Must

Earlier this week the BF and I went to dinner with some friends in Venlo, NL at Chez Philippe. The restaurant was filled with an assortment of odds and ends that the chef (Philippe) had acquired over the years, including a small carousel that was scattered throughout the restaurant. It's too bad it was so dark in there or I would have pictures to try and explain how odd and yet totally appropriate it was.

Chef Philippe is a French man living in the Netherlands for many years and running a restaurant the way he thinks it should be done. Which means you come in, sit down, chat with him and the staff and eat what he wants to serve you that evening. If you must have something off the a la carte menu, they will easily oblige, but the set menu for the evening is the only way to go. Oh my, the four course meal was fantastic and the service was top notch. If you ever find your way anywhere near Venlo, this little restaurant is worth stopping for and enjoying a few hours full of food and wine.

Have a great weekend.



Read - Think of Oyster like Netflix for books. For $10 a month you can sign up and get access to all you can read. With a selection of over 100,000 books I am sure there is something that you haven't read yet. It's only in the beginning stages, but sign up now and hopefully you will score that invite in the mail shortly.

Drink - It's fall and it's time to bust out the fig infused bourbon to make a fig manhattan. Don't have fig infused bourbon, check out everything you need to do to have to make it at Boozed and Infused. It's the perfect welcome to fall drink.

                

Image via A Subtle Revelry

Make - 5 different breads that are perfect to make for fall care of A Subtle Revelry. I am dying to make the sweet potato one. It sounds delicious!

Image via HuffingtonPost.UK & Getty

Investigate - Could the Jack the Ripper case finally be solved? Interesting information in this century (plus) old serial murder mystery that has never been solved. Check out this HuffPost article and judge for yourself.

Must - Eight Legs

I am afraid of spiders.

There I said it. They creep me out because they have eight legs and are not cute. I usually freak out when I see them and in fact I was almost in tears thinking about having to breakdown my shelves in the dining room (for the new buffet/wine cabinet) that are pretty deep and I knew were housing spiders, like it was their own personal condo. The next day though I found my big girl pants, put on some kitchen gloves (that covered me up to my elbows), had two vacuums, multi-purpose cleaner and decided to just get it done. After a few breaks and a frantic chase with the vacuum to get the offender, I prevailed, made it through and had a drink. This however does not mean I am ok with spiders now, it just means that I can do it if I want...and most of the time I don't.

Also, you can keep your lies comments about how harmless they are and how I am bigger, etc., etc.. I know all this and I am perfectly aware of how ridiculous this is. Just roll with it and have a fantastic weekend.

image via Macys.com

Want - I have been lusting after these shoes for two weeks now, but just can't justify the purchase right now. We had our vacation last month and just bought a new couch (and a few accessory pieces) so I am keeping the wallet in check. Oh how lovely these are though. I am really into the orange, purple and khaki mix though, so who knows what will happen if the right sale happens.

Image via Amazon

Read - If you are looking for a new book, Daughter of Empire: Life as a Mountbatten sounds fascinating. I found it through this article on Vanity Fair that is worth a read . This woman has seen a lot.

Image via AquaFarm

Need - One of the downsides of traveling is that I have the hardest time keeping plants (mainly herbs) alive. Leaving for a weeks to a month at a time make it difficult to keep the water flowing and a plant nurse doesn't have enough water for that length of time. This AquaFarm however might be the key to keeping fresh herbs growing with or without me.

Watch - Just do it. It's an actual product (that you kinda wish you had invented) and a brilliant ad. It will give you a laugh.

image via AMC

Learn - The University of California, Irvine is offering a free online course called Society, Science, Survival: Lessons from AMC's The Walking Dead. It's an eight week course that will include topics such as the spread of disease, the science behind decay, math (that is not so awesome) that is used to model population and epidemic dynamics, post apocalyptic nutrition and much more. You can sign up here to get your zHD and by now I am sure you know I have already signed up.

Must

I love short work weeks. Even though I don't have to go into an office I still love the feeling of a three day weekend. It's a special treat that we all should have a little bit more often.

My week has been filled with working, cleaning, reorganizing and getting in the mind set for fall, which with the heat wave we have been having here in SoCal is really hard to do. All the cleaning was a result of our new couch being way larger then our current one and things just have to go to make space. I have been coming up with ways to consolidate things and I think when everything is complete it will be so nice, but it is just taking patience, of which I have only a little. On the upside of things, the proceeds of all furniture sold will go towards a new sideboard/wine cabinet of which I will quickly fill to the brim with delicious wine. So cheers to a fabulous weekend!

Image via Tradesy

Closet Cleaning - Speaking of cleaning, check out Mashables 6 sites for selling clothes that you no longer wear. I have tried a few of these with some of my higher end items (I usually donate a vast majority of my stuff, but some things I need to get a few more dollars out of!) and haven't had a bad experience with any of them. If you have the items and eBay is just not your style, check out these options.

Image via Starz

Couch Potato - I can't help it, I love dishy, soapy, trashy time period shows and The White Queen is no exception. Cheesey, historically iffy and most times totally inaccurate, I still love the drama, intrigue and the fact that it is based (if somewhat loosely) on something that actually happened. This is prior to the Tudor rule and set during the the war of the roses. Give it a watch. It's good fun. Are you York or Lancaster?

Image via Instructables

Fruit Fly Fix - It is that time of year where the fruit flies are everywhere. Check out this Instructables on how to get rid of these pesky buggers. My tried and true method is a shot glass with red wine vinegar and a dash of dish soap. Works every single time and I don't even bother with the plastic on top that some people use. They usually dive right in to it as is.

Image via Tracy Anderson Method

Workout Inspiration - This is a great little article that can give you a few little tricks on how to make sure you are doing and making the best out of your workout. Some days it is really hard to find the motivation and I can see using one or two of these to make sure I am getting it done. Even when I would rather be sleeping in.

Image via Purewow

Tasty Stuff - As part of my food exploration this year, I am really cutting back the sugar, potatoes, breads, meats and processed foods in my house. It's been a slow go (BF is Dutch and they eat lots of potatoes, meat and bread), but we are getting there. While I don't make cookies often, these Banana Bread and Almond Butter Cocoa Sandwich cookies sound so delicious, I think we may just have to give these a try and soon.

Have a great weekend!

Must See Anniversary SALE!!

Why does it seem that the summer flies by sooo much quicker than the rest of the year? I feel like it just started, yet the calendar says we are headed towards August at light speed.

This week I have tried to make sure that I get out of the house/warehouse daily to at least make sure that each day is not all about work. This is twice as hard as you think when your significant other is a workaholic and also works from home and you work together on most of your projects. I can however say that the success rate was 100%, even if one outing was just to the post office to drop of an eBay item!

The best thing about this week is that the mothership came a calling. That's right the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here (early access and then access for all July 18th) and I have combed through and picked out the best items for your viewing (and purchasing) pleasure. Overall I was pretty pleased with everything, but was a little less then impressed with the shoes, but perhaps it's just me not getting on board with the fall shoe trends. What are your favorite items this year?

Happy shopping!

View this SkinnyScoop List

Must

This week has seemed a little bit longer then normal, but that may be because I had a day that lasted way longer then normal due to time zones. As I push through the jet lag and to try to be a normal human being, this week I am bringing you some articles that I enjoyed reading or just found entertaining to pass the time.

Have a good weekend!

Books are one of my favorite things ever and not that I need an excuse to read, but I definitely need to read a few of these before the movie comes out. I have read 5 of the 14 already and recommend that you at least read Gone Girl. It was one of the best books I read last year that was not a YA novel. Ha! 14 Books to Read Before They Hit the Big Screen, BuzzFeed.

As if I needed yet another reason to reach for the bubbly, but this always good to know. How Bubbly Can Boost Brain Power, Forbes.

WARNING - This link will make you want to go to the Container Store, like now. I have a few items on this list, but I think I spy a few more I need. 12 Products you didn't realize you can't live without, The Average Girls Guide.

In most movies the guy get's the girl, but do you remember all the characters that don't? Well this article has a trip down movie memory lane for you. Guys who don't get the girl, R29.

This article is a great rundown of what happened with Wendy Davis's filibuster. Read and feel good about the fact that no matter what you believe people had their voices heard. It's about time we started getting involved. A Bill is Killed; A Star is Born, Texas Monthly.

Must

Well looks like we are cutting our trip a little short and will be heading back to the US a little early next week. The good news is that I get to see my parents one last time before they move up to Oregon, but unfortunately my time here in the Netherlands is just way to short. I plan on making the most out of the days we have left, celebrating the BF's (and his twin sisters birthday) this weekend and maybe event getting out and capturing some great summer photos.

Here is your must list for the week. Have a fantastic weekend.

Where Pay Phones Go to die

Image via the Hairpin

It’s amazing to think about all the little things that the next few generations will never know or understand. VHS (soon the DVD), cassette tapes, wonder bread (good riddance) and pay phones to name just a few. With the last one a photographer stumbled across the grave yard full of old pay phones and took some cool photos of yet another institution gone to the wayside in advancement of technology. If you want to reminisce even more, check out these technology ads from the 80's!

G&T

Image via theKitchn

I enjoy a good gin and tonic, but the tonic is sometime just a bit too tonic for me so I usually just have gin and soda water, via my SodaStream. After reading this little article and recipe, I have the perfect mixture. I have no idea why I didn't think of it.

Shots Anyone?

Image via a Beautiful Mess

OK, so I know that Jello shots are not exactly welcome at parties with 30+ year olds, but I think I may have to make an exception to these Mojito Jello Shots done by the ladies over at a Beautiful Mess. They are so cute and can be done with or without alcohol, so fun for the whole family, right? I think they would make a great refreshing afternoon snack!

Linda Rodin

Image via Daily Candy

Please let me be this cool when I am 65. This is a quickie slide show with advice and tips from Linda Rodin, stylist and totally worth a gander. I love her responses to the questions.

It's Summertime

Image via Piperlime

Buy a dress and feel cool and breezy. Piperlime has a sale and this maxi dress by Michael Stars is at the top of my list. For $75 how can you resist?

Must

I have been lusting after so much jewelry lately that it has been ridiculous. I love jewelry, but the problem is that I buy it, wear it for a few days and then go back to wearing my usually gold or silver plain earrings and small necklaces. So I have given myself a challenge. I am to wear a new pair of earrings each and everyday for a month. If I can extend that to necklaces I will, but seriously let's just tackle one thing at a time.

These are my current favorites!

Happy Friday and a super happy Father's Day.


Drag Queen

image via Daily Mail

Most of my friends know better then to bring up the kings and queens of England, because if they do they find themselves needing to grab a drink and settle in for the entire history. Most people don't care about the details of this, but I find it fascinating. That is why this article intrigues me so. There have been speculations that Queen Elizabeth had affairs throughout her reign as queen and quite possible gave birth to one or two illegitimate children, but this article is a whole new ball of wax suggesting that she could have possibly been a boy/man. There is only one way to find out the truth, but do we really need to know?

DIY Bakers Twine

I love using bakers twine to add to gifts or homemade food items, but the cost for the cute little striped ones is outrageous when you consider it is TWINE. So this little handy dandy tutorial allows you to make your own colors in any amount you want.

Wine List Help

Ever get to a restaurant and handed the wine list and then you are so overwhelmed that you don't even know where to start? This article has some super handy tips that you can use to make things a little easier on you.

As a side note I used to do these fabulous corporate wine weekends in Napa and I was able to meet some wonderful people who gave great advice about this. One in particular, the Wine Dominatrix our sommelier, suggested that when you are ordering wine at a business dinner and don't want to come out and say I can't go over $50 (or whatever your budget is), you should point out two separate wines as options to them within your budget. That is a pretty clear signal to the sommelier where your budget lies and they can help point you in the right direction.

Just Smile

image via Buzzfeed and weruletheinternet

It's impossible to not smile and laugh at these 60 happiest dogs on the internet. This will be your zen today and keep you focused on the fact that is is Friday!!

SALE

If you have known me more then 5 minutes then I am pretty sure you know that I love J.Crew. They have had some spectacular items the last few years that has brought me back after years of just so-so. Currently they are having a super fantastic Summer Sale and I suggest you check it out. Most items are summer/vacation wear that will fit perfectly in your suitcase. Get on it.

Must

This week actually makes last week look super awesome, but the good news is it's Friday so hopefully the weekend will be looking up and people will suck a little less. I am still in the process of cleaning out my closet (yes, really) and the eBay updates have been daily. I decided to go through my closet again and found even more things that need to go. At least this leads me to the bright spot of the week that I have a little extra cash to spend on shoes clothes books booze. Yay.

Here is to a fantastic, relaxing weekend.

via Alice Clayton

Wallbanger

I have been meaning to read this book for awhile since I loved the Redhead series by Alice Clayton (and can't wait for the third book to come out in December) and I wish I hadn't waited so long. What it comes down to is if you are looking to move past 50 Shades of Grey into a more entertaining, well written book, but still a little smuttiness you need to read this book. Simply fun reading.

via Febreze

Febreze Stick and Refresh

The other day I was putting something in the kitchen garbage and once it was opened it stunk so bad that the BF declared it smelled like a diaper. Ugh. So I went and bought the Febreze stick and refresh. I actually bought two. One for the kitchen garbage and one for the curb garbage container. Not only does it work like a charm, but now the air smells like the ocean breeze and not a dirty diaper.

Report Ellenton Sandal via Nordstrom

Perfect Summer Sandal

The last few weeks have been amazing here in SoCal and have me looking for my annual summer sandal that I live in around the house and running errands. I think that I have found it at Nordstrom and for $49.95 it is the perfect price as well. Perfect basic.

image via Mashable

Facebook Home

In case you didn't know Facebook came out with a phone thingy, sort of and stuff. You can read the review of the information here, but really I just want my iPhone Facebook app to work. Possible?

Rehab Addict

It's like my dream job, but without the headache and the actual work. This is a fantastic "reality" show that chronicles Nicole Curtis in her adventures in rehabbing old homes to their former glory. Nothing quite gives you that fantastic feeling like discovering an amazing floor or hidden gem behind a false wall. 

Must

This week has been interesting to say the least. We can safely say that I don't want to repeat it, but I did at least get out of the house a bit, ate cake and cleaned. So while not all fun and games at least there were a few highlights and productive moments to be had. I can say that a cocktail on my front porch in the sun this weekend is one thing I am truly looking forward to. I think we all deserve one...or two.

xx
Shannon

Image via Birchbox

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner

Like all great beauty finds I come across lately this came from Birchbox and I am not the only one that thinks this is brilliant. There are roughly 3700 reviews of this eyeliner on their site with 4.5 stars out of 5. Yeah, it's that good. It goes on easily, stays put (and I have eyelids that tend to want to make eye make-up run) and comes off easily with make-up remover. Love.

Image vis the Skimm

Skimm

So do you like a little snark with your news? I know I do and I also know that I can't read or watch the news all the time so this little gem is an email I get Monday through Friday with a little synopsis of the big issues at hand. Replacement for all the details? No, but it at least serves as a way to update you on things you might want to know about!

Refreshing and delicious

Bees Knees

I am not a regular gin drinker or even an occasional gin drinker. I can count on my hand how many gin drinks I have had in the last few years, which is why I was so surprised by how badly I wanted to make this drink the Bees Knees that I cam across from Radical Possibility. I had it both with and with out a splash of soda water and I must say I do like a little bubbles in my cocktails. If you like gin, honey and lemon it's totally worth a try. Yum.

Image via All Recipes

Garlic Chicken

Things I almost always have in my kitchen are chicken, garlic, parmesan and olive oil and usually bread crumbs. With these simple ingredients you can make one of the easiest, moist, best and quick baked chicken I have had. Read the reviews and you will see that people don't change this recipe, because why would you change a great thing? The one thing that was confusing is the whole fresh parmesan vs. green can parmesan. For the record I used fresh finely ground parmesan simply because that is what I always have on hand. It was fantastic. Try it, you will enjoy it.

Mental Floss 

Just a fun few minutes of learning things you probably could have lived the rest of your life without knowing, but it's Friday and you are waiting out the clock. Plus it's entertaining. Enjoy.

Have a fantastically awesome weekend!

MUST

This week has been full of getting things done. You would not believe the dust that can collect in a house that no one is in. I feel like half the week was dusting and the other half was going through mail. The amount of junk mail and crap that I receive is insane. I think when you go through your mail daily you don't realize just how much junk mail you receive, but when you get a months worth at one time you see how much junk you receive. Let's just say the number of things I needed to read or open could be counted on my hands vs. the majority of stuff that went straight into the recycle bin.

Now that I have dug myself out of the dust and paper, this weekend promises to be filled with a massage, zero plane trips, date night and cake. Hope your weekend is as fun-filled and fancy free.

Paper Karma

While we are talking about junk mail, want to reduce the amount you receive in your mailbox? Check out Paper Karma, it's a an app that you download on your phone and just take a quick picture of your unwanted mail and the app takes care of making sure the company is aware of your request. How easy is that?

I kept it neutral this time, but I will be adding colors in my next order.

DIY Hair Ties

You know those hair ties that you have on hand (or wrist), that don't tear up your hair and you won't let anyone borrow because you know if you do, you will never see them again and you spent your hard-earned dollars on? Well, Alyson over at the Average Girl's Guide has shared her source for buying the elastic by the yard and making them yourself for less. Let's review the math. If you click here (I actually did buy this set before I got the knowledge) the ties are $2 a piece. If you click here and with a few minutes of your time you will get approximately 15 hair ties for a total of $3.50 and that includes shipping. It gets even cheaper if you buy multiple colors because the shipping is less. It's too easy to not do and just think you can buy yourself a glass or two of wine with all the money you saved.

Image via Mighty Leaf Tea

Mighty Tea

Over the years I have become a pretty big afternoon tea drinker. It started as a way for me to walk away from my desk while working at home (otherwise I could spend all day there never moving!) and then it just became a habit, even when not working. A few months back I received a few packets of Mighty Leaf tea in my Birchbox and have been drinking it daily ever since. Not only is it pretty to look at, what you see above it what you get in your tea bag, but it has amazing flavor and each type has the recommended brewing time right on the tag to make sure you have the best cup every time. My current favorites are the chamomile citrus and the organic spring jasmine, but I still have yet to try them all.

Image via Zombies Run

Gamify your Workout

I get so bored so easily with working out that I need these apps to make things interesting when I run. I love the Zombies, Run app, but I have done all of the missions and even ordered the 5K missions and blew through those as well. These other apps look fun and just might keep me running!

Must

I am officially on my way back to SoCal today and while I am sad to be leaving NL, I am very much looking forward to seeing Target my family. The hardest part about a relationship with a person from another continent is the constantly having to say goodbye to one family to say hello to another. I have yet to master this, but I am getting better at it over time. The greatest part about this trip back to the US is that I get to celebrate by birthday AGAIN with my family. I love a good cupcake (hint hint) and presents so I say bring it on.

Since I have been MIA for awhile I have a huge stock pile of things you must check out, but some may be a little older and instead of emailing me that it was so two weeks ago, just roll your eyes and say it to yourself. I have been in a work cave for almost two months. Give a girl a break!!

image via Mou

Mou - (pronounced Moo) aka heaven on my feet.

The last week of February I was on site at an event in Istanbul and really misjudged the amount of walking I would do on a hard unforgiving marble floor. While I had packed my most comfortable boots and insoles, the amount of actual walking I did in this conference center destroyed my feet. As luck would have it one of the sponsor booths was Mou and I had struck up a conversation with the ladies at the booth that suggested I try on their boots for comfort. I did, I purchased and the next day I wore the boots to work the floor and my entire day was changed. I even had one guy say to me that I looked happier that day. And I was because my feet were happy, comfortable and not hurting. Now before you say they look like Uggs, I must say they are definitely more stylish and comfortable then Uggs. Now I am not saying these are to be worn to dinner or really out and about, they are plane and errand perfect. I own two and regret nothing.

image via Amazon

Jamie's 15 Minute Meals

I am obsessed with Jaimie Olivers 15 minute meal show that they have in the Netherlands. Take away the delicious and easy to follow recipes and it is just fun to watch him in the kitchen, see the items he uses to make the meals (nothing fancy) and the farm house decor that he has in his indoor and outdoor kitchen make for more than just another food show. Doesn't hurt that the book is pretty awesome too. Buy it!

Image via Trader Joe's

Coconut Oil

I have been obsessed with coconut oil for a few months now. Not only do I use it for my pancakes, but my shower scrub and cuticles. Now I found this article there are several other things it can be used for. I love the smell and the fact that if you use a small amount it will sink right in to the skin. It's pretty pricey at the grocery store, but I have found it fairly inexpensive at Trader Joe's and even at Costco. If you have any other suggestions of where to get it please let me know!

Image via Etsy

Downton Abbey Bracelet

For those Downton Abbey obsessed folks out there (or Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Hunger Games, etc.) this Etsy shop takes some of the best quotes from shows and movies and puts them on bracelets, charms and rings. They are cute, inexpensive and great gifts for the show/book nerd in your life.

Image via Sprinkle Bakes

Guinness Pretzel Truffles

Heather from Sprinkle Bakes is a genius when it comes to baked goods and these lovelies are no exception. This St. Patricks Day just say no to green beer and whip up a batch of of these truffles instead. Easy to make and even easier to consume I am looking forward to Sunday with these babies. If you have a little more energy and time you should give the the Sweet and Salty Guinness Chocolate Pie a go as well. It looks amazing!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Must

Oh the week has flown by. First we have to remember that we are in the year 2013 (so happy I don't have to remember this when writing checks. Thank you Internet.), then we need to pay a few credit card bills left over from the holidays and then with what little I have left I might get myself a massage or shoes or gas. Probably gas.

I have a few days left in the Netherlands and plan on using them to spend time with the family and slowly start running again. Since I injured my calf in November I have been taking it easy and not running in order to have it heal. With my first run complete I am a little sore, but it is a good thing. I am excited to get back on the trails!

I hope your new year has been off to an excellent start!

Le Cart - So I have a confession. I love this lamp. Why? I have no idea other than it would make people question my taste in decor. That is why I think this is perfect for the guest bedroom. This lamp is one of the many reasons why I love Le Cart. At Le Cart the ladies scour all of the flea markets, estate sales and antique shops in the bay area to bring you the most fabulous finds. All you have to do is browse their online boutique. Now how easy is that?

4 Other Social Networks - For reasons I can't explain this article fascinates me and makes me want to be a member of CLOOB.com. Anything that is invite only I think I want to be part of, but it looks like this is for old Iranian men only. I guess I will just have to live without it and be happy with Facebook.

Twitter, the final Frontier  - Gotta love the Shat.

Mulberry Bag - Someday I shall have a Mulberry bag...you know around the time I win the lottery. They have the Spring/Summer collection available for purchase or drooling over. Totally worth a look.

Must - Christmas Edition

Christmas is just a few days away and I am ready. Besides the yummy food and treats I will consume, I get to hang with the family and enjoy the present opening that seems to last all day in this house (we take our time and try to stretch it out as long as possible). With the holidays in mind I am sharing a few of my favorite holiday internet findings this week.

Image via Imgur

Christmas Cards - A dad who knows how to navigate photoshop started doing Christmas cards using his kids when his boy was in diapers. It snowballed into this and he has declared that his parents hate him and his kids will hate him more. I, however love them! Click through to see all 8.

Image via iVillage

Gingerbread Houses - These gingerbread houses are pretty amazing and obviously done by people who have way more talent than I do. Pretty cool though.

Christmas List - Give this list a little read. Just a really nice wish list for the season.

Seriously. Make it.

Fudge - I made my second batch of this and it is going fast. Pretty sure number 3 is right around the corner. It's so easy to do I have no idea why you haven't done it yet. 

Enjoy your weekend and avoid the malls if at all possible!

Must

I don't know if I should be happy or sad that the weeks are just flying by. On the one hand the end of December is a start of a new year that I hope brings more happiness and less crap then 2012. On the other side, the weeks go by so quickly you feel that you never quite get everything done. Instead of contemplating this further, this weekend I am just going to try to relax, enjoy a glass of wine and watch Miracle on 34th Street on loop. Dare to dream big!

Here are my must check out items for this week.

Let's hear if for the Boys - This week on SkinnyScoop I re-upped my gifts for the man that is impossible to shop for. There are some pretty neat things on it and there have been some great contributions to the list from other members. You may just find that great last minute gift you have been searching for!

View this SkinnyScoop List

Beef Cobbler - At first it sounds a little weird, but with a little time and a little work you have a super tasty dish that we couldn't stop eating. Oh it was so good. This is definitely a keeper recipe in my house. The one thing I did though was use a dutch oven for the stove top cooking and into the oven (Curtis calls to switch pans). I hate dishes and if you don't have to dirty another one, why would you?

Cheddar biscuits on top. Heck yeah.

Dance like no one is watching - My GF's and I all love to dance with or without wine, but I loved this story. It's a quick and easy read. Body acceptance can only come from within ourselves!

I am dancing while my friend is trying figure out
how to escape the fact we are on stage at a place
called the Kitty Club in Las Vegas. The last
two words explains the first part. 

Agate Plates - I want these so bad it's almost bordering on obsessive. They are ridiculously expensive, BUT I LOVE THEM SO!! They are pretty spectacular. It doesn't help that Uncommon Goods is my internet crack. I can't stop wanting most of the items on the site!

Perhaps I will ask Santa for them.

 Have a great relaxing, wine drinking, Miracle on 34th street weekend everyone!