Softsoap

Found a new favorite and wanted to share it - Softsoap Classics Hand Soap. At only $1.50 or less per bottle, why not have a different scent at every sink within the house? My favorites are Black Raspberry & Vanilla and Milk Protein & Honey, but you can also choose from Lavender & Chamomile, Antibacterial, Juicy Melon, Pink Grapefruit and Soothing Aloe Vera.

It's Almost Time

...for the OC Fair! Yeah, that's right - I love some good 'ol fashion fair food and fun. This year, the fair is being touted as a SUPER FAIR, because it's lasting about a month (compared to two weeks in years past).

If you're a fair fanatic like me, you might want to consider investing in the Super Pass for $25, which allows you admission to all 23 days of the fair. It's definitely worth the investment if you plan on going more than 2 times, because regular admission is $10. By purchasing the Super Pass, you're also entitled to 2-for-1 concert tickets at the Pacific Amphitheatre for select shows.

Fair dates are July 10 - August 9 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays).

Impossible

Over the weekend, I was reading an article in which someone was trying to describe the impossible. There are many things in each of our lives in which we would equate with "impossible;" however, imagine my surprise at the author's answer: You want to know what impossible is? Try to describe a color to a blind person.

With color, there is no shape, so there is nothing a blind person can touch and feel to associate themselves with.

So, how would you describe blue? or red? or green? You couldn't possibly equate those colors to an object (ocean, fire truck, grass), because that person will have never seen that object.

Think about that for a minute. How would you describe a color to a blind person? I've thought about it all weekend, and I think that this is the most perfect example of impossible.

You Go Girl?!

What is the world coming to? Don't know that I'm quite on board with this invention, although I do appreciate the ingenuity, because, we've all been in some questionable restroom situations before. I have a sample here in the office if anyone wants to be my guinea pig. Anyone? Bueller?

I Don't Get It...

Maybe I'm not as sentimental as most, but I don't get the fascination with affixing an "In Memory Of" sticker on the back of your car window? Also, I tend to notice that most of these stickers aren't mourning the loss of a 95-year-old grandparent who lived a full life, rather, more tragic circumstances of young adults and children who passed well before their time.

I guess I don't understand why someone would want to be constantly reminded of these untimely deaths every time they looked in their rear view mirror or loaded groceries into their trunk?

I do understand that everyone grieves and heals in their own way, but I can't help to feel that this is a bit morbid. It seems like it would be hard to ever move on...or maybe these people can't move on?

Coastal Home Services

It's probably about time that I post something about my husband's company, Coastal Home Services. Geez, it's only been close to a year and I haven't mentioned it once - what a great wife I am (sorry, honey!)

Designed to cater to homeowners-on-the-go, as well as busy realtors, Coastal Home Services is unique in that no job is too small. From basic carpentry and drywall repair, to more complex projects, including tiling and stonework, Coastal Home Services' broad range of expertise makes them a one-stop shop for home improvement services.

So, if you're looking to enhance the look and value of your home, maintaining a rental property or simply listing a residence for sale, contact Coastal Home Services for convenient home improvement solutions at an affordable price.

Amazing Find

Last week, my boss and I were called to a potential new business meeting in Laguna Beach by a woman who owns a candle making shop, named Pure Light Celebrations. All I can say is I hope we get the business, because this shop was amazing and I'd be so excited to help market her business!

From the do-it-yourself candle making to the eclectic home decor and much more, I was delighted to be introduced to such a cool shop! During our visit, we learned the heartwarming story of how Pure Light was founded and discovered that she's opening a similar store in the Irvine Spectrum at the end of the month.

The company also has a separate, custom candle company called Candle Bouquet, which sells very unique and personalized candles for any occasion.

So, if you're in Laguna Beach or Irvine Spectrum, make sure you stop by Pure Light Celebrations to create a candle that's made just for you!

Anthropologie Aprons

I love, love, love Anthropologie's kitchen aprons! Well, I love everything Anthropologie, but it's definitely a "splurge" store vs. a "save" store. I've pretty much worn my current apron out and looking for a new design. I'm going to have a tough time picking a new favorite.

How Did I Miss This?

I'm not big on Public Access television, which is probably why I missed this series' debut, but I'm certainly looking forward to Season Two (maybe I should try out for the show!).

Set in Paso Robles, The Winemakers plunges a diverse group of 12 men and women head first into one of the most uniquely challenging and rewarding professions in the world: the business of making wine.

Yummy Recipe

Last night, our neighbors had us over for an AMAZING dinner - Pork Wellington. It's a slight departure from the traditional dish, Beef Wellington, but it's just as savory. The recipe is courtesy of Alton Brown of the Food Network. Give it a try - the directions and prep are rated "easy."

Hey, I say anything made in a puff pastry is bound to be delicious!

Say "No" to ATM Receipts

So you want to become more eco-friendly, but haven't figured out how to convert your car to run on restaurants' used fryer oil? Not to worry, there are little things you can do in your day-to-day life to help preserve the environment. One such way is saying "no" to ATM receipts.

Thrown on the ground almost as much as gum wrappers, ATM receipts are one of the biggest sources of litter on the planet. If all the ATM users in the U.S. stopped getting receipts for one year, we would save over two billion feet worth of paper, which is enough to wrap around the equator fifteen times. Imagine that!

So Cal Sparkles

This post is dedicated to my sweet friend, Melissa Cameron, of So Cal Sparkles. Melissa is a long-time friend from high school (although we haven't seen each other since Black Angus days), who is generously donating a great basket of blinged-out baby goodies for Holly's benefit concert.

It didn't take Melissa more than a minute to agree to my request for some donations to raffle off at the event.

So, the best way I could figure to thank her is to promote her website and products via my blog.

If you're a girly girl and love sparkly stuff, checkout Melissa's awesome products on her website. She sells flip flops, bridal sparkles, hair accessories, and misc. goods. She also customizes practically any item you send her way (view the portfolio for examples of her work). You can also catch Melissa and So Cal Sparkles at the OC Swapmeet and upcoming Orange Circle Street Fair.

Don't overpay for those sparkly jerseys in the Angels team store or the fancy flip-flops in beach boutiques...buy them for much cheaper from So Cal Sparkles!!