Another One Bites The Dust

Aww, celebrity marriages. So posh, so fairytale, so glamorous! Until the happy couple decides to do a reality show chronicling their oh-so-beautiful lives ... and divorce soon follows. So very sad. In memory of the most recent couple to call it quits, Tamra Barney and soon-to-be ex hubby Simon from The Real Housewives of Orange County, a look back at those who didn't survive life after the cameras stopped rolling. (Cue sentimental music.)

Tune in tomorrow for a great giveaway!! I was contacted by a skin care company and you won't wanna miss out!

Kardashian Approved

Okay, girls! On a whim, I went to GNC on Thursday last week and bought a bottle of Quick Trim's Fast Cleanse. If Kim and Khloe can look so fab, and link their name with the product that helped them get that way, then what do I have to lose? Well, $29.99, but in this case, I have found a detox that actually works and in 48 hours!! No joke, this stuff rocks! Here's the deal though. I lost all of my bloating, yes ALL, in my stomach and my love handles went way down, BUT I didn't really eat anything for 48 hours. Just water and this oh-so-yummy lemonade flavored drink. You are told on the bottle that you can eat fruits, vegetables, clear soups and gelatins. On day one, I ate 4 pieces of cooked sushi. On day 2, I had 2 sugar-free, 10 calorie Jello cups. That is all.
And guess what?!? I was not hungry! When I started to feel hungry, I would drink one of the 4 servings and be completely satisfied. My energy levels were awesome, and my appetite and cravings were curbed. I had no wierd side affects, no headaches, or loss of energy. This product does what it says and you see your results in just 2 days! Have a special event you wanna look fab for? Grab a bottle of this and be down in size asap!
I am still working on my goal for a new bikini for my birthday and this just helped motivate me even more! I am going to look into the Quick Trim 14 Day Diet and Cleanse program to see if it would be right for me and that may be my next step. The $59.99 price tag will ultimately be how my deciding factor results, but I am definitelty impressed with the Quick Trim Fast Cleanse and will absolutely use it again!!
Anyone else try this program? What did you think of it? Leaving a little motivation to keep up with our New Year fitness and health goals! Happy Monday!!

Holla Back

Thanks so much for all the awesome comments here on my bloggity blog!! They make my bloggy world go 'round! I have noticed some questions on posts, and I wanted to be sure you all got the answers you were looking for. I will now be commenting on each post to respond to questions, so if you have dropped a question on a specific post, please check in on the comments to see my response!! Lots of Love!! ♥

My First Fashion Friday

Two of my fave girls (Summer and Molly) blog fashion posts on Fridays. Because I adore them so much, I thought I'd join their cool club and post each week what I am rockin', too. So here's to my very first Fashion Friday ... and I promise I will work on my posing skills, as I will be taking notes from the pros.

Sweater Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch (Christmas gift from hubby)

Black tank top: Old Navy

Black Leggings: Target (and only $6!!)

Tall Classic Uggs: Nordstrom (another gift from hubby - he rocks!)

Hair band that doubles as a bracelet: Juicy Couture

Layered necklace: Aeropostale Outlet

Happy Weekend!!

Must-See Movie

I am not a fan of sci-fi movies. Sure, I am in love with a vampire, but aliens are just not my thang. My hubby raved about the latest movie he saw with the guys, and upon seeing a few fab reviews on Facebook, my interest was peaked.

Avatar

What a phenomenal movie! The graphics, the details, the heart-warming story (I almost cried at one point in the movie), and the 3-D effects were amazing! It is a longer movie, running at 2 hours 40 minutes, but definitely worth your time to go see!! We took our boys (ages 3 and almost 6) and they enjoyed it, too. Nothing too over-the-top scary, a couple battle scenes, but not too gory. Be sure to see the 3-D showing for the best effects and let me know how you liked it!!

Winter Glow

Here's what I use on my face when I want a polished look ... MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15. I say 'polished' because this fab moisturizer evens out my skin tone and blends very nicely with my natural skin color. I don't use foundation or powders on my face. I don't like the feeling of having anything but moisturizer on my face. So when I wear this, especially now in the winter time when my skin can get pale and uneven, I can get the complexion of a foundation with the natural feel of a moisturizer. There are 5 shades to choose from, I wear the medium and it blends flawlessly. The SPF is a nice added feature, and I am pleasantly surprised that this is as light-weight as it is. Usually I find products with SPF to have a thicker consistency. The price is a little on the spendier side at $29.50, but a little bit goes a long way!! You can sample this product before buying it, too. Just stop by your local MAC counter and find the shade that will match your skin tone the best. Samples are gladly given on all their products.

Now ... if I could only find a self-tanner for the rest of my body that won't turn me shades of orange, I could better fight the urges to buy a tanning package at the salon. Any suggestions??

The Secret Is Out ...

Why this has the title of Child Abuse Ad, I have no idea. This looks like a typical day in the life of a mom. Ha ha!!

Off to a new start!

Happy 2010!! I am still not quite sure where 2009 went, but yay for the new year!! I took the last few days off of blogging to enjoy family time, catch up on blog reading, and reflect on the goals I want to achieve this year. Oh yes. I am one who makes those lovely resolutions. They usually don't make it as far as February, but I still like to get excited about starting something new. So here are my official New Year Resolutions ...

This one is on most people's lists ... work out more/lose weight/get in shape. This is going to be a priority of mine until I get bored with it (which will hopefully be longer than 2 weeks). I have consumed so much food this last month that I could possibly pop, so dropping a few pounds is necessary. Plus, I want a new swimsuit this year and wanna look fabulous in it.

Along with the weight loss plan, comes a new diet plan. I am back on my 'No Pop' kick (for all you non-Oregonians, pop = soda). I went a year and a half without the stuff, fell off the wagon this last summer, and am jumping back on board. I am also blaming my extra lbs. on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol. So, I will be easing up on the vodka for a while. Until I can figure out how many calories are in the flavored varieties (why is there no nutritional info listed on the bottles?), I am on a break.

Lunesta and I are going to be best friends for a while. I need to get more sleep. Insomnia is so last year.

Cash only for this chica ... no more using my debit card for random purchases. Those small amounts add up quick, so I am hiding the convenient plastic card and thinking twice before I spend. I have already been on a no shopping binge (for almost 2 months now!), but holiday gift card shopping was so. much. fun! I need to keep myself in check.
I am a Christian girl. I don't preach. I don't judge. But I do love the Lord and I need to spend more time showing it. Daily devotions are going to be made a priority. My hubby helped me find a new Bible that is geared more for busy moms (that's me!), and I am excited to dive into it!

I also have a few blogging goals. I wanna do a product review once a week, a giveaway once a month, and even join a few of my fave girlies in Fashion Fridays (if you haven't check out Summer's blog yet, then you are missing out)!! I am not trying to get all structured here ... that's just not my bloggy style, but I wanna add some new elements. Anyone have any ideas as to what you wanna see more of here on dot...dot...dot...? I heart my friends and followers, I adore all the comments, and this blog o'mine has been so much fun!!

So there you have it, peeps ... my goals for 2010! Nothing too major or stressful. I wanna have another great year full of friends, family, and fun. I want to try to stay drama-free and try to always see the positive in every situation life throws at me. My hubby is awesome at keeping me grounded and in-check with my attitudes and outlooks. He helps me weed out the negativity, which this stubborn Italian girl tends to hang on to sometimes. So I am raising my glass of water (remember? no pop!) and toasting to an awesome new year!!

Ringin' In 2010!!

It is almost time to countdown the end of 2009 ... where did this year go?? Whether you will be out and about or hanging at home, be sure to try this oh-so-yummy martini that I recently created. It is actually a variation of a Pineapple-Upside-Down Cake Martini (my absolute fave), and I have been loving these this holiday season. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (cuz my bloated gut will be dieting on Monday)!!

2 ounces Vanilla Vodka ... brand of your choice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce Diet 7-Up

Please Drink Responsibly.

Hair Rescue

How many times have you needed to be somewhere, but didn't have time to wash your hair? Your hair is a bit on the greasy side, and is lookin' kinda stringy. Baby powder isn't doing the trick as it should, plus it is leaving behind a lovely dusty hue on your roots. Ugh! Quick, throw your hair up, and hope no one notices.
On almost a weekly basis I go through this! As a busy momma with a full daily schedule, I have to shower at night before bed. Some nights, I don't get the opportunity, so I deal with the aftermath in the morning as I am rushing about. I was skimming one day through People's Style Watch magazine and came across an article about this very issue. How to fix oily hair when you have no time to wash it ... their solution: Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser from Sephora. I immediately loved the $24 price tag and headed out to get it!
Here's the product deets:

Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser

What it is:
A dry cleanser that revives, refreshes, and recharges hair and scalp without water.

What it does:
Ojon® Rub-Out™ Dry Cleanser instantly "erases" impurities, toxins, excess oil, and product build-up. It increases hair volume at the root while treating the hair and scalp. Ideal between washings, as a hair pick-me-up, when you're in a rush, or when you overuse a styling product. The Dry Cleanser leaves hair cleansed, light, luminous, and healthy -looking.

What else you need to know:
Fortified with wildcrafted Ojon® oil, an ancient native secret to naturally beautiful hair from Central America's Tawira tribe, known as "the people of beautiful hair.™" Supported by clinical studies to instantly hydrate, strengthen, and restore dry or damaged hair, Rub-Out™ Dry Cleanser is appropriate for all hair types and is eco-friendly.

My review? This stuff will always have a place in my bathroom! This dry-shampoo fixes my oily roots to get me through the entire day - no need for re-applying! Now, as for leaving the hair 'cleansed', I wouldn't quite say that. When I use this product, it feels as if I sprayed hairspray in my hair and brushed it out. Not sticky, just the brushed-out hairspray feeling. Know what I am talking about? My hubby loves the smell of this stuff, so it does have a cleaner smell to it. Definitely worth giving a try!

What are some of your hair care tricks? Have any products you can't live without?

Holiday Hangover

The house has thrown-up Christmas! I don't know what has been more exhausting ... the holiday festivities, or trying to keep the house somewhat organized with all the new goodies! Not only that, our laundry room that was spic and span and all caught up on Wednesday, is now overflowing with piles of clothes to be cleaned. How did that happen???
In all seriousness though, we had a very wonderful Christmas! My kiddos got everything their little hearts desired, including a new Wii that the entire family is enjoying. My hubby took me on our annual day-after-Christmas shopping trip and we had a blast spending gift cards and getting each other gifts. I got some new Uggs - the tall grey ones - and a couple new outfits. A bracelet and a necklace (nothing fancy, just cute). Those adorable Juicy hair bands that were on my wish list, and a few other things. My family members were awesome in the giving department, too! A new martini glass and shaker set to add to my collection, pajamas, Breaking Dawn, MAC eyeshadow and lip gloss, and gift cards! I am definitely a spoiled girl and so blessed to be so loved!

I have pictures to download off my cameras, laundry to do and re-organizing the house this week. I am so darn bloated from all the delicious food I have consumed, and honestly feel a little bit like a cow (getting my period after not having it for 2 months (IUD) doesn't help this matter either). I haven't even thought about taking down Christmas decorations yet (sigh), but am very excited to be heading to the beach on Wednesday for the New Year holiday. We'll be out there for 4 days with all the Baker fam, ringing in 2010! Woot!!

While this time of year can be chaotic and exhausting, life is amazing! I hope you are all enjoying the holidays with the ones you love (and even the ones you don't like so much, but have to hang out with anyways - ha!).
Lots of Love!! xoxo

Joy To The World ... Our Lord Has Come!

Wishing you a very blessed Christmas with lots of love!

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

I had to look it up!

** I am re-posting this from last year ... I am off to bake cupcakes with my kiddos, but wanted to make sure all of you weren't neglected! Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!! Lots of Love!! xoxo **

I will admit that I had to look up the definition, because I had no idea what this word meant! Ha! Here is my meme ... this has been circulating the blog world and of course I had to snag it, too! I love these things!


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper is way funner to open!
2. Real tree or Artificial? I absolutely love the smell of real, but prefer the cleanliness of artificials. This year we have a real tree ... the hubby got to pick and the house smells so good!
3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving weekend ... we love getting a jump start to the holiday!
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the day or weekend after Christmas, but we have waited as long as New Year's Day
5. Do you like eggnog? Bleh ... unfortunately, no! I try it every year though just to make sure my taste buds haven't changed.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I absolutely loved my Barbie dolls!
7. Hardest person to buy for? My hubby! He gets himself everything he wants throughout the year. It is so hard to think out of the box for him!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Our boys, but it is so hard staying in budget!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Of course! We have 3 ... I have a stationary one, where all the pieces are permanently attached, we have the Little People set for the kids, and my mom-in-law got me a beautiful set that I absolutely cherish
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail ... don't be lazy, people!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? No comment - ha, ha!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I am a sucker for the abc Family movies
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? March. LOL! Just kidding. Usually after Thanksgiving (never on Black Friday again - did you read that post?)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Candy, yes (unopened, of course), but not actual gifts - I'll keep them even if I don't like them! Seriously!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Oh my goodness, what's not to like? I love it all!
16. Lights on the tree? Duh! I love the multi-colored lights.
17. Favorite Christmas song? He Reigns
18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? We travel, but only about 20 minutes from home.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, and Rudolph!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A gold star ... so cute!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning, but you get to open one present on Christmas Eve.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people stressed out at the stores ... relax!! You are making others mad!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? This year I found this adorable little angel at a holiday bazaar ... she is my new fave! I don't actaually have a theme going though - just ornaments I like.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Mom's pot roast dinner ... yum!!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? All of our debt paid off! Ha! Gosh ... I don't know! I am never in want or need of anything! I posted my wish list last month, and I have already gotten things off of it for myself. Sigh. I am a happy girl, so whatever I receive, I will be thrilled!

Now go post this yourself ... it's fun and I want to see what your holiday traditions are! :o)

Feelin' the Love

Blog stalking as I usually do (you know you do, too), I came across this fab blogger and quickly added her to my blogroll!! Dezzy Lou Where Are You is a must read ... she will keep you laughing! Plus, she and I have the same vampire love interest, so she is golden in my book! Ha ha!

Miss Dezzy Lou tagged me in a fun little game, so I am playing along ... I heart tags!! :o) Answer 5 questions with 5 answers, then tag 5 other bloggers! Sounds easy peasy to me!

1. What were you doing 10 years ago? Ten years ago? I can barely remember last week, let alone 10 flippin' years ago!! I was 18 years old, going to community college, and not happy that I had to take college level courses to teach kindergarten (Um - hello! I already know my ABC's and 123's - little ones don't need to learn this stuff, so why do I?). My 'college days' didn't last long. I was dating my now hubby, and working in collections for JC Penney. Yeah - I was a bill collector that had the priviledge of calling your house about your debt you weren't paying on.

2. What are 5 things on your To-Do list today? Blogging is on my list every day. Taking a shower is always a priority. Eating would be nice. Feeding my boys would probably be a good thing to do, too. And .... getting the house cleaned up for holiday festivities. I have laundry to fold and an episode of Bad Girls Club on the dvr to watch.

3. What 5 snacks do you enjoy? Does anyone love ranch dip as much as I do? You know, the powder Hidden Valley stuff that you mix into sour cream? OMG! I could eat this stuff with just about anything ... Wheat Thins, black olives, fresh mushrooms, potato chips ... mmmm!! I also love popcorn (no butter) with parmesan cheese and chocolate milk. Good salty-sweet combo!!

4. Where are 5 places you have lived? Portland, Oregon .. South San Francisco, California .. Clackamas, Oregon .. Gresham, Oregon .. Happy Valley, Oregon

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire? Pay off debt - my hubby always laughs when I think realistically, but hey! It's what I know. Although if I were already a billionaire, then I shouldn't have debt, right? Buy a few houses in my fave vacation spots (Maui, Palm Desert and Victoria, B.C. to name a few). Gift some cash to my friends and family, and also to random, unsuspecting people. And Shop, Shop, Shop!!!

Tagging 5 peeps to play along ...

Chic & Pink
Stilettos and Diapers

A Girl Named Timi

All Things Purple and Pink

A Real Housewife

Dezzy Lou also gave me an award!! I am always so excited when someone thinks I am cool enough for a bloggy award! Thanks so much!! xoxo

This award, meant to be gifted to bloggers who make you smile, has two requirements.
1. List 10 things that make you happy.
2. List 10 bloggers who brighten your day.

• My 3 boys.
• Vacations.
• Shopping.
• Head Massages.
• Nights out with friends.
• My BlackBerry for sending me my emails throughout the day.
• Las Vegas
• DVR
• Getting my hair and nails done. I heart salons.
• Fruity Martinis and flavored vodka.

It is so hard to narrow down just 10 bloggers who brighten my day! All those awesome gals in my blogroll make me smile everytime they post! But I must follow the rules ...

Happy Meals & Happy Hour

Handbags & Handguns

Lacey In Love

Stilettos and Diapers

Le Musings of Moi

Vodka Mom

True Beauty ... Inside and Out

Oofa Luffa Le

April Showers

Martinis or Diaper-Genies?

Wash yo face!

I raved not too long ago about the Ponds Make-up Remover Pads and how swell I thought they were. I am not retracting my review, however, I recently found a brand of remover that I heart even more. Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes are my new faves!! These soft cloths remove all traces of dirt and make-up, including waterproof mascara!! With Ponds, I would use 2 to 4 pads just to remove all my eye make-up and they would leave behind a layer of oil. Neutrogena only takes one towelette and the cleanser dissolves nicely into my skin. Apparently, I bought a refill pack when I purchased these lovelies (they come in a tub normally), and I paid $7.99 for the pack of 25. I was just reading through OK Magazine and Kim Kardashian put them on her must-have beauty products list. If Kim and April both say you gotta have them, then you betta go get yo'self some!!

I can't take credit for this recipe!

I absolutely love Happy Meals & Happy Hour ... one of the funniest blogs you will ever come across! I added Happy Hour Sue to my blogroll, and never miss her updates! Go check her out ... she recently posted this LOL post!

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl,
check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality,
pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter
in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point
it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another
cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup
of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry
it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves
a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink.. Whatever you can
find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall
over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the
Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.


Cherry Mishmas.

And the winner is .....

Thanks to random.org, the lucky winner is .....

#7 Sasha

Thanks so much for re-posting and twittering for me!! Congrats!! Please send me your mailing address within the next 24 hours so I can get it off to A Dozen Eggs. If no response, I will draw another winner (so keep checking in)!

~

And thanks SO MUCH for all the bloggy love ... I now have over 200 Followers!! Yay!!! I promised a very fun girly giveaway when I reached the 200 mark, and that I will do! Give me a few weeks to hunt out some fun goodies!!

xoxo

Hurry Hurry!!

Okay peeps ... the giveaway from A Dozen Eggs will be ending tomorrow eve at 5pm. I want to make sure I can give some extra shipping time for the holidays, so hurry and enter if you haven't already! Please be sure to check back in tomorrow night (winner will be posted by 5:30pm pst) to see if you are the lucky winner! I will need confirmation asap on this one!! Thanks so much!! xoxo

Durrty Jerz

My latest guilty pleasure ... The Jersey Shore on MTV. Come on now, admit you like it too!! There is just something about this 'reality' show that makes you wanna tune in each week. Like a car wreck ... terrible to see, but you can't help but watch. Ha ha!!
Italian-American hotties who refer to themselves as guidos and guidettes, livin' it up in Seaside Heights on the Jersey Shore. Fist-pumping, tanning beds, and more drama fo' yo mama! Is anyone crushin' on Pauly D like I am? Check out this show on Thursday nights at 10pm.

A Dozen Eggs Cookie Giveaway!!

Fresh baked, sweet smelling, adorably decorated, and the oh-so-yummy taste of vanilla is what this giveaway is all about! I have had the pleasure of doing business with this wonderful company, A Dozen Eggs, who designed my little man's Batman birthday cookies. These cookies are so delicious and I can't rave about them enough! I wished I lived in Vermont so I could visit their bake shoppe - the cupcakes and sweet treats that they whip up look so incredible!! This company can work with you on custom order requests for special occassions, can design cookies with your business logo, and has the absolute cutest seasonal designs for their scratch-baked sugar cookies.
Dave and Laura of A Dozen Eggs would like to offer my wonderful readers and friends a chance to win a Large Winter Snowman Hand-Iced Sugar Cookie Collection, valued at $60 with shipping!! Oh my goodness ... these little cuties will be a hit for the holidays!! One lucky winner will receive 24 cookies wrapped up in an eco-friendly box with ribbon.

To enter, you must be a follower of my bloggity blog ... your little picture has to be in that cute little Followers box in my sidebar. Next, please visit A Dozen Eggs and tell me (by leaving a comment) which goodies made you drool!
I, of course, give extra entries for my peeps who wanna share my giveaway news on Twitter and Facebook! Just leave me an extra comment letting me know you made a shout-out. If a new follower drops your name in their entry, bonus points also rewarded!!