Trader Joe's Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies

The #1 reason I wanted a kitchen mixer was to make chocolate chip cookies by the dozens. And that is fine for the first couple of cookie sheets until I get bored with cookie baking and decide to just make one giant cookie because I want to be done with them. This, as you know turns into burnt outer edge of giant cookie and raw center. We eat it anyway of course but you know, not the the particular vision I had for my cookie baking extravaganza!

Then I found out about the Trader Joe's Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. I don't make them by the dozens anymore, but by the 16s because that is how many come in a box!

They are so so so so DELICIOUS! My own homemade cookies do not compare to the TJ ones. It's embarrassing to tell you this, but the TJ ones actually taste better than YOURS too.

Oh and I don't have to really clean anything once done, just the cookie sheet. They are frozen and you literally, plop them on the sheet, cook for 15 minutes and then done. So simple and so delicious and so worth $4.59. Find them in the frozen section at Trader Joe's, the yummiest section in the whole store!

Zinnia Shower Curtain

Something about shower curtains that make me excited. I think it is the fact that you can pretty much make-over your bathroom based on a shower curtain. This one from Garnet Hill is so happy and cheery-- full of color! I just bought it and will say that when I look at it I smile. Thankfully it matches all our towels already and an entire bathroom re-vamp isn't need.

Who knew that a simple curtain could put a smile on this girl's face so easily! I purchased it online and I'm not a big "online" shopper since I like roaming around stores wasting my day away, touching and feeling and smelling items. Yes, smelling. Have you ever bought something and realized it smells funny and then you hate it? Well, I have and it's no fun.

This smells fine, looks perfect in the bathroom and therefore, is blogable! $45 on garnethill.com

(is blogable a word?)

Red Hot Chicago Dogs

Happy 4th of July!! 

 In honor of this lovely holiday, I am sharing with you, my all time favorite HOT DOG!  RED HOT CHICAGO-- they are truly the best tasting hot dogs in the world.  I happened to find them b/c of my old job, the catering manager ordered them wholesale for the club and I was able to enjoy RED HOTS on a regular basis back then. 

Now, I do not know where to buy them unless you buy them wholesale or fly out to Chicago and eat in their restaurant.  Anyhow, I love a good dog, but this one is beyond good, it's OUT OF THIS WORLD!  Have a lovely 4th and God Bless America. 

Yoga Toes

What a silly product!  What an amazing product!  I had a day where I stood for 6 hours straight and it involved pushing/pulling dollies and loading my car up and  setting a trade show booth up for work. 

My feet were literally throbbing by the time I got home. 

After my husband's sad attempt of a foot massage (sorry, babe, but that massage sucked, you know it), I busted out my yoga toes! And I am glad I did, within 15 minutes of wearing them, my feet felt almost back to normal.  I put them back on an hour later and my feet were completely back to normal.   This was of course a better alternative to sawing my feet off completely.  I was contemplating doing that because I thought that might actually feel better. 

I was introduced to Yoga Toes by my friend, Nicole, who told me she loves hers.  So I went out to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought them for $10.  What a wonderful investment!  Thanks, Nicole! 

Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Ironing?  What's ironing?  Before we got married, my fiance asked me if I will be washing and ironing his work shirts or if he needs to continue bringing them to the cleaner.  After I was done laughing, I informed him that I don't know how to sew buttons or iron.  

He still married me and I keep an ample supply of Downy Wrinkle Releaser around for my pretend ironing when needed.  Work shirts still go to the pros but there are a few times a week I need to spray some of this on a shirt or two just to get them looking a bit more crisp (especially if the shirt I plan to wear is wadded up in a ball in the corner).   Wrinkle Releaser is worth the $4.89.  Anything that makes me not have to iron is worth any amount.  

Wasabi Peas

SNACK TIME!  I love me some wasabi peas for a snack.  Specifically, the Trader Joes brand is the most delicious that I have tried.  Now, some people love these and some people hate them.  My husband can't stand them but that's fine by me because that means he won't eat my snack-- it's all for me!    I have made the mistake of putting too many of them in my mouth at the same time and ended up with a fiery nose and tears pouring down my face, but that was my fault for not eating them slowly and one by one.  I like to bring these to the movie theater with me so I won't buy popcorn.  Often times I still buy the popcorn but whatever, Can't blame me for "trying".  

Mad Men DVD Season 1

IF you do not watch Mad Men already, then you are really missing out on some good television.  I heard about Mad Men and saw that Season 1 got 6 emmys and yadda yadda tadda.  I finally watched and I am hooked, like CRazY hooked.  Season 1 is available until mid July on ON DEMAND (Cox). 

Setting: 1960's advertising agency.  Think the good ol' days until you watch and realize, "those are ol' days, but not so good."  Smoking is about at prevalent as breathing, alcohol is water and even the goody goodies are cheating on the wives.

I like the outfits and the old school education.  Kids riding in cars w/out seat belts and playing with plastic bags on their heads was normal.  Women sit at home and cook, smoke, drink, and have babies- all at the same time.  It's comical!

MaryJane Socks for BABY!

I mean seriously, look at these ADORABLE MaryJane socks for a baby girl. This is the perfect gift for a baby who has everything already! They are delightfully funny and really cute.  Next baby girl born I know gets a pair, depending if I have $25 to spend on a pair of socks that a baby will out-grown in a few months.  Totally worth it right? 

Watermelon

I can not get enough watermelon in my system this season.  Why must it taste so good.  Thank goodness it is a fruit and not a starch.  

So, I am gonna guess, you all know what a watermelon is and I won't have to go into any detail.  Here is my one gripe about them, they are so heavy.  So buying one is very fun until you come home from the grocer and you need to bring it into the house.  I am one of those people that likes to carry every-single grocery bag in one trip from car to house (minus Costco trips).  

Anyhow, the w-melon just ruins that whole game for me-- it's almost impossible!  I tried once and dropped the green melon of love and it split.  It happened in slow motion and for some reason afterwards, I was so glad that I don't have kids.  Do you think I'll play this one trip from car to house game if I had kids in tow?  Let's hope NOT!

Those glass containers I posted earlier are perfect for cutting up 1/2 a melon and putting it in containers so I (errr, WE- meaning you and me) can munch on it at home or bring it to work with me.

Seedless melons are on sale right now and in season across the nation for about $4.50 each, give or take a few cents.  

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.