Adios Amigos

Tomorrow I leave for 3 weeks in Latin America before I start the new J-O-B. The first week will be spent at a lovely (I hope) resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a little one year wedding anniversary celebration. I am hoping I do not pull a "Charlotte" while we are there, I will definitely be keeping my mouth shut in the shower. For the two weeks following that, we will be in the Dominican Republic for my Husband's 25th class reunion (he's a little older than me :)

I will be back in early July, but if I can post while I'm away, I will. Everyone take care and I will write to you soon!

Bed & Tango (and Breakfast)

There is an amazing woman that you all need to meet. Her name is Valorie Hart aka Visual Vamp. She blogs, she decorates, she tangos, she travels, and she has an adorable dog named Cholo - she is fricken fabulous!

I have to admit, I have never met Miz V in person, we became acquainted through the Internet. But, it is my goal to meet her in person one day. I have to. I have to touch her to make sure she is real. :)

Valorie and her husband Alberto Paz, are Tango Masters and run a Bed & Tango out of their home in the NOLA neighborhood of New Orleans. The weekend package includes private tango lessons and practice time, a guest room with a queen size bed, private bathroom, breakfast and refreshments. PLUS you get to visit the great city of New Orleans - Jazz, shopping, drinking, eating, what could be better?

The Weekend Package price is a very reasonable $600 for one or two persons up to four nights or $225 per day.

For more info or to book your getaway you can visit the blog Visual Vamp or email Valorie directly at mizvtheb@planet-tango.com

Now, get your Tango on!

Back to The Grind

I finally got a job. Boo. Getting laid off was scary, but it was also fun. It gave me time to reflect and to explore what I really want to do with my life. Now I have a goal and a plan for my future, and that is what will motivate me as I return to Corporate America for a while. Hey, I need a paycheck. So for now it is back to the grind, but one day in the near future, there will be bigger and brighter things for me.

I think a new job totally justifies new shoes and a new bag, wouldn't you agree?

Versace Open Toe Pumps $660


Botkier Isis Hobo $625

A girl can dream, can't she?

Worst Blogger Ever

ME!

You know how when you find a blog that you really like, you read it everyday? Me too. And then on the days when there is not a new posting, you are so disappointed? Same here. You think to yourself, why haven't they posted? What is going on in their life that is so important it would keep them from posting? I hope they didn't die (this one is probably just me because I am paranoid and irrational) :)

So, sorry for being the worst blogger ever lately. I will try to do better.

Love,

Sneaky

Cheeky Bev Naps

I love them all, but my favorite is "I love not camping" - that is so me. Available at Z Gallerie for $5.95 per set of 20.

Not So Sneaky

I have been spending an inappropriate amount of time on Craig's List the last couple of days. Seriously. I have a problem. My friend Hayley and I have been constantly emailing each other our awesome CL finds. And she has a job! Anyway, yesterday I scored a cute, cute, cute little credenza/sideboard piece for $60. I am going to work my magic on it and I will post pics when it is restored and glamorous.

It was too big for me to sneak into the garage on my own, so I had to get help from the Hubs. He was not pleased. Not because he had to help me move it, but because I once again purchased something that I do not need. Bah Humbug!

I have learned my lesson: next time I'll get my neighbor to help me :)

Cool Rugs

Just for fun. All available at overstock.com at fabulous prices.

Best Top Coat Ever

I HATE painting my own nails, really because I am impatient and I hate waiting for them to dry. I always seem to mess them up. Not any more! This top coat dries your nails completely in about 15 minutes. I use a base coat and 2 coats of color underneath, so you know this stuff is good! The bonus is that it is super shiny too. I love OPI!

Bravo Samsonite!

I was in the mall the other day and passed by the Samsonite store. I had to do a double take when I saw this awesome luggage. This is part of the Samsonite Black Label line and there is even a collection by Alexander McQueen. I never imagined Samsonite could be so cool. Great, just another thing for me to want!

Seriously?

This is Whitney Thompson, the winner of America's Next Top Model, correction: the "plus-size" winner of America's Next Top Model. She is a size 10.

Since when is size 10 a plus size???

Considering the average size in this country is 14, I think the wrong message is being sent by labeling size 10 as plus size. I think they mean well by showing that a woman who is not stick skinny is beautiful and can be a model. But really, is size 10 the new 24?

I am disgusted.

Design Depression - Please Help!

I must preface this post with: "I really don't mean to sound ungrateful"

Now that we got that out of the way... A few years ago my Husband (fiancee at the time) and I were very lucky to be chosen to be part of a new show on HGTV called My First Place. It was a very exciting and fun experience. HGTV gave us a designer and 3k to decorate any room of our choice in our first house. We chose our formal living/dining room, we figured, 2 birds one stone.
We both loved the room, and I cried on camera like a total moron. As time goes by, I like this room less and less. In fact, it is making me a little ill. I am not sure if it is just the normal "I'm getting tired of looking at this shat" or if it really sucked to begin with, but I was caught up in the moment.

So my dilemma is this, how can I change/update this room to make it look better without upsetting the Husband. You see, he is very frugal and practical, and I AM NOT. He would think I am crazy for wanting to change this room. To me, it feels cluttered and dark. I would love to get some outside opinions from the insightful blog world. Here are the ground rules:

1. Paint color stays - that was a bitch to paint, and I aint doin it again!
2. Window treatments stay - this will be too obvious and hard to justify to the hubs.

3. Painting stays - it was done by Moi, so if you hate it keep that to yourself - I'm fragile

That's it! Any and all advice is welcome!

Best Yogurt Ever

This yogurt is so good that it has caused me to become a hoarder. The first time I tried the passion orange pineapple yogurt from Safeway, I was in love. My husband loved it too and requested that I only buy this flavor going forward. I went back to Safeway, a place that I normally don't shop at because the prices are a little too high compared to Walmart Supercenter (please don't hate me for shopping the so called "evil" corporation, it is a matter of economics and convenience) and low and behold, no passion orange pineapple yogurt. The shelf was completely empty. I was a bit p*ssed off because that was the only item I went there to buy and the store is a bit out of the way. I even had a clerk check the back for me with no luck.

The next time I went to Safeway, they had 3 containers of passion orange pineapple yogurt, so I snatched them up and had the clerk, again, check the back. No more. WTF? Obviously, people like this yogurt and are buying it, why don't they order more??? It looks like Safeway needs a little lesson in JIT, ya think?

So last week, when I went to Safeway (just for GD yogurt) I was fully expecting to once again be disappointed and angry. As I came around the corner to the dairy case, I could feel my blood pressure starting to rise a little, was this going to be the day that I gave the Manager a piece of my mind? Just as I was going over in my head all the things I was going say, there they were, a fully stocked row of passion orange pineapple yogurt. It felt like Christmas! I was so happy.

I bought Every. Single. Container.

So, now I'm a hoarder, but I have yogurt for the next 2 weeks! Seriously, you gotta try it.

Sangria!

I love making Sangria for guests because 1) it is delicioso 2) you make it in batches, so you are not constantly playing bartender 3) it is very easy and looks pretty in the pitcher. I think I might get this book from Amazon to get some new recipe ideas. Sangria is awesome because you can pretty much make any concoction you like, white wine, red wine, any fruit, any juice - whatever. Here is my signature recipe (Sneaky Sangria):

1 orange, sliced into rings

2 limes, sliced into rings

1 bottle Sangria wine - yes the cheap stuff with the handle, its like $10 for a gallon

1 cup O.J.

1 can Fresca

I put the fruit, O.J. and Fresca in a big pitcher with ice, then fill it the rest of the way with the wine. The jug of wine will make many batches. Very refreshing and it tastes grrrreat! Cheers!

Feeling Beachy

I have a yummy little vay-kay coming up in June and I need a new swim suit. Here are a few that I like, but I need good support/coverage on the top. I think the halter has worked best in the past (because you can hoist em up), but I am not a swimwear or breast engineering expert. If anyone knows better, please do share.


Deco by Jets $194

Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid by Kristi Grinna $138

Zest by Jets $150

Worth Ave, Palm Beach by Kristi Grinna $111

Design Dream Vacation

One of my favorite design magazines, Veranda, is hosting a design tour in Venice. Five days of architecture, design, art, parties, great food and wine, and a luxurious stay at the Hotel Danieli. Sounds like a great time. For information call Dynamica Travel at 212-370-1528.

Hey Jozette!

I was so excited to learn about polyvore.com from Jozette at Regardez Moi this morning, I just had to check it out! This site is so cool. Jozette, I made you another birthday party option, just for fun. Hope you like it!

Grecian Satin Dress, Forever21 $24.80
Very Noeud Slingbacks, Christian Louboutin $795
Pink Tourmaline Ring, Vera Wang $3100
14k gold-plated Chandelier Earrings, Banana Republic $29
Lace Cuff, Nordstrom $148
Popcorn Clutch, ynotshop.com $?

I'm a Fatty

So, I am returning a pair a very cute Trouser Jeans that I purchased at Banana Republic-somehow they shrank just hanging in my closet before I had the chance to wear them, and I am NOT buying a bigger size! I have already paid the bill, so I will need to either exchange or get a credit to my Banana account. Since I am all about instant gratification, I vote for exchange... but what shall I get? I think fluffy people are safe with accessories, right? Here are some fun options.

Window Earrings $32
Basketweave Cuff $39

Mother-of-Pearl Earrings $34

Bamboo Silk Clutch $79

No Reservations Here

Anthony Bourdain, if you are out there, I love your show and I love you.

I just had to get that off of my chest. If you like travel, food, and sarcastic, sexy, older men, then this show is for you.

Watch it on the Travel Channel Mondays at 10pm ET.

Medallion Bowls

I want these bowls from Target. They are so cute and have, in my opinion, the perfect bowl shape. I do not need these bowls, but I really love them. Maybe I will buy them when I am gainfully employed again.

Best Beach Towels Ever

Missoni beach towels: You complete me.

Peep These

Today I went shopping for some new shoes for a job interview. This is what I found. No, I will not be wearing them to an interview, but they were too cute to pass up. Turquoise and peach Nine West canvas peep toe wedges $19.99 at T.J. Maxx. God I love that store!

Today on Oprah: Sex And The City Cast

Fire up your DVR! The Sex and the City Cast will be on Oprah today, including Mr. Big! I cannot wait to see it! I am getting a little scared that I will be disappointed with the movie because I am building it up so much in my mind. I think I am going to start convincing myself that it will suck. Maybe that will help?

The Salvation Army LIES

The reason I am writing this post is because I read a funny story here and was inspired to share my recent Salvation Army experience. It started as a comment on SGM's blog, but it was one of those inappropriately long ranting comments, and needed its own forum.

So here we go...

F the Salvation Army! Yeah, I said it.

Last Tuesday I received a phone call from the S.A. with a recording explaining that they were coming to my neighborhood for a pick-up on Thursday and in the spirit of efficiency they like to have more than one pick-up in each neighborhood. The recording instructed me to press *1* if I had any items for donation. PERFECT! I have a big ass couch that has been sitting in my garage for 3 years that my Husband is always complaining about. I pressed *1*. The recording confirmed our address and said to have the items on the curb by 8am with signage stating "Salvation Army". Simple. I followed these instructions and felt relieved that the couch sitch was resolved and I was also donating it to charity. Win Win.

So when I got home on Thursday night, guess what was on my curb? YEP! My big ass couch. All my tattle-taley neighbors had probably already called the f-ing HOA and told on me for braking the covenant. I was so pissed off, I could not wait to get inside and call the S.A. to rip em a new one (I really would never do this because I don't have the cajones, but I sure wanted to). When I get inside there is a message on the machine stating that "we are very sorry, but do to high participation our truck was full and we could not pick up your items. Please have them out by 8am on Friday and we will pick them up by 4pm. Ok, fine.

Of course it was starting to rain so we had to move the couch back inside for the night, and then haul it back out (in my P.J.s) the next morning. So at this point I was getting pretty irritated with what was supposed to be a simple donation. I came home on Friday night expecting the front of my house to not look like we had been evicted, but no such luck. This time there was no message on the machine. Nothing. Nada.

So, F the Salvation Army! They are assholes. And if anyone wants a free couch, let me know!

Red Door Swingin'

Red Door Swingin' is a cute little boutique in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver. I love this store because you can find really unique and interesting items. They carry all sorts of home decor pieces including furniture, lamps, and lots of fun accessories. There is also great artwork, jewelry and a large collection of Matt & Nat bags. The owner Suzanne is so sweet and a blast to chat with. She also carries her own line of handmade totes and bags called Hipslip. Stop by and check it out!

Ivanka Does It All

So, not only is Ivanka Trump insanely beautiful, educated, privileged, creative, entrepreneurial, stylish and well mannered, but she can decorate too. I guess this is Karma's way of paying her back for having a pompous-ass retard for a father.

I saw this article about how Ivanka made over her assistant's apartment and thought it was fun and had some good decorating tips. The final product is teetering on the gaudy side for me, but I would still live there (maybe half of the week because although I loooove pink, I might start to feel a little Steel Magnolia-ish).

Read the full story here:

"Ivanka Trump, make over my dump!"
By Kim Gieske

The Reason My Husband Married Me

Because I can tear it up in the kitchen... Normally I just make up my own recipes, but I saw this on foodnetwork.com and had to try it. Sooooo good and so easy!

Prettiness

I wanted to share these roses because I thought they were gorgeous. Can you believe I got the cute little vase at Ross for $1.99? I love myself sometimes!

To Keep or Not To Keep?

That is the question. Orange leather Tahari sandles with a slight banana heel. $50 at T.J. Maxx.

Should I keep them?

Los Amigos Invisibles

If you don't know about this group, please let me introduce you. If you do know about this group, then you know what I'm talking about.

They are from Venezuela and have actually been around for a long time - I am just fashionably late to the party. I went to their concert a couple weeks ago and I now am smitten. I'm not normally a concert person, but I would definitely go again. AND... the lead singer is pretty darn cute, I mean if you're into that sexy, Latin, sultry jazz voice thing. Whatever.

See a video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5ZO7DFU7gk

Tory Burch

For the record: I LOVE TORY BURCH.

I recently visited her store in New York, and I wanted everything! Her designs are fun and happy, and chic and modern at the same time. Lots of color and interesting patterns. I have to admit, when I first became acquainted with TB it was through those stupid flats with the HUGE logo on them - and every wannabe had them, so I thought TB was lame. But after going to the store and seeing the clothes and jewelry and handbags, it is a completely different story. I still don't like the flats, but everything else is amazing. You should really check it out:

http://www.toryburch.com/

Best Shoes Ever

Ok, I already know that you are thinking OMG, those Manolos are like, so two seasons ago. I know. I found them at Neiman Marcus Last Call for a steal. But honestly, these shoes are the most beautiful pair I have ever seen. I would take them over any of Carrie Bradshaw’s amazing collection any day. Actually she probably owns these. Too bad they didn't have my size.