Sexy boot

I just had the easiest jean shopping experience in my entire life!! So I've read on a few blogs that the new Gap 1969 Jeans are amazing. I was doubtful because 1. I love my sevens and 2. Gap jeans/pants have always made my butt look awful. But I was in need of a new pair of flat shoe jeans. (I've been in need for a while, since this incident.) So I decided I'd stop by Gap, expecting to try on like 10 different pairs and to walk out feeling fat and awkward and all of those other horrible jean shopping feelings. I started by looking at the "Perfect Boot" cut. The sales lady told me that they were mid rize and that I may want to try the "Sexy Boot," which is a low rise. I grabbed a pair of each and headed into the fitting room.

I put on the Sexy Boot cut and was instantly amazed! They fit nice. Fitted but no muffin top. And TOTALLY comfy. But then I did the butt check. Since these were low rise I assumed if I bent over my booty would be hanging out the top. Nope! Perfect. Low and "sexy" but no crack-il-lackin'. I was in love!

Oh and another wonderful thing, that most of you don't have to worry about, but I do... I ALWAYS have to have my pants hemmed. Regular length is always too long, but short or petite length is always too short. But Gap has the "ankle" length. It was the perfect length to wear with flats or kitten heels. Can it get more perfect!

Oh yes it can! Seven for all mankinds usually retain at about $160 or so. These Gap, fit my body so right, jeans were only $69 including tax!

Yay for an awesome jean shopping experience!!

The good life for less

That's what we all want right? To live well, dress well, be well... but for less. That's what I want at least.

One of my favorite blogs that I've been reading lately is http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/ Jill, the blogger, is a genius. Well at least I think so. She's SO wonderful at pairing clothes, and giving suggestions on super affordable clothes that make you look like a million bucks. It's inspirational! She also gives ideas and shows before and afters of projects that she has done around her house, or food that she makes. She's so real and normal, and yet amazing! Take a look at her blog.

I especially love her ideas for dressing for the fall. Look at http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/2009/09/good-look-for-less-jackie-of-sppn.html love these ideas!

My heart is touched!

My friend Antonella lost her only brother to Suicide a couple years ago. I have seen her and her sister stuggle with this loss. Last year they did an over night walk to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention. This year I decided to join her in the walk (not over night, just a 3 to 5 mile walk) to show my support to her, and her family. I set my fundraising goal to a measly $100 but feared that I wouldn't even be able to raise that much. I was completely amazed when within 5 or so minutes the donations I received were over my goal.

This is Antonella's son Jackson. He walks for his Uncle Jimmy.

Thank you to those of you who have donated! And for any of you who would like to donate, please do not let my small goal hold you back!

Here is where you can go to donate: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=937&participantID=69542 Every little bit helps!

And here is a link to Jimmy's virtual memorial page so you can learn about him and his awesome life! http://jamesvincentduruz.virtual-memorials.com/

Food for thought

Here are some books that I love and have helped me and continue to help me in my pursuit of a happy life. :)

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I read this book every few months. It helps to keep me in check. Synopsis of this book: it's about freeing yourself from others judgements and making your own decisions about who you are and what your personal value is. (Also check out The Mastery of Love, also by Don Miguel Ruiz, its a great relationship book.)

Another one that I just finished reading is The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I think this is a must for every couple, and really any single person. Synopsis: this book helps you identify the ways in which you need love expressed to you in order to feel truly loved. People are generally 1 or more of 5 different love languages. By understanding your partners "love language" you can better express your love in a way that they will feel and appreciate it the most. This can also apply to friends, children, family, anyone around you.

Does anyone have any other must reads?

Iron Girl Walk

Ok let me just start this off by saying we do not deserve the title "iron girl" we did this walk as just that, a WALK. In fact our finish time for the 5K (3.1 miles) was a whopping 1hour and 4minutes. So it was hardly even a stroll. But we enjoyed it and it was well worth the time.

Our group participants were, Myself, my sister Mickayla, my friend Antonella, her daughter Bailey and my other friend Courtney. Let me just say that I completely love all of these people. What an awesome group to stroll around Greenlake with!

Antonella, Courtney and I have decided that we (mostly me) need to be more active. Courtney and Nella are both personal trainers, and my desk job has done horrible things to my body, so they are going to be my encouragement to get out and be more active.

Apparently Bailey likes to be carried!

Side note: Antonella and Courtney are both AWESOME trainers and uplifting positive people. I became friends with them when I worked at Golds Gym in Redmond. If you are looking for a personal trainer then definitely contact them.

Courtney works at Golds Gym in Redmond: 425-883-9494

Antonella trains out of her home. Visit her website at http://www.ichooseactive.com/ She also sends out newsletters with tips and monthly active outings. The active outings are no cost and just a fun way to get out and have some fun while being active. Comment, or contact Antonella or myself if you'd like to be added to her newsletter email list. The more the merrier (and the more people to encourage me!!) ;)

LOL

Maybe I'm just in need of a laugh as I watch the clock tick by on this Friday afternoon, but I thought this picture was great! It wouldn't let me copy it so click on the link below.

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/07/24/2009247.aspx

Yummy treat

Each year for Christmas the CEO of our company gives all of the employees in our office a "Fruit of the Month" membership from Harry and David. Although I wouldn't mind just getting the cash for the price of this gift, I do enjoy getting my fruit each month.

Yesterday, my September fruit arrived. I box of peaches. They smelt delicious and were perfectly ripe. So I decided to have the below as my dessert. Peaches, crumbled graham crackers and a (large) dollop of whipped topping. DELISH!

not feeling 100%

I feel exhausted. This picture is what I saw on my phone last night while laying across 2 airport seats. UGH!

I had a great weekend in the Bay Area, visiting my 2 oldest sisters. My flight home last night was supposed to be late but not too bad. Well... it got delayed. It landed back in Seattle at 2:17am but after catching the shuttle to my car, retrieving my car and driving back home, it was about 3:30. Then I couldn't fall asleep because I was worried that I wouldn't wake up at 6:30 when my alarm went off. There for I got less than 3 hours of sleep. Oh joy!

Happy thought: It's TUESDAY! I love weeks that start on Tuesday!

(To read about my adventures this past weekend visit my other blog, littleprincewilliam.blogspot.com)

Utah Mom meets Gothic Skater

Ok, so it's too late now.... I did it. I dont know how I feel but I guess it's growing on me. The cut is short! and I feel like it's a total mom cut. As my brother in law told me, it's like a Utah mom cut. (Which by the way I know he meant that in a positive way and I'm totally not offended.) Utah moms are always trying to be stylish. The color is really dark. I wanted dark, but this is way dark. I know it'll wash out a bit, and I'll probably get used to it too, but yah, it's way dark.

Oreos

Today I broke into my stash of Oreo's that I have hidden in the bottom drawer of my desk at work. Did you know that a serving size of Oreos is 3 cookies!? Seriously, 3! No way. I got out 6 and sealed the (resealable) package. How many oreos do you usually eat? Am I a pig or is it normal to eat more than the "suggested serving size?"

I was talking to my friend Rachel a few minutes ago. I mentioned to her that I was eating oreos and Milk. To which she replied, "You know what goes well with Oreos?" I thought she would tell me something like peanut butter or something like that. She sent me a link, and when it opened up this is what I saw.

I think he goes well with just about anything. Wouldn't you agree?

Breakfast

A lot of people don't eat breakfast (shame on you!) But I think a lot of people don't because they are not morning people and they think that they don't have time for breakfast.

Here is a link to some quick and easy breakfasts from Delish.com. I love delish. They have great recipes and ideas.

Here is one of my personal favorites. I used to eat these for breakfast all the time.

Tip: to make it even less of a morning time consumer, put the yogurt in little Tupperware ahead of time. And the granola in baggies. That way in the morning all you have to do is grab a container of yogurt, a baggie of granola and a spoon and you're on your way.

Another tip: use plain yogurt rather than vanilla yogurt. I know, I know, it sounds gross, but it's not. When you eat it with granola, and especially when you eat it with fruit too, you definitely don't need the flavoring or the extra sugar. It tastes great, AND it's better for you. Win, Win!

Bon Appetite!

Shorter and Darker

No I am not talking about my choice in men... I'm talking about my hair. I think I want it shorter and darker...

I NEED a new do! You know when you are just sick of your look. Sick of your clothes. Sick of your hair... just feeling B.L.A.H? Well I'm there! Unfortunately I can't get all new clothes. (dang it!) But I am thinking of making a change to my hair. I really want to go darker, and probably shorter. I think most men don't like short hair, and maybe it'll make me look more like a mom (which although I AM a mom, I don't want to look "mom") But whatever, I think I'm going to do it anyway. And I want to look like this. Isn't she adorable!? So tell me what you think now, or forever hold your peace.... because once I do it I don't want to hear what you think, unless it's that you think I'm adorable. ;)