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Cheers to the New Year

2011-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the New Year is already here. It seems like 2011 just started. Heck, until last month I was still writting 2010 by mistake.

None the less, I am excited for 2012. Here are a few of the highlights I have to look forward:

Dann turns 40!
My sister will have her first baby, my first niece, in March
Declan turns 2 in April
My baby brother moves out of California for Grad School. Bitter sweet!
We will take our first family vacation, out of the continental US, at some point. Most likely next fall.

I also have a lot of resolutions this year. I haven't given myself one for the last two years. I figured having a baby and staring my carrere as Declans mom was enough to worry about. But this year is different. I wouldn't say that I am setting resolutions, but I am much more setting life goals for myself. In no paticular order:

No more meat. Only fish. Back to the veggie head diet.
Eat better all around. I live in Sonoma County, CA. I have the freshets local and best organic food at my fingertips.
More Juicing! I received a great book with tons of ideas. I love it, and it makes me feel good.
Join the gym next to my office and work out at lunch. I sit at my desk for 8 hours, and spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the car each day. Enough said.
Keep a tidder house. There is no reason I should ever have dishes in the sink or huge piles of clothes. I have a dishwasher and a washer and dryer.
Keep Declans Toys organized and sorted. I would like to sort through his toys every few months, toss and donate what he no longer plays with and keep them all organized in nice baskets (living room) and ottoman/toy box (his room)
Take a family trip to Portland.
Dress better for work. Put an effort into my outfit. Try not to wear jeans every day. Just because I work in a causal office, doesn't mean I need to dress casual every day. Dress to impress.
Get back to blogging. Like at least 4 times a week if not more. I miss it, and want to get back into the blogging community.
Volunteer. Somewhere - Anywhere - and Regularly.

So that's a start.

Do you have any resolutions?

The Year of the Cookbook

2011-12-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

I started collecting cookbooks the moment I moved out of my parents home. My mom isn't the type of gal that "cooks". Growing up, her specialty included cheese grilled ( I know - I call it grilled cheese too), chicken noddle soup and black bean soup. Did you ever see the movie Mermaids with Cher? That was us, every meal was set up like a cocktail party. I wouldn't change it for anything.

I went though the evolution of cooking. Starting with Rachel Rays 30 Minute Meals and 100 Things to do Potatoes. By my mid-twenties I had graduated to the Joy of Cooking and the Barefoot Contessa books. This is where I peaked. I not only stoped exploring new and different books, but I stoped wanting to try new things. I woudl try a new recipe here and tehre, but over the past few years I've kept to the standards.I blame the slow food movement. Yes, I believe we should eat good, clean, as local as you can get it, and unprocessed foods. But I'm a working woman and cant spend all day cooking. I need my food fast.

Until now!

My auntie P bought me the Bi-Rite Market's Eat Good Food cookbook for Christmas. And just like that the spell was broken. I sat and read the first few sections right away and had to make myself put it down.

This amazing book not only has great recipes, but it tells you what to buy, how to buy it, and how to store it. If you are a local, you may already know that Bi-Rite is a great grocery store in the Mission (San Francisco). You can find their site here. Couldn't you just live in that store?

Wrek Yourself

2011-05-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

I have a new love. Not that I needed one. But I have to share the new joy in my life or I may just burst.

WREK JARS!!!!

My friend Monica introduced me to these beauties a few weeks ago. We were doing a cleanse together, and she brought her morning smooting in one. I thought it was so cool and asked her where she got that jar. I assumed that it would be from some hip and overpriced place here in Marin...but it wasn't. Well, overpriced but it was from Marin.

She told me that she had found them at Heath Ceramics, a super cool shop in Sausalito. So, off I went in search of my very own Wrek jars. There are so many cool styles to choose from. I bought a few that I knew I would use (in hopes that Dann wouldn't notice the new "items" in our kitchen cabinets).

So far I have used them to store leftovers like pasta and yougurt. I've used one of these to put our OJ in. I feel much classier with Declans juice in this carafe than the boring old paper carton.

So, if you are ever in the North Bay or near the Ferry Building in San Francisco, check out all of the awesomness that is Heath Ceramics and get yourself a few Wrek Jars.

Life With a White Sofa

2011-05-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

At the end of last summer, I bought a white sofa for $200 at a sample sale. At the time, I envisioned romantical lounge sessions with Dann and Declan on a lazy weekend afternoon. I thought it would add some "edge" to my more traditional livingroom.

What was I thinking?!?! A white sofa with a baby/toddler? I really was crazy-out-of-my-mind. Two months in, when Declan started to reach and grab at everything, he pulled a cup of coffee off the side table. It spilled down the side of the chaise. While I quickly took action to clean it...there is a lovely Navajo White ring left. It was at that point that I gave up. I didn't care what was done to that sofa. It was $200.

I not only gave up on having a beautiful white sofa and well kept home, I gave up on caring about anything. I know now that I had a big (and very well ignored) case of postpartum. I just tried to get through every day without crying. My goal was to just see Declan and make sure that I didn't cause any damage, physically or emotionally. I was plagued by a fear of causing so much trauma that he would have issues as he got older. At work I was internalizing too much. Every bit of advice or story from co-workers became my reality.

A few months ago, there seemed to be a break in the storm. I am now enjoying my home life. Maybe time was all I needed, maybe Declan's first birthday was the boiling point. I don't know and I am not going to try to figure out what triggered me to start feeling better. I'm just going to go with it. I have had a lot of clarity about the new direction my life is taking, and I have some new game plans. This makes me excited.

When the fear of staying the same outweighs the fear of the unknown, it is time to make a change.

Change, here I come with a happy and full heart.

Elizabeth

2011-03-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has happened. Elizabeth Taylor has passed away. I wanted to say that she was "gone." But she never will be. Not to me. I have hours and hours of film, words and words of articles to keep her alive in my world.

I love this photo of her. It was taken while filming Giant, one of my favorite movies. I love everything about this photo. The lasso, the bikini top, the high wasted slacks and boots.

There will never be anyone like her.

Hipstercrite: My Mom Blog

2011-03-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hipstercrite: My Mom Blog: "Mom blogs seem to be all the trend. I'm not sure why. Don't people relate better to self-involved twenty-something blogs? I mean reading lon..."

40 n' 40

2011-03-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I read a FB post from a friend who is getting rid of 40 bags of stuff in her home, in the next 40 days. She is doing this for Lent...but I think I'm going to do in honor of Spring! So, by today I need to get rid of 5 bags of stuff to toss or donate. Easy.

Here are my rules:

A "bag" can be any size bag. Brown grocery bag, plastic grocery bag, garbage bag. The point is to just clear unnecessary stuff out of the house by April 24th.
Donate as much as possible. With Declan hitting a year soon, this will be easy as he is outgrowing clothes and "baby" toys at an accelerated pace.
Toss out the crap!!!!! Keep what you truly need. 6 wooden spoons the same size? Half used bottles of lotions that I haven't used in a year? Toss it!

Not too hard, plenty of room for interpretation but enough to keep me on track. Wish me luck!

Birthday Season

2011-03-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

We've reached the birthday season at Tozier Maison. Dann's birthday was yesterday, mine is Thursday, and Declan will have his first in less than a month. That's a whole lotta celebratin' goin' on.

Last night we had soup and bread (hey, that is what Dann wanted for his birthday din-din) and then some of this yummy cake. It's chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling, butter cream frosting and chocolate ganache to top it off.

Happy Birthday to all of my fellow March babies!

Nap

2011-03-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

I've always been a good sleeper. Always. I've been the type of sleeper who needs a good nine hours to stay at my best. As far back as I can remember, I've fallen asleep between 8:30-9PM, and have woken up between 6-7AM.

Until Declan.

Am I the only mom who's child hasn't slept through the night? Correction, he did spend one full night in his crib. But this kid wants to party all the time. He must have spent a previous life in NYC circa 1976 because he is a master power-napper.

I'm sure most of the cause of my lack of sleep is my own paranoia. The first 3 months, I was scared that he would stop breathing. I also get OCD in my thoughts about his comfort. Is he too hot? Is he too cold? Will he get a kink in his neck if he sleeps like that all night? I need to give the boy some room, I know. I fully understand my crazy about him sleeping.

I've reach the point, at 11 months in...that I want him to sleep so bad, I am willing to let him scream it out. That has been the hardest part for Dann and I. Declan has never been a fussy baby, never a big crier. So when he is scream crying in the next room...it breaks our hearts and will power.

Will this issue fix itself?

Silver Fox

2011-02-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

As I inch my way to the big 3-Oh!, I not only notice all of the gray hair on my own head, but on those around me. And ya know what, gray is awesome! Here are some of of my favorite Silver Foxes:

I've always been really happy that Dann has a GREAT head of hair. I mean like really, really, really good hair. And he will most likely always have it. Because he is a blond-ish Ginger, I know it will turn a pretty silver some day. This is one of the reasons I cant wait to grow old with him!

Sea.Food

2011-02-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

I spent Sunday night getting sick, and Monday sick with no appetite at all. But I woke up this morning craving a Tuna Melt. Like "I will punch you in the neck" if I don't get one craving. I don't remember having a craving this bad while I was preggers, but I gave in anyway.

I talked my buddy Ben into ordering takeout with me from FISH. I ordered the Tuna Melt with fries and he got the Saigon Salmon Sandwich with slaw. If you love seafood, and are ever around Sausilito, please go here! It is so good and you will be very happy. It's a bit expensive, but worth it. Next time I am going to split my order...that is how much food you get.

New Man in Charge

2010-11-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

After a long absence (9 months), I am back in the blogosphere. The reason for my absence, Mr. Declan!

On April 13th, 2010, Dann and I welcomed our perfect baby boy Declan Elzey. He weighed 9lbs 1 oz. and was 21" long. He had not a mark or freckle on him.

It feels as if we've always known him, but we were just waiting for him to get here!

Now, at 7 months old we have found our family rhythm. Both Dann and I are back to working full time (I went back at 6 weeks). We are very lucky to have Dann's mom close to us and able to watch Declan during the work day.

Sweet Baby D is a joy. I cant wait to post all of the fun and exciting new things that come up here.

Took a Bit of Time Off

2009-09-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack...well no post at all. Things have been uneventful and busy at the same time. You know what I mean?

I am back at Restoration Hardware home office. I'm working with the Furniture Planning Team and I love it. I am so happy to be back with a company that I believe in and working on product that I love and can stand behind. By the way...have you seen our new look? www.restorationhardware.com

With the good comes the bad. Three weeks ago I was in a bit of a fender bender. The Volvo has a "black eye" and will need to spend a week or more in the body shop. She's gettin' a new hood, drivers side headlight, grill...and who knows what else. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Now, I just want to get her fixed and ready for the winter.

Other than that, my life is just going. I finished the second season of True Blood, started reading those silly Twilight books (crack much?), have become a pro at organizing my DVR so I am never without a nice selection of TV. BTW, I'm loving the Fall lineup on every channel.

I vow to get back in the habit of posting daily. I've started reading a ton of new blogs that I will add to my blog roll soon.

Furniture Re-do

2009-07-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

About five years ago I bought this hutch from a guy at the Alameda Swap Meet. It was in the condition above. The glass was new, and I paid about $140. In the years since, painting it was always on my "to do" list. Well, I can finally cross it off.

Yesterday I pulled everything out, dragged it outside, and set off to refinish it all by myself. I cleaned it inside and out with vinegar and water, then went over with a dry cloth. I didn't have any primer, but I made good use of the 5 gallons of white paint I bought for the house last summer.

462 coats of white paint later (ok, maybe it was only 4), I had the piece looking as I wanted. I used some lefter over Restoration Hardware paint, Light Silver Sage, that was used in the living room, for the inside of the cabinet.

After it was all said and done, it was put back in its home and re-filled with all of my treasures. This time, I was strategic about what I placed on the shelves and where. Over the last year, it had become a catch-all for random candlesticks, vases, and such.

The overall look is a little more country than I like, but a vast improvement from the dark room.

Mary, Mary

2009-07-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

It may have been planted a few months too late, but the garden is in. Dann built a ton of raised planters and put a little bit of everything in em.

I cant wait to see what makes it!

Inspiration

2009-07-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

Friday I quit my job. Well, not really quit. I gave my two week notice and was told that I could leave then. I know it was said out of spite and hurt feelings, but I have to do what is best for me and my state of mind. When I saw this print, I know it would be my mantra for the next few weeks.

Live What You Love

I love honest people. I love people who do the right thing, even if they do not profit from it. I love living a life I can be proud of. Working for a company I can be proud of.

I have built and re-built my life, and am not scarred to take a risk. I will never settle for anything that isn't perfect for me. I have worked hard the past year to create a beautiful home that I am very proud of. I have surrounded myself with only the best people. Creative people who may not have the same views as I do, but know how to have a conversation and appreciate all of the beauty in life.

So, to all you out there - LIVE WHAT YOU LOVE.

Ash Ranch

2009-07-26T12:42:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I paid a visit to the ranch. For those of you who don't know me or my history, I am a farmers daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, and so on. My namesake, Grandma Sadie, and her husband built this house on the current Ash Ranch in Colusa County. I'm not sure what year, but I think it may have been the 1920's or earlier.

The last residents were the "Golden Girls", my great grandmother Fay, and my two great aunts Helen and Liz. They have all passed since, and the house has been empty since 2007. My uncle Brandon and Aunt Shelly have decided to renovate the old gal and make it their home. They want to create a new Ash Family home where we as a family can spend holidays, weddings and all of those wonderful family celebrations. Hoorah! It is a work in progress, one I hope to document for the next generations of my family.

Here is a photo my uncle Kevin sent of my Great Grandfather William and some other people standing on the north side of the house, I think around the 1940's.

Here is a photo I took yesterday of the north side. Crazy right! The house has been raised so a new foundation may be poured, leveling a house that was in desperate need.

The first photo is a the view of the house. Those are the Sutter Buttes and the new walnut orchard. I always know I'm home when I see the Buttes, and anyone from Colusa will know what I mean by that. The Buttes are our Empire State Building, Arch, Statue of Liberty. And anchor that is so beautiful and beyond words that it can only trigger a feeling in the pit of your stomach.

I See a Taupe Wall...

2009-07-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

and I want to paint it black.

Sorry for the lack of posting the last few weeks. I've been spending less and less time on the computer and in front of the t.v. I've been spending at least one weekend day at the river with Danno and Dex, drinking Coorlight in a can. The other days, I've spent on house projects. The most recent: Bedroom Redux.
If you read this blog on a regular basis, you will remember that this is what this wall use to look like:

I wanted a clean and modern room, no more fluffy French country chic I kept trying to get. I've never liked the whole shabby chic look! Her are some more photos...

First Day of Summer

2009-06-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a few days late...but Happy Summer! I am ready for the warm weather and long days to be here. The only thing that would make my summer better (ok, one of the things) would be a/c. This little house is a hot-box, and stays warm long into the evening.

This last weekend, we went on our first camping trip together. Last year, we kept saying how much we wanted to go camping together, just overnight, but it never happened. It was a blast! We had so much fun and cannot wait to go again!

Since Dexter learned to swim a few weeks ago on the Russian River, he has been all about the water. But his short little legs don't keep him up, so he gets tired very quickly. Dann went and bought him a doggie life vest and the problem was solved. When we first put it on him, he tried to get out of it, but when he went into the river on our camping trip and realized how it kept him afloat, he loved it. He had so much fun! And it was a lot of fun for me to watch. This means lots of time at the river this summer.

We set up camp and started a fire. It was a bit cold and windy on Saturday night, but we managed. We did the whole shebang. We grilled potatoes in foil on the campfire and made s'mores. It was very mellow and relaxing. I went to bed about 10:30 and slept until 9.

We had a simple camp food dinner, and Sunday morning Dann made the most wonderful breakfast burritos. The were so good and the perfect way to start a day. We packed up camp and headed home.

We drove through the Redwood Tree in Legget on our way home, and made one more pit stop at Lake Mendocino so Dex could swim a little more. Once home, we unpacked the car, took showers and cleaned all of the smoke scented stuff we had taken with us.

All in all, it was great weekend trip!

Clutter

2009-06-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

When it comes to home design I love organization and clean lines. I love looking at beautifully neat homes in magazines. But for some reason, when it comes to my own home...I want everything out and on display. I need some fresh eyes, big time.

This summer, I want to re-paint the cabinets in my kitchen. The are two different colors thanks to the last couple, and I hate it. So the plan is to paint them a nice clean white. Our walls are a soft butter yellow and all of our appliances are white. So, I'm wondering what to do about all of the stuff on my fridge. I have photos, postcards, recipes, and other memorabilia all over it. Should I clear everything? Will it give my kitchen the neat, put together look I want? Thoughts?

Sumer Cookin', Had Me a Blast

2009-06-16T18:39:00.001-07:00

Since I'm back to cooking, I've been on the hunt for yummy and healthy dinner recipes to try at home. Last night, it was Broccoli with Orecchiette. Not only was it totally delish, but it was quick and easy. Here is the recipe:

5 garlic cloves
1/2 cup EVOO
1 package frozen chopped broccoli (do not thaw)
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes
1/2 cup grated Parmigaiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
1 lb. dried orecchiette pasta

Finely chop garlic. Cook garlic in oil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, sirring occasionally, until golden, about 1 minute. Add broccoli, water, red-pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is very tender and almost all of the liquid is gone, 12-15 minutes. Stir in Cheese until melted.
Cook orrecchiette per directions, drain.
Toss pasta with broccoli and 1/2 cup reserved cooking water. Season with salt and thin sauce with more water if you need to. Serve with cheese for sprinkling.

Wham, bam, thank you mam!

Busy Weekend

2009-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

Last week, Friday couldn't come fast enough. I had scheduled myself a very full weekend that involved driving to Santa Cruz, driving home, brunch in Berkeley, and a graduation party. Never again! I was, and still am, so tired. Yesterday I couldn't keep my eyes open and fell asleep on the sofa at 8 PM.

However, I did have a great time. On Friday, I began my jam-packed weekend with a quick drive to Santa Cruz. I met my friend Steff at her office downtown where we had a cocktail at Clouds. We then had a girls dinner at Cafe Sparrow in Aptos. We had great food, wine and laughs.

As normal, I woke up Saturday morning not feeling well and I just wanted to be home. I think I'm finally past my "I miss Santa Cruz" phase, and fully in love with the home Dann and I've created in Santa Rosa.

I spent Saturday afternoon relaxing at home. I went and got a pedi/mani and prepared for my busy Sunday.

Sunday was a blast! I met my friend Leslie for our quarterly brunch on 4th Street in Berekeley. We sat outside at Betty's Diner and caught up. As always, we hit up the Crate and Barrel outlet. Leslie got her fill of Marrimekko fabric. More on that later. We hugged and said our goodbyes, and I drove to Petaluma.

Once in Petaluma, I made my way over to the Martin house for Juj's graduation party. The Martin house looked great. There was great food, plenty of wine and a lovely keg of Coors Light. I had fun mingling with all of their friends, and headed home around 7 PM.
I made it home in time to watch the first episode of True Blood, and fell asleep. Happy that the weekend is over, I've learned that I should really only plan one day of events. I'm just getting too old to go the whole weekend.

Eat, Drink, Man, Woman

2009-06-11T18:57:00.001-07:00

I am not new to the many differences between men and women. In fact, I love most of them. But there is one that I don't think I will ever get. Grocery shopping.

For the most part, I do all of the household shopping because I do most of the cooking, and I'm just much better at in. Case in point: the photo below.

This is a photo of the items Dann bought on his little trip to Costco today. Now, I admit that sometimes I fall for the giant tub of Red Vines. But for the most part I keep the items I buy at Costco to a minimum. Sandwich bread, paper towels, t.p...the essentials. Not my man. He goes for the gold!

Granted, I wont be home much at all this weekend, so I did expect some bachelor food to enter the cupboards, but this just makes me laugh! The man bought a giant jar of pickles and a tube of Pub Mix. I must say that I was very happy to see the box of Almond Joys. And the giant bottle of Tylenol was pretty classic. I'm sure he will need it after he works his way through this food!

Frankenduck

2009-06-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

One of the funnest pastimes in our home is watching Dexter play with his toys. He goes crazy for the stuffed animals we bring home. His favorite are the birds. He goes for the kill. He also loves to bury them in the yard. When he thinks Dann and I are not watching, we will see him dig a shallow hole with the toy in his mouth, spit the toy into it, and kick dirt to cover the evidence! It is hilarious.

This is his only soft toy left...out of 8. We have named him Frankenduck. Only because the neck of this poor bird was down to a thread, so Dann tied the neck into several knots. Good as new...

How Sadie Got Her Grove Back

2009-06-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

I think I've finally come out of my "no cooking" slump. All thanks to this Quinoa recipe I found on epicurious. I made a few modifications as I normally do, but followed the steps for the most part. Quinoa is a food that Dann and I cant get enough of. The only problem is it isn't too flavorful on it's own, so it always requires work. This will defiantly be going in the Trader Joe Cookbook I plan to write someday (this will be a book based on items only found at Trader Joe's, no need to stop anywhere else to get that one missing ingredient item).

Satue one onion in a bit of olive oil

Add chopped red bellpepper

Add one cup of Quinoa, 1 1/2 cups water, two tbls. chili powder, 1 tsp. cumin, and 1 tsp. salt

Bring liquid to a boil and reduce heat. Cook until Quinoa is fluffy and most of the liquid is gone.
Add one can of black beans (drained and rinsed) and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Cook until heated through
Serve with feta *or a great rice cheese for the vegans in the room.

I had a nice big bowl, and was beyond full. Dann had seconds, thirds, and fourths. What was leftover was put in the fridge and will be a yummy Tuesday lunch. Click here for the recipe and nutritional info! You will be very surprised at how "healthy" it is. Just don't tell Dann.

Why I Love Sonoma County

2009-06-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

A little over a year ago, I made the move to Sonoma County. I never thought I would fall in love with it like I had with Santa Cruz and the South Bay, but was I wrong!

I have a wonderful life here. Where else could you spend a day on the Russian River and then stop at a few wineries to get your favorite bottle right from the source?

So cheers to you, Sonoma County!

What to Sell in Your Yard...

2009-06-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of post in the last month. Work has been keeping me busy, and with the warm weather, Dann and I have been spending a lot of time getting our yard into shape.

The weekend with my mom was a blast! We had a great day at the DeYoung and on Filmore. We had a great lunch at The Grove, and spent too much money in all of the wonderful little shops.

For the last few months, my mom and I have been working on a plan to have a yard sale. I think it started with all of the Clean House I watched this winter. I will admit that I have it in my little head that I will be makin' buko bucks in this yard sale. I don't want to be let down.

Now I don't mean to brag, but I've got some pretty good stuff to sell. After years of working for Crate & Barrel, Smith & Hawken, and Restoration Hardware, I've accumulated a tone of wonderful housewares. So far, this is the list of items that will be up for sale:

etched barware from Crate and Barrel (highball & double old fashions)
mix match dinnerware I've collected throughout the years
different styles of glass and crystal candlesticks
an array of vases
misc. everyday kitchen tools
a huge DVD collection
purses
books (this is not a "for sure" my books are very important and I don't know if I can sell them)

So I ask all of you for help and suggestions. What are good items to sell? What is a good strategy to have? How should I price? Any help and advice is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Happy Friday

2009-05-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for the weekend to get here! My mama is driving down to spend the weekend with me (and Dann). The master plan is to stop in Mill Valley for pedi's at Lavande and then head into SF to check out the Warhol Live exhibit at the DeYoung.

Then Sunday will be a nice brunch/lunch in the Napa Valley and checking out the J.Crew outlet.

Case of the "Monday's"

2009-05-12T06:26:00.001-07:00

This is Dexter. Cute huh! Don't let the sweet face fool you.

We leave Dexter in our kitchen/dinning room during the day. Every now and and again, he will get something off of the kitchen counter and tear it to shreds, but nothing too bad. Until yesterday.

I got home, and went straight for the gate to let Dexter out. That is when I noticed the poor little puppy had thrown up. And it looked weird. I turned my head to the right, and saw a frying pan on the ground. "F&$@#!" I said out loud. I knew what had happened. Dann had used vegetable oil to fry up some toquitos the other night. He was waiting for the oil to cool before disposing of it. No big deal. Unless you completely forget about it, your dog knocks the pan of oil off of the stove, and you have a nice "coating" of oil on your kitchen and dinning room floors.

Insert scream of frustration here. Why this story gets better? Well, Dexter must have tried to hide what had happened and licked up a lot of the oil, thus tossing his kibble all over the dining room. I felt sorry for him, a belly full of oil could not fill too good. So, while shouting a Dexter to stay out of the area, I grabbed the mop to start cleaning the mess. "F&$@#!" I have no floor cleaner. The last was used up last week and I forgot to stop and get more. So, I used dish soap and tried to mop up any and everything I could. Oh, and least I forget the awesome part: it was so slippery, I fell on my back side several times!

Well, the soapy water kinda helped, but not really. I wiped down all of the surfaces that had any type of splatter. I then gave Dexter (also known as Puppy Bear) a bath because his legs and mouth area were greasy. That is a fun job on its own. When Dann got home, I told him the story. His only response...

"You smell like a tortilla"

Inspiration

2009-05-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

Is this not the most gorgeously soft and sweet photograph? Edna St. Vincent Millay is one of my most favorite women. She was a poet who lived a very torrid and scandalize life. Click here to learn something today!

Pour Me Another

2009-05-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

After a very hard and long week at work, I came home to a delightful surprise. A nice cold brew-ski. Dann went to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner, and brought me home some yummy Blue Moon beer. With a slice of orange.

This was such a great idea. I had just been thinking, "man, I need a drink", and here he comes with one! How great is that. So, as I type this post I take a few sips and enjoy this lovely California night.

Cheers!

Prop. 8

2009-05-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

I've never been a very vocal person when it came to politics, local or otherwise. But the winds are changing in Sadieland. I'm not sure if it because as I get older I see so much more b.s. than I ever dreamed in the world, or because I have lived in the Bay Area for 9 years now and those hippy activists have finally rubbed off on me.

The topic that I would say I'm most passionate about

is California's Proposition 8. I am in shock that it passe

d last fall. Really?!? Even Iowa is pro gay marriage. I think the "progressive California" deal is just a stereotype. So, I was excited when I found this t-shirt!

How cool? A gay pride t-shirt for a straight person!

Art

2009-05-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Just when I get all of my art and prints up in the house, I find myself not liking anything I own. Sometimes I dream that I had a big box room with huge white walls, and these walls were full of all sorts of art.

Over on Twig & Thistle this week, I was introduced to Marc Johns. OMG, this guy if genius. I love his post-it note art work. Click here to check out his site.

I'm Back

2009-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Whew, this week has flown by. Last Sunday, I hit the road for work. I spent some time in Colusa, Redding, Red Bluff, and Sacramento. I drove about 600 miles in two days, and it wiped me out. Tuesday afternoon I made it back to the office, and I thought I was going to fall asleep on my feet. Dann was the man and brought home pizza, so I didn't have to think about dinner. I fell asleep on the sofa (this is every night), and woke up the next morning still sleepy. I figure I will be back to par next week. Until then, I have to keep on truckin'.

This afternoon my friend Emily posted about some of her wants, and now I have a few to add to my own list! The most important of which is a Venn print from Frank Chimero. She has a link to his Flikr, and I highly suggest you check it out! Here is the one I want, only because I've become obsessed with Bernie Madoff and I always wondered who invented the two person horse costume...

Saving My Pennies

2009-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

For the last six months, I've been on a kick of wanting a bike. I put it on the back burner because these little "ticks" or wanting something so badly, come and go.

Well, this one never left. So, I've been looking at online and comparing different bikes. And I've finally decided on the one I want! It is a TREK Classic Cruiser in yellow.

I'm going to be saving for this bike in a very special and different way. I'm going to save my loose change. What? Your change? Yes, I have a lot of spare change. I've posted before about counting it a few months ago, and I had $110.00. So, I'm going to save and roll all of my change for the next two months. I think I may have all that I need to buy the bike. If not, I will just pay the difference. Summer is quickly approaching, and I want to start my bike rides right away!

Another Reason I Wished I Lived in New York

2009-04-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Met has an awesomely kitch exhibition of Walker Evans Postcard Collection. I would love to check it out in person and view this massive collection.

For more info, click here!

"She has a delicious grasp of the ridiculous."

2009-04-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to get my hands and mind on the new Christopher Buckley book, Losing Mum and Pup. The title of this post is a quote Buckley uses when speaking fondly and lovingly of his mother.

I first heard of it in the current issue of Vanity Fair, and my interest was perked. When I received the May issue of W yesterday, I was excited to see a quick interview with Buckley discussing the book. This will be a great read, like all of his other books.

Click here to read the article.

I was also introduced to Tatiana Boncompagni. She is the author of last years Gilding Lily, and will release her new book, Hedge Fund Wives, in May. This will be a page turner for sure, since I'm on my R.H.N.Y. kick right now. Click here to see what I'm talking about.

Wish Room

2009-04-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

While I do really love my little bungalow house, I sometimes wish from more rooms. Now, I don't mean space. We are not cramped in this house. I mean rooms. I want a Library. For many different reasons. I love the way built-in shelves look full of books. It feels comfortable and like home every time I am around a bookshelf or see a photo of one. As far back as I can remember, books have always been around me. When I was in school and moving around, the most important boxes were my books. I could never give them away or sell them. I even have a hard time lending them out to friends because I am scarred I will never see them again.

Over on SFGIRLBYBAY, there is a little book love I want to share with you! Lisa Occhipinti creates some beautiful book art. Click here for more info. If I had a library, I would have these hanging around and/or places throughout. They also remind me of an Anthropology display.

New Favorite Item!

2009-04-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

My mom included a small jar of Medaglia D'Oro Instant Espresso with my birthday gift this year, and I'm so glad she did. I've posted before about the importance of coffee in my life, and this just reaffirms it!

Every weekday morning, I wake up at 5AM. This is purely out of love. I make Dann is lunch, put the kettle on, and get my french press ready for a wonderfully delious cup o' joe. Well, last Sunday I ran out of coffee, and couldn't find enough inspiration to go to the grocery store for just coffee.

"Maybe I will stop drinking coffee" I said to Dann. He looked at me, shrugged, and went back to what he was doing. Dann doesn't drink coffee, so he doesn't really care or understand my love affair with this beverage. So, Monday morning I made myself a cup of green tea. The rest of my day went fine, no major drama's. I didn't fall asleep at my desk or get a headache. 'I can do this' I thought proudly to myself.

Well, the next morning was not so nice. I was very groggy and a bit saddened that I was unable to have a cup of coffee. I opened to cupboard to get some of Dann's lunch snacks and I heard angles! There, on the middle shelf was small jar of Medaglia D'Oro. Thank God!

From now on, I will be keeping a small jar of this on hand for moments like these. It was so nice to have a cup of espresso. And may I add that I was so wired, I cleaned my house before 7AM! Not too shabby.

Can't Wait!

2009-04-23T18:04:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time since I've been excited about a new movie. I am so glad for tomorrows release of The Informers!

First, I'm a huge fan of Brett Easton Ellis and his writing. His stories are the kind that make you wince and feel a bit sick to your stomach, yet you remain fascinated and engrossed in his characters. Remember when Robert Downey Jr. is strung out in that hotel room and Andrew McCarthy has to go and rescue him in Less Than Zero? Or when Christian Bales shares his thoughts on Phil Collins? To me, it captures what is right and wrong with America.

And for some reason, all of his movies have a great, wait scratch that, AMAZING soundtrack. More than likely I will be seeing this on my own, and that is ok. I needed something to do Saturday morning anyway!

Click here for more details and to watch clips!

Blog Love

2009-04-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

I want to share a new blog with you all! The Peak of Chic is a wonderful blog dedicated to those of us with a pension for great comfortable style. It is girlie and elegant without being too pink anf frou frou. Jennifer Boles does a wonderful job linking you to all of the great finds she comes across and loves herself. Take a minute to check it out!

Shoe Fetish

2009-04-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Do you read Lucky? So do I. While most of the items are way out of my price range, I have found a few sites that offer awesome products on the cheap. Case in point, Ami Club Wear. In the current issue, they feature a tone of beautiful and cool sandals from Ami. So I checked it out and fell in love with their shoe selection. I bought the above pair as well as some strapy flip-flops. There were about a million other pairs that I wanted. But I must pace myself and my checkbook.
****Note**** Do not look at the clothing on this site, unless you are planing on being a contestant on the next Rock of Love.

Hot Dog

2009-04-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

The heat came a little too soon. I wanted to get Dexter into the groomers for his summer haircut this month. I feel so bad for the little guy when it gets this hot. Dann and I are trying to make things better for him. Yesterday Dann took him to the Del Mar Beach on the Russian River and let him run around and splash in the water. This morning, we left the house at 6:30 to get a good walk in before he is left at home alone.

All we can do is make sure he has cool air circulating in the house, and that he has a plenty of water. I'm sure he will be fine, I'm just a mother hen.

Happy Friday

2009-04-17T12:01:00.001-07:00

I haven't had mucht to write about. While I seem to be busy, it is nothing interesting. I feel like all I've done this week is get up, go to work, get home and go to sleep. Nothing too bad or boring, but just blah.

However, this weekend should change that. Tomorrow I will be at ATT Park to celebrate Niki's 23rd Birthday. Her theme is "Ballin' and Crawlin'". We are starting out at the Giants Game, and then will continue into the night with a classic Pub Crawl in North Beach. We even have t-shirts.

Then Sunday, I will meet my friend Leslie in Berkeley for a little 4th Street shopping and lunch at Bette's Ocean View Diner. I cant wait!

I also want to stop by Ikea to pick up a few things. I MUST REMEMBER TO BRING A LIST! I don't want to spend money on items I don't need, and I want to make sure I get the items I've needed since my last visit. Oy!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

So Fresh and So Clean

2009-04-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

I stopped at Target on my way home Friday to pick up some hand soap for the kitchen and the bathroom. While talking to my friend Steff on the phone, I wondered every cleaning aisle in the store, and happen upon a new product.

I want to give a product 'shout-out' to J.R. Watkins Aloe and Green Tea Natural Home Products.

This stuff is it! It smells so clean and good!

I am slowly switching my cleaning products to "natural eco-safe" items. I just cant get rid of the powder Comet yet...

I'm one of those "sickly" folks

2009-04-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

I would consider myself as being a healthy child. I don't ever remember being really sick or having a major illness. So why is it that all of a sudden, I am the queen of allergies? I have a theory...

Spending my formative years in Colusa, land of burning rice fields, my lungs were bred to withstand pesky irritants. I went about my days with my nose in the air, inhaling all of the beautiful flowers and dust particles in the air. Then, I got cocky. I started to make fun of people with allergies. "Oh boo-hoo, my eye's are red a puffy" or "I cant breath, poor me" in a mimicking tone came from my mouth way too often. And bam! Now I suffer from Acute Bronchitis brought on from seasonal allergies. You know that old adage, "You face will freeze that way". Well, it is true! Don't make fun of people, because they joke may just turn around on you.

Friends

2009-04-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I'm getting in the Volv, and headin' south to Santa Cruz. Steff and I have planned my little surprise visit to see one of my nearest and dearest girlfriend, Poli. Here are the two of them last January for Steff's birthday.

I'm so excited to see these two! We are able to have a good visit every 2 months. I wish it were more often, but so is life.

I'm rested up, and ready for a fun night out with these two (and many more SC friends).

Charles & Marie

2009-04-01T19:33:00.001-07:00

Have you ever checked out Charles & Marie? No? GO! NOW! But be warned, you will be there for days. This site is chalk full of wonderful items. Everything from digital watches to Buddha ice molds. You will find so many things that you want. So bookmark this site, and remember all of the awesome gifts ideas I know you will find.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Talk about portion control!

Piece of Cake, $25

New York Graffiti China! The next Wedgwood...

5 pc. setting, $100

Il Buddino Molds

set of 4, $44

I kinda want it...

2009-04-01T18:08:00.001-07:00

So, for some odd reason an article about black toilet paper caught my eye. I was reading an older version of Livingetc magazine (September 2008), and saw a snip pit about this. What?!?! I guess this is/was all the rage in NY, Milan, Paris, and Miami. The best of the best clubs and restaurants offered this in their restrooms.

I thought about what I would think if I came across this in a public bathroom. And I realized that I would think it was really cool. It is one of those cool things that you want to have, but don't want to use. And there is no reason to have rolls of t.p. sitting around your house. So I will have to pass on this lovely item.

Tea Time

2009-04-01T07:18:00.001-07:00

For some odd reason, I've become obsessed with tea-towels and English shelter mags. Thus, the above is a tea towel from an awesome site I found via Shelter. Click here to check out all of the goods at Whippet Grey!

Accomplished

2009-03-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

The grand plans I had to complete all of the tasks on my list went down the drain this weekend. But it wasn't a complete loss. Here is what I did do this weekend:

paint bedroom
paint new pots and plant flowers in them
swept kitchen floor
did 2 loads of laundry, but didn't put away
made a yummy veg. Cesar salad for lunch
made a delish Sunday dinner: quinoa, spicy jicama salad, and baked salmon (for me)
had a FroYo date with Dann
made sun tea
talked to my sister for a good hour and a half about my parents and the next chapter in her life
found out someone in my neighborhood has wireless and I can use my iBook now!
bought the best cup of lemon aide for a quarter at a lemon aide stand across the street from my house

All in all, I had a very relaxing and happy weekend. I didn't get all of my chores done, but I didn't sit around all weekend being lazy.

What Not to Work Out To

2009-03-30T06:35:00.001-07:00

This morning I got up and out of the house by 5:45 AM, on my way to the gym. I was very excited because yesterday I bought myself an iPod Shuffle to use at the gym. It is less bulky than the other iPods and it clips right on to my top.

I let my iTunes pick my music, and I learned at 5:52 AM that that was a mistake. All I heard was the soundtrack to Willy Wonka. Don't get me wrong, I love Danny Elfman. But I wanted my Madonna, D.M., INXS...junk music that I could sing along with in my head. So, I pushed through and finished my workout. Tonight I will work on getting the music that I want on the Shuffle.

Nesting

2009-03-29T13:51:00.001-07:00

Well, I did it. I painted the birds on the wall right above our bed. And I must say that I am very happy with the result. You will have to forgive the photos because a) it was taken at 1PM and b) I'm not a photographer. Our sheets are Robins Egg Blue and our duvet is white. The color scheme is a very calming neutral. Not all beige. I wish the blue came out more, but oh well. Here is a close up:

I also planted some Spanish Lavender in the green pots from yesterday. Very happy with that, as when the plant outgrows the pot I can put it in the yard.

Green Love

2009-03-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

I dont know if I would call myself picky, but I hardly ever find outdoor containers or flower pots that I love. Every now and then, I will see something at Ikea or DWR. Seeing as both of those are a trip to the East Bay, I came up with another idea. Ok, so it's not an original thought...

While waiting for my paint at Home Depot this morning, I walked around the nursery and picked up two 6" plastic faux terracotta pots and saucers. I then picked out a bright green spray paint that is bright and cheery.

I sprayed the paint on a bit thick, but I think it gives it a more ceramic look. Like it was hand glazed. The paint is quick dry, so within an hour I had two cut pots to plant Spring flowers in.

Now I just have to decide on what flower I want!

My To Do/Wish List

2009-03-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

The beautiful weather this week (and upcoming weekend) has inspired me to get some projects done around the house. I think I may finally finish my bedroom by painting a mural such as this:

All I need is the perfect paint color, which will take me all of 20 minutes at Home Depot. I have all of the tools needed, and I bought the stencil last December. I also want to complete the following list this weekend:

all laundry (including putting clean clothes away)
mop floors (kitchen, bathroom, living room)
steam clean carpets
paint bedroom
weed front yard
possibly pant some lavender and succulents
clean up back yard
wash Volvo inside and out
take Dexter for a long walk
go to Spin Class
make Pine Nut cookies
grocery shopping for week
clean all windows

I hope to get everything done by Sunday night, while still feeling relaxed by Sunday morning. I'll let you know how I do!

Warm Weather Gear

2009-03-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

In honor of Springs arrival, I stopped by Old Navy and picked up a few dresses. Here are the three I bought:The top two are on sale for $15!! What a deal. They are all very comfortable, but "dressy" enough to wear in the office. I may buy a few more online (more colors available). But I will see how these work out this week!

Happy Monday

2009-03-23T07:24:00.001-07:00

Another Monday has rolled around, I want to embrace the positive. Last week was a hard one, and I'm ready to move forward and know that my life as I want it will happen. It is happening. There will always be hard times that we cannot control, and if it were not for these hard times we wouldn't be able to fully appreciate the good.

Life is full of highs and lows, and I vow to make this week a good one! I hope you all have a great week!

Celebrating the Sping

2009-03-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

For the first Saturday of the Spring, Dann and I took a quick drive across the Golden Gate to Sutro Heights Park. Sutro Park is across the road from one of our favorite places in San Francisco, the Cliff House.

We enjoyed the views of Main Beach, the Pacific and Golden Gate Park. The park was built between 1880 - 1885 by Adolph Sutro. The park was beautiful in it's day, and still is. However, I do wish that I could have seen it back then.

We then crossed the road to check out the Sutro Baths, or where they use to be. Click here to see old photos of the baths.

Here is a photo from Point Lobos looking south, toward the Cliffhouse.

Here is a photo that we took, standing in front of the cave, looking south to the Cliffhouse.

The small pool in the bottom right corner of the older photo, is in the forefront of the my photo.

Click here to see more photos of Sutro Heights Park and Sutro Baths.

On our way home, we stopped in Salsalito and had some yummy breakfast burritos. We where home by noon!

I Just Can't Get Enough

2009-03-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a few of the women I just cannot get enough of. I will stop whatever I am doing to watch a program or read an article about them. I never get sick of their stories, and images of them always seem new to me.

Mark Your Calendar!

2009-03-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Just came across this super cool event at the San Francisco Center for the Book. If you are not familiar with this place,check out the site. There is a lot of information, but they offer some really cool workshops. After the sale, I want to take a print class. Who's in?

Really?!?!?

2009-03-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

This is just too crazy...even for the British!

I Will Stop Watching When They Stop Filming

2009-03-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

What is Bravo doing?!?!?! I have just read that Bravo will begin the new 'Housewives' series May 12th. And guess where these ladies (and I use that term loosely) are from...

NEW JERSEYS!

GET OUT! The are all Italian, two are sisters and a third is married to their brother. Stugats! I watched a few of the clips, and it isn't much different from RHOC or RHATL. They are live in new big houses, wear Ed Hardy clothing, work hard at real estate, pamper themselves, and remain way too involved in their children's lives. So far, the biggest plus is that they all have Jersey accents and too much dark hair.

Check it all out here!

Such a Magical Night

2009-03-19T05:57:00.001-07:00

Last night was one of "those" nights. A night where everything in the world seemed right. I stopped Trader Joe's on the way home, and can say I walked out with a responsible list of items.

When I got home, Dann unloaded the groceries from the car and I put everything away. Teamwork! It was 75, and it felt like early summer. We opened all of the windows and took Dexter for a walk to our neighborhood park.

When we came home, I started dinner. And this is where the magic comes in! Have you ever tried the Trader Giotto's Pizza 4 Formaggi? Click here to see why I did. This is the best frozen pizza. I guess because you can add to it, so it feels like you made pizza from scratch. Last night was mellow, so we just added some grated Parmesan. I then made a big green salad.

As Dann and I sat down for dinner, we started the conclusion to the saga we've been watching; Comanche Moon. Yes, it is a westerns. Yes, it is the "beginning" of Lonesome Dove. But that is just the kind of girl I am.

We were done with dinner by 7 PM, and that is my favorite thing off all. Because I dont feel so bad when I fall asleep at 9.

What Do You Mean Another Blog???

2009-03-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

That's right, I've created another blog! It is a wedding blog where I will be posting details, likes, wants, needs, have to have's for mine and Dann's wedding. I'm so addicted to wedding blogs,I thought it would be fun.

Check it out!

http://sadiebride.blogspot.com

I will continue to post here too! Just no wedding stuff!

Thanks Heather!

2009-03-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules: Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (you've never heard of the Tozier Trio?)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain (it began as a mole hill)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

28...it aint so great

2009-03-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

I know I'm going to sound as if I'm just feeling sorry for myself, and maybe I am, but this was the first year I wasn't "Sadie" excited for my birthday. I'm not sure if I put all of my birthday excitement into Jordan's 21st or what, but I am a total Downer Donna the last few days.

Yesterday, the Martin family did a wonderful job celebrating my birth at the office. We had balloons, crepe paper, lunch from Comforts, and lemon cake. The all wrote wonderful messaged in a birthday card. It was very nice.

Then, Dann took me out for an awesome birthday dinner at East West Cafe. I had my favorite, Macro Plate, and we shred a piece of this yummy chocolate vegan fudge cake. So good. We came home, and all I could think about was getting in my softies (jam's) and watching a movie. I just wanted to zone out. But noooooo, the power had to go out in our neighborhood. I guess PG&E had been working on the lines a few streets over, and well the rest is just darkness. We busted out the flashlights and I read out loud to Dann from "Are You There Vodka..." the last book Chelsea Handler wrote. We had fun and laughed at the same parts. But in all honesty, we had no idea what to do...we were too tired from the long weekend and a day of work to hold a descent conversation. So, we were in bed by 9PM. When we awoke the next morning, we had power and went back to our normal weekday morning routine.

I just cant seem to get excited or motivated about anything right now. Is it the weather? The economy? What? However, I've come to the realization that a lot of what I'm feeling is coming from my job. I was so excited to go back to work after the holiday season, I didn't really think about the company I was coming to work for. But do you ever really? How can one know what they are getting into? Only when we are knee-deep do we say to our self, I should have thought about/planned it out more.

Barrel Tasting 2009

2009-03-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

For my brother Jordan's 21st, we went barrel tasting in the Russian River Valley. It was so much fun!

For $30, you can go to any number of select wineries in the Russian River area, located in the heart of Sonoma County. We started our day off at Korbel. That was the way to go. After sampling four yummy champagnes, we asked our limo driver to led the way. He drove us to Gary Farrel, located on top of a hill looking out on the mountains. It was not our favorite wine of the day, but definitely the most beautiful.

The next stop was the group favorite, Hop Kiln. If you have never been wine tasting, or want to go again, check this place out. Not only is it a beautiful building that use to house a huge hop crop, but the make a ton of dipping sauces, pesto, and such that you can sample. The Malbec was a group fave, so we bought a bottle to share in the limo.

This is where it gets fuzzy...I know that we went to two more wineries, I just couldn't tell you for the life of me which ones. Now, we began our adventure at 11 AM. As soon as we got in the limo, we opened a bottle of champagne. In the travel time between each winery visit, we had one to two bottles of champagne or wine.

We made it home and then somehow managed to get downtown to 3rd Street Ale Works for dinner. From what we recalled the next morning, Jordan fell asleep on Corey's shoulder. I seemed to be ready to leave before everyone else and got a cab ride home. Laurel, Corey, Jordan, and Jackie followed suite and made it home just after me.

As soon as I got home, I passed out. I awoke at 10:15 to a silent house. I panicked wondering where my sister and brother were. I went out to the living room to find everyone asleep in a air mattress campground. I went back to bed and woke up around 7:30 Sunday morning. Dann made us all a hearty breakfast of pancakes, which we all enjoyed. We sat around the breakfast table recalling everything we could to try to piece together the previous night.

We then went for a walk, watched a movie, and tried to relax. Everyone left around noon, happy that we spent this fun time together, but in no hurry to make it a yearly family event.

What do you mean it's March?!?

2009-03-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

O.K., this is not funny anymore. Time really needs to slow down. How did the first week of March come and go so quickly? Being that March is the best month of the year, and my birthday month, I am usually on top of the date.

Niki is back in the office, so work has slowed down a bit for me. I'm so happy because I am now able to concentrate on some marketing projects that have been waiting in the wings. I have created or completely revamped every procedure in the office. It has been hard work, but will pay off in the long run. The Martin girls and I are working well together, and we continue to always be on the same page. That is a success right there for any office setting.

Today my brother Jordan turns 21! I cannot believe that this day has come. A day where all of us (siblings) can go drink in public together, legally. I hope he has a safe birthday night in Chico. Tomorrow is Dann's birthday. He wants lemon cupcakes with vanilla frosting. Sounds good to me! The weather has been so beautiful, it will be nice to have a spring/summer cake to enjoy.

And of course...Monday is my birthday! I don't have any plans for the actual day other than working. Saturday we will be doing the big birthday celebration for the three of us. My sister Lulu, Jordan, his girlfriend Jackie, Dann, myself, and our friend John Zie are going wine tasting! It is one of the perks of living in Sonoma County!

More details to come!

Just When I Thought I Was Out...

2009-02-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

she pulls me back in!

This afternoon, I arrived home to find the current issue of W magazine. And I was excited to see Madonna on the cover. And then it hit me that I've seen a million ad's for this issue in the last few days, but paid them no attention. Lets just say that I haven't been the biggest Madonna fan these last few years. Don't get me wrong, I love her music and always will. I love her ever evolving style and look. I know she is an icon. But come on, that British accent was a bit much?!?!

Look at these photos! How could I have ever doubted my faith in Her Madgesty.

This one is my favorite. I love the vintage Dior suit in gray, the game of solitaire, the glass ashtray and matching cut-glass highball.

To see all of the photos, click here.

Almost a Week

2009-02-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I spewed my guts about my weight-loss plans for this year. Well, as per normal Sadie behavior I've made some changes.

I was at my niece Kayla's birthday on Tuesday night, and was telling Dann's mom about WW. The mother of one of Kayla's friends began to tell me about the Biggest Loser Club. It is a sight similar to WW, but much less processed food. And if you choose to follow a vegitarian menu, you are in luck! It gives you your menu everyday. No points, no Core rules. It is so much more my speed. They dont push any of their food on you. So far, it is working so well. I'm eating so much less and feeling fuller all day long.

Check it out if you get a chance!

Why does Time Fly?

2009-02-25T15:47:00.001-08:00

I always thought the old adage was "Time flies when you're having fun". Well, time in SadieLand is flying by, but I'm not having that much fun. I cannot believe that in three days March will be upon us. It seems the older I get, the faster times goes.

Things at work have been super busy, Niki out of the office and all. For the next two days, I will be by my lonesome. While it will be nice to have a quite office all to myself, I will miss having the back up support from Gelly and Nancy. Alas, they will be back Monday and Niki will be back from Bali on March 8th...so things will calm down soon.

Yesterday we celebrated Fat Tuesday with a ton of sweet treats at work. Go WW! (update on that soon!) It was fun, and I will say that my sweet tooth is full. For lent this year, I've given up candy. Last year it was cookies,cake and candy until my birthday rolled around. I will not sacrifice birthday cake for anyone or anything, sorry Jesus. So, candy it is. Plus, I figure that if I want cookies or some other baked good, I will have to put the work into actually making it. Thus, I wont because I'm too lazy.

Did anyone watch The Real Housewives of OC last night? It was the re-cap show and it was good! I just sit and watch and gasp at these daft women. I don't know if the peroxide has gone to their brain or what, but they are just dumb. Wait - they are dumb, mean, and stupid. Man I love them. I'm so glad that the second season of TRHNYC is on. I love the gals on this show. The only draw back is they filmed in the summer, so everyone is tan and looks so warm hanging out in the Hampton's. It makes me want winter to be over and summer to begin.

Rain rain, go away. Come again some other day!

Weight Loss 2009

2009-02-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

I've decided to join WW Online this morning. After much looking around at my kitchen and last weeks dinner menu, I realized that I need to put my eating habits in check. Just because Dann and I eat a vegetarian diet, does not mean that we eat well. At least once a week we split a large pizza and have Tofu Dogs and garlic fries. Why is it that during the winter, I have no craving for fruits and veggies? I know how to cook, and I cook very well. But the last month and a half, the last thing I want to do is cook. I just want to sit on the sofa and fall asleep.

NO MORE!

Last August I hit my highest weight of 176lbs. Now, I don't know if the people in my life were just being nice,but all I ever heard was "You don't even look that heavy, I thought you were like 150." I know that everyone holds their weight differently, and even at that weight, I was a size 12. My mom tells me that the women in our family just have heavy bones. Shyeah, right. This coming from a women who has cut arms and wears a size 4. But then she told me she was 145. (Sorry to post that mom).

I've overcome the stress and pressure that I have to fit in a weight bracket based on my height. This time, I'm doing it so I feel good and more comfortable in my clothes. Plus, as I keep heading to the big 3-0, I find that I gain and hold my weight differently that I did at 22 or 25. And it is getting hard to loose each year.

So here we go!

Today I'm 168lbs. My first hurdle is to lose 16 lbs, or 10%. Wow, 16lbs would put me at 152lbs. My height is 5'4, and according to "the powers that be" I should be 135 -148. But, I'm going to focus on that wonderful number of 152.

I, like my friend Emily, do not enjoy going to WW meetings. Because I don't eat fast food, drink sodas, and walk Dexter twice a day...I find it very hard to relate to the women who also attend these meetings. I need to work on my portion control, and eating better foods. I'm going to try the new Momentum program, and hope it works out well. The advantage I have is Dann is my #1 supporter. As long as there is no meat products in the food, he will eat it with me. And he has also agreed to be "ok" with me cooking meat in the house. Chicken and fish, here I come!

I'm also not a big fan of gym's. So I found a pilate's/yoga studio in town that has an awesome Beginners Special. $50 for 30 day all access. I've signed up, and hope to hit three classes a week for the next 4 weeks. I will also continue to walk Dexter because a) I'm a good parent and he loves walks, and b) our daily walks total 45-60 minutes of walking a day!

This blog of mine will most likely turn into a Weight Loss journal. But I'm sure I will continue to post the nonsense that makes up my world.

Wish me luck!

What?!?!?!?!

2009-02-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

I believe in making the world safe for our        
children, but not our children's children, because
I don't think children should be having sex       

- Jack Handey

Click here to understand why this quote is so true!

St. Valentine

2009-02-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

I want to wish everyone a most happy and sweet St. Valentines Day! Dann and I had a special "date-night" last night. We went to one of our most favorite restaurants, East West Cafe, and then to The Rev. Horton Heat show in Petaluma.

It was just the kind of night I love to spend with him. We had good food, great conversation, and heard some fun music. We got all "dolled" up for our special night, and I'd forgotten how fun it is to put on a cute outfit, do my hair and make-up, etc. We seldom go out on the town these days. I did try to put on some false eyelashes. I don't know how I wore these so many times?!?! I could get my right eye just fine, but my left eye did not want the falsies on it! So, instead of throwing a temper tantrum because I couldn't achieve my entire "look" for the evening, I shrugged my shoulders, said "eh" and put on my coat. Don't sweat the small stuff right?

Today I treated myself to a mani-pedi. While I was sitting in the big relaxing massage chair I realized that I had not had a pedicure since last August. This is a good thing. I use to get them ever two weeks. I calculated all the money I saved in my head and smiled. This smile gave the women who was giving me my pedicure the idea I wanted to talk. Dont think me too rude. I just dont like to talk in nail salons because I cannot hear a word these women say. It is the only time I think I am legally deaf and should go have a hearing test. They ask you a question in a low voice, and then say something to another person. I never know if they are talking to me or someone else. It is just too confusing for me. So, I brought in my new Domino issue to read.

However, there was a gal right next to me who had a lot to say about Octo-Mom. As do I. So she and I discussed our views on that whole story. I am trying not to be obsessed with it. I just get so mad because there are so many women in this world that would love to have a child and cant. And most of them try so many treatments...it just gets my goat!

After my mani-pedi treat, I went over to Whole Foods to get salad mixin's. After wondering every aisle and smelling every bubble bath they sell, I head to check out. A lady is behind me with two things of butter. I tell her she is more than welcome to go in front of me, because she has two items and I now have a hand basket full. She does. And then she only has a bit of money, not even enough to pay for one box of butter. Then it hits me. She is not homeless, but maybe a step up. She is wet from being out in the rain, doesn't smell too hot (but then I had just spent 20 minutes huffing bubble bath), and is just not in a good place. I tell the cashier, "just add it to mine" and he stares at me like I was speaking another language. I tried to act like it was nothing, because I didn't know if she would take offense to this gesture. So she turned and said "are you sure?" I said yes and she took her butter and left. The cashier than thanked me and said he usually only sees rude behavior and has never had this happen to him in the 10 years he has been working at Whole Foods. I said it was better to be kind than mean. How sad is it that people are shocked by this kind of behavior? Well, I hope that the Butter Lady passes it along and does something kind for someone less fortunate than her. We all have to be here together, so we might as well get along.

As I walked out to my car, I asked myself two questions: 1) Why was a homeless person shopping in Whole Foods, the most overpriced market in town? 2) What did she need butter for?

This Last Week Flew By!

2009-02-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

I didn't ever realize that it had been a week since I lasted posted. Just to update you all on the change rolling adventure, I had a total of $110.00 when all was said and done. I did go to the CoinStar kiosk at Lucky down the street. I walked out with $100 which I then took to Trader Joes and spent very easily. Dann and I will not go hungry!

So last Friday we took our first "official" office field trip to the movies. I know, I know. You totally wished you worked in the same office. Me and the Martin Ladies (minus Sophie) went to see 'He's Just Not That Into You' in the afternoon. I loved it. It was a cute sugar filled story. Nothing sad, just some good quips you can take home with you.

The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful. Until Sunday night. I made the delicious Door Sixteen Veggie Chili. Dann and I've decided that this will be our Sunday night dinner all winter. It is so easy and very tasty. Plus, this recipe makes a huge batch of the chili and you can have leftovers for another weeknight or lunch. After we finished dinner, I turned on the Grammys. I was so stoked to see that Robert Plant and Alison Krauss won so many awards. I love their album. It is one to have in your collection, no matter the style you prefer.

I woke up Monday morning to the news of Chris Brown and Rhianna. I'm still in shock and have nothing to say right now. My jaw just hits the floor when ever a new "detail" comes out on it. Monday night I made Valentine Cupcakes for Dann and the office. Check out the recipe here!

I will get some new photos of the house up soon.

Cha-Ching

2009-02-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

It must have been because I completed my 2008 taxes this week...I don't know what got into me. But when I got home this evening, I decided to count all of our change. Well, all of the silver monies, I leave the pennies. It just seems like too much work to count all of the pennies, with little reward (low $$$$).

So, I sat at Dann's desk and dumped all of our coin cups out. I like to count to quarters first, then the dimes. After that, I picked all of the pennies out of the pile and put them back into our coin cups. And, as you can figure, I count the nickles.

Here is the tally:

Quarters - $57.00
Dimes - $30.00
Nickles - $7.00

WOW! $94 just sitting around our house. I was so excited by the final dollar count, I almost counted the pennies. But then I wised up.

I don't have any of the coin roller things, so I have placed the counted coins in baggies. What can I say, I'm a classy broad. To go into the bank and ask is just too much for me to handle. I don't even remember the last time I went into the bank. With Direct Deposit and E-Billing, I just have no reason to. Plus, I always forget about this errand until I'm sitting at home in my p.j.'s.

I did a Google search on Coin Star thinking this may be the best route. I remember hearing that they take a % out of your total. Gasping all of my baggies to my chest, I decided that would not work for me. However, looking further into the site I found that you can get "gift card" for Amazon, Borders, Old Navy (to name a few). Sweeeettttt! There are a few items at Old Navy I've had my eye on.

So go on and count your change. Every penny counts!

One of the Best Movies You Haven't Seen

2009-02-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

Last night I found a new muse. He goes by the name Saleh Bakri. He is one of the many talented actors in The Band's Visit. A wonderful film about an Egyptian Police Band that travels to Israel to perform at the Arab Cultural Center.

Nothing exciting, too happy, or too sad happens in this film. And that is why I enjoyed it so. It is just one night in a "nothing" town. Showing the typical issues most people have. You must have a dry sense of humor to sit through the entire movie. As most of the laughs you will give are not from jokes or any action that is particularly funny. Your laughs will come from the way the characters sit, the looks they give each other, and the sentiments that are lost in translation.

While most of the film is in English, there are subtitles throughout. Give it a try, and walk away feeling like a better person.

Bizerkeley

2009-02-01T18:32:00.001-08:00

Saturday morning I met my friend Leslie in Berkeley for breakfast and shopping. We've come to the conclusion that 4th Street is the prefect half-way point for us to meet (she is in the south bay, I'm in the north). Now, it didn't take us long to reach this "map" decision. There were a few key factors. Like...

THEY OPENED A CB2!!!!!!

and...

IT IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CRATE AND BARREL OUTLET!!!!!

For those who didn't know, Leslie and I met eight years ago while working at Crate and Barrel Valley Fair. Which then turned into Crate and Barrel Santana Row. If you are reading this, and have ever worked at Crate, you will understand the loyalty you have to the brand, lifestyle, and friendships. I would not have survived moving to the Bay Area had it not been for Crate and my friends there.

Moving forward. We hit all of the great stores, our favorite for the day was Castle in the Air. We had a great breakfast at Betty's.

We then went to Ikea. Can you believe we made it out in less than an hour?!?! Man are we good. I bought some drapes for the living room. Dann put them up and I should have photos posted soon.

All in all, I had a great weekend and cant wait to do it again!

It's the Little Things

2009-01-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

While I was trawling around the blog world yesterday, I came across a great little decorating project via Apartment Therapy. Well, maybe it is less decorating and more organizing. However, I will be counting it as a Home Decorating project for the following reason: I have no idea what to do with this wall.

The back story: I have one wall in the living room that has a small coat closet, the doorway to the bedrooms, and a lovely wall heater. When we moved it, I put my Crate and Barrel Leaning Bookcase in the small empty space. I'm not loving it, the bookcase seems too small. I have no idea what to add (I don't want to move the bookcase because there is no other home for it right now). So, I've thought of adding some paint or wallpaper, but I just cant commit.

So this evening, I sorted all of the books on the shelf by color. I put everything back on the shelf and I must say that I really like to outcome. The color blocking adds a 'lil something where there was a big nothing.

Before

After

I still want to come up with a proper long-term solution for this wall. For now, I'm very happy!

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

2009-01-28T10:39:00.001-08:00

One of my daily emails from Martha Stewart Living was an awesome article from the recently closed Blueprint titled, 100 Reason to Get Rid of It. It has some fun facts about people and their clutter, as well as some great ideas on how to clean up your mess!

But I was sadly sidetracked once I saw today's post on SFGirlbyBay. DOMINO magazine is closing?!?!?! What!?!?!? This is my favorite magazine. So much a favorite that I received two subscriptions as gifts last month. I immediately went to the Domino website expecting to see a personal letter to me reassuring that while they will be closing their doors and shutting down production, my subscription will continue. But there was nothing out of the ordinary. So, I checked out a few of my favorite design blogs to see what I could find. What I found was not a straight answer. It seems that while so many wonderful shelter magazines have closed shop, Domino is only down 2%. Not enough to justify closing the magazine right now.

But, who knows what the future holds for shelter magazines. See the article from The New York Observer for the sorid details.

You're Only as Cool as Your Car

2009-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Last summer, while Dann and I still lived in the ghetto, we would randomly see this Volvo wagon drive around the neighborhood. Now, this was no ordinary Volvo wagon. It was a "low rider" Volvo V70. It had a roof spoiler, tinted windows, and was dropped to the ground. We LOVED seeing this car! We would laugh and laugh and talk about our dreams to someday make my little Volvo V40 a tricked out ride so I could represent the hood. Come on, really, who is going to look "hard" in a Volvo? I feel like a soccer mom in mine.

Since we've moved to our new neighborhood, we have not been fortunate to see this Volvo. We now live in the land of the Audi, Range Rover, and Subaru. But this morning, as I was driving to Peets, I saw a tricked out Volvo Wagon.

This was not just a tinted window, nice spoiler on your roof Volvo. This was a full on hand-painted Volvo. It was parked in the Cafe de Croissant parking lot, and I immediately turned in. I like a fresh Croissant in the morning. I had to have a closer look at this marvelous car. It was orange, with two think pinstripes of blue and purple just below the window line. The windows were tinted black, and it had all of these crazy graffiti stickers on them. I tried to read what the back winder sticker said, but I'm just not cool enough to speak graffiti. I think it said 'Charger'. Who knows?

I went into the cafe and gave everyone in line a once over. I knew I would be able to find the person who was lucky enough to drive such a wonderful car. But no dice. Everyone in there looked the same. I was so mad! I wanted to know who the driver was.

When I got to work, I did my research. I thought that these tricked out Volvo's must be the new rage in the 2 Fast 2 Furious world. Being a devout Volvo owner, my street cred just went up on the hard streets of Santa Rosa. But again, no dice.

So, if you see an awesomely tricked out Volvo wagon, take a photo! It is my new passion to collect as much info on this scene as I can.

Back in Action

2009-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

After what seemed like a mild head cold turned into a flu-like sinus infection, I am back in the world. The past two weeks have been some of the most miserable moments of my life. Let me break it down for you:

Week 1: I start to feel a dull ache in my right ear. I go to sleep early, drink lots of fluids and think I have beat any sort of illness. Two days later, I feel stuffy and dry in my head at the same time. Chalking it up to a cold, I leave work early on Wednesday and rest. Thursday I feel a millions times better, again thinking I have won this war. Friday rolls around and I feel sluggish. Saturday is my best friend Steff's birthday, and she is having a party in Santa Cruz. I missed her birthday last year, so I must head south for the night. I pop a Sudafed and hit the road. Due to some unfortunate events, we get lucky and have a girls night out. Nothing too crazy. I fall asleep only to awaken at around 2 AM tossing the proverbial "cookies". I think to myself, "I did have one too many cocktails, best to get it out of my system now." No dice. I proceed to wake up every hour or so to throw up. I cant move. I'm stuck in Steff's bed feeling like death rolled over me a dozen times. Steff and Jenn make me soup and pour me big glasses of 7Up. By some miracle, by 3 PM I no longer feel nausea and drive home as fast as I can.

Week 2: I get about 30 minutes south of home, and have a shooting pain in my left ear and my throat swells up. I cant swallow, and begin to cry in excruciating pain. I pull over and call Dann. After his wonderful reassurance, I calm myself and get back on the road. All I want to do is get home. I make it home by the grace of God. I take a gallon of NyQuil and pass out. Monday is no better. I still cannot swallow. I cannot stop coughing, and my ear has never hurt so bad. I go into work, only to be told to go home and get better. I lay on the sofa all day, completely out of it for the next two days. I survive on broth and tea. *Bonus, I lost 4 lbs.* I finally pull myself off of the sofa and go back to work. These were the longest days. It hurt to talk, and I work in a very talkative office. Wednesday and Thursday nights, I have emotional melt downs and cry uncontrollably. The only thought in my stuffy, aching head is that I will never get better. But, yesterday morning I woke up with bright eyes and bouncy hair. I felt as if I had never been sick at all. I was cured.

Was it all in my mind. Did the last two weeks not even happen? Was it all just a bad dream? I don't know, or care. All I know is that while I feel a million times better, I am going to stay on my self medicated healing path. I don't want another turn for the worse!

Head Cold vs. Heat Wave

2009-01-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Today I am finally starting to feel better. I have been down and out the last few days with a terrible head cold that came outta nowhere. It began last Friday with an earache and sore throat. So, I took it easy this weekend and felt alright.

However, I woke up Monday morning feeling like the Death Valley had been placed in my nasal passage. I stopped at the market on the way into work and stocked up on nasal spray, throat drops, and throat spray. I barely made it through the day, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep, so Dann went out to the store and bought me some NyQuil! What a good man!

Yesterday I woke up and knew I wasn't going to make it. So I drove into work for a couple house, got everything on my "to-do" list done and left. I was so spacey that I dont even remember driving home. But I made it to the sofa. So, I slept and drank lots of fluids all afternoon. Dann gave me some more NyQuil and I zonked out. I slept through the night and felt much better this morning. My throat no longer is sore. I'm still stuffy, but at least now when I blow my nose something comes out (sorry, gross I know).

Oh Benicio!

2009-01-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, Benicio Del Toro was on the Howard Stern Show to promote his new film, Che. May I just say...SWOON! I have always had a huge crush on him. I cannot even begin to put into words how handsome I think he is. I would have to say that he is one of my Top 3 heart-thobs. And his interview just made me want to love him even more. Why?!?! Because the man reads a lot and is smart! Talk about intellectually stimulating.

I don't know why, but I have a "thing" for actors that are a little off looking. This list includes John Turturro, Steve Buscemi, and Paul Schnieder. I love dark hair and a weird nose I guess.

Pop Culture Catch Up

2009-01-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Whew! So far this week has been super busy for me. I am so happy to be back in the 9 to 5 world, but it leaves me little time to trawl online and watch all of my shows! And, let me tell you...there is some wonderful TV right now.

So let me begin:

Rock of Love 3: OMG, I am in heaven! I never really got into Season 1, but I was addicted to Season 2 (Go Daisy). I can tell after this weeks premier episode, that Season 3 will be awesome. I don't know where they find these vapid women?!?! As of this moment, I am routing for Marcia, the Brazilian girl. And this is only because in a season preview, she is shown holding a large bottle of Patron in one hand, and with her other hand she is "scolding" the bottle and saying "You're going dooowwwwnn!".

Real Housewives of Orange County 4: I am so not happy with the show. It is so boring. I love Gretchen, she is super cute and sweet. I love the dresses she wears, but that is where it ends. All of the women are lame. And might I add that they are all looking pretty darn old. Oh wait, they are. These women are in their 50's!!!! I know that this show was way successful, but I think the boat has sailed on the O.C. I cant wait for New York and Atlanta to come back. I think just for kicks Bravo should have The Real Housewives of Omaha.

The City: Can I say "hook, line, and sinker"? I have always loved Whitney. When she was on The Hills, I thought she was the most real out of that whole crew and loved that she had such a great work ethic. I was a bit shocked that she took on the responsibility of having her own show, staring her. I thought Spenser and Heidi would have a spin off before anyone. I claim that Olivia Palermo chick as my new arch Nemesis. She is evil and looks like a darker version of Heidi. I had to look her up after the first episode because I wanted to know her story. Ummm, she is working now because her pops cant pay for her "social" lifestyle I guess. She is full of it, but I can't wait to see what the back story is between her, Jay, and the rest of the "Downtown" peeps!

You may wonder how one has so much time to watch all of these shows, maintain a cute house, work full time, have a great relationship, and walk the dog. And I don't blame you. Here is the trick: record the programs if you can, and watch them really early in the morning while you drink coffee. It works in my house because Dann is either still asleep or at work. Thus, no one to complain about my shows. Also, recording really helps because you can fast forward through the commericals. If I didn't have that option, I probably wouldn't watch these shows. I usually flip thru the channels during commerical breaks.

Game Night

2009-01-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Our friends Bob and Dot hosted a game night at their home last night, and it was a great turnout! They picked a good mix of people (some we knew well, some we met for the first time), and a game that not one of us had ever played: Things.

The general idea is that the 'Reader' gives a question, and all players write an answer on a slip of paper. The 'Reader' then reads all of the answers, and you have to guess who wrote the answer. That being said, it was kinda hard because most answers consisted of Paul and Bob's pink thongs. (Note: I'm not sure why either? I guess I didn't get the joke).

I hope that Bob and Dot decide to have another Game Night!

Now What?

2009-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve came and went. I'm not sure what I thought or wanted to happen, but everything seems exactly the same, I just have to remember to write 2009 on my checks.

I should tell you that 2009 has brought some fun stuff so far...like a ton of new blogs that I cannot stop reading. Check out DoorSixteen! I found this via SF Girl By The Bay, and an now hooked on the renovations of Anna and Evans home. I love her style and creativity!

I have also learned of MakeupAlley.com. This is a truly magical site that lets you read user reviews on almost every beauty product ever made! Being the packaging whore that I am, I love that you can rate the products packaging design! Genius! I will now go to this site for all questions I have on products. One of my goals for 2009 is to buy smart in this department. I am sick of having a dozen half-empty bottles of lotion in my cupboard. And I really don't need three makeup bags. It should all be able to fit into one, right?

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

Well, 2008 is coming to a close and I've had plenty of time the last few weeks to reflect on what it has brought me.

A wonderful relationship with a man I love so much

A great job with Restoration Hardware
A layoff that taught me all about unemployment and how much I love to work
A new puppy that has made me look outside of my own issues
Friends new and old. I hope to continue keeping up with everyone!
A new job that is just what I want; Monday - Friday, business hours, close to home, and room to grow.

I'm not sure what I want in 2009 yet. But no matter what, I wish everyone the best. I hope that all of our dreams and goals become reality this year.

Cheers!

Last Week Off

2008-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

I have never been more happy or looked forward to going back to work as much as I am right now! I start with Sonoma Cattle next week, and I cannot wait. It will be so nice to have a routine and a place to go everyday. I cannot tell you how much I dislike staying at home. On a positive note, I am glad that this "down" time was during the holiday season. That was pretty cool.

I am a bit nervous about Dexter. He has been doing so well while I've been home, and I'm not sure how he will react to me gone for 8 hours a day. Since it is winter, Dann works less and is home more.

But back to me. I am self admitted TV-aholic. I love TV. I flip through the channels with a glint in my eye. I can always find something to watch, and it is usually something that no one else wants to see.

However, I am sick of TV! Not my weekly shows on Bravo (and MTV, "THE CITY" is my new drug), or the Law & Order re-runs on USA and TNT. And then there is my new favorite "The Flight of the Conchords" on HBO. It is the day time TV I cannot stand any longer. I don't like talk shows or soaps. So there goes 75% of programing. And Comcast OnDemand isn't so great when you look at the movie list every three hours. And I've tried, but can no longer watch Sex and the City. That boat has sailed. So what am I left with you wonder? The only shows I can seem to tolerate during the day are on the Style Network. "Clean House", "The Dish", and "Who's Wedding is it Anyway?".

So, cheers to me on the new job. And cheers to hoping that I once again enjoy TV to its fullest. All 750 channels!

2008-12-29T09:46:00.001-08:00

Winter Fresh

2008-12-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over (for the most part), and I have started my Winter Cleaning! Yesterday I re-organized my closet and got all of my clothes in order. I then vacuumed and shampooed the carpets in the bedroom, drum room and hall. Thank goodness Dann's mom let us use her carpet cleaner. It is my new favorite cleaning tool for the moment.

I will take down the tree New Years day per Dann's request. But if it were up to me, that sucker would have been out of here last week. I think I will start to put all of the other decorations away. I am craving a crisp, neat, and clean house. I want to have all of my closets, drawers, and hiding spots organized for the new year. I guess you could say that I'm in a purging mood and not wanting to hold onto any junk.

This attitude has led me to my 2009 Resolution, live a simple life. These are the mini-resolutions that I will used daily to meet my larger goal:

I will continue to keep mementos that are special, but I will put them in their designated box right away. I wont leave baskets and old pie dishes around the house to "hold" all of our clutter.
I will keep all of our spare change rolled and accounted for. ( I counted our change last night...we had over $52).
I will make all birthday, holiday, and thank you cards. On January 1st, I will take the Handmade Pledge.
I will move to a paperless bill paying system.
I will clean my closets every quarter and donate the items that I don't wear.
I will not buy any DVD's or CD's. I have Netflix and iTunes...this is all I need.
I will sweep my front porch every day.
I will not wear shoes in the house. Slippers only. * I already have to sweep daily because of the animals *
I will cook more whole and healthy foods. And we will eat the leftovers.
I will be smart about my grocery shopping.

A simple life...if only it were that easy!

A Great Christmas

2008-12-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

I must say that this was one of my favorite Holiday Seasons! Even though I've been spending too much time with the dog at home, I was very relaxed this year. I had all of my shopping done early, had plenty of time to wrap gifts, was able to attend all family functions, and bake to my hearts content.

Dann and I have a wonderful home that we decorated with lights and a tree. We were able to have a Poker night at our house, and tonight we will end all of the festivities with his family over at our house to have dinner and open gifts!

I am ready for the new year, and cannot wait to see what great things 2009 hold for everyone. Things could always be worse, but I refuse to play into the hype and will stay positive and up beat.

I will enjoy the rest of the year (with Dann off until January) with my family at home.

Happy Sadie & Dann Day

2008-12-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Today is mine and Dann's one year anniversary! It was on this date last year we had our first date, and fell in love at first sight!

For our first date, Dann drove to Walnut Creek to pick me up. We then went to Jack London Square in Oakland and had a great sushi dinner at Yoshi's. After a fun dinner where I couldn't shut up, we saw The Charlie Hunter band play. It was during this concert that I kissed Dann first! Just a quick kiss on the lips, but our first kiss all the same.

After dinner and the show, we went back to my apartment in Walnut Creek and talked into the night.

And that is the rest of the story!

Here are my five most favorite things about Dann:

1) He makes me laugh everyday
2) He attends every Boggs/Ash family function with me
3) When he thinks I'm not looking, he holds Dexter like a baby
4) He makes me coffee in the French Press
5) Everyday he tells me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me!

Happy Anniversary Dann! I love you so much!

Why Not?

2008-12-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today I received Skinny Bitch Boot Camp in the mail. For those of you not in the know, Skinny Bitch is the meanest diet book ever!

So, I thought I would give one of the DVD's a try. And I must say it is pretty good. My arms and legs were sore after I was done, but I didn't get too worn out. I'll keep the DVD for another few days and then send it back to Netflix.

Also, because I'm feeling so healthy, I thought I would give the Lemon Cleanse a whirl. This is the one where you mix lemon juice, water, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper together and chug. I must say that it is not that bad.

I have nothing else going on during the day, so why not get healthy?

Holiday Poker Night

2008-12-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a ton of fun. Everyone made it! We had lots of yummy snacks, beer, pizza, and treats. The mini-quiche was the favorite.

Poker was played.

While Rose and I watched...
and Austin slept and Gannon played on the computer

Once everyone left, all the wine caught up with me and Dexter and I fell asleep on the sofa.

Fa la la la

2008-12-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

There can be no excuses. All tasks on my list must be completed by this afternoon. I must bust some bum to get it done.

Tomorrow night we are having Dann's friends over for Poker Night. This event is usually held at John Zie's house. We thought it would be nice to have everyone over to our home this time, not only so they can play poker, but so they may finally see our house.

We moved in at the end of August. All of Dann's friends live in town. You would think that it would have happened earlier, but no. Dann wouldn't even give our address to his friends because he didn't want them to "stop by". "They have no reason to be in this neighborhood" I believe were the words that came out of his mouth.

Well, all I know is I'm excited to entertain! I'm in a bit of a panic because I cant find my Christmas Dishes, but I don't think anyone will notice.

So, off I go to scrub the house. Then, I have a million errands to run to prep for the party. Why must I have all of this done today when the guest wont be here until tomorrow night?!?! Well, I really want to go to the PCM (Petaluma Craft Mofia) Holiday Craft Fair. It will be awesome!

So like a good girl, I must have all of my chores done!

Today Will Be a Good Day

2008-12-11T07:55:00.001-08:00

Last night I ventured out into the cold December air. My mission: get coffee.

So even though I was feeling sick, stuffy, and achy I made it out of the house and into the Safeway shopping center 2 blocks away.

Not only did I get coffee for my morning ritual, but I bought bread and cheese for Dann's lunch.

To reward my awesome behavior, I went to Coldstone and bought some yummy ice cream. Did I mention I have a sore throat. *Cough, Cough*

“The man who goes alone can start today;"

2008-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

I always know I'm going to have a hard day when I don't start my morning with a cup of joe. This wonderful morning drink is especially important on cold days. This morning, there was ice covering everything, and the thermometer said that it was a toasty 32 outside. Buuuurrrrrr.

I knew yesterday that I needed coffee, but I was too lazy and in my own head to go to the market and buy some. My personal mantra for 2009..."JUST DO IT SADIE". I can be such a go getter when it comes to the big things in life. But give me a mundane task, like buying coffee and bread, I'm a freak. It's not that I cant leave my house, I just seem to find more important things to do, like update my blog. And then I get really sad because I just want a cup of coffee when I wake up in the morning.

I wake up around 5:30, start the coffee pot, make Dann's lunch, and feed the animals. Dann is out of the house by 6 AM, and I am left to my own devised.

I will sit on the sofa, drinking coffee, watching whatever TV programs I recorded from the night before. These include, RX Party at the Hard Rock, Real Housewives of Orange County and Whatever Martha. If there are no TV programs, I will browse the movies on Comcast InDemand.

Then around 8:30, I check my email. No one else is up and going at this time. So nothing in my web-world has changed. So, I call my mom. She is the only other person who is up as early as me. To us, 8:30 is about noon. So we will gab about nothing and everything.

This is where my day gets hard. Normally, after my call to Stephie-Love, Dexter and I would go for our walk. But the last few days it has been too cold in the morning. So, that bumps the walk to about 3 PM.

Now, I try to get the following done between 9-12: dishes, laundry, clean kitchen counters, clean bathroom, and mop and sweep. Friday's I will go all out and vacuum, bleach every surface, mop, and steam clean all of the tile in the bath and kitchen.

Once all of my chores are done, the day seems to go faster. I find a crafty project to do, re-fold all of the clothes in my dresser...fun stuff like that. Every now and again my friend Paul will be online in the late afternoon. 4 PM for me is about midnight for him. So, he doesn't last very long. But it is always good to visit. I sometimes get lucky and have a chat with Heather, who is in the same time zone as me.

By 5, Dann is home and it is game on. Christmas lights go on and dinner goes in the oven (so to speak). By 7, we are done with dinner and again, I'm sitting on the sofa while Dann is at the computer. Last night was a great night, we watched Step Brothers and laughed so hard, I had tears rolling down my checks.

But, on a normal night I fall asleep on the sofa before 9...dreaming of what tomorrow will bring.

Another Productive Day...

2008-12-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

Black socks they never get dirty

They longer you wear them,

the darker they get.

Sometimes I think I should wash them,

but something inside me keeps saying

not yet!

Not yet, not yet, not yet.

To follow my friend Jules, I thought I would post a "favorite". I love American Apparel thigh-high socks. They keep your legs warm during the winter, and just look cool. I now have a dozen pairs of these wonderul foot sweaters, and crave more! Maybe purple will be the next color.

Really, who cares that they may look silly when worn with shorts.

Sadie Sunshine!

2008-12-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

I love that my mail comes in the morning. Because today I received a great package from my sister and Phil. They sent me LUSH product. What more could a girl ask for?!?!?! I love this company more than one should. It doesn't matter what the items is, as long as it is from Lush, I will love it.

So, a public thank you to Laurel and Phil for such a wonderful surprise. It is such a treat and I cant wait to take a shower and use the goodies! Thank you, thank you, thank you!