These are a few of my favorite things....

With it being the Christmas season and all, I thought I'd do a small (as of right now, it's small) post of just a few of my favorite things that I am currently loving. Every year around this time I always seem to have new obsessions. Sometimes they carry over to the next year and sometimes they don't. It just depends I guess but I will say, this year I am really REALLY loving my list of "favorite things"! Do to recent events, I've been trying to focus on these few things to keep my spirits up, and I must say, it seems to be working! So here it goes. Enjoy!

First and foremost my favorite Band right now is:
Paper TonguesNow, let me just say... this band is absolutely AMAZING! I discovered them on Itunes one night and have been lucky enough to see them live TWICE now!!! They are different from what's currently out there and that's why I'm so obsessed with them. They have mastered the art of fusing rock, funk, rap and soul all into one and it's incredible! If you like hearing something fresh and new, something different and fun, I HIGHLY recommend this band. "Higher", "Ride to California", "Love like you", "Soul" and "For the people" are just a few of my favorites. All these songs show how versatile they are. All their songs are excellent though. I could really go on and on and on about them but I'll stop while I'm ahead.

Next obsession:
Short hair
Now, for those of you who don't know, I have pretty long hair right now, so this is very extreme. I just have this urge to cut it all off! I LOVE these short Do's and I wish I could pull something like this off. Sadly know it's a huge shot in the dark. One I'm not sure if I'm ready for but none the less... super super cute cuts. Maybe one day?



Sweet sugarless candy:
Russel Stover Pecan Delight
These sweet sugar free candies are delicious! There are several different flavors but this one is particularly good. Being on a sugar free diet can make you crazy but these sweet snacks are just the thing to kick your craving! They can be found in any grocery store.


NEXT:
GAP Jeggings

I just got myself a pair of these SUPER fun SUPER comfy jeggings from the GAP. I am IN LOOOOVE with these pants and I plan on getting myself another pair. You have got to at least go try them on so you can know what I'm talking about! I promise you won't regret it!




Now onto Hair:
Goody's Spin Pin

These little pins are UNBELIEVABLE! I'm tell you... who ever thought of these is a complete genius! They work like a charm and they do exactly what they advertise which is so wonderful. I hate when you are disappointed by something you expect to work and it doesn't. Nothing makes me more mad. I use these just about everyday! They are way to much fun.




Favorite Flavors:

First, Lemon
So pretty much anything lemon I am obsessed with right now. The sent and flavor! Of course my obsession would come when lemon is not really in season. Just try and find a lemon cookie/bar right now. I dear you! I guess I'll just have to make my own then.





Cinnamon
These days I seem to be putting Cinnamon on just about everything. My cereal, ice cream, fruit, you name it, I probably sprinkled some cinnamon on it. I was even tempted to put it on my meat that I was seasoning the other day! I know, I'm crazy but that just shows you how much I love this delicious spice! And it's good for you which makes it even better!






HoneyVery similar to Cinnamon, I seem to want to put honey on just about anything and everything. With the exception of meat. That may be crossing the line on this one. Sadly, since I'm on my "sugar free" diet, I haven't been able to use honey as much but it's still an obsession and I think this one will be one for a very long time given the fact it's been one for a very long time already.


From flavors to Food:

Hummus

Hummus is probably at the top of this "favorite things" list. I mean I really can't get enough. I CRAVE this stuff!! Not only can you buy great flavors at any grocery store you can make this at home and it's super simple! If you'd like a recipe just let me know. It's such a great, healthy snack!




Next Obsession:
Gold eye shadow and berry lip shades
I absolutely love BOTH of these colors right now. Not only do they look great separately but together is even better! They compliment each other so well. I've had lots of fun pairing them this season. They both work with any skin tone (in my opinion) so have fun and play it up!



OPI Lotion
Not only do I love this lotion in general but it's this particular scent that is my favorite. Jasmine Juicie. It is to die for!!! Such a delicious scent. It smells so good and I can smell it all day which I love! I hate when scents fade so quickly. I get this lovely lotion at ULTA.






Last but not least:
Ice breakers mintsFor someone who can't chew gum this is a great alternative. I ALWAYS have a thing of Ice Breakers in my purse. Always. Oh, and I hear they freshen your breath even more than gum and that works for me!


Well, I hope you have enjoyed a few of my "favorite things". I have a million more but this seems like a pretty good list for now. I may update here and there when more great things come to mind. If nothing else maybe you've found a few things you'd like to add to your Christmas wish list this year! I sure hope so cause all these things have brought something good into my life. It's the little things, right?! I hope you all have a wonderful and joyful Christmas this year!

The Itch I wish I could scratch....

Why is it that I always want to move from where I'm currently living? Is it that I'm never satisfied, or that I like the change of scenery, or maybe it's cause my siblings live in different states and I miss them and their babies, or maybe it's the fact that I met a handsome young southern gentlemen who is so different from anyone I've met in a long time and it was very refreshing (just so everyone knows - I had this itch to move even before I met him. I just want to clarify that. But it does help... haha) Or possibly my parents adopted me from gypsies back in the 80's? That would make a lot of sense on several levels but we won't get into that now.... I'm sure all of these reasons play some part in my unstable-ness. I just want to try something new! What's so wrong with that? I'm young - I'm single, it's the perfect time, right?! Something new and exciting is really what I'm looking for. Maybe I'll move to a state that I've never lived in before. So Washington, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico are out. Been there, done that. Maybe Texas? Or somewhere in the deep south like North or South Carolina? (I blame you, Nicholas Sparks for my desire to live in the south). So you're probably asking yourself "well don't you stop talking about doing it and just do it!" Easier said that done, my friends. I wish it were that easy. Maybe one day? Or maybe I can take a sabbatical? For now I just need some advice for fighting this craving... help!

For your viewing pleasure, here are a few pictures from my recent trip to the beautiful Alabama Coast! (thanks Jen for planning the best trip ever!)

I'm sure being in Alabama on the coast didn't help my itch.. in fact, it's probably safe to say that it spread the itch.

Update...it's been far to long

Welp, lets be honest here. I haven't bogged in quite a long time BUT something that I am also honest about it how not exciting my life is.. which has been known to make blogging difficult. However - a few exciting things have happened over the course of my absence of blogging. I got this...

(thanks lacey)

Yep! That's right people. I am rollin' duuurty. Ok not really but I am LOVIN' my new Mini. It's been so SO fun. And I got an amazing deal and I'm very grateful for that. Thanks Steve Francom! He's the good man behind this great deal. I couldn't be happier!

Ok, so the next exciting thing in my life right now is HCG. Have you heard of it?? I don't think it really should be in the category of "exciting" but for now I'm putting it there. If you haven't heard of it.. I'm shocked! It's a diet that's pretty well known and I'm on it. It's pretty hard. I can only have 500 calories a day. INSANE, right?! I know, I know - but to me it's worth it. I've only been on it for three days and it's a three week diet so I have a way to go BUT I've already lost three pounds in three days. That is my motivation. I will keep you updated on how things are going. If things are not going good, like I'm not loosing weight then I most likely will not keep you updated. Just fyi. ;)

Next exciting thing on my list of exciting things... is... I'm going to ALABAMA! My sweet niece Taylor is getting baptised July 17th which is her 8th birthday and my whole family will be going to celebrate this very exciting time in her life. It happens to be the day before my 25th birthday as well. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this BIG birthday than being with my whole family! I can't wait. Maybe I'll find me a good southern man while I'm there. Then I could add that to my "exciting" list. That wouldn't be a bad birthday present either. I wouldn't be mad at that.

All I want is...

A Mini Cooper.
(White or a color?)

I'm working real hard and saving my penny's so that maybe one day I can get one. Now my only delema is what color? I LOVE the white. It's classy and lovely but at the same time I'm like do I need a color?!
(a color or white?)

I mean it's a Mini! Maybe I need a red one? What do you think? I could use the help. All color idea's are welcome!

String of Bad Luck

Would you say that someone who gets two flat tires with in 10 days of each other is bad luck? I would.. And I will! Ha! So I guess I have bad luck then cause this happened to me. First in my car on a day that I REALLY needed my car(Thank goodness for family around to help you when you're in need. Thanks Steph!) and the second time was in my moms car on the freeway! You think that's bad?? Well it gets worse. I was on the freeway OVER PASS!!!!!!!! I don't know if any of you realise how high you are on an over pass.. or how afraid of heights I am! I took some pictures of this worthless experience so that maybe you'd be able to get some idea of how high up you are but after looking at the pictures it doesn't do justice at all to actually being there.









This was my experience and can I say - I'm glad it is over. It was very scary. All I know is I'm grateful for AAA. It is so worth spending the money.

I Just Haven't Met YOU Yet...

Story of my life right now.

I just love this song. It's my theme song. And I'm hoping one day it won't be - but for now it's ok. Kinda.

My Happy Place

Well I must say... this is certainly my favorite time of year. Spring! It has everything to offer. Especially here in Sunny Az. The weather is perfect - that's a given- with that, even so much more. For Arizona natives this is something their use to but for someone who grew up in Seattle Washington (which i do love for many other reason - weather not being it's strong point) it's like everyday waking up to Christmas morning! Except for me Christmas is the Sun. I never knew that the sun would affect me in such a way ... but it has... mind,body and soul. I love the sun. My skin on the other hand doesn't enjoy it as much as I do but thank goodness for SPF. March is my favorite month here in Az for a few reasons. Weather, which I've already mentioned and this particular smell that exudes from the orange trees when the orange blossoms are blooming. I have never smelt anything more delicious in my whole life. I will drive an extra 15 minutes out of my way to work everyday just to smell the orange blossoms. I wish everyone could smell this smell. It would make the world a better place. I'm sure of it. I know it makes my world a better place. Ha! Last but certainly not least of my favorite thing about spring and March is Baseball. In fact this is my number ONE favorite thing amongst all that I have previously mentioned. A brand new season of America's pastime starts and will last a glorious 7 months. Being in Az I am lucky enough to have a professional team here. The Dbacks. They a good but I don't hold any connection to them. Which is ok - cause regardless of who's playing I enjoy a good game. And their play facility is simply AMAZING. Such a beautiful field. I guess my LOVE for baseball came as a young one. Growing up in Seattle I got to experience going to games all the time. Mariners games that is. I LOVE the Seattle Mariners.

(safeco field where the mariners play.. my happiest place :) )

I always will love them. They may not be the best team in baseball but being a true fan means loving them regardless. And that is what I do. The M's travel down south, here to Az for their spring training. They are here for the whole month of March for pre season games. And it is fantastic!

I got to go to Opening Day on Wednesday of the Mariners pre season spring training game. I was oh so happy. Hence.. my happy place.

Now this field here in Az doesn't really compare to Safeco field in Seattle but I will take what I can get! I took the pictures of the game from my phone so they aren't the best pictures you've most likely ever seem but you get the idea, right?

It's the little and simple things in life that make us the happiest. Baseball is that for me.

Loves of my Life

So it's been a while since my last post - and since I don't really have anything to blog about from the business side of things - I may have to incorporate some non-business things into the mix. I surely hope no one minds - cause I know how much you all LOVE reading about the big happenings of a business world. Anywho, I though I'd do a bit of blogging about the loves of my life...my sweet sweet nieces and nephews. I have the most BEAUTIFUL babies in my family. I certainly have a lot to live up to. I'm looking forward to this summer when Taylor, my oldest niece is getting baptised. I can't believe she is going to be 8! It's really unbelievable. My whole family will be getting together in Alabama (where Taylor and her fam currently reside) for the blessed event. So on that note - I'd like to introduce all my followers - which there are just millions of you I'm sure - to my favorite children who I love so so SO much.

Taylor Dawn Brown

July 17th 2002

Taylor is just the most fun 7 - almost 8 year old I know. She is such a beautiful little girl.She is growing up so fast and it makes me sad. However - it has been so fun to see her grow up to be such a talented little girl. She's in the second grade this year and is loving it. She seems to be following in her daddy's footsteps with her love of drawing and music. She is such a good helper to her mommy and takes great care of her two little sisters. She's gonna be a great little mommy one day! Even though Taylor called me "mean Jessie" for the first 2 or so years of her life we have made amends. I just love her so much and have had so much fun become not only her aunt but her friend!

Braeden Ross Finnestad

February 28th 2005Braeden is just the most handsome little boy I've ever seen. He is so fun! He's turning out to be quite the athlete. Soccer and baseball are his sports of choice. When I went to visit him this last summer I got to see him play and it was adorable! He is growing up to be such a sweet little boy. He has the greatest laugh EVER! It's contagious! He is super active and loves playing outside, with his super hero's, and with his puppy Roxy. Braeden is pretty much he's all boy - through and through. I just LOVE this little man to death!!! Miss you buddy!

Skylar Lynn Brown

April 5th 2005

Skylar is the free spirited child of the bunch. She is just the prettiest little thing. She is so loving and sweet. Although she can have a temper - she will cuddle you to death. I miss her random hugs she'd give. She wouldn't even have to have a reason to, she'd just come up and give you the biggest hug ever! And Sky has got a sweet tooth .... or more like teeth. HA! She'd eat candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner if she could. She must get that from her mama! She LOVES her barbie and princess's movies and could watch them all day long. Even though she use to eat dirt and rocks as a baby she's turned out to be quite the little girly girl. I miss your hugs sky sky! I love you oh so much!

Reece Michelle Finnestad

November 9th 2oo7

Reece may or may not be the funniest kid I have ever met. That fiery red hair of hers matches her fiery personality just perfectly! She is such a HOOT! Always making everyone laugh. She will brighten your day just like that! She is the most beautiful red head I've ever seen. They say red heads will be extinct in the next 10 years or so - so that makes Reecie even more special than she already is. She loves playing with her big brother and keeps him and everyone else for that matter on their toes! She is also very loving and playful! She loves making friends and playing with them every chance she gets. Dancing, playing with her dollies and giving her mama a run for her money are among Reecies many hobbies :) I love this little girl more than she even knows!

Sophie Ann Brown

August 25th 2009

Little Sophie was the first of the grand babies I got to be around right after she was born. She even lived in the same house as me - so I got to see her all the time! It was so wonderful. She was the most darling little baby girl. So sweet and precious! I miss being able to hold her whenever I want to and cuddle her whenever I want to. She is getting so big now and as expected - such a little beauty. Just like her older sisters. She is the chunkiest little thing! I wish I could squeeze her right here right now! I love love LOVE you little Sophers and can't wait till I get to cuddle you again!

Owen James Finnestad

December 29th 2009

Owen is the last of these beloved babes of our family. I have not met this little guy get and it is heartbreaking. All I've seen so far are the darling pictures his mom sends and so far he is as precious as the rest of the little ones. He looks just like his older brother Braeden when he was a baby. He is such a beautiful little baby boy. I can't wait till I get to hold and kiss him as much as I want. And hopefully that will be very soon! Even though I haven't met you yet little Owen I love you so much!! Can't wait till I get to give you my love!! See you soon little baby!

As you can tell - I'm in love with all 6 of these darling little ones (some not so little any more). I am so excellently blessed to have them in my life. I miss them every day and can't wait till I can see them again. Here are a few more pics for your viewing pleasure. These are my favorite ones of them through the years...

More to come....