Happy {Wine Tasting, Cougar Football Viewing, Friends} Weekend

I am off to San Francisco tonight to see my bestie Mrs. R, The RinaCoff's, and some other great peeps up north.  In store for tomorrow is some wine tasting in Napa (my first time!) and then Saturday is the WSU vs CAL football game at AT&T park. 

I will be attending the game with these lovely ladies (along with some other fantastic fellow Cougs) and finishing up my weekend with a tour of San Fran and a day with Carebear. 

A fantastically perfect weekend and I am WAY overdue for a vacation. 

Hope y'all have a spectacular weekend and root for the Cougs to beat the bears! 

XOXO

Word Up Wednesday

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although i still prefer the sun, the rain today in LA has been the perfect excuse for hot tea, umbrellas, and rod stewart.

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regret nothing.

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one simple step.

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two months ago i awoke to a phone call (in ams) from my best friend mrs. r, explaining she had terrible news.  our dear beautiful friend brooke's husband of ten days had passed away unexpectedly.  i was left in utter shock and felt a terrible sadness and pain not only for brooke, but for andy's family and all those who loved and cared for the two of them. 

i was alone in amsterdam and unable to console my roommate (bestfriend to brooke), to hug b, to squeeze my best friends and family and tell them how much i loved them.  and of course i felt helpless for how to best be there for brooke.  and yet out of this terribly tragedy there came this overwhelming response of love and helping hands and sincere strength and support for the already amazing brooke who never ceases to amaze me with her grace and affection for all that loved andy.     

andy's passing has left us all a littler emptier as he really was one of a kind.  to know him was to love him.  his laughter was genuine and contagious and his love for brooke was unquestionable.  i know that andy is watching over brooke and will be with her forever. 

the daily news interviewed brooke about her story and the article shows you not only how incredibly strong brooke is but also what an amazing human andy was to those around him.  if you would like to donate to the American Heart Association in andy's honor you can do so here. 

when something tragic like this happens it reminds you that our time on this earth is a gift and we really must make the most of everyday. 

xoxo

Summer Essentials Series ~ jaime of all trades

Happy First Day of Fall and last day of summer essentials!  We wrap up the summer series with my seriously talented friend Jamie from jaime of all trades.  Jamie is an incredible baker who creates fabulous cupcakes for any occassion and she is available for hire to use for your own party.  Jamie is also stylish, on top of the trends and happens to work for a company I love very much....Starbucks.  Her blog is full of tasty treats, fashionable finds, and all sorts of goodies to try around Seattle.  I love her dearly and am pretty sure you will love her too after reading her blog. 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

my weleda lip balm.  one of my favorite fashionistas, katherine power from who what wear tweeted about it and i just had to try it.  i am constantly applying this stuff and it smells amazing.  i'm thinking of buying a tube for my purse, my desk, my bathroom, my car.  i can't be without it.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

bright colored nails.  they feel so summery and look good with a tan.  i'm loving essie's braziliant, seen here.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

countess luann's 'chic c'est la vie' 

(JUST KIDDING! - phew)  this is always the hardest question for me but i'm picking taio cruz's 'dynamite.'  i've been to a million weddings this summer and whenever this song comes on i wanna get d.o.w.n.  it puts me in such a good mood.

Thank you J.O.A.T. for your summer picks!  I love the Brazillant collection (I own Smooth Sailing) and I am very tempted to try this new lip balm.  I also quite enjoy dynamite and kind of love the message behind the song, as the countess would say - sa bonne!  Be sure to head over to jamie of all trades for your daily dose of fantastic.

I also would like to thank again all the people who contributed to the series this summer.  We had a lot of picks and recommendations and I feel so honored that they took the time out to share their picks and that you took the time out to read and comment.  It really does mean the world to me!  Next week, back to random posts that pop up in my head as well as a few usuals you are used to! 

Let's all be Chic C'est La Vie this weekend shall we? 

Summer Essential Series ~ Love, Lipstick, and Pearls

You are all in for a treat today, Miss K from Love, Lipstick, and Pearls shares her summer essentials.  Miss K is one of my oldest blog buddies who I just recently had the opportunity to meet (back in March) and just this past Sunday brunched and shopped with her as well as gorgeous Danielle from Sweet Nothings.  Miss K is a beauty junky, a recent newlywed and always is sharing the hottest of hot men in her "Hot Man Parade" feature.  She also shares great makeup reviews, recent sale purchases and just about anything else your heart might desire.  Full of fashion, not afraid to take a risk, Miss K is straight up fantastic and her summer essentials do not dissapoint!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

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The one item I can't be without this summer is a great pair of cut off shorts. It took me forever to find a pair that weren't daisy dukes, but I've live in them all summer long.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Girl trips! I love my girlfriends and as we're getting older, we're not able to get away for weekends like we used to. This summer we have one trip and several nights out planned that I'm looking forward to.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

 Duh, Britney Spears 'Til The World Ends'! I've been singing it all day everyday, can't get enough of the cd.

Thanks again Miss K for taking time out to share your summer must haves!  I just love girl trips also :)  There is nothing better than time with your girlfriends!  And the Femme Fatale album turned out to be gem for me.  Be sure to head over to Love, Lipstick, and Pearls for your daily dose of hot celebs, fantastic makeup tips, ingenius nail ideas and other great goodies.

Check tomorrow when we wrap up the Summer Essentials Series with none other than JOAT shares the last summer must haves for all on the first official day of fall. 

XOXO

Summer Essentails Series ~ I Spry

avery bleu, i spry, me

I am happy to share I Spry's summer essentials with all of you.  Spry is one of my fave friends who is always willing to help you out, bow out of arts and crafts time and enjoy a slice of meatloaf with your current man friend.  She is also gorgeous, generous and fun as all get out.  She may not ever upload photos that she captures and could afford to update her blog a little bit more often but I consider myself blessed she took the time to respond and contribute to YBB as this girl is a baller, shot caller and a busy bee in her career.  Without further ado I present to you LSpry's summer must haves!

*What one item can you not be without this summer? *

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Good friends and good beer!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Lots of sun and fun shorts! 

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Fresh Prince DJ Jazzy Jeff - Summertime by oublierleracismeskyblog

"Summertime" - Will Smith

Thank you LSpry for sharing your picks with us! I am so lucky to call you one of my besties!!  XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ Lynnie's Life

Today's summer essentials comes from the sweet and new proud mama by Lynn from Lynnie's Life.  I first met Lynn in college and let me just say this gal is the epitome of fun.  She is always game for whatever and will never let a wine bar, or a table interfere with singing Mariah Carey's ""All I Want for Christmas Is You" at the top of her lungs.  She is also a wonderful new mommy to Kyler and I just adore this woman oh so much! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

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Watermelon and stretch cream lotion (I want to be able to sport a swimsuit again).

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Sun and cute maxi dresses. They make me feel pretty while being a swollen mess :)

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I am loving OAR right now!  (I chose "That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker" as it reminds me of good old WSU - too many memories to this song).

Thank you Lynne for taking time out of your busy new life with little baby Ky and sharing your summer pics!  I can't wait to meet that little buddy at Christmas time! 

Song Of The Week: Addicted to Love


Last week, Aves and I were watching TV and saw the promo above for The Good Wife and were instantly drawn to the song in the background.  It took no longer than 7 seconds for me to realize it was Florence + The Machine behind this awesome Robert Palmer cover of "Addicted to Love". 

I love the original but have to say this remake is dark, sexy and raw and I just LOVE it!  Also, after watching this promo it makes me really want to check out this show (like my girl Jamie).  Then after watching Julianna Margulies win best actress for her role in The Good Wife at last nights Emmy awards, I want to watch even more!  Have any of you watched?  What do you think?  Worth adding to my Netflix (soon to be Qwikster) queue of 450?

Summer Essentials Series ~ No Day But Today

Today I am excited to bring your Courtney from No Day But Today's summer essentials.  Courtney is a fellow Coug who is the mother of the darling and photogenic as all get out Charlotte (pics above).  Courtney is just about the nicest gal around, whose smile is contagious and just brings the best out in everyone.  Her blog is full of amazing photos of Char that she takes herself and also little beauties you might let pass you by sometimes.  A treat for anyone who visits!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Versa Spa

Combine our Northwest "summer" with my white skin, along with my desire to keep my skin healthy...and a tanned body is pretty much out of the question. Enter: Versa Spa. I first learned of it through Miss Lisa Spry who swore it was the only spray tan to go with. No Mystic Tanning for her, and it always looked so even and great after she'd do it, that I quickly became a fan. Even though I am not quite the expert at getting the zero streaks like Spry and Michelle, for the most part it always comes out looking good. Plus, there is almost always some sort of Groupon or Living Social deal to use...or you can just barter with them (again, I don't have quite as good of skills as the Ultimate Sales Lady Spry, but I try)

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Besides the actual sun (I think I wrote this same thing last year?! Do I need to move?!), I'm craving projects.

I'd like do redo our picture wall to look something like this, a bit more structured but still eclectic.

And maybe enlarge a few from Charlotte's 1 year picture session like this

And I really want to make this.  Being present is something I'm always working on and I would love this constant little reminder that this moment will pass...both the good ones and the bad ones.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011? *

While this isn't really a quintessential summer song...and I have no idea actually if it's old or new (I actually am not even sure where I first heard it?), I've been loving Little & Ashley's "Stole My Heart".  It's my dance-around-the-living-room-with-my-girl song of choice these days!

Thanks Courtney for sharing your summer faves!  I am loving this song from Little & Ashley - so sweet and fun!  And your projects look like a lot of work with a lot of reward!  Love that do it yourself, "this too shall pass" sign.  I am ALWAYS telling myself to live in the present.  It really is a great motto to life.  If you haven't already, be sure to head over to No Day But Today right away!

Pssst...we're halfway there!!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Menu a la Marguerite!

Happy Friday to you all!  Wrapping up this weeks summer essentials is one of my fave gal pals Marge (really Lisa) from Menu a la Marguerite.  I met Marge in college officially at WSU but quickly realized we actually met for the first time our senior year of high school when I was a guest judge for cheerleading at her high school - small world.  Years later we are still buds and this gal has way of just making me giggle over just about anything.  The beautiful Marge is also a bride to be with "Forever Young" nuptials just around the corner (can't wait!).  Head on over to Menu a la Marguerite for great recipes, photos and fun!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Jennifer Anniston Perfume - I. LOVE. IT.  Smells like a beach and makes me feel sexy!  I love it so much that when I broke my original bottle in New York I went to the mall next door to our hotel and bought another one.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Vita Coco water.  I love anything that tastes or smells like coconut.  Although this is neither, really, it helps keep me hydrated and refreshed on a hot day!  Available at Costco for super cheap in a 12 pak.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I have a few:

Sara Evans - "Suds in The Bucket"

Katie Perry - "Last Friday Night, TGIF"

Thank you Marge for sharing your summer picks!  I rushed out and smelled the Jen Anny perfume after you raved about it and I have to agree it is a great scent, very beachy and summery!  And you know I love coconut water also, but lately have been also enjoying Aloe Vera Water....and "Suds in the Bucket" is one of my faves!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous summer weekend, we only have a few left!!!

XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ Avery Bleu

Anyone else feeling the heat wave outside?  Oooh wee, close to 100 degrees in Century City!  I am loving the warmth that has finally arrived (I am sitting in an air conditioned office however). 

Today's summer essentials come from one of my FAVE peeps, and yes I am very partial and biased because it is of course my roomie Avery Bleu is sharing her summer must haves.  Miss Avery and I go way back, like drinking too much spiced rum freshmen year of college and blacking out back (but that's another story for another day).  Miss Avery is ALWAYS on top of the trends, whether she's sporting neon nails, bright pink lips, stripes, sequins, whatever.  If it is currently in season, she is currently sporting it.  She is also always on top of celeb gossip, good music and takes excellent care of our good friend Waldo!  So make sure to head over and check out Avery Bleu just as soon as you finish checking out her summer essentials.

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Colorful nails!

Pink, green, orange, purple, yellow, glitter..the brighter and sparklier the better. I love it all, especially with a bit of a tan. Here are just a few of my faves from my massive collection.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

 

LWDs - Little White Dresses

Whether chilling poolside, grabbing drinks with the girls or *sigh* working the day away, a light, feminine LWD is perfect for any occasion. I already own a few, but always have room for another.

 

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett

Many of my friends would be surprised by my selection of a country song, as I'm typically more of a hip-hop and altie gal, but this little ditty makes me want to ditch work and relax in the sun, preferably with a cold beverage in hand. "Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere. Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair. Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair. Sunrise there's a fire in the sky. Never been so happy. Never felt so high. And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise." You simply can't help but do a little knee bounce, toe tap, finger snap or hand clap when it's playing. The addition of Jimmy Buffett makes it even more appropriate for summer. 

AND their song, "Toes", is also good for summertime fun - "I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today." I mean, does that evoke the feelings of summertime goodness or what?

Thanks Avery for sharing your summer picks and nail polish collection with me!  You better believe I was shocked to see your summer selection song was country!!  I have to agree to both songs though, they are quite fantastic!  I am so happy to call you one of my best friends and thankful you share a love for beauty products, chardonnay and Waldo.  XOXO

Tomorrow, Andi from Saltwater Dreams shares her faves!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Mr. & Mrs. OB

Today's (much delayed) Summer Essentials comes from mama to be Emily from Mr. & Mrs. OB.  I first met Emily in summer of 1999 when she pledged Alpha Gams and we have been sorority sisters (and friends of course) since then.  Emily has always possessed great taste and style and looks oh so dang cute as a preggo!  Be sure to follow her progress (she is already at week 36!) and her fantastic SF life over at the blog.  But first take a look at her selections below!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue -

I have a lot of hair and it is thick/wavy/curly and can be a frizzfest. Being pregnant has increased my internal temp quite a bit so blowing my hair out some mornings it just not gonna happen! My hairstylist introduced me to this product and I just love it. I put a few pumps in when my hair is still wet and let it air dry for an easy beach hair look. It also works great for when I do wear my hair straight. It smells yummy and is not overpowering! 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Summer Nights -

I am craving warm summer nights spent outside! Summer nights in San Francisco are usually spent under quite a bit of fog with a chilly wind coming in off the bay. I miss summer dinners in a backyard, lingering over dinner with friends and family! I just want to jump in this photo for the perfect movie night!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Sly & the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" -

Love this song and listening to oldies in the summertime. When I hear this song it makes me want to be in a lounge chair with summer beverage in hand enjoying the nice warm breeze.

Thank you so much Emily for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your summer faves!  I am in LOVE with the backyard photo and love Shu Uemura products!  They smell oh soo good!

Check back tomorrow when Jen from The Look 4 Less shares her summer essentials!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Sweet Nothings

I feel so lucky and happy to have Danielle from Sweet Nothings back for a third year sharing her essentials.  I also feel lucky that I can call Danielle (as well as the gorgeous Kristen) my friends since we have actually met in person and enjoyed lunch.  Danielle is a gorgeous gal with the absolute best style and always showcasing beautiful fashion, hair, accessories on Sweet Nothings.  Oh you want more, she also shares fantastic quotes, home decor and her loveable sweet George dressed in adorable holdiay appropriate gear.  Still don't believe me?  Go see for yourself, you will surely become a daily reader like me all those years ago... 

Hello YBB readers! I am so happy to be back for the third year to share my Summer Essentials with all of you...you can check out 2009 and 2010 as well...

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

This summer I cannot live without my favorite cat eye sunglasses. Mine are from Urban Outfitters(and only 10!), but you can find them anywhere, My motto when it comes to sunnies is The Bigger the Better, and these are no exception.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Summer 2011 has been an interesting one thus far, full of a lot of changes and decisions on my end. So, what am I craving? For it all to work out how it supposed to. And for me to just relax. And to enjoy a cocktail or two while it all falls into place..like this one featured on The Glitter Guide.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Ok, this was a lot harder than I thought to choose a song. Bc I currently have been listening to "Give Me Everything" since February, so I don't consider it a summer song, but man everytime it is on the radio(which seems like every 5 min in LA) I dance in the car. or my room. or in my cube.  I also am obsessed with Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" but am really embarrassed by that-and I mostly think it is because it describes college.. So, I went with another song from Planet Pit, which is such a fun cd that just makes me want to dance on every track.  "Shake Senora Remix" featuring T-Pain, Sean Paul, and Ludacris will get you ready to go out dancing with your girlfriends.

I couldn't agree more about the sunglasses and that sparkletini looks just perfect for summer time!  And you know that I just adore me some pitbull!  Shake Senora is one I haven't heard yet, and will be downloading immediately!   A huge thanks again to Danielle for her awesome lists that just keep getting better!  I cannot wait for our next lunch and shopping excursion. 

Tomorrow my sorority sister Emily will be back with her summer list!

Happiness...

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I am a blubbering mess.  At lunch today I burst into tears upon meeting this handsome boy. 

I want to send out a HUGE congratulations to the Freni Family and their perfect little bundle of joy Oliver!  I couldn't be happier for mom and dad and am so excited to get to watch this sweet boy grow up.  Love you so much Jim Jam - you are already such a wonderful mother (and can we just all agree she looks incredible after giving birth less than 24 hours ago?) and I am overjoyed for the 3 of you!

Feeling nothing but

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I'm Loving' It

The new Starbucks "Very Berry Hibiscus" Refresher is muy bueno!  I was very hesitant to try this coffee drink that tastes nothing like coffee, but let me just tell you it is so delish.  A grande drink only has 70 calories and it contains freeze-dried berries as well.  Once I finish my beverages, I fill my cup of with water and enjoy my "spa" water at my desk.  If you are lucky enough to have them sampling it at your local Sbux, make sure you give it a try. 

Also loving the Hunger Games Triology.  I am on the final book of the series and trying to find any excuse to read it.   

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This bright, cheery and a little bit nautical look from Atlantic-Pacific.  I mean let's be honest, all of her outfits are lust-worthy but this one just screams glamorous fun in the sun.

Even though I am perfectly content and still loving my Yellow KitchenAid Mixer, I fell in love at first sight with this KitchenAid Artisan Susan G. Komen Stand Mixer in Raspberry Ice.  Not only would it be a brilliantly bold addition to any kitchen, but with the purchase of this mixer you are also contributing to the Susan G. Komen Cook for the Cure®’s efforts to cure breast cancer. 

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This ring and grey nail polish combo.  Whenever I see this photo I instantly want to run to the nearest beauty supply and pick up a bottle of grey polish (preferably chinchilly).  Grey, yellow, turquoise and a little bit of gold...possibly new bedroom color scheme? 

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Visits from friends and babies that include dinners at garlic ball heaven C&O Trattoria in Venice. 

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Holding sweet little buddy Raleigh while soaking up rays, sipping some wine at Sip in Malibu and reminiscing with friends.  This past weekend Coffey and Cabe flew down from Seattle so that many of us could meet little Raleigh as well as the handsome Easton.  It was a weekend of making the best of roadblocks and rules and fully of laughter and smiles.  So much fun!