These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

Tis the season to be thinking about the things that truly make us happy.

Lately I've been a bit under the weather, (hence my lack of blogging.) And to get me through my temporary illness I found myself remembering some of the wonderful, little things that make me happy these days. I'm grateful for family and good friends and the holidays that bring us all together. And below I made a list of ten things that I appreciate this season. It's kind of like my own personal raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...okay I'll stop. This is just getting obnoxious. But you get the point! Tis the season to be merry...

Ten of my favorite things this season...

1. Il Valore Wine from Trader Joe's.

This red wine is absolutely delicious and absolutely $2.99

Talk about a deal. My mom claims they're selling out of it because it's so great- so grab some before they're out of stock!

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2. The Newport Harbor Boat Parade

The holiday Boat Parade is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. Watch it from a bayside house, a nearby bridge or a friend's boat (as I did this year!) It's so fun to sip some cocktails and watch the decorated boats ride by. And even if your camera doesn't take great pics of the lights (oops), it's still a wonderful way to soak up the holiday spirit! Just don't forget your jacket!

3. My New Forever 21 Purchases!

Yesterday I decided to let myself do some to-me-from-me online shopping and ordered four items from Forever21. They gave me free 5-10 day ground shipping, which I considered a great offer. Well, to my surprise, the doorbell rang TODAY and sitting there was a giant bag from FOREVER 21! It's a Christmas miracle! I can't wait to start wearing my new purchases! I ordered a jacket, a black dress (see below and picture it with a leather jacket), and two tops. Woo Hoo!!

4. Julie and Julia

Sweet, funny and inspirational- this flick is a great rental for a cozy night in. And such a goodie for aspiring bloggers!

5. In The Spirit of the Hamptons

A recent birthday gift from Megan, my fellow Hamptons obsessor, this book is so fun to flip through. Filled with vintage pictures of the Hamptons (and written by Kelly Killoren Bensimon!) it's such a fun glance into the good life.

6. My New Favorite Show- We Can be Heros

This Australian comedy, from the same guy who created Summer Heights High, is literally the funniest show ever. I die. I own it on DVD and I cannot stop watching and laughing.

7. T.V. Guilty Pleasures

We all have those shows that we swear we don't watch, but we actually never miss an episode. Jersey Shore? Real Housewives? Keeping Up With The Kardashians? You know you love them.

8. My LuluLemon Pants

Perfect for workout or to wear out! And sooo comfy.

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9. Lakers Games

Court-side or nosebleeds, it doesn't matter. Lakers games are an all time favorite!

10. Christmas Music!

Some of my favorite holiday tunes this year:

Taylor Swift- Silent Night

'N Sync- O Holy Night

Sting- Christmas at Sea

Vince Guaraldi Trio- Christmastime is Here (vocal)

Tyler Hilton- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Mariah Carey- All I Want for Christmas is You

Glee Cast- Last Christmas

Frank Sinatra- I'll be Home for Christmas

Bing Crosby and Doris day- Baby It's Cold Outside

Michael Buble- I'll Be Home for Christmas

Louis Armstrong- Cool Yule

The Flaming Lips- A Change at Christmas (Say It Isn't So)

iPhone, Do You Phone?

So I officially made the switch from Blackberry to iPhone. It happened. The apps were just calling to me! I couldn't resist. It's actually something I'd been considering for a while; I was available for an upgrade, already on AT&T and ready to try something new. And I'm glad I went for it because so far I love it!
This morning Joe showed me an awesome website where you can download different wallpapers for your iPhone. All of the artwork is super unique and it's fun to browse all the different designs.
Whether or not you have an iPhone, you should def take a LOOK.

I hate to be a follower and sometimes I feel like I would be cooler if I was still rocking my old Razor phone, (I have a certain respect for people who don't upgrade.) But damn, you really just can't beat the iPhone!

Listen Up

So I made a quick on-the-go playlist yesterday and I'm pretty proud of the mix. I don't mean to brag or anything, but it's a legit line up. I blended some old favorites with some newer downloads and suddenly this on-the-go is all I want to listen to.

Here's the set:

Junkie XL- Cities in Dust

Ladyhawke- Love Don’t Live Here

Lily Allen- Never Gonna Happen

Drake and Lykke Li- Little Bit (Remix)

Passion Pit- Sleepyhead

Duffy- Rain on Your Parade

Madonna- Get Together

Kaskade- Steppin' Out

FC Kahuna- Hayling

Technotronic- You've Got to Show Me Love

Friendly Fires- Jump in the Pool

Empire of the Sun- Standing on the Shore

Adele- Cold Shoulder

Regina Spektor- Hotel Song

Brandy- Full Moon

Yep, you know you're going to love it.

Olivia P Steps Out

This image was sent to me in an email from Jen that said, "this picture made me think of you."
And I think Jen said this for three reasons:
1.) I heart jorts with tights. I think it's the best combo for incorporating a little summer into your winter. And there are always so many shoe options.
2.) Jen and I both LOVE street style photos.
3.) Jen knows that, against my better judgment, I REALLY enjoy Olivia P's style. I'm totally aware that Olivia thinks she's allllll that. And I know she's a total biotch on The City. But Olivia does manage to pull off some amazing outfits. And her hair is never not perfect. How does that happen? I mean, I'm sure she probably gets a blow out every day, but still. And whether or not she meets with her stylist every morning, starbucks and bad attitude in tow, she's always rocking a great outfit. And for that, I dig her style.

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Moiraaaaaa

happy birthday MOIRA!!!
fabulous and amazing.
and now 24.
rock it lady!

Kristen Wiig at Her Finest

So Gawker did an awesome roundup of Kristen Wiig skits from SNL.
It's definitely worth taking a LOOK.
She is absolutely hilarious in my opinion, (although I do agree with Gawker on the Gilly thing.)
The only bummer is that they didn't include a 'Two A-Holes' video, which is my favorite Kristen Wiig skit ever. But here's one for a good laugh:

see no. hear no. speak no.

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MK&A

Oh MK&A- you make it look so easy.

Since most of the time they're rocking the grunge look pretty hard, it's nice to see them get a bit glammed up. From Mk's insane belt to Ashley's scarf and heals (that she's been wearing with just about everything lately), it all just works so well. Great color. Great lace. Great jewelry. Great photo.

Homecoming Happened

So homecoming happened.

It came and went so fast. Too fast.

But boy oh boy was it amazing.

Absolutely exceeded our expectations...if that was possible.

So many good friends. Too many good drinks.

And lots of Arizona loving.

Thanks for a great time friends.

You're the best in the world.

Game day. At last.

Megs. Stockie. Tay.

Tailgate time

Me and Stockie

Good old Dirtbags

Me and Tay- Go Wildcats

Friends helping friends

Gina and I... and the wildcat