Gettin' Spicy

With the onset of fall, I automatically turn into Betty Crocker and start baking anything and everything. Last weekend, it was a red velvet cake and a chocolate flourless cake. This weekend, it was pumpkin bread. So, I was pleasantly surprised today on a trip to our remodeled target, which includes a full grocery section and more. I was happy to find affordable ground spices in the baking aisle. If you cook and bake as much as we do, you know how expensive spices are at the grocery store. Target's Market Pantry spices were extremely affordable, ranging from $1.50 to $3.25 per bottle. Score! My spice rack is now full and happy thanks to Market Pantry. Happy baking!!

Oregon - September 2010 (54 photos), by Leslie Bonifay

Here's a slideshow of some pictures we took over the weekend on our anniversary trip to wine country in Oregon - the Willamette Valley. We enjoyed great fun with our family, amazing wines and delicious cuisine. Can't wait to do it again soon!


I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Father's Day in La Quinta (22 photos), by Leslie Bonifay

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Mission Inn History

The photos and captions say it all:


LEFT - Great, Great Grandma Final (of Smart and Final) on her wedding day on September 10, 1919, at the Mission Inn in Riverside.

RIGHT - the entire family (minus my Mom) at the same spot as my Great, Great Grandma on June 13, 2010.

See the bell and shingle roof in the background of both pics? It was surreal




LEFT - the bride and groom, along with their wedding guests in the Mission Inn's "Music Ballroom" on September 10, 1919.

RIGHT - the entire family (minus my Mom) in the same Music Ballroom on June 13, 2010.

Amazing!

Review of Mark Cosmetics

So, I received my order of Mark cosmetics today and I'm pleasantly surprised! The colors are pretty spot on to the color swatches in the printed brochure. That's always a tough thing for me. I want to see the colors in person to know if they're the right match for my skin tone; however, the prices for Mark are so cheap, I was comfortable making my online purchase.

Here's some of my loot:
Pro Gloss Hook-Up Plumping Lip Shine in Smashing
Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss in Hot
Eye Shadow in Glitterati
Good Glowing Blush in Cameo Glo
Calm & Composed Super-Soothing Moisturizer

Remember, if you want to purchase anything, please give my Aunt Kim credit by going through this LINK.

Le Belge Chocolates

During a recent trip to Paso Robles (on our way north to Monterey), my Mom grabbed a dark chocolate bar from one of our favorite wineries, Tobin James, to enjoy while we savored our wine. Traditionally, my Mom would've picked up a plain dark chocolate bar, but there were only two to choose from - one with cocoa beans and one with sea salt. So, she choose the one with sea salt.

OH MY GOSH - what a suprisingly delicious treat! Now, I know it sounds awkward, but the salty sweet was delectable. Very similar to why I love kettle korn.

The bars were so incredible, we even stopped back in on the way home from Monterey to purchase some more!

So, if you ever see a Dark Chocolate bar with Sea Salt by Le Belge, pick one up. You won't regret it! Well, maybe your hips might not be so forgiving :)

I'm BAAACCCKKK

It's been more than six months since my last post, and, frankly, I don't have a good reason as to why. Sure, I can blame it on laziness, being too busy or simply having nothing fun to write about, but that's not going to get us anywhere. I saw one of my best friends, Julie, on Friday night, and she asked why I haven't posted lately. I said "I just haven't felt like I've had anything to write about," which is true; however, she inspired me to check back into the blogging world and share some of my recent favorites. Here's some recent finds that I love:

1. Dexter - we're now caught up on Netflix and can't wait until 8/17 for Season 4 on DVD.

2. Avon's "Mark" line of cosmetics and skin treatments - remember when our Moms used to sell this when we were kids? Well, Avon is making a comeback and has developed this line to cater to 20and 30-somethings. My aunt is selling these products, so I decided to "help the cause" and invest in some lip glosses, face cream, etc. Rumors say that the Mark line is Mac's lower-priced, sister company. I can't wait to test out my purchases and make my own assesment. Stay tuned for a future post!

3. Girls Night Out - I think Girls Night Out is an important part of every woman's life. Whether it's a night on the town with your best friend or an easy going dinner with your dearest junior high friends, girls night out is something I look forward to all the time. Given my Leo leader nature, I tend to be the organizer of such events, and I'm excited for 6/30 with Holly, Tammy, Kelly and Leah, as well as 7/27 with Becky, Kelly, Julie Lisa, Summer (hopefully - she's due with baby #3 that day) and Kim.

4. Target's "Up and Up" line - I'm especially enjoying the moisturizing serum for my face. Leaves skin silky smooth.

5. ChapStick's "Fresh Effects" chapstick in Invigorating Green Tea.

6. Chipolte's Carnitas Salad - Umm, delicious!

7. Caiprihinas - a delicious summertime drink, similar to a Mojito.

8. My GPS - aka, Gretchen the Garmin.

9. Brunch at the Mission Inn in Riverside - OMG, my first visit today with our family. Stay tuned for a VERY cool post from me in the next week or so.

10. My $8 aviator sunglasses from Old Navy - what a find!

11. Clothes from Kohl's - I'll admit...I'm a pretty big brand snob, but we're always looking for ways to be more economical. They have CUTE stuff! I especially like the Daisy Fuentes, Apt. 9 and Elle lines.

12. My straw Fedora - $10 at Kohl's

13. College World Series (baseball) - GO TITANS!

14. Bath and Body Works' Orange Sapphire body cream - I love anything that smells like citrus.

15. Spending time with my "nephew" Chase, "nephew" Enzo, "nephew" Aiden, "niece" Rylie and "niece" Savi. I'm also looking forward to meeting my new "niece," Caitlyn (Sarah's first), "nephew" Weston (Betsy's first) and Brigagliano "nieces or nephews" (we don't know sex yet, but we know there are two inside Michelle).

Back at ya again soon!
LB