Word Up Wednesday

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It's supposed to be 81 degrees on Saturday...Hello December?

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Love.

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I have only had one today...must get more.  How many hugs have you received today?

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On Sunday :)

Gift Giving Guide Day #1 ~ Techy Love

Happy Holidays all you YBB readers!  The time has come for me to begin sharing some of my favorite gifts out there on the market to give or receive! 

Today's gift guide is dedicated to all those "Techy" gadgets out there.  Whether you are using an iPhone, an iPad, a Kindle , iPod, Blackberry or a regular old computer like moi, I have something below for everyone!

For the avid Kindle user, this Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Book Worm Kindle Sleeve is sure to please.  It's kind of like when you used to have to cover your books in school with brown bags and design it yourself, only it's way cooler than a brown bag and requires no further design modifications.

I do not own an iPhone and am quite content with my Blackberry, but will say that Blackberry needs to improve it's design case options, as the iPhone is kicking ass in design selections.  If I did own an iPhone I am 99% sure that this Case Mate 'Barely There' iPhone 4 case in gold would already be on my telephone. 

I have been trying to get my work to supply me with an iPad (no luck thus far) and have been admiring all my friends, and think that this DANNIJO Reid iPad Case is just gorgeous.  This gift would be great for that aspiring fashion, design student, or really anyone who admires patterns and great colors.  It is also sure to be a conversation starter for any meeting you walk into or present at.

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I have two girls at work who have been heavily hinting that these Marc by Marc Jacobs Silicone iPad Sleeves would be pretty spectacular to own and use on their iPad's.  I am loving the bright bold colors and subtle logo these sleeves possess.  These sleeves would be perfect for a high schooler or college student who isn't necessarily using their iPad's for presenting, and more for leisure.

Again Blackberry, iPhone has really raised the bar in phone protection accessories.  This Kate Spade Hard Cover iPhone 4 Case is perfect for any woman in your life.  Mom, co-worker, boss, secret santa, whomever is sure to love this classic and simple cover.  Also would work well for any Kate Spade lover you may know that won't break you at the bank.   

This Quilted Shimmer MP3 Speaker Wallet is just right for the girl on the go.  Just pop in your MP3 (iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Zune) and turn up the volume and it is an instant party wherever she may go.  Perfect for the girl who is always in Vegas, the beach or any after party. 

Who says your flash drive is the only thing that can be flashy?  Jazz up any home office or desk with this sparkly Blinged Out Wireless Mouse.  Perfect for the girl who is all about sparkle and glamour. 

Last but not least, my favorite gift of all, Gap's Smartphone Gloves.  I mean whoever thought of these is BRILLIANT!  Now you can keep your hands warm and still communicate via text or touch screen as these gloves have special tips that allow you to not miss a step communicating while you keep your mits warm.  These are sure to please any texter who lives in non-Cali climates. 

Be sure to keep checking back for some great holiday gift ideas and please leave me a comment with your own great finds to share!  'Tis the season to share and be jolly!

Song Of The Week: The Chipmunk Song

If you asked my mom what song reminds her of us kids during the holidays, she would most definitely say The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) (1999 Digital Remaster).  Not much has changed as I move into adulthood.  At almost 31, I still love this song whenever it comes on in my holiday mix, on my pandora holiday station or on the radio.  My favorite line is of course, "Me I want a huula hooop" (speaking of hula hoop - absolutely hooked on Hula Hoop for Wii) sung by the troublemaker Alvin. 

Interesting tid bit about this holiday favorite...it won three Grammy's and is the last Christmas song to reach #1 on any US single record chart totaling performance of all available records (source).  Not too shabby for three fictional characters! 

What are wishing for this holiday?

Happy {Apple Cup} Weekend

The time has come for the annual Washington rivalry of Washington State University (GO COUGS!) versus University of Washington (Boo-Hiss) in the Apple Cup. 

A bet from a few Apple Cups back.  Whichever school won the Apple Cup got to have the Space Needle painted in their honor.  What a beautiful sight!

I am dying to fly in this plane still!

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Up in the air, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's a COUG!!

I love me some Cougar Pride flying high above the city!

We lost last year and have had a rough season, but if we win this game, I'm telling you it will be a beautiful weekend for all! 

GO COUGS!!!!!!!!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Cocktail Party Chic

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1) French Cuff Shirt (Banana Republic) 2) Glitzy Sequined Skirt 3) Beaded Cluster Necklace 4) Paneled Leatherette Biker Jacket

Next Saturday I am attending a cocktail party at my bosses house and then heading to the bars to celebrate my friend taking his LSAT.  Two very different crowds and two very different occasions.  However, I think the outfit above will allow me to transition from each party effortlessly. 

I realize the necklace is a little matchy to the skirt but, I don't really mind.  And the leather jacket will help keep me warm but also add a little fun.  I am also considering bringing a backup White V-Neck to change into for the bars (also in case I spill on myself at the party). 

A little bit of dazzle and sparkle is just what the holidays need and this skirt is sure to get the job done.

Drug Store Beauty Booty

I realized it has been quite some time since I shared my latest beauty finds, and today's post is dedicated specifically to items you can get at your local drugstore for cheap!

So a few months back I ran out of face wash and really needed to wash my face.  So I used a squirt of my Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, Gold Value - 11.25 Oz instead.  Took my makeup off great and left my skin clean and clear.  My laziness ensued and I ended up making this stuff my go to face wash for everyday.  And wouldn't you just know that I started getting loads of compliments about how great my skin looked.  This bottle costs less than $3 and is the best wash I have ever used. 

When I ran out of my hand soap/face wash I purchased the generic version of Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash - 9.1 oz. and I have to say that I cannot wait to buy another bottle of the dial because it works so much better!  Give it a shot, if you hate it or aren't pleased you can use it as it is marketed, for your hands!

I have always loved L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara and was pumped when I saw the commercial for L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara - Blackest Black.  The brush isn't my favorite but two coats of this mascara and your eyelashes are looking TDF.  Long, lush and full - exactly what I want from a mascara.  And for under $8!!

I also recently ran out of eye cream and needed to keep my under eyes moisturized, so I pulled out my trusty tube of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Jar - 3.75 Oz and rubbed it under my eyes.  A makeup artist once told me that all those eye creams don't really work and the most important thing to keep your eyes looking bright and young was to keep them highly moisturized.  Enter Vaseline.  For under $5 I use this moisturizer under my eyes, lips, and nose. 

I originally purchased my AQUAPHOR HEALING OINTMENT SKIN CARE 1.75 OZ TUBE for my tattoo to stay moisturized but quickly learned that this stuff works anywhere and does a great job.  Now I use it on my elbows that are cracked, my lips that are chapped and my knuckles that are so dry from the cold, blistering weather we have been experiencing in Cali lately (I may be exaggerating a little bit). 

But honestly, this stuff rocks and lasts forever!  It is also wonderful since it is unscented and has no tint, you can help keep your significant others pout kissable and soft for underneath the mistletoe!

Those are my latest cheap beauty finds that can do no wrong in my eyes!  Pick up one, two or all four.  I think it will be the best $20 you have spent in a long time!

Word Up Wednesday

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Helloooo December :)

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Oh so true.  Here's to not procrastinating in December (and 2011)

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Ooh I am just so excited for the holidays!!

Song Of The Week: Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24

Oh Holy Night can you believe it is already time to begin listening to holiday music?  I can't lie, I cheated and began listening to 103.5 on Tuesday of last week off and on.  However, it's holiday music always from here on out until the new year.  While I have many favorite holiday songs, I thought best to start the 2010 Holiday with Christmas/ Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental). 

This song is powerful and full of emotion.  It is also one of the Christmas songs that I think men really enjoy rocking out to and can have a jam session in their car to, without looking too silly.  I also am fascinated by the light coordination to this song in the video above.  I remember watching it years ago and being amazed and I just watched it again and was impressed. 

'Tis the season and I couldn't be more excited!  Stay tuned for great gift ideas, holiday treats and all things festive!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Thanksgiving Grub

We have officially entered my favorite food season of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas - oh me oh my! 

I love pumpkin, Turkey, cinnamon, stuffing (even though "technically" I really like dressing), wine, cranberry jelly (yes straight out of the can), bread and more wine.  It is all just scrump-diddly-uptious! 

My favorite kind of potatoes (besides french fries) is Classic Potato Gratin .  I am really excited that I get enjoy some on Thursday.  It has been a long time!

I despise lumpy mashed potatoes and am really picky when it comes to mashers.  I am pretty sure that this Potato Masher  from Williams Sonoma would aid in the creation of perfect mashers for Turkey Day.

I have been responsible for the turkey portion of our meal for the past 7 Thanksgivings, but this year I passed the torch.  I will say for those of you in charge of your own turkey should most definitely try brining the bird.  Crate & Barrel makes it really easy with this handy dandy Turkey Brine and Brining Bag  all in one.  Just boil up the mix, place in the enclosed bag, toss in the turkey and voila!  Instant goodness. 

I love stuffed mushrooms and often times cannot partake in enjoying them since they are filled with crab most times.  However I am pretty sure I can enjoy this Tuscan Stuffed Mushroom Mix.  The mix is full of tasty spices and makes stuffing mushrooms so easy (it also makes those allergic to shellfish really happy). 

I warned you that I am a lover of pumpkin, and this Perfect Endings Pumpkin Cheesecake is sure to please any and all who love pumpkin.  Not only is is lovely to look at, but the flavor I imagine is equally amazing.  Pumpkin Cheesecake is also a nice way to mix it up from the traditional pumpkin pie. 

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This Thanksgiving I will be dividing my time between two separate parties.  For the first party I will be enjoying wine (most likely a few bottles of this or this) and apps.  My contribution will be Mac and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash. I am taking a chance, as I have never made it before...but it looks just so pretty and festive and I am sure will be equally delectable. 

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For my second Thanksgiving celebration of the day I will be sitting down for dinner and responsible for dessert.  Apple pie and pumpkin mousse will already be present, so I opted to try and recreate one of my favorite desserts from Westside Tavern the Sticky Toffee Cake.  This recipe does not look easy to make, but if it turns out even 80% as good as the original I am alright with that. 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods?  What are you responsible for?  Any recipes you would like to share? 

Happy Eating!

Song Of The Week: Raise Your Glass

P!nk's Raise Your Glass (Explicit Version) seems very fitting for song of the week.  I along with many of you I imagine will be raising your glass to celebrate friends, family, the holidays and everything you are thankful for.  I love the energy of this song and I am all for raising my glass whenever possible. 

In addition to raising a glass to all that I am thankful for, I will also be raising a glass to Jackie and her new addition to the family Delaney.  She is absolutely precious and I am overjoyed for the R family. 

I am also raising a glass to Michelle and her recent engagement to Mr. Zito!  Her ring is absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't be happier for the two of them! 

Cheers!