Celebrate!

Jen: I know this is a little early, but since we're celebrating tonight,
I want to wish Crystal a happy birthday!

I love you like a sister and am so thankful to have you in my life :)

*cheers*

Crystal: Thank YOU for being such an awesomest friend :) And thanks for celebrating with me last Friday at Sangria's in Hermosa Beach!! :) :)

Burt's Bees!

Jen: I'm a huge fan of Burt's Bees products! I especially love their original chapstick because of the intensity of the minty flavor. And I received a Burt's Bees gift bag for Christmas, which was awesome! It included the tinted lipgloss in 3 colors. What products have you tried?

Crystal: I don't think I've really tried any products from them yet...I remember I was at the OC Fair last year though and they had a Burt's Bees booth that I checked out...you got to go in and get a free quick hand massage using one of their lotions or something like that....it smelled heavenly though and made my hands super soft....whatever it was :) :) :)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer...or not?

Crystal: I was super excited when I saw the headline on AOL today - 'Buffy Reboot in the Works'....until I read the story: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i666afabc28491e6a5d5861d83ae30855

So....it's another Buffy movie...but not? So...they're not using the same characters...possibly not even Buffy herself...has nothing to do with the tv show...but yet they want to use Buffy the Vampire Slayer as reference just because the same people who OWN the rights want to make a new movie...I feel like they're just playing with us loyal Buffy fans and taking advantage of us by throwing the Buffy name around but in the end just making another vampire movie.....right?

Or am I misunderstanding this?

I do get that you shouldn't ruin a good thing by taking the tv show and making it into a movie...especially since they're not even using Joss Whedon to make it...but it should still have some of the same basis around it....right? Otherwise it's not Buffy.

Thoughts?

Jen: I heard about this yesterday :( You know what a massive Buffy fan I am, so I'm sure you already know my feelings on this! PUKE!

Aside from being a Buffy fan, I'm a Joss Whedon fan. Poor Joss gets screwed in every project he takes on it seems. He's an absolute genius and the networks put him through the ringer, show after show. And in the end, what you have is a new cult following for every one of his endeavors. I honestly don't think he's ever had a single failure, so why is he excluded from his own creations?

On a happier note, his new show that premiered last season, Dollhouse, is awesome and has been picked up for another season! He had a long battle to get the show up and running (as always) because of the network and them wanting to change everything about it, but in the end he won and it's a hit! Hopefully he'll change his mind about this being the last TV series he ever works on, because everything he does is golden!

P.S. Crystal, I remember you making a comment before about how maybe Joss has a crush on Eliza Dushku because she's his leading lady in Dollhouse and being a big character on Buffy, but as it turns out, they created Dollhouse together- he didn't just choose her! She's actually the producer!

Tomodachi

Jen: Crystal and I went to high school with a very artistic friend, Kevin Karasuda. He just launched a zine called Tomodachi-zine (Tomodachi means "friend(s)" in Japanese!) It is basically a compilation of reviews and articles on movies, music, fashion and Japanese animation. There is, of course, much more to it- but at a glace it is a place to go for an entertainment outlet!

Tomodachi was kind enough to reach out to me for sponsorship, so you can view Haute Whimsy Lomography on their creative corner this month :)

I hope you enjoy the zine! All comments are welcome, as I'll be forwarding them to the zine headquarters later this month!

Hermosa Beach Festival

Crystal: To keep in line with our Beachy Keen world...I must blog about the importance of going out to the Hermosa Beach Festival this weekend!!

It only comes to town on Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend....and as of yet, I don't think I've missed a year (I think)...

It's a great place to be....down by the beach, music playing, vendors selling all kinds of stuff everywhere, petting zoo and rides for the kids, beer garden (which I've never actually been in yet)....and the BEST part of all...the food vendors! In particular - the Philly Cheese Steak vendor!

The Philly Cheese Steak vendor there is pretty much the main reason I go. Their prices have gone up every year...last year I think it was almost $9...but sooooooooooooo worth it!!

One year I'm going to get me a booth there to set up....they're just so darn expensive and have such an extensive application process....I'm just not ready yet....but I will eventually. :)

Are you going????? We'll probably go either Saturday in between my two photoshoots or on Monday I think....

Link: http://www.fiestahermosa.com/


Jen: I've sadly missed it the last 2 years :( This weekend has been so busy, and Joe has to work tomorrow. Next time Gadget!

Recess...

Crystal: So...my work can be pretty awesome sometimes....they're on this health/exercise kick right now throughout the company and so our office decided to do a "recess" for us....just like back in the day when we were kids....

They are bringing in a big blow-up obstacle course...something similar to this:

A bungee trampoline...something like this...

batting cages of some sort......and a basketball free throw contest with brackets and all!

And then for food....corn dog cart, pizza, and snow cones....

I haven't been outside since they put everything up yet, but I hear it looks like a carnival out in our parking lot.

Fun stuff :)

Jen: Umm, can I work with you?!?! I'm always amazed by what your company does for you guys and by the way they seem like a second family. I seriously can't count how many company events I've heard of you participating in! Let's see, there was the Kat Walk fundraiser, the retreats, the picnics (I'm pretty sure!), Christmas parties ... to name a few. I think it's incredible!
Crystal: There's always something going on here....it was tons of fun too....I made quite a few baskets in the free throw competition...one the first round and almost won the second round...but I did pretty good :)

The obstacle course definitely gave me a run for my money....I was EXHAUSTED after racing through it....it's tough!

And I tried the trampoline bouncy spinny thingie....it was a bit scary. I realized that if you don't jump just right and really commit to your spin, you'll fall flat on your face....which I almost did...but didn't. :)

Fun stuff :) :)

Take Care

Jen: This is pretty much the most wonderful idea- in my opinion :) Walgreen's offers a "retail clinic" in selected stores where you can get a quick check-up with a nurse practioner. The best part is the price. It's either covered by insurance, $59 if you don't have insurance, or free if you've lost your job and qualify! I've been reading great reviews from Take Care patients and they love the convenience of this quickie check-up option for colds, flus, etc.

You can view detailed info in this video HERE.

Shaky Shaky

Jen: Last night we here in Los Angeles suffered through a 4.7 earthquake! That's actually not too big, but we were incredibly close to the epicenter, so it felt like a good 6. It sounded like a huge *boom* and then everything began to shake like we were right next to a freight train. During the 15 loooooooooooooong seconds of this episode, the glass to my entertainment center exploded and my cabinets flew open in the kitchen. My wine and champagne bottles fell to the floor and even my BBQ out on the balcony found it's way to another spot!

Crystal, how was it for you guys? How did little Caydan react?


Crystal: Since you wrote this, we have now had 2 earthquakes! We were at home during the first one just watching tv...it was a bit scary...a couple of pictures knocked over, figurines knocked over....but that was the extent.

I immediately jumped up, grabbed Caydan, and went to the doorway (that elementary school training kicked in I guess)....Dan jumped up and went straight to the flat screen, lol. You can see where out priorities are. :)

Dan then started freaking out because he said that he had "seen" this whole scene happening earlier that day in his head...like a premonition of sorts....so he was wide-eyed and a little crazy sounding at this moment...and then told me that we had to go out to the street because that's what happened in his vision......I started grabbing my jacket just to humor him and because he was a little scary at that moment....but then he changed his mind and said not to go...I think he realized that whatever he was thinking wasn't actually going to happen...........

Then Caydan says that it was "like a tractor pushing the house"...I love the child's way of describing something. :)

So cruddy about your glass shattering....can you even have that fixed??

Oh - and the second one, which I guess was a large aftershock of this one, occurred on Tuesday when I was at Disneyland with some co-workers...we were waiting in line for the Roger Rabbit spinny ride and then they came over the loudspeaker saying everyone had to exit the building. We didn't even feel it though. Then we heard about the earthquake and realized that they shut ALL the rides down.....weird - being at Disneyland with no rides operating...just thousands of people out walking around aimlessly................

What were you doing when the second one hit? Did you feel it?

Jen: I was at my mom's, on the computer, in front of her HUGE sliding glass door! It was pretty close to the size of the first one, but without the freight train rumble (just the rolling like they're supposed to be). It was just a fraction of the length of the first one though, so it wasn't too big of a deal.

Actually, we had a small quake yesterday too. A 2.something that we didn't feel. That makes 3 days in a row. It's crazy! The specialists said that there is a 5% chance this is all a precursor to a much larger quake. Slim, but still a chance. My fear is that the fault line that's been rocking is so close to us and the ocean.

New Look

Crystal: Soooo...I'm diggin' our new blog look!!! It just looks so....US :) :) :) I can't wait to personalize it even more. :) :)

We'll have to get an updated picture of us at my birthday celebration in a couple of weeks... :) :)

Jen: Last night was so much fun, and way needed! In a perfect world we wouldn't need to set aside time to catch up the way we do, but since we can't spend as much time together as we'd like, it's great to have our CSI nights!

And I'm so glad we finally made a banner for this blog! It has inspired me to get my butt in gear and spruce up Haute Whimsy! I still need to do that shoot with you ... probably after I get my hair done! I'm thinking blond again, with bangs (perhaps).

Lost: Season Finale

Jen: Where to start?! I watched it not once, but twice in a row (thank you DVR!) to process every little detail! Did you watch it?

Crystal: I only watched the first half - I couldn't keep my eyes open through the second half though - so tired......soooo - I refuse to read any of the comments on this post until after I've watched the whole thing! I'm scared something said will ruin it :( I'm going to try and watch it early next week sometime on the computer...

What i did see of it though was very interesting!!! :) :)

I'll be back after I've watched it :)


Crystal: OK - I watched it finally!! And it was pretty awesome. :) :) :) I can't believe they ended it like that!! I can't possibly wait to find out what's going to happen. And the way Lost is, they might actually kill characters off....so anything is possible!

And I was really liking Jacob!! He seemed so nice.....but his comment to Ben "what about you" kinda showed that he might not really be all that nice....it reminded me of a story or something from my childhood...about all the "gods" playing a game...and they were betting on silly things to pass the time...and the stakes were like Earth or something like that....this doesn't make sense - but what I'm trying to say is.....these gods were just thinking of humans and their lives as a game that they could bet on and risk and they really didn't care what happened to them....like humans playing with bugs or something....

So anyways, that's what popped into my head I guess.....things are starting to make sense though....although I didn't know next season was the last!!

And I am surprised by one of the comments here about the writers not really having a direction with the show.....it kinda seems like that at times - like they're just adding on to the story, but don't really have any idea what the end result is going to be.......BUT - at the same time, I had read an article a couple years ago about how the whole show's storyline was already written out...which is why there were so many unanswered questions in the first couple of seasons - some of which wouldn't be answered until the show was just about over.......sooooo...maybe they have the outline of the show, but the writers are now just filling in the blanks...?

Family Pets

{Doyle- Main Coon}

{Veruca- Devon Rex}

JH: I've been researching pet insurance all day, trying to find some sort of dental plan for my cats. A lot of pet owners don't consider this aspect of having an animal in the family (me included until Veruca came along), but regular cleanings are super important for the health of your furry friend.

Doyle has never shown any sign of funky teeth, so I never would have thought twice about dental care (I mean, dry cat food is marketed as a tooth cleaner for goodness sake!) but my little Devon Rex has unnaturally horrible breath. And after all the research I've done, I can see her dental bill costing me $1000+.

The lame thing is that pet insurance seems really shady when you get to the dental coverage. They'll cover claims for accidental death and running away before dental work! If anyone has any tips on how I can best go about this situation, please let me know! It would be really helpful to hear your experiences.


Crystal: Sorry Jen :( I got nothing for you on this one :( :( My work offers pet insurance - maybe Joe's does?

Good luck :(

Jen: Your work offers pet insurance?! That's awesome! Talk about a family oriented company! From what I've been gathering, pet insurance really isn't worth it. They are incredibly selective on what they'll cover, and you have to pay for the treatment up front- then wait and hope for reimbursement. All the while paying those monthly premiums. I think it's good if your pet ends up with cancer, but other than that it seems more like a scam than anything.

A Little About Us...Crystal :)

Crystal: I figured I would post a separate post for mine - the coding was getting all screwy when I tried to do it in the same one :) :)

Here I go!

1. What is your current obsession?
I obsess over EVERYTHING...but I guess I'll go with Disney Pins. :)

2. What are you listening to?
The sound of a quiet office....tapping on the keyboard, staplers stapling, bits and pieces of phone conversations, the hum of the computer...

3. What is your favorite food?
Mmmm...if it's carbs, then chances are I'll like it...mac and cheese is up at the top - some good BACKED mac and cheese especially. Otherwise - I'd have to go with a BJ's Pizookie...heaven :)

4. Favorite smell?
Baking cookies :) And Ralph perfume :)

5. What are you wearing today?
typical work clothes...black pants, blue shirt, nothing spectacular. :)


6. Why is today special?
Every day that I get to spend another day with my son, family, and friends is a special day. :) Other than that - looking forward to dinner at The Melting Pot tonight :)

7. What would you like to learn to do?
sew clothing...take better pictures...scrapbook more creatively...Photoshop to its fullest

8. What's the last thing you bought?
A bunch of lunch food items from Target last night...along with diapers, wipes, a planter pot, and other misc stuff :)

9. What is your most challenging goal right now?
To get my photography business soaring enough to carry me into a full time career....but it's a challenge I have faith that I can overcome. :)

10. What's your must have piece for this Winter?
Just a jacket :) I like the coat I have now, so I'll probably just stick with that one. :)


11. What would you like to have in your hands right now?
My beautiful son, Avery :(

12. What would you like to get rid of?
negative energy in my life...i hate it.


13. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Disneyworld :)

14. What are your plans for the future?
To have a full-time photography career and to go to Disneyworld this December :)


15. Who do you want to meet right now?
Can't really think of anyone....I have everyone I need in my life, and don't really have any "heroes" of sorts....??


16. Who is your favorite model(s)?
I remember when I was younger I just thought Nikki Taylor was soooo gorgeous...currently I think one of the most beautiful models is that Victoria Secrets model...don't know her name, but here's a pic :)

17. Favorite label/shop?
I would love to be able to 1. Afford and 2. Fit into Guess clothes....I am in love with their ads and their window displays :)


18. What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
My beautiful, long, black and maroon dress :)


19. Describe your personal style?
Pretty basic on the clothing end....mainly solid colors, lots of blacks, greys, dark colors...but I like to throw in a splash of purple, green, blue once in awhile...I'd probably wear jeans more if I didn't have to work in an office...but I normally wear skirts and slacks...heels or boots.....accessories is my thing - LOVE big earrings and pretty necklaces and bracelets. :)


20. What are you going to do after this?
Get back to work :)


21. What would you love to see come back in fashion?
Well I'm not too sure - but I'd like to see the 80's go away....I'm NOT liking the clothing selections at my usual stores.....way too teen directed. Usually I can find juniors clothes and styles that are still work appropriate....but not lately. :(

A little about us ...

Jen: I found this awesome little questionnaire on Loveology and Birdy & Me, so I had to bring it over here to Beachy Keen! I would love to see your answers, Crystal! And readers, please feel free to copy this and do one on your blog! We would love to get to know you!!!

1. What is your current obsession?

Cupcakes!

2. What are you listening to?

My little iPod shuffle ... right now it's on Coffee and T.V. by Blur, which just so happens to be my and Joe's song :) I fall in love with him all over again every time I hear it!
{sappy-sappy, I know!)

3. What is your favorite food?

Pakistani cuisine! I think I could eat it for each and every meal and never tire of it!

4. Favorite smell?

Jasmine

5. What are you wearing today?

An old Snow White t-shirt from Disneyland

6. Why is today special?

Erin kicked it off with the best video ever, and then I followed that up with jasmine tea and graham crackers- how could today be bad?!

7. What would you like to learn to do?

Play the piano and/or sitar

8. What's the last thing you bought?

The cloches and cupcakes for Mother's Day

9. What is your most challenging goal right now?

I've vowed to sell every print in my Etsy shop before our anniversary mid-June.

10. What's your must have piece for this Winter?

I want new boots this coming Winter, but since it's Spring, this is what I want right now:

11. What would you like to have in your hands right now?

A gift card to White House Black Market and/or a hotel confirmation printout for Caesar's Palace in Vegas!

12. What would you like to get rid of?

CLUTTER

13. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

Connecticut for a countryside bike ride (I've been obsessing over this idea for days)

14. What are your plans for the future?

I hope to do what I want, when I want ... meaning that I hope to make it as an author and spend my profits frolicking through life (and blogging about it, of course!)

I also plan on settling down with an amazing husband and enjoying motherhood to an extreme :)

And my super-down-the-line plan is to be the greatest grandmother ever!

15. Who do you want to meet right now?

Neil Patrick Harris

16. Who is your favorite model(s)?

Kate Moss and Heidi Klum

17. Favorite label/shop?

Urban Outfitters, White House Black Market

18. What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?

All-time: brown velvet tank top that I've had since I was 15

Current: little grey dress

19. Describe your personal style?

Jeans and tank tops out of convenience, but preferably a mish-mosh of classic/girly/bohemian

20. What are you going to do after this?

More laundry

21. What would you love to see come back in fashion?

Ooo, dangerous question! I am a child of the 80's you know ;) But I'll have to say 1920's fashion!

CH: Oh the cloches are sooo pretty!!! I want to buy all kinds of pretty kitchen stuff that I don't need and will never use :) :):) I just don't have the room :(

And you should consider doing one of those bike rides through Solvang or something :) :) That could be the first step to CT :)

And I can't say I'm a Kate Moss fan....just never saw what on earth was so pretty about her....??

Haha - I think I remember your brown velvet tank top!! I can picture it in my head, lol.

And sorry to go against your 80's fashion...I'm just not a fan, lol. :)

Etsy Showcase

Jen: Hey guys and dolls! I just wanted to let everyone know that my shoppe is going to be featured on Etsy's "Art: Photography" page for 24 hours, starting at noon today! Stop on by to check out my lomography!

As always, thank you so very much for the support!

Condo Design

Jen: Okay, so I have busted my butt with this whole Spring Cleaning project for like 2 months now! I'm near the finish line, so now I'm thinking ahead to new decor. I am hoping to get some ideas from you guys on how I can make my space work!

I have a fairly small 1 bedroom condo. When you walk through the front door there is a little kitchen to the left, and then there's one long room ahead of you that is supposed to serve as a dining area and a living room. How do I make that 1 long room look like a real home?! I feel like I've tried everything!

Thanks in advance for the help and ideas! It's much appreciated!

Crystal: I think you should post a picture of your living room!! And don't forget your funky red wall :) :)
and I LOOOVE Cherry Tart's idea in her comment....you could totally make a separate dining area and a separate sitting room/tv area with some sort of divider - and pictures are the best dividers (in my opinion!). :) :)

Let me put some thought in it and I'll see what I can come up with :)

Jen: I'll post a pic or two this weekend. I'm starting to form some ideas, so I'm getting excited! Now, if only I could figure out what to do with 10 years worth of scrapbooking stuff!

Crystal: How about a book shelf divider? I'm sure you could fill one! Not exactly like this - something a little more artsy with uneven lines...but you get the idea:

Or how about something like this - something hanging from the ceiling....this or fabric or something?

And the one on the top right in this pic below as well as the bottom left are neat too :)




OR - you could put your entertainment stand in the middle of the room as a divider.....??

Jen: Ooo, I love the bookshelf idea! That is one thing standing in the way of finishing this Spring Cleaning- I have waaaaaaaaay too many books, but can't bring myself to get rid of any of them! I'll tell Joe about this!

P.S. Where did you find the bookshelf?

Crystal: I got that specific one from this link:http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/tips/friday-fire-sale-neutral-basics-033760

But here's a more affordable one from Ikea that comes in 3 dif color options (there's also a few more if you go to Ikea.com and search "bookcase": http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80071319

Ethics in Friendship

CH: So, I wanted to talk about friendship....and I just want it to say for the record, I don't mind "copycats" so long as they give credit where credit is due. If a friend of mine decides that they like an idea that I have...so much that they want to do it too....just say 'hey - great idea! I think I'm gonna do that too'....then I say - 'great! good luck with that, i hope it works out for you :)' And then it works both ways....if my friend has an idea that I like, I say - 'hey! great idea...i really like it, I think I'm gonna do one too'...so I have then openly acknowledged that they had the idea first, and now I'm going to do the same because it's a great idea and it makes sense.

Now...had I had an idea and that "friend" went and copied my idea without acknowledging that I gave them that idea, and on top of it did not even share with me the fact that they were doing it at any point....I find that a bit rude......

...but maybe that's just me?

JH: The funny thing is that of everyone we know who has a blog now, I was the first! I started mine on October 1, 2008. I thought back to my very first followers and those were the people who started their blogs AFTER they began following me. All but one of them thanked me for the idea, which was very nice of them :)

At least I didn't have someone steal my entire business- from initial plan, to implementation, to marketing strategies, and then to my clients! It's absolutely shameless, and you are a wonderful person for having taken the higher road rather than taken their business down the way they were trying to do to you.

It's just sad (and scary!) to think that this type of person found a niche in your life up until this point; having babysat your child and taking part of events in Avery's memory. You should have been able to trust someone in that position :( Instead, they were gearing up to stab you in the back.

I'm not trying to pull an "I told you so", but for the record, everyone around you saw this coming long before it came to a head. We caught the slight nuances that a trusting person like yourself couldn't see. And when I say "we" I'm talking about your friends (both new and old), your family, your fiance ... that has to mean something in itself!

Just be glad you're rid of the toxic person and do what you do best- Avery James Photography!

CH: Just one of the many reasons I think you're the best :) :) And you're right...I've gotten nothing but "I told you so's" from just about everyone I know that's close in my life....it's a bit embarassing because I feel like I'm usually a pretty good judge of people....but I think Avery's involvement in anything has constantly blinded me in many situations (not just the one at hand) and I am adamant about seeing the good in people and making excuses for the bad. I don't think I'll change that in myself though because of this, I think I'll just have to suffer through the next "I told you so" that comes along is all....

I totally forgot about your blog coming from waaaay back in the day...you should do a special one year anniversary celebration when it comes around!...and I think you did have it first....wasn't positive because I know Blanca had hers way before mine too - but I couldn't remember the chronology of the two....I know I got the idea of my photography blog from a friend [at the time] because I just hadn't yet thought of putting one up for my business.....but when she noted it, I thought it was such a great idea! And I said so. And I even worked with her on how I should do mine and get it set up and the gadgets and everything...she was a huge help. :) I'm glad I had enough sense though to acknowledge that she had a great idea and I was thankful that she shared it with me. :)

Oh well...I guess no one is perfect, we all have our flaws - I know I have mine....I think I tend to be pretty stubborn...and when I get something in my head, I don't let it go. And I think I tend to hold grudges for longer than necessary...and I can be very selfish....if I don't want to do something, I probably won't do it...but I'm also trying to work on that as well.........

Have you ever thought openly about your flaws? I think it's healthy to acknowledge our flaws....and TRY and fix them :) What would you say yours are?

JH: I have absolutely no qualms with admitting my flaws! Let's see ... I am horribly stubborn, I feel guilt over everything (which drives Joe nuts!), I'm judgmental and indecisive. And I guess the topper is that I don't always see these things as flaws.

My stubbornness leads to me sticking to my guns. My unjustified feelings of guilt keep me humble and wanting to reach out to humanity. My tendency to judge keeps negative elements out of my life. My indecision allows others to take a stand.

It's all about finding balance :)

Mother's Day 2009

CH: I'd love to hear what everyone did for their mother's day! Whether you're a mother and you were pampered (or not), or you did something for your own mother...or maybe someone who is like a mother to you. :) :) What did you do Jen??

Dan made breakfast in the morning (omelettes and bacon- yumm) - he also got me a beautiful jewelled necklace and Caydan made me a cute hanging thing with his picture on it at school...we then went to go visit Avery at the cemetary after that, then we went over to my grandfather's house and Dan bbqd for everyone (grandpa, mom, and both my sisters)....Caydan, Michelle, and I all sat outside on the front lawn...I was catching some rays all day (and I am a half red and half white lobster today) - Caydan played with Play-doh and Moon Sand in his Cars tent that you got him. :) My sister Michelle got me a beautiful glass paperweight that says "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart....Psalms 37:4", and Lizzie made me a really nice handmade card. :)
After dinner we went home and watched The Wire (finished Season 3 - LOVE IT).

To our subscribers - what did you do for Mother's Day??

JH: Aside from the humorous Murphy's Law weekend that I had (you can read about it on Haute Whimsy), I had a very nice Mother's Day with my mom in the morning, Joe's mom in the afternoon, and my mom again in the evening. Busy day!

After my mad rush to finalize the gifts first thing in the morning, we stopped by my mom's house to give her the gift and card, and eat cupcakes! Then it was off to Joe's sister's for a Hawaiian themed party with Bikini martinis, pineapple sausage and grapefruit cake. Yummy! We all played with Little Zoey (my boyfriend's 7 month old niece) and relaxed with wonderful family and friends. When it was time to leave, Joe and I stopped back by my mom's so I could spend a little more time with her.

It's SO incredibly difficult to split holdays between both of our families. One day I'll have to try my hand at hosting so I don't have to run around like a mad woman!

Kanga and Roo....

CH: I just read this story in the Daily Breeze, although it relates to Australia: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_12325819

Basically, some people are killing thousands of kangaroos to "thin" out the population and help the endangered plants that the kangaroos are eating, which other endangered bugs and animals also eat - so they say there isn't enough..........

Reminds me of the deer population issue in some other states and smaller towns...some people make themselves feel better about hunting deer because they say there are too many and people hit them with their cars, etc etc....

I'm just about positive there are probably some deer hunting fans reading this...but I'm allowed my opinion too....I can understand if you're hunting the deer to eat them (although I think venison is ick)...especially if it provides an affordable way for you to feed your family...

But when people kill, just to kill....for a head to hang on their mantle....I find it a little distorted. I don't know how people get past the fact that they just took the life from something else......I get really upset when I put a spider in the toilet to flush it down - and I only did this because it's too far to the door and it's hard enough for me to make it to the toilet - and I don't want it crawling on me and biting me in my sleep....

And this whole population control thing...I get it - it makes sense...but I feel like it's a way of "playing God" in a sense....we're forced to choose between humans killing kangaroos, or letting nature do its thing and kill off the earless dragons by way of kangaroo overpopulation....

What if.....God decided it was time for the earless dragons to fall into our history books...for whatever reason, it's time for them to go on their way...and his way of doing this is by overpopulating the kangaroos to eat all their food...? Survival of the fittest, right? But when humans step in and alter God's plan - who knows what will happen....maybe the kangaroo population would have righted itself after the earless dragons were gone.....perhaps a fire would have (sadly) killed off a huge population of kangaroos so their numbers were right again...or maybe this would happen before they even had a chance to starve the poor earless dragons out.....

who knows....anything could happen, right?

But why do we get to decide who lives, and who dies?

Thoughts?

JH: Hee hee, people think I'm crazy for not being able to bring myself to kill bugs, but seriously, it disturbs me! I also hate it when people say "boy will be boys" when they take a magnifying glass to a trail of ants (I grew up with little brothers).

As for this whole kangaroo business, I can barely make myself wrap my head around it. I see all sides and am unsure as to the best solution. At least shooting the Kangaroos is a little more civilized than the clubbing of seals in Canada :(

CH: the last comment we received which was from "mander" was very interesting....because humans have overhunted deer's natural predators, the deer population is running rampant as a result.

It's unfortunate that the only way to correct this is to keep the deer population down ourselves...it just seems like a vicious solution - but what else is there I suppose...?

Again, I'm really not a fan of hunting at all...if it's to put food on the table, so be it...but just for the sport of it seems inhumane and obviously has caused our environment harm. :(

And Jen, I've heard of the clubbing of seals - but not in detail....the phrase alone sounds horrible and I just never brought myself to research it further :( :(

You Found WHAT In Your Food?!

JH: I read this article today about a man who found a snake head in his broccoli at T.G.I. Friday's. What disgusting things have you found in your food while eating out?

CH: This post and the comments are all making me a bit nauseous!! As much as I love to eat out, this is making me rethink it!!

I personally haven't found anything worse than a hair in my food...although I witnessed a heat light breaking over the french fries holder at a Burger King once and then the workers turned and scooped them up for a customer.....I, of course, pointed this out to them....I'm pretty sure they had to have heard/saw it happen...but didn't seem to care. Crazy. I passed on the fries.

I read in the paper recently about some gigantic, deadly, foreign-country spider crawling around the produce at a Whole Foods store recently...but there was some talk about whether it was really the deadly kind or just the other huge, hairy kind that isn't actually deadly....either way - HUGE tarantula-looking spider crawling around in Whole Foods is pretty creepy!

JH: Just watch the movie "Waiting" and you'll never eat out again! I can't think of anything too out of the ordinary food-wise, but I once bought a cheapie pencil sharpener and when I got it home found something disturbing. I kid you not ... there was a pubic hair inside of the pencil sharpener where the shavings end up, and the product itself was all packaged, so it came from the factory like that! I wanted to take it back, but Joe wanted to keep it to show people! He was like "when will something like this ever happen again?!"

Hopefully, never!

Sticky Genius

CH: First of all - isn't that just the coolest name? Second...I love to highlight small business ventures...especially since you and I are pretty immersed in the small business entrepreneuring field ourselves.......

So I'd like to highlight a friend and fellow business woman's handmade products that are just absolutely beautiful. I was able to see all her products in person last weekend and everything, particularly the messenger bags and the little girl dresses. She chooses some awesome fabric and the quality is excellent...she definitely takes her time on each item and puts a lot of work into it to give it a finished look. And it's all about the details. :)

She also has the next HUGE invention - on its way to be patented and everything....it's another version of the cart cozy - but just for the handlebars for those who have children a little older now and don't want to cart around the giant cozy for the grocery seat! Be sure to check them out. :)

I'm actually going to be working with her in my photography business to get some product shots of her clothing on some adorable little girls. :) So look for those in the future!

Here's her site...it's very basic right now, but you can see the products as well as learn about the designer herself. :)

http://sticky-genius.com/page1.php?SessionID=7ea967154a00b161318bd

JH: Very cool creations :) I read her bio on her the site and saw that her child has CHD (congenital heart failure). It took me back to the beginning of my Cookie Lee jewelry days because that was the first fundraiser that I held. I have nothing but respect for her, knowing all that she must be going through. Kudos to her for being a busy mom and running a business from home!

Swine Flu

CH: So I don't know much about Swine Flu...or H1N1 or whatever it's called....but I was starting to get caught up in the media frenzy wondering where it would hit next and how close to home it would be....starting to wonder if I should even be sending to Caydan to school, or if I should go to work, or blah blah blah.....my work was even sending out company-wide updates about it...so I'm thinking it's pretty serious....

So I had a conversation about it with a couple of co-workers who I figured probably knew a little more about it than I do...and they said that from what they knew, this wasn't as serious as people are making it out to be........it's basically just like the regular flu except there is no vaccination for it.......

So if you're elderly or really young - then it might be a danger to you...same as the regular flu would be........but I don't ever get flu shots as it is........Caydan does....but even still, I think that it's no more of a risk than it is having the regular flu floating around....right?

Thoughts?

JH: The reason that this flu is more of a threat is because it's a new strain of flu and nobody has immunities to it. We are now seeing healthy people who ordinarily don't get the flu coming down with it, and even dying from it.

People are saying that it's not a big deal because it's already dying out- but the issue is that while our flu season is over here, it's just starting on the other side of the world. By the time theirs is over, it'll be our turn again. By then the virus will have mutated and become even stronger. It's a valid fear seeing as how the Avian Flu is part of this flu, proving that Avian Flu mutated and became stronger. Even though it's not dire at this point, it's still something that should be taken seriously because these virus strands aren't as timid as they once were.

I'm taking certain precautions to lessen my chances of getting it. For instance, I now carry hand-sanitizer in my purse. I also canceled a Disneyland trip. I'm not going to hide in my home and refuse to do my day to day necessities, but I'm also not going to put myself at unnecessary risk.

CH: But you cancelled Disneyland??? That's pretty extreme...although makes sense....a lot of foreigners visit there and the risk is increased....but I still don't think this scare will keep me from the happiest place on earth. :)

I was just in Indio at the Stagecoach festival with thousands of people the weekend before last....and I didn't know much about the swine flu til I was there....but there were soooo many people - but looking back, I don't think I would have cancelled that trip either even if I had known...

I guess I'm a little worried - but maybe I'm just naive because my family has all typically had pretty strong immune systems and no one has ever really gotten very sick from anything that was "caught" from someone else...it's been more cancer, strokes, etc type things that have taken people from my family....

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens...but I'm pretty sure I'll be going back to Disneyland soon - especially because we only have a short while til we're blocked out all summer! :)

JH: Here's a glimpse into my priorities ;) Scratch what I said about Disneyland because Joe and I will probably be celebrating our anniversary there next month. We decided to go the cheap route and forgo the annual Vegas trip in order to save for our upcoming (hopefully!) Paris trip this fall. With annual passes that get us in for free, and give us discounts, we can have a great time for little money.


CH: I keep forgetting to say something about your Paris trip!!! I remember you wrote about it somewhere and I was amazed!! And I never wrote you to say anything.......how EXCITING!!! That is so awesome - and you're such a good secret keeper because I didn't have a clue til you wrote that.

I'm so excited for you and I can't wait to see all the cool pictures you'll come back with!!! :) :) :)

JH: Well, you know how Joe wants to accomplish all these random things this year before he turns 30? (he has a blog here about his year of 29) One of those things is an international vacation! We were just going to do a New Orleans and New York trip, but it actually works out better to leave the country. We have that timeshare in Paris which we've never used, and it's not cool like yours where you can transfer, so we absolutely have to go to Paris to use it.

Joe is also getting this crazy overtime on through Labor Day weekend which will pay for the plane tickets. Now all we have to do is save some fun money! We each have our dream excursions that we're pulling for, so I think this is will an amazing trip. I'm also looking at tons of blogs for Paris tips, and believe me, there are a lot of bloggers to know how to vacation!

I figure we really should do at least one big trip before we start settling down with kids. Better hurry though! We're not getting any younger ;)

CH: Wow! That actually works out to be a pretty budget-friendly vacation!! Do you have pictures of your timeshare in Paris? I can't wait to see it. :) :) Soooo exciting for you. :) :)

We're going back to our timeshare in Indio in June...I absolutely looooved the place when we stayed for Stagecoach (Worldmark Indio) and we didn't have enough time to enjoy the place...so we're gonna go back and just stay around the resort, bbq, enjoy the heat, do nothing for 3 days. :) :) Should be tons-o-fun :)

JH: Here's a pic of our timeshare:

CH: It looks pretty :) :) :) I can't wait to hear all about it!! :) :) :)

Bent

JH: I just came across this awesome blog called Bent Objects. I think it's so creative! Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!

CH: Wow - that's definitely unique.....very creative and amusing!! Thanks for sharing. :) :) I tried to follow it, but there was no option to do so. :(

I often wonder why some people don't want to enable a "follow me" option on their blog.....?? Anyone know the answer to this??

JH: I often wonder that myself! I love our followers and the relationships we form with them :)

CH: Followers are awesome. :) :) :)

So Fresh - Farmer's Market

CH: So what do you think about this?

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_12268224?source=rss_viewed

Since you've recently had a stroll around the Wilson Park Farmer's Market...I still haven't been....do you think this will hurt it, or if it's just catering to a different group of people?

I think I want to check out the Del Amo one - just because it's closer to me....not necessarily for any other reason....



JH: Hmm, I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I am madly in love with our original Farmer's Market, so I don't appreciate the competition. On the other hand, I have been meaning to check out other markets, just to see how they may differ, so this offers an easy glimpse.

I think that most of us will remain loyal to the original market because we love to support local farmers and have relationships with the individual vendors. I'm not a fan of monopolies and just don't think I'd enjoy a Farmer's Market where one sole company provides the food. The original market has wonderful "characters" such as the "Japanese Bob Dylan" (above) and Nathan Lyon from The Next Food Network Star, season 2. These are things that I love and will continue to support :)

CH: When I went to Stagecoach the week before last, a friend of our guest joined us there and was telling me about the Kettle corn at the Wilson Park Farmer's Market......she said she gets some everytime she goes...............
I always forget how good kettle corn is until I taste it - then I'm instantly addicted again! And she also told me about the yummy strawberries she gets for really cheap...so I'm thinking I need to go and get me some kettle corn and strawberries soon :)

Speaking of strawberries - my grandpa dug up and threw out our strawberry plant that was in his garden that we planted like 3 years ago! It was still alive and growing strawberries, but he seemed convince they wouldn't be any good, so he just threw it out when we weren't there!! :( :( He also said that our grapevine wouldn't grow any grapes...and right after he said that I found 3 different bunches of itty bitty baby grapes growing!! We've had the vine for 3 years now too and this is the first time there has been any sign of grapes!!

I love seeing things grow :)

JH: I always get the Thai Tea which is right next to the Kettle Corn stand. So yummy! And I usually hit up the dates stand. Oh, and you HAVE to try the salsa in the food court. $6 for a pint of the best salsa ever!

That's awesome that you found those tiny grapes! There's hope! Just don't let your grandpa take out the persimmon tree!!! That thing is a culinary gold mine!

CH: LoL - he loves the persimmon tree. I still don't see the draw of them...I don't find them very tasty personally - but outside of myself and Dan, everyone else seems to think they're quite the commodity. :)

Never had Thai Tea - but not a huge tea fan either...I like sweet tea though :) Extra on the sweet! And lemons in it. :)

I'll look into the salsa though, sounds like a great deal...although we don't use salsa much......

JH: If you like sweet tea, you'll love Thai Tea. You know what a sugar fanatic I am, and even I think it borders on too sweet. Totally awesome!

And for those of you who don't know, Crystal and I have this ongoing lifestyle debate that's pretty hilarious! Crystal is good at following rules and playing by the book. Me- it's hit and miss. I've never outgrown the novel feeling of living on my own. Every time I choose to not clean up my mess, throw a party, or stay up all night just to sleep in the next day is like my first time doing it in my own home. One thing I never thought twice about, until Crystal showed confusion and slight horror, was eating dessert before dinner. She does not endorse this at all!

We met up for dessert one weekday evening recently to catch up, and I just had to ask "did you eat dinner before you came here?" Hee hee, yes, she did! And then she thought about it for a second and realized that she hadn't even meant to. It's just the natural order of things!

Anyway, I just wanted to share that story because it's one of the reasons why I think we're such wonderful friends. We challenge each other, even if it's just in small ways. Always on our toes :)

CH: LoL hilarious story....I did find that quite amusing that I subconsciously ate dinner already....never stopped to think that pizookies could be my dinner, lol. :) You're such a rebel. :)

And I love that we are able to disagree on a variety of topics, but have the sense to realize that everyone has a different opinion and we're all entitled to them....so a healthy debate can be had, but in the end we'll probably just agree to disagree :) :) :) And that's a-ok by me.

JH: And there you have the basis for this blog!

Danny Gans

CH: I just read this story - and I feel so sad...I never got to see his show, nor even felt compelled to do so....but I know I've seen his billboards and advertising all over Vegas hundreds of times, so I kinda feel like I know who he is....and now he's not here anymore...and neither will his billboards and advertisements.....

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_12272214?source=rv

Have you ever seen his show or heard anything about it?

Oh - and I never knew he was from Torrance!


JH: I feel bad- I don't remember this man. You know I love Vegas, but I just can't remember the billboards for his show.

CSI

CH: So I just looked at my calendar today and saw that we have a CSI night coming up on the 15th!! :) We still good to go for that?

Whatcha think about Lost lately??




JH: Still on! I've been thinking about CSI a lot lately, so good timing! And Lost is awesome! This isn't my favorite season by far, but I'm hooked nonetheless! It was nice to finally get some insight into the Smoke Monster and I can't wait to find out about the statue. I know you don't like to theorize about the show too much, so I'll hold my tongue ... for now ;)

CH: I too was very intrigued about this statue....we're talking about the giant one where just the feet are left, right?
And was it just me - or was the scene with Charlotte as a child and what's his name when she was on the swings - a bit creepy? Like child predator like? It made me a bit uncomfortable watching it, lol.
And the whole Smoke Monster thing was interesting....it was becoming a bit cheesy for awhile though...i think it still is a bit, but it makes more sense now that there is a little more background on what it is.............
And I miss seeing what Locke is up to!
I don't want to overtheorize about it...but a little bit here and there is good. :) :)