watch
* A cool trench coat (this is still on from last Spring... never got around to this one)
* Vintage/retro cowboy boots (same as trench- this one I actually went to buy and they did not have the kind I was looking for. Bummer.)
* Brown leather tall boots
* A cool brown men's belt for jeans
* A few great above-the-knee-length skirts in various colors and styles
* A classic comfy cashmere cardigan
* Crisp white long sleeved shirt (this is a must every year- gotta keep 'em crisp & WHITE)

I think that should it. Keepin' it classic this time.
No clue when this shopping fun will occur, but nonetheless, I am excited for it.
Happy Saturday!

Fall TV Premiers

Back from Cabo, Back to Reality... but also Back to Fall TV Premiers! Love this time of year, TV junkie that I am. Thank goodness for DVR!

I have counted: 29 shows to DVR this year thus far (a few always fall off and a few more added as the season progresses). Good news- only 2 of my faves fell off this year: "Brothers & Sisters" and "Better With You". Not bad odds. Looking at standard networks only- HBO, Showtime, etc. is an entire different subject. Entourage, Nurse Jackie, US of Tara, etc. Love 'em. And the other networks with great summer line-ups such as TNT, Lifetime, ABC Family, etc. Lots of good, mindless fun out there.

Premiers I am most excited for this year:
Pan Am (bring back to old school glamour of airline travel)
Up All Night (Welcome back Christina Applegate!)
Charlie's Angels (my childhood revisited)
Whitney (she is hilarious)
Hart of Dixie (I have missed Rachel Bilson since The OC)

A few honorable mentions:
Ringer (I have missed Sarah Michelle as well)
Playboy Club (yes, I admit it)
Revenge (at least one of my fave actors from Brothers & Sisters has a new show)
Prime Suspect (how can you not like Maria Bello?)

Many happy returns- the best of the best (in my eyes anyway):
Big Bang Theory (best writing ever)
Two & a Half Men (waiting to see where Ashton takes this)
The Good Wife (amazing show)
Biggest Loser (one of the few reality shows I like)
Modern Family (hilarious)
Parenthood (wonderful cast)
Cougartown (this one keeps getting better and better each season)

And last, but not least, will give these returns another shot this year:
How I Met Your Mother
Mike & Molly
Happy Endings
Rules of Engagement
Grey's Anatomy
Private Practice
Desperate Housewives (final season- probably a good thing)
One Tree Hill (we will see about this one...)
America's Next Top Model (Tyra drives me crazy, but for some reason I love this show)

Let the festivities begin September 13!!! :) Look forward to my "expert reviews" to come.