The Tales of The "Full Body Suit"

Okay, so this post is specifically geared towards nighty wear. Some of you may be able to relate to this more than others, but I thought I'd throw this out there. In the winter time, I absolutely have to be fully covered to keep warm at night! Cozy PJ bottoms, a long sleeved t-shirt, and fuzzy socks. I have my highly unfashionable winter digs. At times, they do not even match. Would I leave the house in them? No way. Remember, I was single for 33 years, so I have my habits and vices. Some I have broken, most I have not! My husband calls my nighty wear a 'full body suit' (e.g. no sexiness whatsoever). Not to mention, when I go to bed, I put my hair up in a pony tail. I hate to have my hair in my face. So, he says I look like a 14 year old girl.

Do you agree you have to be a diva, even at night? I guarantee Heidi Klum doesn't wear her Victoria's Secret angel wings, diamond studded bra and underwear to bed. I would bet my Old Navy PJ bottoms she has gear similar to mine and Seal complains just like my husband does.

My friend Lorraine inspired me to take the next step, to buy a true "full body suit"! She received a JumpinJammer as a Christmas gift and wears these every night. Check em out: http://www.jumpinjammerz.com/. They come in fleece and chenille! I'm in HEAVEN. Yes, I am ordering one. Will my husband continue to love me, yes. Sorry John, you said for better and for worse!

I Haven't Disappeared!

So, you thought I forgot about my blog? I'm proving you wrong! Life gets in the way sometimes, but I'm back! John and I went to St. Maarten in May, I started my new job in June, a trip to Napa, CA in October and have been a very busy woman! Can you believe we are about a week away from Thanksgiving, 2009? With that comes extra food and extra lbs. I always seem to put on my winter coat during these months, but I'm determined to stay trim this year! First, I have been going to cycling classes at my gym for the past few months. Talk about a great way to burn calories! In a typical one hour class, you can burn up to 800 calories. It's also a great core workout for your abs, legs, gluteal area and back. I typically go 2-3 times per week. If you haven't been before, typically the room is very cool and dark. The instructor brings their iPod with programmed music and each song has a different 'routine'. There is a tension knob on the bike that makes pedaling more difficult as you turn the knob to the right. Instructors will have you sit, stand, etc. I just love it when the instructors play awesome music from the 80's! Also, you are really working up a sweat, so it's important to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the class and hours after the class. At my gym, most of the students are my age or older, so it's nice to see a more 'mature' generation getting into such a great workout routine! I hope you try cycling/spin class at least once and you enjoy it as much as I do!

Spring Is Here! LA Is Out of Her Hibernation Funk!

Okay, so I’m behind on my blogging. My apologies. Lots has been going on and I’m so excited warmer weather is in our future! That means getting in shape for bikinis, getting tan, and shopping for great spring and summer clothes! So, I got a trainer in January. It’s the best thing I could have done for myself. I have worked with him 6 times and he has showed me how to vary my workout routine so I’m not working the same muscles. Girls, you have to invest in yourself, if nothing else, take care of your body! It’s your gift from God! I have realized that a variation of lunges has suddenly shifted my rear end from low to J-Lo! Wowza. I also have started getting an abs ‘2-pack’. I’m nowhere near a 6-pack yet, but proud of the 2 I have so far! So, let’s talk about some of the fashions for spring/summer 2009. First, I’m not stoked about these new Roman sandals. They look very granola crunchy which is not my style at all. I’m a regular Cosmo Radio listener (Sirius 111/XM 162) and let me tell you, the guys are very adamant on flat shoes on women…they hate them! I can’t wear 4 inch heels anymore, but I will not surrender myself to flat shoes, except for working out! I’m so happy the designers have continued to design great dresses. I love that they can be worn to work and out for a nice warm evening. There’s a lot of color too! I just love this Maggie London dress at Macy’s. I’m still iffy on the maxi dresses. I’m going shopping with my mom tomorrow, so I may try one on. They are a bit maternity-like.

Happy Easter and spring shopping girls!

It's Time for A Trim, and I Don't Mean My Hair!

Okay, just so you know, I'm not that girl that is always making the same New Year's resolution to lose weight at the first of the year. I've always been in the gym trying to take care of myself and trying to stay in shape. Of course, my back troubles have slowed me down a bit and our trip to Europe in November and Christmas LOVED my hips! I swear, I will never eat a sausage again. It's just too much! So, 3 weeks into 2009, I am back on my Lean Cuisines, daily apples, Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, and in the gym 3 times or more per week. My next step I take on Tuesday. A personal trainer! I'm not one to rely on a trainer for discipline, just to show me how to vary things up a bit. Like all hotties in our 30's, we need a bit of 'ass'istance if you know what I mean. For those friends of mine that have a nice posterior, you are blessed! Ted is my new trainer, so hopefully he will teach me what I need to know to beef up my 'assets'! I'll keep you updated. Oh, and just so you know, Old Navy has their yoga pants on sale for $15. They are the best gym clothes, comfy, and cheap!

Wish I would have thought of that!

Our niece Tori is visiting us this week. Her Birthday is on the 31st, so I thought I'd treat her to an early Birthday gift. My friend Leslie had introduced me to Sweet and Sassy in August. Her daughter had her 8th Birthday party there. I was hooked! Sweet and Sassy is a full service salon just for girls, not adult girls. I wanted to borrow someone's daughter to experience Sweet and Sassy again! I had my chance last night. Tori had never been nor had a 'real' manicure and pedicure. I bought the "Princess Package" which included a manicure, pedicure, and up-do. She had her toes painted blue with white snow flakes and her fingers blue with silver shooting stars. Then for the up-do, she chose bright, neon green hair extensions! She was a diva for sure.

Sweet and Sassy has such a cool concept! Wish I could have thought of that and had a 'girl' salon when I was young. Click here to see if there is a location near you. Call me if you have daughter, niece, etc. you want me to steal for a few hours! You know where to find us.

Christmas Bargains Galore!

Girls, I have found some amazing online bargains this past week. First, I just love Overstock.com. Usually, shipping is a flat $2.95 everytime! However, I found some items on clearance with free shipping. I bought 3 sweaters for $45! No tax, no shipping fee. The free shipping is overnight, so my items came in two days. Here is a snapshot of one of the sweaters I ordered.

I also bought a precious pair of sweaterboots. My work friends Denise and Amanda told me about them on DSW's website for $30. However, when I went to their site, they were sold out. That's a great price because other sites had them for $60. I did break down and found a pair of pink boots, but shipping was free. Click here to see the divalicious boots!

Happy shopping girls! Online shopping is often much cheaper and you avoid crowds, no fighting for a parking spot, no traffic, and save on sales tax and gas!

Back in The Ole USA!

John and I had a wonderful time in Europe! So much to see and do. I do wish we could have spent more time in a few cities. Our travels started in NYC actually! We landed early from Nashville to JFK and sat in the plane, on the tarmack for 2 hours! We missed our flight to Frankfort, so spent the night in a very shady Ramada Inn by the airport. I am no longer a fan of Delta airlines. I won't share in detail, but they need to provide management classes to their supervisors or lay them off! Geez. We took the train into NYC, ate at Carmine's, went to the Virgin record store and by chance ran into the Naked Cowboy! Nice abs! Took the train back to JFK, and we were off! We started by driving from Frankfort to Munich. I just love Munich! Lots of newer construction, very clean, great shopping, etc! We took a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (the Disney Castle). It was amazing and we even got a great treat when we left the castle, SNOW! We had to walk back down the mountain due to the bus and buggy being shut down! Here's a picture of John and I before we started the tour of the castle. We took 2 day trips to Salzburg and visited their awesome Christmas market. I'll continue our adventure in future blogs. Oh, buy the way, girls, if you go to this part of Europe in the winter, a hat, gloves, and scarf are a must! I bought both of my hats at Target and they did the job! Make sure to get a hat that covers your ears, even if you have long hair. I'm sportin my Target hat in the pic!

Congratulations to the Dhalla and Hartline families!

I want to give a shout out to these two families and their recent additions to their families! Both of these parents are first time parents! Zeena and Azeem recently adopted Zayleea from India! I'm following their blog in case you are interested in learning more about their wonderful experience. Zaleeya has been home in SoCal with her parents for a week or so and adjusting to her new life in the USA. Here is a picture of Zayleea with her parents when they first got her from the orphanage! Congrats to the Dhalla's and I know you will love Zayleea and raise her to be an outstanding woman.

Robert and Rachael welcomed their first child, Trace, into the world at 2:02 am this morning in Nashville! He weighed 9 lbs, 2 oz. What a big boy! He is adorable and mom is doing very well. I'm so excited for Robert and Rachael. They will be amazing parents.

Want to Start Your Christmas Shopping Early?

Happy Thursday everyone! I'm so glad this week is almost over. It seems after the time change, days just drag for awhile. I hate that it gets dark here in Tennessee at 4:45! Makes for a yucky commute home. So, speaking of yucky, I personally dread holiday shopping. I hate that Christmas has become so commercialized. I have started buying more and more in the internet to avoid insane parking lots and crowds. When I was planning our wedding, I purchased some adorable, super affordable hostess and bridesmaid gifts from The Palm Gifts. I just adore the personalized touch on items every girl can use such as makeup bags, gym totes, etc. The products were all high quality and came in a very timely manner. I'm sure they are gearing up for Christmas, but it never hurts to get your order in early to ensure you get it on time! They also have a really cool monogrammed apron give away! Just e-mail them at info@thepalmgifts.com and type 'apron' in the subject line. Then, in the body of the e-mail, tell them what you want for Christmas!

They also have some PRESH monogrammed stockings! I'm in love! Sigh. I hope you visit their site and enjoy as much as I did.

My Girl Sarah, Sportin' Some Presh Shoes!

I'm sure some of you have heard the buzz out there about Sarah Palin's stylish footwear of recent days. Lots of debate on 'where' she got her red shoes from. Rumor has it the shoes she wore at the RNC were from Payless! Our girl is not a heavy spender! Love it! Also, the red heels she sported at the VP debate were hawt! Allegedly, they are Naughty Monkey brand and she bought them in a local shoe store in Alaska prior to the debates. I'm sure Joe Biden took a second look! Grrr! (that's meant in a sexy way, not a mean, normal Joe way). I found my own cute pair at Off Broadway. They're red with a black button with a black chunky heel. Not too tall, good for my old lady back! They're Micheal brand and were under $60.

I hope my girl Sarah and ole boy John pull off a victory today. I want to be able to keep my guns and ammo! lol. I also hope Florida got their act together and figured out how people should vote in this century! No matter who you are for, please get out there today and vote.