And So This Is Christmas & A Happy New Year

The holiday is winding down and tomorrow will be my 11 yr. wedding anniversary. Normally every year we go away somewhere, but this years a little tight, so we're staying local. I'm sure I'll come up with something free for us to do. Besides living by the beach is a constant vacation.

That was just a little preview of my New Year's resolution...find the good in all things. Look for the positive in every situation and stop focussing on the things that are not going my way or I don't have. There's always something good in every situation. This past year has been a life lesson, learning to be frugal, budgeting, being wise with our money. Sometimes diffuculties are lessons, once you make it through, you look back and say, "I've learned so much!"

I'm going to make it a New Year of being grateful in ALL things.

My life is blessed!

Goodbye 2010:

and so this was Christmas, I hope you had fun...























What's your New Year's resolution?

Found Best Name Brand Deal

I can honestly say that I'm not a big name brand person. I like to find things that are different, things that most people don't have. This can be a little challenging at times, but vintage shops usually help.

Yesterday my son had to go see an LA agency...YAY...that meant I got to stop by Crossroads Trading Co. on Melrose. He wasn't too happy, but if I'm going all the way down there, I'm going to get some fun out of it too.

It was a perfect sunny day, we ate outside, then shopping time.

Jullien sat at the front of the store & I knew he wasn't too happy so I didn't really look as long as I normally would. But I did find an AMAZING deal, and yes, I gave in to the name brand. I found a pair of True Religion jeans for $27.00, yes I said $27.00.

They fit perfect except they're a little shorter than I like. I decided at that price, I'll deal with the length, besides they're perfect for tucking into boots.

Then we headed down to Urban Outfitters for Jullien. They had an everything 50% off sale, we actually stood in a line 30 people back. I've NEVer stood in a line that long!

the line went on forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

He didn't mind it so much because while I stood there he continued to shop. Guess that was a payback for making him wait for me. So I made the most of it...I helped the guy behind me and in front of me decide on some of their purchases. I can tell ya, California is a very friendly, laid back place to live.

SO...yes, I broke down, I gave in, I'm now officially a name brand girl.

BUT...

I'm a bargain shopper first and foremost!

Merry Christmas

I just got home from my sisters house and realized that there's nothing quite like spending quality time with your family. We ate, my hubby and kids took guitar lessons from my brother in law, we sang our favorite Christmas songs, laughed, and just had fun family memory moments.

I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ than with the people you love.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:11
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

1 John 4:9-10
9By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

How About an I O U

I just woke up and came down for some oatmeal & realized that I've been sick for so long that I haven't been able to update. As I'm eating, hacking, sneezing and aching, here's what I've been up to:

The past 5 days have been spent lying in bed, sleeping, waking up taking more Nyquil & sleeping again. I haven't been this sick in a LONG time. But now is definitely not a good time, I'm a last minute shopper.

I don't think my family will accept IOU's under the tree.

Hopefully after another full day of sleeping I can shake this Flu and get out in the Christmas Eve rat race.

Off to bed!

Where The Boys Are

Every Thursday since my boys were little guys, I'd get off work at 1:00 p.m. because it was also their short day, we'd go out to lunch and spend some quality time together.

Since they've gotten older...Josh is working/going to school, Jullien's in NY and Elijah's had football practice/games, my Thursday short day has been kind of lonely. I sit alone and eat, wishing I had my boys with me.

This past Thursday I finally had all of them for an old fashioned lunch date. I was sooo happy, I stepped back to capture the moment with my camera phone, telling them, "Smile! Hey guys, c'mon look at me."

None of them would.

Then when I'd put my phone down they'd turn, look at me and start laughing. I'd quickly grab my phone again & they wouldn't look. Moments like that make me definitely miss my young, sweet lil' guys who still listened to me, but...

my heart is definitely full this Christmas!

Out With The Old

Huntington Beach, CA., is no different than most cities, they have the "out with the old - in with the new mentality." That's why I find the few original homes/landmarks fascinating. The fact that one of the oldest buildings still standing is home to an antique shop is even more fitting.

Then as we were walking by, I noticed that a restoration has begun on the building right next to the antique shop. I understand that it's a "restoration" but it still takes away that historic feel.

pictures of the original home

the progress

I couldn't help but feel a little sad, seeing the tell tale signs that the quaint little shop will be next.

I'm sure many feel it's an eyesore, but I love it's symbolism of the city it once was. It still stands strong...minus the sea air torn paint.

With so much mansionization going on over the years...I hope this old place is left as is, but I'm not so sure!

a home directly across the street
valued @ appx. $3-4 million dollars

hotels, shopping & a miniature Santa around the corner

and down pacific coast hwy

I'm hoping my city will decide to maintain a few landmark's that represent the humble beginnings that is Huntington Beach.

the history...

He's Home!

I'm so excited...I just picked up my son Jullien from the airport today. He will be here until Dec. 29th and then he heads back to New York for two days, then off to Paris & Milan for Fashion Week. He gets back to New York at the end of January and then heads to Hong Kong for a few months.

I'm so happy that I get to have him home for the holidays...it doesn't happen very often with his schedule. It's been five months since he was home, but for me it seems like at least a year.

Now I'm trying to fit in- family Christmas tree shopping, family pictures and a family ice skating day in a short amount of time...plus getting everyone on the same page with their busy work/school schedules.

I'm just so happy to have all my kids home for the holidays...my heart is full!!

And So It Goes...

modeling my new clothes...

and lovin' my new boots!

and jacket...

On, and on, yes Dec. 8th I turned another year older, so did my nephew, and my mom (I was born on her birthday many years ago). I hate living so far away and not getting to spend it together.

My day was awesome, I received $, just what I wanted to try and replenish my miserable wardrobe (I love fashion but hate to shop...go figure!) We went out for sushi with friends and then my hubby planned a family party for Saturday when the kids were all available. He cooked tacos (he's so thoughtful to attempt it & they were really good!)

I was kind of disappointed because my oldest son Josh couldn't make it at the last minute. I don't know why I let my feelings get hurt...but I put on a smile and acted like it didn't bother me,
story of my life...I hate to let anyone see my emotional or sensitive side.

It really was a special day & I'm so thankful for my AMAZING husband. He always surprises me with his loving, caring, thoughtful ways!

Making a wish! 20 please!
j.k. those were some tough years glad to be older AND happy.

no pictures please...