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

2009 Highlights

As another year comes to a close and I reflect on these past 364 (almost 365 days), I'm reminded of how fortunate I am to travel and enjoy wonderful memories with family and friends. Here's a look back at our 2009 highlights (some pictures in slideshow above):

Angels fan cruise to Ensenada

Betsy's 30th birthday party in Big Bear (my first trip to Big Bear and Lee's first
time in the snow)

Angels Opening Day (always a highlight!)

My "niece," Mila's birth and my trip to Chicago to meet her

Dad's lifesaving award ceremony

A weekend getaway to Paso Robles (one my head hasn't forgiven me for)

Dana Point Relay for Life to benefit our friend, Holly

Lee's 40th Birthday Parties (yes, two surprise parties!)

Lee's Mom's surprise visit

Big Bear with Julie and Bruno

Our five-year wedding anniversary

Our annual pilgrimage to Charleston for some R&R, Lee's second surprise party & Lee's
Dad's 75th birthday

Holly & Clint's wedding

Lee's trip to Charleston for Brian & Amanda's wedding

Our pre-Christmas weekend getaway to San Francisco

Many special holiday dinners and gatherings with friends and family

My "nephew," Chase's first birthday party extravaganza (the most elaborate party for a
one-year-old that I've ever been a part of)

May 2010 be just as exciting. Happy New Year!

2009 New Year's Resolutions - revisited

It's been a while since my last post, because I haven't felt very inspired or had any new favorites to share. So, here I am, back in the saddle...for now.

As we approach year's end, I wanted to take a look at my 2009 New Year's Resolutions to see how I was coming along with meeting my goals.

1. Find a new job - haven't been successful with this, but not without lack of trying. When the time is right, it will happen!

2. Get better control of finances - for the first half of the year, we were well on track with this; however, if you read #3, you'll see why it's been tough this year (a LOT of medical bills). BUT, we've cancelled all credit cards and have set ourselves up on monthly payment programs. Slowly, but surely, I'm seeing a dent being made!

3. Try to have a baby - Most of you know I had to have surgery this September to correct some issues. I've just recently been "cleared", so this will be a goal for 2010 now!

4. Eat healthier - I must say this still is very difficult. I do my best to incorporate healthier items at lunch vs. fast food (a lot of Subway, Soup Plantation, salads), as well as more chicken, turkey, brown rice and veggies for dinner. Not entirely where'd I'd like to be, but definitely better than the first part of the year!

5. Exercise more - This definitely still needs improvement

6. Donate more - I certainly accomplished this goal for the year and still have more to donate before 12/31.

7. Spend more "date time" with Lee - This is definitely a completed goal. Lee and I had some great trips this year, and we're looking forward to San Francisco next weekend!

8. Help Lee's business grow - Wow! Can I say that this has definitely been achieved? By promoting Lee's website on Angie's List, Merchant Circle, etc., as well as continuing e-marketing, Lee has been swamped. At one point, he worked three weeks straight without a day off.

9. Drink more water - along with the eating healthier, this could use some improvement; however, I must admit that I've at least cut out a significant portion of soda and alcohol, and replaced it with iced tea, lemonade and green tea. I'm getting closer to water, but not entirely there yet.

So, there you have it. Overall, a pretty good status. Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for me.

10 Reasons You're The Best

I pulled this out of the October issue of Glamour and thought many of you would also relate. I realize that this wasn't written just for me, but good to see something I related to 100%.

10 Reasons You're The Best
1. You like Target and Tiffany about equally
2. You offer to babysit, and, yep, actually do
3. You're the kind of person who realizes that the airport security people - breathe, calm, are just doing their job
4. On the bus, you stand up for pregnant ladies
5. When you borrow the dress, you return it...dry cleaned
6. You dance, giggle, hug, sing, curse, cry, so no one's left wondering how you're feeling (don't know about the other things, but I can relate to cursing)
7. You tell her when she has spinach in your teeth, but not when she's gained five pounds
8. You don't post pics where you look great and everyone else looks nauseous
9. You give great birthday
10. You aren't perfect...but then none of the best people are

C'mon Halos!

C'mon Halos...do this for me...do this for all Angels fans...and do this for Nick Adenhart! Nothing would make me smile more than seeing you hoist his jersey up after a comeback series win against the Yanks. Find it in your hearts and push forward. Get those solo shots like the Yankees have (multiple runs would be even better), find those holes like the Yanks keep doing and play like you've played all year - with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Give us die-hard Angel fans a repeat of 2002! I'll be cheering from section 507 tonight!

Vinturi Wine Aerator

I finally stepped it up and purchased a Vinturi wine aerator, which is awesome! Thanks to a Crate & Barrel gift card, I was able to purchase this longtime wish list item for myself.

Tested it out on an amazing bottle of Jayson Pinot Noir and a bottle of Lost Angel Mischief Blend, which improved the taste instantly.

Don't get me wrong...this device won't ever take the place of letting a bottle age properly or decanting it for a couple of hours, but it certainly improves the taste and aroma with one quick pour through the oxygenated funnel.

Amazon.com is selling them for approx. $35, and they have them for red and white wines.

Give it a shot. It's well worth the investment for any level of wine drinker.

Reese's Dark Mini Cups

Where have I been? Reese's now has Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups? Life itself was good with the traditional PB cups, but now they have dark chocolate? I won't be sharing these with the trick-or-treaters this year!