.V.

Endure

2012-01-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Endure
v. en·dured, en·dur·ing, en·dures
v.tr.
1. To carry on through, despite hardships; undergo: endure an Arctic winter.
2. To bear with tolerance: "We seek the truth, and will endure the consequences" (Charles Seymour). See Synonyms at bear1.
v.intr.
1. To continue in existence; last: buildings that have endured for centuries.
2. To suffer patiently without Yielding

Exactly.

To suffer patiently without yielding. This simple dictionary definition inspired me to dwell a little deeper into its actual defining explanation. How does Yielding exactly play into enduring?

v.intr.
1.
a. To give forth a natural product; be productive.
b. To produce a return for effort or investment: bonds that yield well.
2.
a. To give up, as in defeat; surrender or submit.
b. To give way to pressure or force: The door yielded to a gentle push.
c. To give way to argument, persuasion, influence, or entreaty.
d. To give up one's place, as to one that is superior: yielded to the chairperson.

Exactly.

Beginnings with planned out endings
Endings with perfect planned out beginnings.

Darkness comes without an invitation
An Invitaion which forces attendance
Attendance thats forces recognition

All in which endured without yielding.

Yes.

Time to fly

2012-01-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

It's so funny how life works out some times, no really, I'm not just saying that because I'm literally in the midst of it working it self out as I type this...but it's funny because in my head I have everything mapped out and planned perfectly like " this will happen, and then this will happen, which will lead to this happening..and YES its genius and I will live happily ever after..". Then life happens. Oh life you can be a real bitch sometimes, and when I plan, you are the first one to make an appearance.

I know I know it's not just me, and that change is the rhythm of life, but no matter how long the gaps in between are, I am shocked every time. Being in shock leads to being stressed and being stressed leads to over thinking, and on and on and on... and now that I have re-read that the cycle is completely ridiculous.

Below is an entry I had written only for the purpose of expressing myself, an entry that only I would see. But I'm beginning to think that the theme of 2012 is going to be facing everything and anything no matter how big the obstacle head on, and one of which is others viewing my true writing. One step at a time right?

The economy has finally taken a toll on my family; a toll on my life and a toll on everything that I have known as a life, a home and a way of living. I wish that I could type as fast as the thoughts come to mind, because there is so much to express. My room is messy, there is so many other things that I could be doing, but releasing my feelings have trumped all. I don’t want to leave my home, I don’t want to leave my parents, my Dad, the constant man in my life who I know will fix every little thing I don’t have the answer to. I don’t want to leave the comfort of opening my bedroom door after a long day to my zone, my cave. I don’t want to leave the normality of what has become apart of my everyday. It trembles my being to even think that everything I know will change in a matter of 60 days. Yet there is no choice, and I know this and I am constantly trying to cope with it, even as I go on with the days mundane tasks.

While coherent that constantly focusing on what I don’t want is the recipe to a stagnant life… I like to view myself as a positive person, a person who takes lemons and not only makes lemonade but adds sugar, a bit of lime, and maybe even a little bit of vodka, to make a delectable life cocktail.
When I lose the recipe to my mixture I lean on the wonderful people in my life.

I have so many remarkable people in my life helping me through this, and I am appreciative of them showing their presence. A presence in which takes a hold of how I view things in a way I hope they all know really does make an impact.

“It’s okay that you’re not sure of what you want; in fact, sometimes God has a better plan for us anyway. But deep down inside your heart holds the truth, and in order to hear it, try to be still and silent enough for your truth to surface”
- Email from my Aunt Barbie
“I have read so many of your beautiful entries in your blog and I know you have the same belief that I do. I also know that you recognize when it is easy to live and that belief and when it is a challenge. Life only is lived to its fullest when we get through those challenges”
- Email from my Aunt Nancy

Today I had this moment, this feeling, in the middle of doing the most routine tasks, that everything will be okay… and I am and will be working my hardest on focusing on my gut feelings. I refuse to be apart of a cycle I know deep down that I can break.

Upside down & Turned around

2012-01-04T22:22:00.000-08:00

What was is subject to change
What is, is change that is subject to the unknown
What I want is upside down and turned around.

- I hate that I cant add pictures to my blog via my ipad.
- I love that I can post to my blog through ipad with or with out the pictures.

Upside down & turned around.

Take the reigns...

2011-12-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

"I don't have time to be classified as difficult, and I don't have time to care"

-Kim Basinger

Did Kim have it right or did she have it right? I think somewhere along the road of all relationships we lose this quality because we become comfortable with being "known" as comfortable. Limits become crossed and crossing comes with no ultimatums, thus leading to the downfall of that relationship.

"In order to be looked at differently, you have to think differently"

"You call your own shots, and you don't need input from anyone about how to put your socks on"

- Sherry Argov

I think that too often we forget about what WE really want, about what WE really deserve. Why is it that we stumble across something that hits home so close, and something that opens our eyes so wide we just cant believe it, that we vow to live by these words, yet completely forget every one in a mere two weeks. What will it take for us to make it a habit? Is it constant failure? My Aunt once quoted my late Grandmother to me " Insanity is the definition of doing something over and over again, and expecting the same result"

But my question is, exactly how long of 'over and over' does it take to cause insanity?

Veronica

Dear Santa,

2011-12-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

I love the Holidays, I really do. But here's one thing I seriously feel uncomfortable about when it comes to this giving season.

I give you example A:

Them -"VERONICA! What do you want for Christmas?"

Me -" Uhhh I ....errr.... I don't want anything.... really"

Example B:

Me - "So is there anything you want for Christmas?"

Them - " No, I really don't want anything.... really"

So I'm putting a stop to it, by blogging exactly what I want, that way my future conversations will go like this...

Them - "VERONICA! What do you want for Christmas?"

Me - "Oh man, I can't think right now, but you can check out my blog I put a few things on there that I would like!"

Them -(hopefully) - "Oh awesome, so easy!"

So here it is

* An Ipad (very unlikely but I can wish right?)

*Nikon Lenses - 18-55 MM

*Gift cards to Forever 21 or Love Culture

*Sweaters

* Long tank tops

* Long nnecklaces

*Scrap book goodies (I love to scrap book)

* OPI Nail Polish

* Picture Frames

*Blankets

*MAC makeup

*Target Gift Card

* Fuzzy Socks

*Comfy PJ's!

*Barnes and Nobles Gift Cards - Nook owner-

*A Million Dollars - thank you to whoever picks this one-

* Ugg boots

*COMFY SHEETS!

And everything else that is wonderful..... to vague ?

Ahhhhhh.... sigh of relief.

Here is to avoiding that awkward moment.

- Ronnie

Notice: To all VChronicles readers, including the readers that followed me to V-Chronicles.com.

I will permanently be residing here at blogspot.com. Thank you for those who followed, and thank you who are still reading this blog and will continue to.

Aspects of learning

2011-11-22T23:44:00.000-08:00

Aspects of Learning

On my new site - www.V-Chronicles.com

When one door opens...

2011-09-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Edit: No Changes in Blog URL. :)

Over & Out.

Things that make me smile.......

2011-08-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

A blank journal page, soon filled with thoughts, worries, wishes and dreams.

Photographs of my Grandmother around the same age I am now. She is beautiful and I see so much of myself in her, in her style,in her persona, and in her lips. We have the same exact mouth, its so funny, it makes me smile wide.

This is the manuscript to a book called "Write to Live", an anthology of Poems and Essays written by Students at Leadership Preparatory High School in Oakland California. A poverty, crime stricken, gang populated city. Thanks to my Aunt Barbara, and Barnes & Nobles, who is publishing this book, I have the honor of editing this awe-inspiring collection of young talent and raw experiences. I can't even begin to tell you what this journey has done for me in the mere time that I have been editing. What they have been through, and the artistic way of how they express it is more then motivating. Students that I have never met, their work, their strength has sparked something inside of myself. I guess it's a fire of motivation. I am so grateful that this opportunity has been brought to me, and so proud to be apart of something so moving and liberating. Everything happens for a reason, and this was brought to me for a reason, and a damn good one. I owe each of these students a thank you.

Things that make me smile

2011-07-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

* My Abode

*Being Inspired

*Getting Creative

*Expression through photography

*Spending time with my brother

Look......

I randomly have a collection of century old rustic keys for no reason. I was on a mission to give them some creative spark, so I randomly dropped them into my vase of market flowers. I think it's becoming, or at least worthy of a "Whoa, different" which is exactly what I was looking for.

Oh how I love my vanity, aka the girlfriend of my mornings, she takes me in ~~arms wide opened wide eyed and bushy tailed -~~-droopy eyed and bed headed angry because I couldn't sleep another hour-- self. Thank you vanity, I owe you.

As someone who prides herself in her writing abilities, it sure is hard for me to focus and concentrate when I'm in my most creative mode. So I made a change in my environment, something that brings me right to where I need to be.

"Dad made us a swing in the creek" said my brother who is no, not eight years old, but nineteen. "WHAT? I WANT TO GO, TAKE ME!" said the twenty something I am..... It was like a blast into the past as my brother and I swung on the home made swing, an exact replica of the one Dad built us circa 2000. We talked about old memories, and even about the memories to come, ones we were building as we spoke.

This precious life..... (Booyah Google)

2011-07-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Too often we forget how precious and fragile this life we are living day to day is. Some tragic stuff is happening people, and I hope that besides the guilty pleasure of indulging in a little bit of real life drama by reading or watching the news we are realizing how everything we have and everything that is at our finger tips can be taken in a blink of an eye. Like our family friend Marcus Nelson, who was killed in a drunk driving accident, like this Ranger fan who's son watched him fall to his death, or like this family who were killed in a plane crash over the wilderness of Alabama. Or like the millions of people all over our world who are leaving this earth with out explanation every minute.

I have been on this crazy rampage of loving everything about life and the ones that I love the most, my family, my lover, my friends, my coworkers... So tonight I googled what I have been thinking about the most..

First I googled the image of "Beautiful Life" "Abundance" and "Satisfied" And do you know what appeared? An array of celebrities and rich people... their fancy houses, ridiculously priced cars, red carpets, and money. Really? I laughed when this came up, so predictable...sure it would be nice but come on Google, your supposed to give us the honest answer you've become like the mascot of humanity, and this is BY FAR the honest answer, right? DO YOUR JOB GOSH DARNIT!

So here's the images I would of chosen first for "Beautiful Life" "Abundance" and "Satisfied"

(Take this as a lesson GOOGLE!)

This photograph was taken by the crew on board the Columbia during its last mission, on a cloudless day. The picture is of Europe and Africa when the sun is setting. Half of the picture is in night. The bright dost you see are the cities lights. The top part of Africa is the Sahara Desert. Note that the lights are already on in Holland, Paris, Barcelona and that its still daylight in Dublin, London, Lisbon and Madrid. BEAUTIFUL isn't it? (image)

A group of over a thousand met in the southern parts of Italy to hold hands for five minutes. Just five minutes, in the name of unity. Abundance;an extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply ...at it's best! I want to hold hands with a thousand strangers! How overwhelming would that feel? (Image)

I get goosebumps and butterflies just thinking about it.

A young boy who mind you, is an orphan and unable to come in to contact with younger children due to a life threatening immune deficiency, yet finds pure bliss in kissing another visiting orphan through a glass wall in the UK. (Image)

So did Google get it wrong, or did Google get it wrong?

If those don't make you want to take a deep breath in, touch something or someone alive around you, or really embrace the NOW then I don't know what else will.

To the future

2011-07-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to describe how alive it makes me feel to have someone who inspires me to look beyond the mold that society and my surroundings have put into my head about where my life should be led.

The beauty of my relationship with Kris goes beyond friendship and romance, it enters into this world of personal potential, a world where the possibilities are endless and the colors of experience turn into dreams come true. We have come to such a great point in who we are as a couple, as well as who we are as individuals. Our dreams and ambitions are on fire right now and ~~I am~~ we are so inspired. We've constructed this ambitious goal of living a life together that we won't regret looking back on and it feels so liberating.

The goal is simple... to not look back on a life we regret, a life without depth. And isn't that powerful?

Because who wants to live a life without depth?

An ambitious mind is a powerful thing, but how about two with the same ambition?

What has me inspired tonight? London Living. What a beautiful piece of the world...

Tragedy.

2011-06-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Marcus Nelson

Sunrise 10/31/89 Sunset 6/17/11

This is Marcus Nelson. My Dad and his Dad are best friends. We grew up together, as all child hood friendships are formed, forced through adult bonds, ours was enjoyable and definitely something that has always stuck with me through out the years. My first little boy crush, my first time recognizing with my child brain how different boys and girls are. He was always up for adventure, dived right into play time with me, nothing shy or awkward about it. His parents let him do him, and boy did he.

Marcus was killed in a tragic and unnecessary car accident on Friday, June 17, 2011. Four of his friends, himself the front passenger were in the same situation that millions of young adults are in every single night. Party hard, enjoying life high on the effects of alcohol, and feeling invincible enough to drive to the next town. Marcus's friend inevitably killed his two friends and seriously injured another after he got behind the wheel intoxicated, he walked away uninjured.

Marcus was such a wonderful man. So many people say this about all and any loved ones who have passed on, but Marcus was genuinely a dignified person to every single person who played a roll in his short life. Marcus and I grew apart as our age increased, we built different lives, different friends, different goals. Yet we were permanently bonded by all of the young memories we shared together.... and for this I am so grateful.

The Rosary & Funeral were unimaginably soaked in grief and whaling tears from those whom were closest to him. Literally heart shattering. As I sat in Our Lady of Grace, the vibrations of sadness hit our souls. The sounds of a Mother whom had lost her youngest son, the sounds of a girlfriend whom lost her lover, her lover who was supposed to one day be her loving husband... it was devastating. Our sadness for them, for our selves, for the moments and memories that Marcus will never have... they filled the church with grief and expected sorrow.

Going to the cemetery was the hardest part of the process of letting Marcus go. The finale to something so unfortunate, a life that should of never ended until it' is fully lived. The whales of anguish are forever embedded in the souls of everyone who attended.

Love those who are near and dear to you. It is so easy to say, yet every day life becomes redundant and we forget to actually recognize our simple acts of expressing our joy and love we share with others and ourselves. When you hug, hug tighter. When you hold hands, squeeze harder. When you say good night, add "I love you" and emphasize LOVE. I will make this a habit, in memory of Marcus.

You will always be missed, always remembered, deeply loved and never forgotten.

Love you Marcus.

Y Piece

2011-06-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Love it! This Y Shape necklace has been apart of my jewelry collection for years, and yet the feeling never changes when I put this baby on...... exquisiteness.

"I'm very definitely a woman and I enjoy it. "

— Marilyn Monroe

"Always say this to yourself :Your opinion of me is none of my business" - One of my residents.

2011-06-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogging for a bit. I guess you could say that recently I’ve been focusing a lot of my attention on my goals and parts of my life that I want to actually start, instead of just conveniently thinking about in my head. I’ve put off writing for so long. I don’t know where the urge went, I don’t know when it went or how it went, but it disappeared. One of my passions in life, something that moved my soul that filled me with complete joy. Even if I was writing about deep, distressing, crazy feelings it still gave me this incredible outlet, it was gone. I stopped writing, so I stopped expressing. In the past couple of days connecting the two similarities between keeping everything in and letting one of your personal passions slip through the cracks of life…. gave me a whole new perception of how I have been thinking, and how I need to think.

So, this connection that I’ve made has sparked this fire in me, a fire grown tiny, but thats now back to life again, and with great intensity. I recently told my Aunt Barb that I've taken the first steps at attempting to write a book. . She jumped at the fact and bought me a few books to start the long journey ahead of me.My Aunt Barb is a Reach-for- the-stars, live positive, read to grow, read for joy, loving, beyond supportive, kind of woman, and I am so grateful for everything that she is. The book that I am reading now had me encouraged from the first page on. “If You Want to Write” by Brenda Ueland. Which is also known as “The best book ever written on how to write”.

I will let this first paragraph show for the anticipation that I have to finish the book and begin my journey of expressing myself into something astonishing.

“Try not expressing anything for twenty-four hours and see what happens. You will nearly burst. …… Writing or painting is putting these thoughts on paper, music is singing them, that is all there is to it.”

“My Motto – Be Bold, Be Free, Be Truthful. The truthfulness will save it from flamboyance, from pretentiousness”

“Work with your intelligence and love. Work freely and rollickingly as though they were talking to a friend who loves you. Mentally (at least three or four times a day) thumb your nose at all know it alls, jeerers, critics, doubters.”

Isn't that such a mgnificent word? rollickingly. rol·lick·ing (r l -k ng). adj. Carefree and high-spirited; boisterous: a rollicking celebration.

This will be a challenge for me, I often write with the notion in my head that someone will read it, which implicates me questioning everything I write. Just the first chapter of Brenda’s book has taught me how poisonous these thoughts can be. The funny thing is that the best words I ever wrote came from a mindset that never once gave a shit. I guess this is my first step to returning to where I was, my first great step. I guess you could say that this blog will become a mirror of my creative progression. Nothing different, just modified.

Mother's Day meets Artistic V

2011-05-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

I blame this delayed post on the unreliability of my bipolar computer. Besides that, I celebrated Mother's day in the name of so many Mother figures in my life. I haven't painted since High School, and there is no good reason to why. So, I had this beautiful moment in Walmart (of all places)... when I was browsing through a random isle and I saw a full set of acrylic paint, which led me to the thought of "damn I really miss painting:"... which lead me to purchasing a whole array of painting accessories. From a wooden easele to a varity of paint brushes.

Hand made Mother's Day Cards.....

There is one thing that I will always be true about when it comes to gifts, whether I get indefinitely busy or not, home made cards are the most important, valuable, and extremely meaningful gift that I will ever give to any one in my life. There is something about words that come directly from the heart that trump manufactured ones..

ArtDire ar

All in all I celebrated the Mothers in my life, including my own Mother, my Grandmother, my Step Mother, Kris's Mother, and Kris's Grandmother. All very important beyond special women in my life. All who have the ability to spark the creativity in me, which to me is a wonderful trait to have as a Mother of any kind.

A whole new beginning....

2011-05-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

From this.... a wall bombarded by two large pieces of furniture, solid pieces which were constant statues in the room of where I've grown up. There comes a time in someones life when they need some sort of change, whether that be an environment change, emotional change, or physical change....

it comes knocking on the door of everyone one of us.... and recently to mine...... a knock that came in the change of environment......

My best friend Kim decided to jump head first into re-inventing and refurbishing a beauty vanity that has been in her family for longer then our own time lines date back. A birthday present for none other than myself, and I couldn't of felt more honored. She painted it a chrome brown and reupholstered it..... This amazing piece of furniture inspired me to rearrange my entire room....

Yesterday we removed the GI-GAN-TA-SOAR-OUS armourer that once took up most of the right side part of my abode. Kim and I were on a mission to move it from my room, to my balcony... and we did it.

Hundred something pound, large ass hunk of wood, tilted and brought back up again outside....

WE DID IT!

(Don't hate on the gloves, when you move furniture that has sat for years, there is bound to be mounds of dust)

......Resulting in this....

a little love + wall art + new carpets = a whole new look on life... I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed waking up every morning in a changed environment, even it if has only changed a little. It still lifts my spirit.

* A special thanks to my best friend.... my someone who is always willing to do whatever, no matter the time or day.... a someone who knows who I'm about, what I need to hear, and what I don't. I love you Kimi and I always will- Ronnie *

Riding Stylish....

2011-04-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

I think I may have a new obsession.... and its good for my health, my bank account and the environment. Triple greatness. I have to be honest, I think its completely ridiculous that I live less then four blocks away from my work, yet I drive every day (taking the long way of course). Excuses for not walking only work when day light savings is pro early darkness.I am a lazy ass.

But I think this will solve all of my dilemmas, and give me such an exciting reason to not drive......

Everybody knows that Now & Then circa 1995 made bikes completely cool. & I'm already the president of bringing them back... but my bike has to have a basket.

Walmart's Cranbrook Cruiser - $89.00 - Not including the basket (which is imperative)

Hello next purchase.

Etsy Shop Bike Basket, which yes costs almost as much as the bike, but HELLO... Its adorable, and perfect! And since the deal on the bike is so damn good price doesn't matter....

or maybe I'll ask my Aunt who is the equivalent of a wizard at duplicating anything that has to do with hand work or sewing machines.... see Exhibit A...

Is this not wonderful work or not? No patterns or any instructions, just by looking. This women is amazing. Am I the only one that is lucky enough to have such a creative person in my life?

........Who else wants to join what I am now rightfully naming

Biking for Better-ness ?

Send me your pictures or your stories..... I am determined!

A Hell of a Birthday Road Trip

2011-04-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

I had a fabuloustic birthday road trip to Los Angeles with a group of people that made me feel nothing short of special. Kris planned it all out and they all came together to execute it. I felt special the entire time, and they celebrated my birthday right up until the very last second of our four day trip.

There are so many more pictures, and things that we did along the way. Hollywood crawl was insane, we hit five different bars, spending only forty five minutes at each bar/club then walking from destination to destination. Don't we all regret not worrying about having your own camera since everyone else is bringing one? Yeah, only thing that blows about that is that its like pulling teeth trying to get those pictures from everyone that went on the trip with you afterwards. Sigh. So many great pictures are missing.

Although..... We visited Universal Studios, which was RIDICULOUS because there were so many things to see and do, and we still didn't complete the entire thing after spending five + hours in the burning hot LA sun. - not complaining- Check out the photos below on the hour Universal Studios tour we took. It was so amazing to see all the different sets and recognize the ones from some of our favorite movies.

It was cray cray!

So many more pictures to be seen... but if your ever on a trip to California's Los Angeles, do not miss a trip to Universal Studios, it is beyond entertaining and forever memorable.

A beautiful start....

2011-04-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

If your anything like me and believe that celebrating your birthday just one day is far from enough, then you dedicate a whole week to celebrating your existence. Friday is the big day, so of course

Tuesday & Wednesday called for an girls trip to Calistoga.

It was glorious. The town of Calistoga, just two cities out side of the Napa Valley is quaint, peaceful and homely. The epitome of a small town fully equipped with boutique shopping, fine dining, wine tasting, and to top it all off....

Indian Springs Resort & Spa

We stayed in the Hill House away from the actual property. Hence "Hill". The Cottage was wonderful, and decorated perfectly to give anyone that "at home feel". Too bad it got dark and the complete atmosphere of the house changed. "Bad Ju Ju" the girls were calling it. It was different then the -watch a scary movie, get freaked out, drink a glass of wine then get over it- kind of feeling. After a lot of "Did you hear that?" looks & the discussion of being so excluded from everyone and everything, no curtains on the windows, no lights on the property and the fact that the second bedroom wasn't connected to the main part of the cottage.. We downgraded. Which was still perfectly delightful, and the best part...came with a comfortable nights sleep.

(Deer right above the Hill House)

We spent the afternoon in town.

Visited The GORGEOUS Beringer Winery

Tuesday was such a wonderful day. This vacation was one of those spur of the moment get aways that you don't fully understand you really needed until your actually there. We swam in the unbelievably warm olympic sized mineral pool, The 230-degree geysers keep the mineral pool at 102 degrees in the winter and 92 degrees in the summer. It was a spiritual experience, both mentally and physically. We talked, we laughed, we rejuvenated, we ate and enjoyed every single second.

.......Stay tuned tomorrow for day two pictures....
(damn you Blog spot for asking me to pay for more space for my photos)

Sally Hansens Salon Effects Review

2011-04-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

Review for Sally Hansen's New Salon Nail Effects

When I first saw this while flipping through my monthly Cosmopolitan I thought to myself "No way in hell could these nail effect thingys turn out just like these perfect, obviously photo shopped and airbrushed finger nails.No flippin way"

But I saw them at CVS I just couldn't help myself, I bought my first Nail Effects at regular retail price of

$9.99 in Misbehaved, and soon proved myself wrong.

Now please note: I don't believe in reviews of first time experiences with a product or place, I believe that everything deserves a second chance or second look, whether it be great or far from it before its reviewed in writing. Well let me tell you... Sally Hansen should promote or kiss the ass of whomever invented these easy to apply little stickers of loveliness.

I loved them so much that when I went back to CVS and saw that they were buy one get one half off I squeeled and bought three.

Here's why I love them:

If you follow the easy to read instructions they are a sinch to put on.
No mess, no drying time.
They state they will last 10 days but,come on ladies,only women who do absolutely nothing that involves using their hands during the day can keep their manicures perfectfor that long. These babies lasted me one full week without any chipping or dullness, and I use my hands all day long.
If you choose the right size for your finger, and they give you sixteen strips, with double sided options for the perfect cuticle fit, so really there are 32 options.

They come with easy to read simple directions, cuticle stick, buffer and smoother.

HINTS:

Don't think you don't need to use the cuticle stick, use it and make sure all edges are pushed tightly to your nail.
BIG TIP - Cut them in half and you will get two sets out of one.
Want them off? Good ol' nail polish remover will get the job done.
Buff the tip of your finger nail even if it looks like it doesn't need it.

Onwards to your drugstores ladies! If you try them or have tried them let me know what you think.

Oh and... if their on sale, get two.

Ps. Join this great give away! Melissa is a sweetie from Alabama and loves all things simple yet lovely.

Happiness is.....

2011-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Happiness is....

Crazy pictures circa 2008 when the sister best friend and I revolved our worlds around each other.

Miss those days.

..... After leaving work, approaching my car only to see that my love has written ILU on my car window. A simple gesture that in an instant makes every single stressful thing that I had dealt with through out the day seem years away. & yet at the same time, brings me back to when we were first dating.

...... coming home after a warm California day, my room, a fresh rose scented sanctuary...kitty love and all.

Happiness is..... spending the early evening on the porch with a glass of Pinot and a Fish hungry man.

Life's about the simple things. Happiness is about the simple things.

..... having an amazing brother. His ability to make me, and all others laugh comes so naturally.

Happiness is so many different things for me. It really is amazing when you really open your eyes in the aspect of living life to your full potential, the things you will see and the places those things will take you. I have worked hard with myself on focusing on things that I usually let slip through my fingers. Like for instance walking from my car to where ever I'm going, really stopping and taking a deep breath of fresh air, noticing the people and things around me. Try it today, it really might make a difference to you, like it does to me.

Simple Pleasures

2011-03-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Candles underneath fresh yellow roses on a rainy day.

Baskets that make piles of this and that look presentable.

Remind you whats important wall words

& do it ~~myself~~ yourself black and white magazine cut outs in black frames.

Every single journal of mine from the past six years. Writing is a passion of mine, and I have used writing as an escape from the world, maybe even a form of therapy I guess you could call it. Reading back on these has been so strange for me, is it possible to find inspiration from the words of who you used to be? Reading back on my journals, I actually found my self in awe about the unique realness and authenticity of my words. " Do I still have that?" I ask myself. Is it possible that that innocent young girl who would say whatever the hell she wants still exists in me? I mean I really sat there and was like, damn Veronica.... Thank you. Thank you for recording the good times, the anger, the bitchiness, the confusion, the gratefulness, the struggles, the good times, the loves and all the uncensored thoughts.

After reading all of my journals including my old online live journal, all of my collections of personal recollections of life has made me feel as if I have some sort of writers block, or is it just because I haven't exercised it enough? One thing that I am so thankful for is that I actually took time out to chronicle my life, where I was in thatrandom point in my life. I have shown myself how much I have grown and changed as a human being. Its like seeing an old friend from years ago. You think they are still the same until you really encounter them face to face and you have realized how much time has really passed.

Right now I am feeling:

Thankful

Awed

Self Inspired (so exuberating)

Accomplished (from where I started)

Loving!

Relaxed

Hopeful

Determined.

Here is to writing so much more, to opening up more on my blog as who I am through my words, to all of those who have encountered what I have with reuniting with my passion and have been successful.

Jewelry that feeds the soul

2011-03-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Does this necklace not scream femininity?

I love the balanced chaos of three different pieces coming together to make one necklace.

Almost five years ago, Kris gave me a promise ring for Christmas. I have worn it every.single.day. since then. Over time it became more of a security blanket then a ring. Kris and I are unable to spend a lot of time together due to our schedules, and when I missed him I always had the ring to remind me of him.

I handed Kris my ring last week to show him that it needed to be cleaned. He put it in his pocket and to make a long story short it is now lost. My heart literally is broken. Sounds cheesy, but that ring meant more to me then any piece of jewelry I have ever owned. So today I bought this little beauty to wear on the same finger. Its beautiful and I love it, the only thing missing is the meaning.

R.I.P Where ever you are.

Things I'm Loving...

2011-03-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

Xhilaration French Terry Military Jacket by Target $24.99

Jewel Accent Necklace by Forever 21 - Christmas gift from Kate

I love pairing statement necklaces with a simple Jean and White T get up. Its great for a casual day out, like I'm having today. Kris and I are headed to the city for a picnic lunch and drinks at the Cliff House on the coast. Sounds like a fulfilling Sunday to me.

What ever happened to good ol' hand written Thank you cards?

I have a thing for them lately. There is something so genuine and personal about taking the time out to write a thank you note to someone special that went out of their way for you. I think technology has really given TY cards a run for their worthiness. But one thing is for sure, a thank you text or email will never amount to one of these....

Have a great Sunday everyone!

You never know what you have until you lose it...

2011-03-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

Like your health!

(What my life has consisted of the past week)

Holy moly guys, five days of a high temperature, low blood pressure, chest pains, the sweats, a cough like a circus seal & no appetite really kicked my ass. Dr. Phan broke it to me gently when he told me I had bronchitis which had lead to pneumonia and to stay drugged up in my bed for a week. (but it more technical doctors terms of course)

I slept,coughed,slept coughed & ate like a mouse for six days total.

Let me take this moment to thank a few people who made my survival possible..

Thank You...

To Deni (the step mom) for being very accommodating and full filling my needy boo hooing sick self.

To Kris who came over every day on his lunch break to make me soup and rub vicks all over my disgusting unshowered (don't hate) sick self & still called me gorgeous. He's such a liar but damn I love him.

To my Dad for stopping by Safeway everyday after work full filling my I need saltine crackers, club soda MORE SOUP text messages

& to my Brother for doing everything I asked, and with out whining.

To Venice the most amazing assistant ever, who came in on her day off & covered the rest of the hectic work week. Life saver and definitely thankful for this great girl.

While sick I did enjoy this beautiful arrangement of flowers that have brought (healthy) life to my room.

And ohhhh my gooooodnessssss.... I am reading one of theee best books I have ever read. My Aunite Nancy as well as a few blog friends made me aware of this soon to be made into movie book.

The Help By Kathryn Stockett

I'm not even finished with it and I can hardly keep myself away from my kindle!

THE MOVIE is released in August.......I can hardly wait!!!!

Have you read it?!Thoughts?

YEEE HAW!

2011-02-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday night brought me and the girlfriends nothing but a country fun-honky tonk- yee haw filled night.

Kim Kate Bree & I hit the Saddle Rack, the heart of Texas right here in California.

This huge country themed venue holds three bars, a stage, sitting room galore, men in cowboy hats & ladies in plaid. The variety in age group was unlimited, any and all who love country!

We had such a great time! & I dressed my best with what I had for the occasion.

Oh yeah and this was the only man we danced with, seeing that we are all taken of course. I think he was the exception to the rule. I won't lie though, grandpa was a good dancer, actually a great one. I wasn't embarrassed not one bit... well okay.. maybe just because of his ridonkulous haircut.

You know it was a great night when we all end up in snow gear. & it was a damn great night.

Can I get a big fat AMEN for girls night out?

Ps. I hatchu Aunt Flow and all of the hormones you bring with you when you visit

. You are such a great big pain in my ass.

SPEAKING OF....have you all tried these yet?

OH MY GAWD

Go now & stock up.Limited Edition!!!

A Smokin V-day & Giveaway Winner

2011-02-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

My Valentines day was wonderful. & spending it with my Valentine was even more special. I felt so lucky all day to be celebrating this holiday that is loved and loathed by many. Kris woke me very early with red roses, chocolates & the best part... a home made card! It was so special.

We had mimosas in bed and then headed off to the city for lunch....

It was such a rainy and cold day here in the bay, and I was NOT going to let some silly rain get in the way of wearing my dress... so I paired it with some jeans & WA LA.

I'm wearing the pair of Dolce & Gabana Sunglasses that Kris bought me for Vday! He picked them out with out any say from me. Thank goodness he has great taste.

All in all I made out this Valentines. Not only was I showered in love by my honey, but by my family & friends as well. Kris honey, I know you read this blog like once a year, but Thank you so much b. I text you this five minutes after you left me this morning but I just cant get over what a wonderful day we had. My favorite part was coming home for delivery pizza dinner & cuddling up in front of our TV for Dexter.

I love you & I am so grateful that you are mine and I am yours.

& now enough of all that gushy stuff..... old school names in a box drawing...

THE WINNER OF THE $40.00 Forever 21 Gift Card is...........

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...............

STAR!

Congrats Star!

Email me your address so that I can mail this bad boy to you!

Hope you all had a lovely day weather it was spent with your lover or loved ones. <3

A great piece, Vday Sweetness & Give away.

2011-02-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

This beyond beautiful Jacket by Andrea Behar was given to me as a gift from my Grandmother. Before my Grandma, who if you already don't know has the best taste EVER.... gave me this jacket I had no idea who Andrea was, until I googled her and found out she is such a talented designer. Seriously visit her site.

I wear this jacket like it's no one's business. To work, on the weekends, with high heels, with boots..etc.

The detail is incredible, and the design is enriching and unique.

_______________________________________

Today I got a Valentines package in the mail from the Blog Bestie.

Katelyn is such an amazing girl and we hit it off from the moment our blogs met. She is cute, young, funny, and so much like me! I just adore her and even though she's in Jersey and I'm in Cali, distance has not stopped us from being friends and getting to know each other. Love you Katie and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE everything that you picked out for me, I couldn't of done a better job myself.

I can't wait until my next trip to NEW YORK! Drinks for sure with this amazing lady. Check her out!

__________________________________________

Forever21 is having a 70 percent off sale and they mean it. Check it out here.

So many great deals, and what not a better time to enter my F21 Give away.

Remember, double entry to those who tell their friends and they comment your name.

And the winner is ......

2011-02-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Kindle 3 - Free 3G & Wifi.

I did it. I decided to go with the Kindle. Here were my top deciding factors:

1. It fit my budget. I did my full research and it was more realistic for me to have a reader that had affordable books - Kindle took the running. (although you can share books on the Nook- with a two week limit, the only other person I know with a Nook is my Aunt Barb)

2. I plan on upgrading my Blackberry curve in June to a Blackberry Torch, which offers the same exact
"Brag Apps" that the Nook offers..... email, facebook, videos.. etc....

3. Kindle still gives me the option of surfing the web, although not in color....Listen to all the music I want, via downloaded on my computer to my AmazonKindle account. & Read tons of books with web back up in case anything ever goes wrong with my Kindle. PLUS.... battery life is the shit. I have 30 hours until my battery goes down just one bar. (compared to the Nook that is amazerful.)

-- All that matters is that I get my books---

I have pushed reading to the side, and reading is my absolute favorite past time.

Since I have gotten this Kindle, even in the little hours that I have had it... I have reunited with my love for reading, which inspires me to reconnect with my true passion, writing. I feel rejuvenated and motivated.

Now that I have a reader I love.... help me out...

What is your favorite book?

KINDLE OR NOOK?

2011-02-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

Seriously one of the hardest decisions I have come across in a while.

Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook.

Actually, I already purchased a Kindle and it should arrive on Thursday

. But everyone that I have been talking to has recommended the Nook. Ahhhhh which one to choose?

Please... let me know what you have, why you love it, which one you would get if you already don't, and why.

Ready...... GO!

Breakfast in bed.

2011-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

"Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something. They're trying to find someone who's going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take." - Anthony Robbins

I read this quote and it immediately made me go....."Wow, this is so true."

Too often we get lost in the every day things to really remember what truely matters.

This weekend was Kris's 25th Birthday. I wasn't able to spend the entire day with him but at least I got him Sunday and today. I occasionally get stuck in the rut of what Anthony Robbins was talking about, and reading it really made me want to forget about everything that I had recently been feeling that I needed from Kris... and make it all about giving to him. So I did... and whats a better way of showing a man you love him then with food?

and yes he ate it all.

PS. 7 more days until the winner of the Forever 21 gift card is announced. It's not to late to enter.

Click Click

Can I get an amen for this piece?

2011-02-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

A great piece always solves everything.....

Win these great jeans and a similar jacket in my Forever21 gift card giveaway

2011-02-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

So, Kris asked me to be his Valentine yesterday. He did this by blowing up a balloon, drawing a face on it, sticking it in my office and writing will you be mine on the side of it's helium head. Oh yeah, and then he stuck the balloon under my jacket hood to really make it come alive.

Ok ok... so its not the most romantic way, and definitely a step down from when he covered my front lawn in a "will you be mine" sign with roses and the works. But still.. It's the thought that counts.

So I thought why not ask him back, right? Love is afterall, a two way street.

So I bought us basketball tickets for later in the month, specifically Warriors tickets.

Created a cute flyer/card and then copied our ticket.

Here's the good part......

He automatically assumes that these are court side seats, seeing that I covered up all the other information except "Row 3". & then was completely excited and accepted to be my Valentine with a huge rush of excitement and an even bigger "HELL YES"

Here's the really good part......

These are not brag worthy seats, well they are pretty good... I mean they are INSIDE of the arena... and who needs an upclose and personal view of the sweaty cursing celebrity players when they provide you with a perfectly good HD big screen, beer and garlic fries in the not so expensive seats?

Damn. Did I fail? or did I fail not to enclose valuable info?

Kris is such a great man, I am sure he will understand...

plus... He won't really know the difference the day of the game anyway

because I am definitely taking him to happy hour before we arrive :).

DONT FORGET TO ENTER MY FOREVER21 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY Blog about it and tell your friends.

Saturday night: "We don't club, we paint."

2011-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Kim and I had the urge to be artistic. We went to our local craft store, bought large white canvas and used acrylic paint to create our master pieces. Ok, so we aren't art majors, or extremely talented.... but all we wanted to do was express our creativity... and it worked. If your searching for an outlet, or some type of therapy that doesn't involve a crap load of money, paint.

It doesn't matter if your Monet or not....

emotion +canvas+paint+brush = a beautiful piece of art.

There was paint everywhere. We said "dammit" a lot..... but laughed even more.

Our mistakes made our pictures what they were supposed to be.

Her side is so her, and my side is so me.

So different, yet somehow they fit together perfectly.

It's messy and not perfect at all, yet in a way to me it is breathtaking. Kind of like life ... right?

ENTER MY FOREVER 21 GIVE AWAY HERE!

M.H.D

2011-01-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am so in need of a Mental Health Day.

aka, sit around and do absolutely nothing in your comfy clothes day.

But instead I will be working & busy all day long, dressed in non comfy clothes.

Soon.... very soon though.

PS. Don't forget to join my Forever21 giveaway!

FOREVER 21 G i v e A w a y.

2011-01-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better then coming home from a wonderful day at work and seeing that UPS delivered my Forever21 goods on time like they were supposed to.

I am IN LOVE with the Lace Rose Dress that only cost $19.80!

The white shoes didn't quite do it for me, so I went with gold and was very much satisfied.

Hurry up spring and get here soon! Weather willing... maybe I'll even wear it for Valentines Day.

The Poncho was a little smaller than I thought it would be, actually a lot smaller... but I love it none the less.

With the way this California weather is going hard at 74 degrees I might just wear this with shorts soon!

So since I loved my purchases so much, and instead of returning to Forever21.com and feeding my addiction to the point of being broke, I decided to do a

FOREVER 21 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

The amount will be a surprise, of course it will exceed more then thirty.

It will be valid for Forever21, Heritage 1981, 21Men & Forever Girls

Rule of entry and qualifications:

1. You are a V follower

2.You Blog about the post

3. Comment on this Post

Double Entry:

Followers who tell friends about this give away and THEY comment your name will BOTH receive double entries.

Giveaways are such a great thing here in the blog world, they give the satisfaction of giving away something yourself as a blogger loves, its a generous act that gains you new blogs to read & more friends to make!

Entry ends February 15th & winner will be announced the 16th.

Winner picked via old school. - Names in a bucket.

Good Luck Lovers!

A wonderful January weekend

2011-01-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

I had such a wonderful weekend. The type of weekend that make you appreciate your days off from the worlds every day grind.

This weekend I.......

went to a Goodbye House Party for Kris's cousins V & Shiv, who are moving into a new house.They threw a party in honor of their 21 years spent in their old home, and welcoming their new one. What a great idea. Right?

Wii Danced my ass off at my best friend Kim's house. The guys even joined in on the fun. & yes my brother beat me. Shame. I was a sceptic at first, but it is so addicting! If you haven't tried it, definitely do!

(Don't mind my fuzzy doctor Seuss socks.)

BBQ'd with Kris & the guys.... Woke up and had a champagne breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. Made a trip to Costco where Kris insisted on laying on the mattresses, and where I insisted to take his picture. Impulsively drove to San Francisco.

Shopped around, admired the beautiful displays. Bought some new jeans. A pair with bling buttons. Did the San Franciscan thing and had a hot dog. Wore Tennies (very rare for me). Got ideas from Macy's for work Decor.

Not pictured:

Two hour impulsive trip to Thunder Valley just to play roulette for one hour. Came up $40.00.

Watched five episodes one after another of DEXTER. Kris & I are obsessed.

(Oh my goodness people, if you have not been introduced to this addicting show, which has taken over every one's life who I know watches it... then DO IT. It is thee best TV show ever. Believe me...

You'll thank me.)

Had a sore throat and then drank chili tea & chili chicken soup and is now all better.

I wish this type of weekend to everyone. I was only off work two days, yet it felt like double.

Mandatory Online Shopping

2011-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Forever 21's website should band me seriously. It might as well have a huge banner on the home page that says "VERONICA! WELCOME! BUY EVERYTHING!".

That website is effing addicting. I was actually really proud of myself this evening, after drooling all over my key board for almost twenty minutes of browsing I only decided to pick out two (affordable) great picks.

I am super trying to save money right now, but a girl has to cloth herself right? Jeez.

Flower and Lace Floral Dress $19.80

Spring is coming! and that means spring dresses! I might as well look hot while I match the Easter eggs right?

Two Tone Poncho $17.00

I am so into Poncho's right now, my step mom bought me one for Christmas that is knitted and I wear it like an obsessive kid. The best part of ponchos is that you can wear them in the cold weather, with boots and long shirts...or in the summer with shorts and a tank.

UPS better deliver my goods fast or else...

Out with the old....

2011-01-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend I was in one of those moods. Where everything in life seems messy and out of order. The only thing that gets me out of one of those moods, is cleaning and organizing. & so that's exactly what I did. I said goodbye to the world and did some major damage to my nest.

Armed with new (stylish) storage bins $4.00 each at Home Depot

Nicki Minaj's new CD Pink Friday downloaded onto my ipod( It's great, buy it) ... I hit my walk in closet, which was previously being used to store useless crap I was holding onto for no good reason.

It's a little embarrassing actually...all this crap that I just let pile up over time. It felt so liberating to throw a large percent of it away (and donate). Once you get me started, I'm like a machine.

TAA DAA!

I would love to do something really neat with this walk in closet, but the slanted wall makes it hard to put in shelves or more hanging space. Any suggestions? Hmm, definitely a future project...

until then, it is a organized storage closet.

Here's a before an after

(can you believe all that stuff came out of such a tiny closet?!)

Like I said...... It feels so good.

V's Beauty tips & favorites

2011-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

One thing that I absolutely hate when I'm doing my makeup, is when a smudge of eye liner, mascara, or eye shadow gets anywhere other than where they're supposed to go in the first place... and then its a mission to take it off.

So I came up with a solution, and you should use it to. Its super simple, and it works like magic.

I use CVS age defying towelettes to take off my eye make up. $4.99

They are moist and do the trick.

Any towelette will do, take one out

...and let it dry over night.

in the AM you will have a dry towelette that works as a magic eraser for those everyday slip-ups. I use one towelette for my make up mistakes, and it lasts me a week.

(note, only use these towelettes, or any towelette to take off eye makeup, not face make up. They are huge pore cloggers.)

Want the dewy effect after putting on foundation?

Run your make up sponge under the water before you apply your make up, ring it out completely.

You'll be left with an expanded sponge that will add a moist texture to your skin.

Extra dry skin, and afraid of breaking out in search of a cure?

Good Ol' Vaseline.

Most dermatologists say that this is a pore clogger, but they are indeed wrong.

I even had several dermatologists at Kaiser tell me that they couldn't be absolutely sure that it is.

The amazing acne and skin specialists at Face Reality have done their research and have found this to be the best cure for dry facial skin. And my does it work! take a Q-tip or a dab on your finger and apply at night to your dry areas.

Some of my absolute needs when it comes to my make up routine are as follows:

Fabulash Mascara by Revlon. $5.99 at Target. Were going on eight years being together.

She has never failed me.

8-in-one Eye Shadow Palette by Avon - My Favorite in Neutral.

Infallible Advanced Never Fail Foundation by L'Oreal

$12.99 at Target

Approved by my skin specialist to not have any pore cloggers.

Eyeliner: Unstoppable by Maybelline

$9.99 at Target

Great on the bottom eye line for long lasting results..

If used on top, use a primer so that your eye lids don't get moist and run the eyeliner.

Thanks to lovely lady Venice for turning me on to this

Lipstick

Revlon Creme #680 Temptress

I'm thinking about giving away a lovely basket of everything listed above for my next blog give away,

what do you think?

and... I want to know your beauty secrets... please share!

PS. The blog BFF joined this very sweet valentines give away hosted by Simply Sunshine and Daisys. Check her out and join in on the fun!

A walk down memory lane....

2011-01-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

So recently, thanks to my brothers girlfriend who brought over a historic contraption also known as a VHS player. We took full advantage and brought out all of our old videos. Watching these wonderful memories was too good not to share with the rest of the family. So I thought we'd make a day of it.

We all gathered at my Aunt & Uncles on a Sunday afternoon. We sat together as we brought the life back to memories that we hold so close to hearts. It was so moving, laughing together at moments that became so funny eighteen years later. Choking up when relatives who have passed away are alive and well, their presence and voice filling the room.

But the best part was the laughing. Oh man there is no better feeling then

sharing genuine laughter with your family. Am I right? or am I right?

Oh how I love my Aunts. They are wonderful unique women, who have been mother like figures in my life since I was little. I thank them for molding me and my cousins into the women we are today.

Plan a walk down memory lane with your family and loved ones. There's something about reliving the past that makes you grateful for today, and tomorrow, and for what's to come. and remember, tomorrow is never promised.

My Aunt Nancy said it best in a Thank you email the next day....

"Time has such a way of zooming by that it is easy to forget all the special little moments that make life worth living. Seeing the beauty of spirit in each person on those tapes yesterday reminded me of all those moments. Like Barb, I was a little sad yesterday wishing for those days to be back, but at the same time realizing how many more wonderful memories we can make as a family in the future."

I couldn't of said it better my self.

Special thanks to my brothers V for making this possible. <3

May I suggest that....

2011-01-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already seen Black Swan, then head on over to fandango and dango your self some movie tickets to see Mark Haymens & Andres Heinz Black Swan starring Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis.

A ballet dancer wins the lead in "Swan Lake" and is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan, but slowly loses her mind as she becomes more and more like the evil twin sister of the White Swan, the Black Swan.

Not only is Natalie Portman my favorite actress, but Mila Kunis has officially made my list as well. The best part about these actresses is that they are both extremely talented, and at the same time hot as hell.

This movie BLEW my boots AND socks off, and Kris's too! The entire one hour and forty eight minutes of this film kept us in a sort of trance. Definitely one of the best movies I have seen in awhile, and those are rare. I'm talking, can't predict what's going to happen next - how the hell did that happen!? kind of good movie.

GO SEE IT. Or save it to your netflix queue if you can't find it in theaters.

I know right?! Go see it.

A last winter get away - for the soul.

2011-01-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

Tahoe has seen us, and watched us leaved all in four days. And what gets me the most is that we are still in love, if not more than we were when we first came in 2008 together. Oh how we have changed, yet how our love has changed the same yet grown into something so beautiful and meaningful.

(2008)

(2011)

Our view from our suit

Of course all vacations call for Mimosas in the AM.

& walks to the lake in boots that your man bought you for Christmas,

We visited the fire pit........

and then walked to the lake during the day......

We snow-mobiled., sharing the same mobile

.....I screamed the entire time it was my turn to driving, and the entire time Kris was....

We took the Gondola to Heavenly Village, it was really high and at times scary and steep , but the top brought many benefits...........

Watching people chill out from skiing and snow boarding, as well as enjoying a very lovely beer.

You know, there is nothing more of a true feeling than being in love with a man that is willing to bend-over-backwards for you. This man that I love so much, he is a very rare type for sure. He loves the women in his life. He loves his mother dearly, he loves his grandmother sincerely. He is always thinking of their good will weather he is with them or hundreds of miles away from them. Shopping, he always keeps an eye out for what they might need other then himself. I admire this about him, in the moment this seems like a normal gesture, yet after, in the silence of watching him put the bags into the truck I see this as such a unique gesture one that I know is a not typical in most men these days. One that makes me know that he is the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with for sure.

So many of the people that I love the most in my life are moving blocks ahead of me. Moving in with their better half's, buying houses and starting families. I am at a point in my life where I am not exactly sure where I am supposed to be. I am in the profession that soothes my twenty- something-soul, brings me gratitude and and fills my being with what can't fill my bank account. Yet I know one day will lead me somewhere different.

All I know is that right now, this very second, as I write this post... I am so very content with my life and where I am. Isn't that what we all want? To be happy and full filled with everything, yet still having the pleasure of looking forward to what else is to come?

A post Christmas post.

2010-12-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to blog about all the lovely things that I got for Christmas & how I spent it, but I unfortunately had the dinner of death two nights ago and have been bed-ridden with the mother of all food poisonings. Lovely I know right?

Anyway... I have recovered and now I am finally trying to get back on track, with blogging, work, family & my upcoming trip to TAHOE!

This is my Christmas gift to Kris this year ( I know I get super girlfriend points for this one)

This is where we are staying:

North Lake Tahoe's Hyatt & I splurged and got us the Regency Suit! Can you say double SWEET?!

Why are there so many chairs? Maybe I should call and only ask for two.

I can not wait to spend this entire weekend ringing in the new year with my the love of my life.

I have a feeling 2011 is going to bring us so many great things.

Here is our Family picture from Christmas with Kris's family. Kris's Nani wore the crown I gave her as a gag Christmas gift, well because... she is the Queen of course. (and Kris is supposedly the captain. So true)

Christmas under my tree & a Holiday Outift

2010-12-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

Confession: I love looking into other people's houses who have their window's open during the holidays. Their season cheer, Christmas tree and living rooms on display for all to see. Maybe it's that I enjoy imagining myself celebrating Christmas in each display, maybe it's just scenes that I have seen in movies. All in all, I just look forward to gawking during this season. So I thought I'd share, for those like me, what the inside of my home looks like from rather than from the street.

Isn't it lovely?! Share your living room or Christmas display with me, I really want to see!

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This is the lovely zipper dress that my Grandmother bought for me a few months back.

I paired it with a belt that reminded me a lot of Santa's (Kohl's for $10.00),

to wear to my resident's candle light dinner this evening.

Paired with tights and knee high boots that I folded down to compliment the dress.

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When I think Christmas this is what comes to mind

A snowy meadow, a log cabin drenched in snow, filled with a laughing family and loved ones. Ornaments dangle from the tree that smells of pine, gifts of every size and color under the fern awaiting to be opened. Warm PJ's, great food, whispers of Santa and great things that came and went throughout the years.

Oh how I LOVE CHRISTMAS at this stage of my life !

Merry Christmas to all of my followers,blog authors,and to those who aren't. Merry Christmas to my family, to my friends, my co-workers, to everyone that I have had a brief encounter with, to those that I see on a daily basis and know by familiarity, from the checkers at my grocery store to the distant family members that I meet of my resident's at work. Merry Christmas to all, take advantage of this season of gratitude.

A Christmas outfit

2010-12-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas is of course a time for cheer, family, joy, celebration.... etc.. etc...

but it's also a time for fashion of course, this is what I wore today, along with red lipstick....

Black laced shirt, Army Style Jacket, Target Laced Elastic Waste Skirt, Black Forever 21 Leggings,

.Nine West High Heels.

Tonight I spent the evening celebrating Christmas with my family. I absolutely love this time of the year. All my aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces... all pile into my Aunt Nancy & Uncle Fred's little wonderful world of what we all know as holiday home-base. It's loud, food is everywhere, little children's feet pitter patter in between the chatter and memorable conversation. The alcohol is flowing, laughter is loud and memories are recaptured. It is the epitome of a holiday get together. I am so thankful for these moments, for the pictures that we capture, for the pictures that we have from previous years that spark conversations of memories on-top of memories.

Oh how we would be so grateful as humans to live every day as if it were December.... the Holidays.... living each day as a season of giving and gratitude. Who in the hell decided it should just be one month anyway?!

My Gorgeous Katie and I------ Myself & My Handsome Dad

Little blurry, but I love this picture. All the cousins + my honey.

My Beautiful Aunt Nancy, The Hostest with the Mostest. Older Cousin Steven, brother, and myself.

My look-alike brother - Funniest man I know.

The men in my life - Cousin Nick, Kris, Cousin Steve, Alex.

And yes, I pulled a Mrs. Clause and did the dishes for Xmas Dinner, along with cousin Kell & Lyyn.

Ho ho ho :)

Merry Christmas all my Lovely Blog readers and Followers.

Share your pictures with me.

2010 - The best decision....

2010-12-15T22:25:00.000-08:00

1. Surrendering my battle against acne and putting it in the hands of Face Reality. I had been dealing with moderate to mild blemishes since I was sixteen. If you have never had the inconvenience of battling this war, you will never understand how severe it can be on your pride and your over-all quality of life. Face reality gave me back my pride and self esteem. This was BY FAR the best decision I have made this year. See here for my full story and my Yelp review.

I don't have before pictures because obviously it was not something I wanted to document,(although F.R did, so I plan on putting up before and after soon) but here is a recent picture of my skin in broad daylight with just powder!

(My problem areas were my chin and t-zone area)

If you, or someone you know has this problem and don't live in the Bay Area, Face Reality takes long distant costumers as well, all with great results.

2. Leaving Carlton Plaza San Leandro as an hourly worker to take the Director's position in Fremont, which inevitably lead me back to Carlton Plaza San Leandro as their Director of Personal Expressions. Not a day goes by that I do not thank the high heavens that my boss asked me to come back as her Director, after I left and she saw my growth at Fremont. My commute was cut in half, I was back at the company that I had been five years at, and best of all, I was back with my residents. I love all the things that I get to do and create, I love the difference I make in seniors lives, and I love that I don't dread the work week.

Wacky Tacky Day at work. My AMAZING Assistant Venice, Resident Alma, Associate Director Geoffrey & Myself

What were your best decisions made in 2010?

Use the header picture and tell me! I'm curious!

A really good day

2010-12-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

I had such a great day off. The kind of care-free, Laid-back day that makes you thankful for life, and everything that you have. From the moment that you're holding your loves hand in the mall, to the color of the leafs on the trees outside.

Driving in the car on our way to a day of Christmas shopping...........

I randomly told Kris "I am so thankful and blessed for everything that I am and have"

and what he said was so true. He said ....." it is so hard to rationalize and stay focused on what we are all thankful for because life has a way of taking over. It takes a lot of work to mentally be aware of what we are thankful for". I agree totally. Don't you?

& This is the best time to start being aware and thankful for what we have.

Speaking of...... I am thankful for holiday nights in with the love, spent with a bottle of wine, good food and Christmas movies.

...........................I'm excited to make my new years resolution list.

& only because I am so hopeful and eager for what I want to accomplish in 2011.

Outfit of the day + A $6.00 Do it Your Self

2010-12-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

Bought this little beauty at Forever 21 recently for a teeny tiny $17.99 . I love love love ruffles.

Someone told me once that ruffles are so hard to pull off, and to that I say ruffles can easily be pulled off and complimented by three things...

1.Wavey Hair long or short ( they compliment and add to the different layers)

2. Dark pants paired with a kitten or high heel. (adds sexy-ness to class)

3. Standing Tall with Confidence.

Nothing is sexier than that, ruffles or not anything can be pulled off with confidence.

Coming Soon :Someone asked for me to do a tutorial on how I do my hair (so flattered)

I am new to this myself, so I guess that's even better!

---- And now for a Holiday Do-It-Yourself----

Glitter Foliage Holiday Vase for $6.00

Makes for great decor, & even gifts!

What you will need

2 Bags Buffalo Snow Flakes - $4.00

One Stark White

One Sparkle

Glitter Foliage

I bought four for 50 cents each at Michaels.

Old flower vase -had-

large or small depending on how many foliage pieces you have

Layer snow on bottom, white first, sparkle follows. Place foliage opostite of colors.

THEN WAH-LAH

Holiday Room Decor 2010

2010-12-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! & an affordable one at that!

Look what I picked up at my local craft store, also known as Michaels.

Feather Light up Christmas Tree $9.99 ( could not resist this purchase)

Assorted Bright Ornaments - 30 piece - $8.99 - Old flower vases - Ribbon 50 cents.

Candle holder -had-

& it's even more beautiful at night :)

All in all I spent around twenty dollars.

Elegant and classy yet cheap. They make a great three-some if I don't say so myself.

X m a s 2 0 1 0 W i s h L i s t

2010-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

Black Berry Torch

Although Kris is ADAMANT that we absolutely can not have the same phone. I can still wish wish wish with all of my little heart. He's crazy right?

Dolce & Gabbana's "The One".

I ran out, and ladies I am telling you, this is thee perfect womanly, sexy, seductive, classy scent.

Target's Fuzzy Ultra Comfy Throw Blanket

Acrylic Make up Organizer as seen on The Kardashians

I want. I need.

Original Ultra Tall Tan Uggs with Design Back

Lovely.

Betsey Johnson Jewelry

Teal Snake wrap around bracelet

FLEUR DE LIS STUDS

Thick Ribbon Gold Bow Statement Necklace

I love to wish. Don't you?

Accent

2010-12-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

The house we live in is a Victorian, so yes it is beautiful, but with beauty comes some down falls. Like the beautiful hard wood floors that look lovely, but turn deadly during the winter. Even our heater does not do our house justice. So today, I had had enough. I grabbed my purse and headed to no where other then Target! I got this accent rug for $39.99. which also serves as a light weight way to make my room a little more bearable in the mornings. Plus, I love the accent it serves to my room... right?

Thanksgiving Fashion 2010

2010-11-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

So many Thanksgiving celebrations to go to, so many outfits.

I purchased some bling bling large, but not to-large hoop earrings from my favorite jewelry store So Good Jewelry when Kris, his cousins and I went to the Tree Lighting in San Francisco. I wore the heck out of those bad boys. I just love love love them.

Black Berry Captured:

Evelyn and I. San Fancisco Powell Street.

Kris & I at Owl Eye Lounge.

Kim & I at Bijous for Kates 21st.

The Roxy vest that Kris got me "just because". Love that man.

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving Weekend.

Tis the season to be a blogger!

2010-11-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blog friends Tara, from That's why her hair is so big did something wonderful and shared with her blog friends a few of the blogs that she follows. I actually found some great blogs through her and BAM new friendships were born. I thought this was wonderful, so I am now going to do the same. I follow so many blogs, and try to stop by my dashboard at least once a day, but these are just some of all of the lovely ladies (and few gents) that I keep up with. Please feel free to do the same on your blog!

Chanel

Shelley Ann

My Sister - Colette- Hounds on Hikes

Tiffany

Lauren

Funniest Mom I know - Jennifer

New Mama - Mrs. Chicken

Edit - Cant forget Ms. Lola!

A new perspective

2010-11-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

Wrote this post to this outstanding composer, press play.

We woke early, showered and prepared the food for after the prayer was over. It was the day after Kris's Nani's birthday and we were preparing for the pandit (priest) to arrive and begin the two hour prayer in Nani's living room. Her children, grandchildren, and other family members surround her and the baby of the family on Nani's living room floor. The furniture pushed aside and comfortable carpets laid awaiting the family to sit and enter a state of spirituality, devotion, thankfulness and offerings for good comings.

I have actually been to many of these prayers since becoming apart of Kris's family, the entire week of his sisters wedding, and after. Prayers in the honor of Angiemousi & Indu after their passing... and a few there after.... but this time was different for me, it was minus the excitement of the wedding, and minus the devastating grief of loss.This time seemed as if it were a prayer for life in general, for good comings, and personal well-ness.

Flowers and sweets, fruits and pictures adorn the shrine to the sun, left of the pandit. This prayer was dedicated to the sun, and all it provides. The atmosphere was calm and Sarine, peaceful and touching. Although I could only make out some simple words the priest was saying, the vibe, the united feeling of family and love that filled the room was overwhelming. It was the most beautiful meditation I have ever experienced.

After the pooja is finished, the pandit ties three strings around our wrists, signifying protection and compassion.

A day after the pooja (prayer) , I felt the need to call Si, Kris's aunt and tell her how much this experience, one that is ordinary to them and some what new to me, had touched me to the core of my existence. A person who has never been religious, I was curious about the spiritual connection that I had made with my core and wanted to know more. We had a long conversation and spoke about how Hinduism is not a religion, but more of a way of life. Acknowledging what life is really about, creating your own destiny and giving thanks to what we are all made of, the elements of earth. This prayer that Nani had composed gave us a chance to be physically aligned with our goals, or intentions, and our hopes.

Soon after I spoke with Si, Kris's Mom called me and I spoke with her about the same thing. What a wonderful women she is. So willing to indulge me, in her culture, her family, her thoughts and guidance. She purchased me three books to get me started on my path to learning to Hindi.....this was more then a mere gesture, this meant so much more to me. I soon hope to be her daughter in law one day, yet she treats me as nothing less. Not only is she a wonderful woman, I praise her for raising such a wonderful man.

She awes me.

I am on a path, I am on a path to a new way of life, a new language, with a man that I love along with his family that has excepted me for who and what I am, and for what I want to be.

I am so thankful, so grateful, and so immensely entranced with life.

(2009) Can you find me?

Lovely

2010-11-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

Do you know what's lovely? When life shows you a bit of a miracle, a glimmer of hope and love and just a little something that reminds you how miraculous things in this life do happen.

Like these stories of Mama animals who have lost litters of their own, but were replaced with babies of a different species, and loved them none the less.

Amazing!

Thank you Auntie Nancy for inspiring this post.

A mini weekend getaway

2010-11-15T21:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just need a weekend getaway & so that's exactly what Kris and I did on our days off.

We took off to Inn at the Tides, Bodega Bay Ca.

On the coast just a two hour drive from where we live, yet it felt like a world away!

(My parents used to take family get aways to Bodega Bay when we were little, and I have been begging Kris to go with me for five years now, and we finally did it!!)

The Beautiful Bay

The weather was glorious! But really, 80 degree weather in November?! Odd, but not hated.

The first thing we did was put on our bathing suits, and robes and headed off to the pool/hot tub.

The lay out of this Inn is beautiful and so Serene. But I wasn't a huge fan of these...

After a very delicious dinner at the Inn's restaurant, we came back to the room and spent the entire night being lazy in our robes and enjoying our fire. Our room had such a smokey log cabin smell to it all night long, which turned out to be the cherry on top of our relaxing mini get-away.

And then..... it was time to head home.

Such a great way to recharge and refresh the human spirit.

We definitely plan on making this trip more often.

& now...... It's back to reality, recharged and even more in love.

This part is for you Kris because babe, you say the funniest things & I never want to forget them. & there were so many but these were so memorable.

"It smells like fried nail polish!"

"Look at those cows, those are some happy ass cows"

"I wish I could spend a whole day documenting deers, eat, walk around, play who wants to cross the dangerous freeway"

Love my silly B.

The Band Perry

2010-11-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

For full effect(and trust me)Press Play and turn up your speakers while reading this post.

and scroll slow.....

The Band Perry: If I Die Young:

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

Leo Buscaglia -

This is completely true, and something that I have been taught to live by. And something that I have challenged myself to live by, ever since myself and so many close to me expierenced a great lost that has touched all of our lives.

It's not stressed enough to every single one of us that life is not promised tomorrow.

Live it knowing that.

....... love. So much.

Live it knowing that.

CHANGE

2010-11-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

Short. Shaped. Dyed.

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LOL. JUST KIDDING! I TOTALLY GOT KIM & KRIS WITH THIS!
If you want to punk your friends and loved ones. Purchase a wig.

I really feel like your hair defines who you are.

And long brown locks....... Define me.

What defines you?

I am loving...

2010-11-04T20:24:00.000-07:00