Kate Spade Agenda

I am old school when it comes to agendas/calendars.  I don't use my outlook calendar or my Blackberry calendar or my mac calendar.  I use a traditional agenda book still.  For work I use the cheezy work logoed one but for my personal life, I use this beautiful Kate Spade agenda.  Here is what I like best about it.  

1.  The shape, it is a square, and squares are cool, unless you act like a square and you probably aren't if you are reading this. 

2.  It's pretty to look at and to touch.  I like when things feel as nice as they look.  This agenda is both.

3.  The inside pages have enough space to write and a whole week on a 2 page spread.

The best part about agendas is that you can flip thru the pages and see all the fun stuff, crappy stuff and forced stuff you did all year long.  It's like a diary, but not.  Because it's an agenda and it says so on the front.

I don't even know if they still sell these, but if they do, they run approx $50

GLASS food storage containers

Bye Bye carcinogen plastic tupperware and food storage of the like! 

Let me tell you about these glass food storage containers, they are so awesome for left-overs and then micro-waving in them without the lid and just eating directly out of it as well.  I have the round ones and the rectangle ones-- they are all different sizes and really meet my needs.  They can meet yours too! 

I got compliments on them at work- WHO else can say that?  HUH? WHO? only those with cool frickin' containers like this.

Just go get some, you'll be happy you did.  They are like $20 at Crate and Barrel.  

Toothpaste Squeezit

I knew this invention existed, it just took me a while to buy it and then took even longer to actually use it. One more day without this handy dandy toothpaste squeezit and I would have not lived a full-filled life.  I know so dramatic, but this thing is so cool--- it makes the toothpaste tube look neat and tidy.  

There are 2 in a pack, so there is one for me the devoted Crest user (I only like Crest and will only use Crest) and one for my husband (he uses the cheap shit I buy him on sale).  So, 2 Squeezits for $2.69 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  It's brilliant. 

Cole Haan Nike Air Peeptoes

Do you remember those commercials in the 80's when the ladies were wearing pumps running up and down a basketball court to the song, "looks like a pump, feels like a sneaker?"

They have no clue. NO CLUE. what they were talking about because these bad boys right here.... Cole Haan and Nike together, did not exist.  

So this shoe right here says it all AND they are really cute. Comfy. 

I hear people whine about feet in heels all day-- this shoes right here is all you need.  HONESTLY.  They are a bit pricey but you can buy these in black and brown for about $600 and then you wouldn't need to buy very many other shoes (of course, I buy these and about 50 others) but I think buying shoes is like paying the water bill- a necessity to life.  BUT- If I could and only wanted to buy 2 pairs of shoes, I would buy these in black and brown.  THANK GOODNESS that isn't the case but IF IT WERE-- I stick to my word on this.

Blackberry

My Blackberry is one of my F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E things ever.  I do not know how the world functioned before cell phones, even though, my first cell phone I had for a year before it was turned "on" for longer than 4 minutes.  It was only for emergencies.  For if I was being held at gunpoint, I could quickly pull it out of my glove-box and wait the 2 minutes it took back then to POWER-UP and then dial 911.  Or when I would pretend to be on it so I looked powerful and important.  Those were fun days.  Young & Dumb.

And now, I can't imagine life with out my coveted Blackberry ( I will not call it that name of crackberry b/c I already referred to Cadbury mini eggs as crack so I just can't do that here, plus the ol' crackberry line is so 2008).  I mean, this thing is pretty amazing.   It  doesn't make me look powerful and important like cell phones did back when only VIPs had them but it does entertain me when needed.  Facebook, the games, texting, emailing, all that jazz sure can hold you over when waiting in a really long line somewhere.  Or when I am sitting on the couch and too lazy to use the computer, my Blackberry is always there. 

Cadbury Mini Eggs

I am not a candy person.  I am more of a salt person.  So when I say Cadbury Mini Eggs are one of my favorite things, then you know these things must be REALLY good.

I don't know what they (aka: Hershey) puts in these things, well, I do know actually b/c I read the ingredient list, but I didn't see CRACK as an actual ingredient but the effects are just the same.

These eggs make me want MORE MORE MORE.   It's like an M&M on steroids.  The crispy candy thin outer shell, then you bite in and the milk chocolate is dense but perfect in all it's glory.  

Oh, Cadbury Mini Eggs, you are the best part about commercializing Easter. 

Real Housewives of NYC

If you don't watch Real Housewives of NYC already, then you are MISSING OUT on some serious. serious. serious. entertainment.

I don't even know where to begin with this.  

It's like train-wreck city right before your very eyes.  As annoying and silly and catty and petty as they are, they will grow on you.  I have a favorite.  Jill.  and then Bethenny. No, that is not a typo, that is how she spells her name. Bethenny.

Anyhow, you gotta catch in on BRAVO!  They have a whole Housewives series, but this NYC one is just comical and entertaining. 

Rimmel Eye Make-Up Remover

I used to buy eye make-up remover from the department store, thinking it was going to be the best.  I was WRONG.  Rimmel Eye Make-Up Remover is in my opinion the best and I can buy it at any Walgreens or Target for about a fraction of the cost of the department store remover.  Time to tighten the budget and time to get yourself Rimmel.  Try it, if you don't like it, you can give the bottle to me and I'll use it-- hey-- I'll even give you your $6 back. 

Dutch Oven

I am speaking about the kind you use in the kitchen (sickos).  I become recently re-obsessed with my dutch oven, I like to just throw whatever in there to make some kind of stew or soup and let it slow cook for a few hours.  I don't think enough people own dutch ovens.  You need one, he needs one, she needs one.  GO BUY ONE!  It's great- the prices range, a decent one should run you a bit over $100.

Stila Brush #15

Brush #15 is the ultimate eye shadow brush, it is for applying the shadow and the smaller part is for the crease.

#15 really should be called #1, b/c it is a NECESSITY for eye shadow.  Other brands don't compare when it comes to the brush.

For example, your bright blue color is applied with the bigger side and then the magenta is applied with the smaller side so you can really get in that crease area for a flawless and beautiful look!

$35

JOIN A BOWLING LEAGUE!

I joined a bowling league.  I am not an avid bowler either but I joined a league because it sounded fun.  It was thru friends.  It's a gay bowling league so it's even more fun than just a plain ol' regular bowling league.   Our team name is Rated R so I won't share and we drink and bowl.  It's FABI! 

I dress just like the picture here too and I bowl and average of 110-- the worst bowler on the league and I don't care-- I have fun!  You can join one also, prices range but mine is $16/week and it goes for 26 weeks.  Oh and like another $20 to register with nationals.  This it totally legit, I am a card carrying bowler.  Don't mess with me.

I even bought shoes.  Now I just need a Hello Kitty ball.  

Love Actually Movie

Love Actually is one of my absolute VERY favorite movies.  I don't own a lot of DVDs, I own only a few and Love Actually is the chosen one.  It's quite perfect for the holidays as well as for a good 4th of July movie.  It's brilliantly funny, witty and has an outstanding cast.

The soundtrack is fabu too and I own that as well.  It's on this time of year on all those Christmas movie channels that play Christmas movies all night long so you can catch it there or you can buy it for as little as $5 at Target too.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin Butter is available year round at Trader Joe's but for some reason I associate it with the holidays so that is when I buy it.  This last trip, I purchased 3 jars.  A little bit goes a long way.  I can't even explain how delicious it is but all I can say is that you need to buy some.  It's sweet but not too sweet.  It's perfect on toast, english muffins, and I love mixing it with Ricotta cheese.  I might transfer it to an unmarked jar and give it away as gifts and make people think I slaved over it. ha. 

For less than $4-- you can taste the season.

Glass Magic Dishwasher Booster

okay, I am officially old.  I had a serious MELT DOWN awhile back about spots on the glassware and eating utensils after they came of the dishwasher.  We even had someone come out and make sure our dishwasher was working properly, we had someone come out and price quote us for a water softener. Apparently, the washer works fine and the water softener unit would cost us thousands.... so what does a girl do?!!  

I'll tell you what she does, She buys Glass Magic!!  It is truly MAGICAL, people!  Our stuff came out looking brand new and perfect!  YEAH FOR GLASS MAGIC!  All you do is put 1/2 cup of this stuff on the bottom of your washer and fill with your normal detergent and make sure you have jet dry in the jet dry holder.  

I had to buy it on amazon.  It's about $4 a box, I bought 3 since you have to pay for ship and handle.  I think I am going to buy a case next time. 

The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs CD

Christmas Music is one of my very favorite things about the holiday season.  I recently have found this awesome CD, The Hotel Cafe presents WINTER SONGS.  It is a CD filled with just that-- WINTER SONGS!  Not cheezy "ho ho ho, jolly oh, dooo deee bop" music-- more just wintery sounding cool tunes.

I found it on itunes, I also saw the CD available at Target Boutique.

Only $9.99 and you can listen to some decent holiday sounds without screaming, "five goldennnnnnnnn rings." 

Hello Kitty Kitty

HA!!!!!!!!!!!  I was on the search for the perfect Hello Kitty ADULT costume but all I could find where ones for kids (maybe this is a sign) or for actual kittys.  I need this costume.  I must have it.  Unforts, there isn't any other info about this kitty costume.  This will be my next "project"-- to track this kitty costume down and of course find one for myself for next Halloween.  If only my head were smaller, I could just buy the cat costume and wear that.  oh well. 

Coffee-mate Peppermint Mocha Creamer

It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!  YES!

Coffee-mate Peppermint Mocha coffee creamer is pretty much the only reason I exist.  Okay, that's a bit dramatic.  But it is ONE of the reasons I exist.

I can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning and add some to my coffee!!  

If you are a flavored creamer fan, you mUst (put the U is must) go buy some right now.  If you are smart (like me) you'll buy it in bulk after the season too b/c it stays good for quite some time (about 2-3 months) you can enjoy it well into spring too!

Wake Up and Drink Up!  (There are 2 liquids that make me want to get out of bed, coffee and bloody marys.)

Ranges between $3-$6 depending on the size and what you local grocer with the club card sales and coupons.  

Dreamfields Pasta

What is an Italian girl supposed to do when the entire world has nothing to say about pasta except that it will make you fat?  I'll tell you what I say, "I'M NOT FAT, I'M BIG BONED!" But since when I grocery shop, I have little demons in my head telling me that pasta makes me fat, I found DREAMFIELDS PASTA.  It is a low carb pasta (actually, I have no flippin clue how this works b/c it has the same amount of carbs but it's DIGESTABLE carbs- whatever the heck that means.)  It's good, I eat lots of it and I am still big boned.  What now? ay?

The Garlic Twist

The Garlic Twist is one of those kitchen tools that I actually use.  Like for real, I really use this one.  I don't really use the other 2 drawers filled with kitchen stuff, but The Garlic Twist is great.  You simply place the peeled garlic pieces in the container, place the top on it and twist it a few times.  VOILA!  Minced garlic in a matter of seconds.  Then you just throw it in the dish washer and you are good to go.  

She comes in red, white or clear.  I have the red one.  $15.00

Clinton Kelly

Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not To Wear is FABULOUS!  SO fabulous that he has a new book out called "Freaking Fabulous".  I suggest you thumb thru it, it has some of the best fashion tips ever.  Not only fashion but just tips in life... how to decorate, eat, behave and just "be".  I don't want to gloat or anything here but I did get to meet him in person this past Friday night and he told me my jacket was great.  I started sweating.  I then posed for a photo of him where I look like an amazon next to his body but that's my own personal issue.  I want him to move in with me.  I have 2 extra bedrooms, he can have both of them and I'll cook his dinner every night.  I wonder if he would agree to this?  

The Glass Castle

My friend told me about this book, The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls.  It is a really great book.  I had a hard time putting it down and wanted to stay up 'til all hours of the night (even on school nights!) to keep reading.  And for you people that say, "I don't even have time to brush my hair, let alone read a book!" Let me tell you, "Boy, you are missing out and Boy, your hair looks like crap!"  Make the time and start reading, it gets you hooked within the first 5 pages.  If you disagree, I'll argue with you about it. 

Healthy & Delicious Food

Ingredients:

Tomatoes

Mozzarella

Fresh Basil

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

That's it.  It the most simple thing you could possibly make besides boiling water.  And what kind of snack is boiling water?  I guess you could throw a cigarette in there and make it "a runway model's snack" the day before fashion week.  My friend has an herb garden and gave me the basil.  It smelled heavenly, I almost didn't want to eat them, but just sniff them.  

This can be duplicated for about $7 unless my friend gives you some basil, then it's even cheaper. 

Gold-tone Ceramic Vase

It looks better in person, I promise.  I found 2 of these uber chic and pretty cool vases at Target.  In a mad rush to put the finishing touches on our home before our Open House/housewarming party I found this vase in a small and large.  They are prefect by the fireplace together.  They offer just the right amount of visual interest and color the room needed.  My whole point of going to Target was to pick up a new Welcome mat and instead I came home with about $147 worth of STUFF.  These 2 vases being part of the quickie shopping trip.  

Large is $45 and small is $30

Kate Spade China

Soooooooooooo... I didn't want china on my wedding registry.  NOPE, not doing china, I am NOT into china.  UNTIL............   I found THIS china.  Soon I was singing a different tune.  I NEED THIS CHINA, I MUST HAVE THIS CHINA.  I WANT THIS CHINA.  And let me tell ya, people LOVE to buy you china when you are getting married.  So here it is in all it's glory.  THE CHINA.  Isn't she pretty?  So pretty that I hate to mess it all up with food and stuff.  Kate Spade did me right with this pattern.  It's cool, whimsical yet still simple enough.  

Does this mean I have to make fancy dancy meal to serve on this china?  Nah.... 

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty, Good-Bye paycheck!

If I could, I would spend my entire paycheck on Hello Kitty stuff.  She is so cute.  How can you not look at Hello Kitty and not want to cry?  It's pretty easy to go nutso on HK stuff since now you can  find her anywhere.  From umbrellas to assault rifles, she is everywhere.  But I like the traditional HK stuff-- this design posted above is the best.  I almost put a HK toaster and rice cooker on my wedding registry but decided to just keep her out of my marriage.  My husband is fine with the cutesy stuff here and there but a HK toaster on the counter could be a bit too much.  Plus, I wouldn't want to actually use them because then I would get them dirty and Kitty doesn't roll that way.  ( But what's my excuse now for not using my non HK kitchen appliances?)

I loved Hello Kitty since I was a little girl.  I would hoard my HK pencils, stationary, tissues, erasers and stapler and never used them, in fact I still have many of them still unused. Someday.

Hello Kitty items range from $1.00 to $1,000,000,000.00,  so take that however you like.

If my husband reads this blog this picture is for him, my birthday is Dec. 10th or Christmas, whatever.  Just saying.