Merry Christmas!

I finally got my Dala Horse!!!

This year has been good to me for the most part. My family is still healthy and we are happy. I've faced some personal challenges but I'm hopeful for 2011. I'm so grateful for what I have, including my dear friends and a good job, and I count my blessings every day.

Merry Christmas and lots of love from me to you!

San Francisco - my 27 hour trip (photo heavy)

I didn't have much time in San Francisco with Tasha and Kori, but the time I did have sure was fun!

11am
Took the train to San Francisco and arrived at about 11am. Caltrain wasn't bad.


Cabbed it to the Hotel Nikko, just about a block off of Union Square. Ideal location and a nice room, albeit a little small.



1120am
Picked up my compadres and off we went to the expo, but not before getting cupcakes from Cako, which was so great and next door to our hotel!



12pm
Walked about a mile and half to the Ferry Building to finally try the acclaimed Hog Island Oyster Company - grilled cheese sandwiches, oysters, clam chowder, and champagne. I mean, come on. This was so fantastic.







1pm
We took the shuttle to our Race Expo, because oh, I forgot, that's why we came to San Francisco - for the San Francisco Half Marathon.





About 3pm:
After spending a few hours there, we headed back to the Union Square area for a little bit of shopping before dinner. San Francisco is really beautiful, the buildings are so gorgeous, and the weather was absolutely perfect for all that walking.



How much did Forever 21 pay to get this address?! 21 Market Street, zomg.



5pm:
We were tired and hungry. I had personally been up since about 530AM so I was pooped. We went to dinner at Johnny Foley's Irish House across the street from our hotel. YUM! The pasta had gorgonzola cheese and pesto, fish & chips, sheperds pie - CRY at how tasty it was.

Some ADVENTUROUS squid!



630pm:
Back to the hotel for some girl talk and bed!

4am:
Up and at'em! Gotta get ready for the race!

520am:
At the start line (Bay Bridge in the background!)


11am:
Race deetz in a separate post. After we finished, we headed back to the hotel to shower up before cruising to Union Square for some FUN! But first, lunch at Johnny Foley's again. HEY - after 13.1 miles and a whole lot of chaos, we didn't want to go too far.




1pm:
Union Square!



Love these girls!

Showing my yellow!


Ok maybe I was delirious but when I saw this heart I wanted to cry.




BARBIES!


I <3 you Barbie.




2pm:
Sigh. Back to hotel to take the Bart to the airport to come home. Such a great trip, fabulous company. I love these moments with my friends and am so grateful to have them.

And that, folks, is my 27 hour trip to San Francisco. I'm one efficient bitch.

Another deep post

It's not a big secret that I love bad food. I can't help it. So when Ralph's had Banquet meals on sale for SIXTY-NINE CENTS, I couldn't resist picking up a few, among other things that I love.



(I have no idea who this kid is, btw)


Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches.


I'm kind of into nail polish right now. A brand I love is Sally Hansen - the Insta-Dri line. One coat and it dries super quick. And it's so cheap at like $4 or $5 a bottle.


What I'm reading - I like it so far!


A new dish I really loved. Healthy and so tasty! I can't wait to make it for myself. Curried Tofu Salad. Recipe from Eat Me, Delicious, here: http://www.eatmedelicious.com/2009/01/curried-tofu-salad.html


Foundation. I've been using Revlon Colorstay for a few months and I have to say it's great. But not as great as Makeup Forever HD. Even this cheapskate will admit that you get what you pay for as far as foundation. Revlon is a bargain at $13ish versus Makeup Forever's $45ish pricetag, but I'm ok with it after seeing the difference. Makeup Forever just has much better staying power.



That's all for now!

Why, hello there Second Ass

I freaking hate it when I let myself get to a point like the one I'm at right now. I feel gross. Look, I don't need compliments and I swear I'm not fishing for any. I just FEEL OFF. I know I've been eating and drinking without abandon, and I'm paying the price for it.

Well, it has GOT TO STOP. So, I've taken a few steps towards getting to a better place, physically.

So, I'm going to make it a point to start eating *better*. And really cutting down on alcohol consumption.

I will be training for a July 25th half marathon so I can get that stinking medal I want so badly. It's huge. So neat. And I've already done 2 out of the 3 races I need to qualify. SF is the last.

I bought a weight scale!


I also joined OC Kickboxing in Irvine. WEWWWWT! I'm really excited! We use real bags and gloves and everything!

My Weekend Haul

I never do this. Right? I mean I hardly buy myself clothes. But I caught a case of the Want-sies since so many of my buddies were talking about all of their Target finds.

Yes people, Target. What?

And Forever 21. Omg - did you know that F21 has a line called Love 21 Contemporary that is supposed to be all sophisticated and stuff? I was shocked!

Some goodies I picked up:

From Target - $6.26 on clearance. Shockingly comfortable.


I'm not one for pleather bags but I found this so cute, I couldn't resist. $30! F21


Ruffle top - $15.


Ruffle top/shell for under suits or a cardy. Forever 21 $15.50!!!


F21 top - $7.50 - I couldn't believe it. I know I need a touch of color so I said what the hell.


More ruffles. Same top from F21 in a different color. I suspect a few of my readers know exactly who I was channeling on this shopping trip.


My arms make me cry. Bonus points if you can spot my bedside margarita cup and a certain 4 legged creature in this picture.


Looks nice, huh?!


And the moment you've all been waiting for. Uh huh. You know what I'm talkin about sister.