What Have You Done for Me Lately?

I'm obsessed with the show Chelsea Lately (that is, if I can hold my eyes open that late at night). The show is hosted by Chelsea Handler, who is so hilarious. It takes a real sense of humor to relate to hers, and I just love it! She is so dry and raunchy, despite her pulled together sophisticated look. I think what I love most about her show is she says exactly what I'm thinking...and doesn't care who she offends. I'm anxious to read her latest book, "Are You There Vodka, It's Me, Chelsea," but I've been on the library waiting list for approx. 2 months now.

What Are You Thankful For?

The holidays are always an easy time to reflect on the things we're most thankful for, especially at Thanksgiving. So, what are you thankful for? I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, my supportive family, my Southern in-laws, my funny "hairy children," my amazing friends, my job, my cozy condo, my trusty Tahoe, my full fridge, and more!

Remember, there are too many less unfortunate people out there who don't have the luxury of family, friends, a job, a home, a car or food. So, if you think your lives are tough during this recession, just imagine what your life would be like without any of these things we oftentimes take forgranted too easily.

Be thankful for what you have, not disappointed for what you don't.

25% off Vans Shoes and Apparel This Thursday

This Turkey Day (Thursday only), if you purchase any shoes or apparel from the Vans website, you'll get a 25% discount. You might also get free shipping, but I'm not quite sure on the details of that. Just enter code THXINSTOCK08 for standard shoes/apparel. For anyone who orders custom shoes, enter code THXCUSTOMS08.

Happy Shopping!

I Wanna Do Bad Things With You

Get your minds out of the gutter! My subject line is in relation to the theme song for HBO's True Blood. The season finale was last night, which means the new series isn't coming back until summer! BOO!! Between the Stephanie Meyer books and this series, I've obviously developed a weird attraction to everything vampire :)

Haircut

So I think I'm ready for a change...in my hair, that is. A couple of months ago I chopped off a few inches, but I'm yearning for something new and fresh. Since I'm a Leo, I'm always very sensitive when it comes to my hair, so I think I'm going to try something similar to this picture. It doesn't appear to take a lot of time to manage, which is very important to me. Plus, it has dimension. Wish me luck. Come tomorrow at 2:15, I could be shedding a tear...good or bad :)

Gimme Gimme Mo Gimme Mo

Last night, I went to the new Bev Mo that opened up in Ladera Ranch, and I was overwhelmed with excitement. It's like I was at an adult-version of Disneyland! Since I love wine so much, I always enjoy cruising the aisles to find some great bargains on my favorites. Right now, select wines are buy one, get the second for five cents. Although the sale applies to lesser known wines, it's still a great way to get two bottles to take to holiday parties, give as gifts, etc. Personally, I had to buy an Australian Chardonnay for a wine tasting party this weekend, so it was great to take advantage of this bargain! It's also good to know that they carry some of my preferred Paso Robles wines, just in case I run out before my next trip up north. Is it wrong to be in love with a store?

Angels Merchandise 30% Off

Tomorrow only (11/19) until 11:59 p.m., the Angels website is offering 30% off everything in their online store. There's isn't a special code or anything. The discount will be reflected in your shopping cart.

I don't know about you, but I'll be picking up a few Christmas gifts for friends and family at that price!

Good Times with Great Friends

Last night, Lee and I hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner for our "neighbors." The reason I say "neighbors" is only 3 of them still live in our 'hood, while the other 4 used to. Despite that, we had a great dinner, courtesy of an easy recipe I pulled from Real Simple Magazine, as well as an intense poker game. Not to mention wine, wine and more wine!

At times, we find ourselves going months without seeing each other (even our next door neighbors), and last night was a good reminder that friends and family are what keep us going strong. Especially in these economic times, we have to remember that a lot of what's going on today is out of our control and we have to enjoy life on a daily basis. Last night was no exception! I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful circle of family and friends who impact my life in different ways.

Let's remember that it shouldn't always take a special ocassion to connect with those we love!

Dear Santa

For those of you with extensive families, our family has used this GREAT "Dear Santa" website for many years and I thought I'd share it with you. It's an online wish list called Wishzilla, which we actually use year-round. We post gift ideas for Christmas, birthdays, etc. You can "lock" other people's items (but they can't see what's locked, because that would spoil the surprise), so others don't purchase the same gift. It definitely cuts down on our family's e-mail time, and it's super easy to navigate. Give it a try! It's really neat!

Roll Tide!!

This is a shout out for my husband, who was in agony this Saturday watching his Alabama Crimson Tide barely squeak out a win against LSU. Here's to 10-0! ROLL TIDE, BAMA!!

The Crime at The Roxy

I'm proud to report that the band my brother is in, The Crime, had a ROCKIN' show last weekend at The Roxy...yes, you heard it - the world-famous Roxy in Hollywood! Although it was a long drive from Trabuco Canyon, it was worth it! They get better and better every time we see them play.

I know I'm biased, because he's my brother, and all his band mates are like my little brothers, but I just can't help but to be super excited for them. Of course, they have to act cool and pretend that The Roxy is just another gig, but inside I know they were beyond stoked!

Congrats Karl, Tim, Josh, Brady and Ulises! Great to see you guys doing what you love!

Unbelievable

Today, I filled up my Tahoe's gas tank for $60, which is unbelievable! I hope it continues to stay this way or keep going down. I can't afford the costs we experienced this summer, where I was filling up for $110/week...not to mention my husband having to do the same thing for his lifted truck. I'll take a $60 fill-up any day! I feel bad for people who had to fill-up multiple times a week, as well as filling up their river toys (boats, jet skis, etc.)!

Did You Rock Your Vote?

I hope that everyone reading my blog today took time out of their day to VOTE! Whether you agree or disagree with the outcome, at least know that you're making your voice heard. No matter what, you can tell your children and grandchildren that you voted in an election where our country nominated the first African-American President or woman Vice President. We are so lucky as Americans to have the right to vote. This process should never be considered an inconvenience. If you think it's an inconvenience, move to a country where someone else decides your vote for you or if you're a woman, you don't even have the right to vote at all. Imagine that!!

Oh, and by the way - if you don't vote, you can't complain. You lose your right to complain when you don't take advantage of your right to make your voice heard!

ROCK YOUR VOTE! You have until 8:00 tonight. The countdown is on...

RockNRolla ROCKS!

Once again, my favorite director, Guy Ritchie, doesn't disappoint with his newest movie, RockNRolla. I've been waiting for this movie FOREVER! I would've gone opening night, but that was Halloween, so I had to settle for last night.

I fell in love with his movie making style, and British "thug" plots many years ago with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, which was then enhanced with his next movie, Snatch. It's been a long time in the making, but RockNRolla was Guy Ritchie movie making at its finest. A Guy Ritchie "virgin" might find it hard to follow with all the sub-plots, but being an experienced Guy Ritchie enthusiast, the movie played out seamlessly and was very witty. I might have even found a new replacement for my Snatch love, Jason Statham, and that is Gerard Butler, who is one of the leads in RockNRolla. It must be that Scottish accent. Oh, baby. Personally, I think Guy Ritchie is one of the best out there. You can watch the movie trailer here. I can't wait for the sequel (OOPS...I hope I didn't spoil it for anyone)!!!!!!