Videonow, DS, Wii, Leapster… The name of the wish list game this year at our house is electronics. Handhelds and game stations.. Heck- even I kind of want a Wii. Coming in at a close second are those masterfully-marketed Webkinz animals. Who would have thought my 2 1/2 year old would be eating all her vegetables at dinner just so she could get time on the computer to “shop” for more furniture for her pink pony’s virtual room? And my son… banking all kinds of credits for winning countless games of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” against the computer? Amazing. All Webkinz are are glorified Beanie Babies and they are taking over my household!
And then there’s Hanna Montana. Whoooooo-weeee does she command obsessive market share in this household. Now, I will give the pop star credit… She’s no cheesy Hillary Duff. Her tunes are catchy and she’s adorable, to boot. She’s got staying power. My point? If you know of any kids ages 6-14, chances are they are in love with Miley Cyrus. Two-thirds of America’s tweens are fans of Hanna Montana so you can’t go wrong giving gifts centered around her to this age group.
I know, I know. It’s only November 7th. How can I even be thinking of holiday gifts already??? Thankfully, my extended family is extremely proactive in this department and requires an explicit wish list from all individuals by November 1st. While some might feel this takes away any elements of fun and surprise, I am a BIG believer in this time-saving tool. Plus, I’d much rather see my nieces and brothers and sisters-in-law receive something they will squeal over in excitement versus sending them a “surprise” gift they have zero use for. Where’s the fun in that?
And this goes for us on the receiving end, too. I can’t even begin to state how many gift cards from Ann Taylor I’ve received in my lifetime. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love Ann Taylor clothing… on OTHERS. But for me? It’s just silly wrong. And with hundreds and hundreds of dollars in credit there, it may as well be money burned.
So, here’s my take: Do not leave your gift to fate. Send out a list of appropriate choices to your family. And underline appropriate! Eg. Shaq-sized mukluks are NOT stocking stuffers.
Good luck and enjoy tackling your shopping lists!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
New York Style... All the Way
There are two kinds of pizza lovers: those who prefer thick crust and those who prefer thin crust. Here at the House of Wilson, it’s the latter all the way.
Thin crust pizza can be found everywhere in New York. Eh, unfortunately for us, not so much here in southern Cali. 'A' and I are forever on the hunt for the best local thin crust pizza and I’m about to reveal our biggest find (pun intended). Right in the heart of Encinitas’ Moonlight Beach town is a place called, “Manhattan Giant Pizza.” Oh my goodness is their pizza TASTY! It is so yummy, I actually give half credit to them for my taking up surfing two years ago. Knowing I could swing by for a slice (or two, or three..) after a stab at the ocean was all the push I needed to dive head first into the waves. Okay, so they also get some credit for my poochy size 6 belly. (Ha! As KLS would say… That is a LIE. There ain’t nothing no size 6 about me, honey, but my ring finger!)
No seriously. If you can appreciate great tasting pizza, you must try MGP. The “Giant” comes from the fact that they actually make monstrous-sized pies (30 inches!) with ginormous slices. Now that’s MY kind of eats. Go see for yourself. Abandon the dark side and meet me there.
Oh, and don’t bother asking the friendly owner if he’ll sell the joint. I already checked and they will be “keeping it in the family.”
Thin crust pizza can be found everywhere in New York. Eh, unfortunately for us, not so much here in southern Cali. 'A' and I are forever on the hunt for the best local thin crust pizza and I’m about to reveal our biggest find (pun intended). Right in the heart of Encinitas’ Moonlight Beach town is a place called, “Manhattan Giant Pizza.” Oh my goodness is their pizza TASTY! It is so yummy, I actually give half credit to them for my taking up surfing two years ago. Knowing I could swing by for a slice (or two, or three..) after a stab at the ocean was all the push I needed to dive head first into the waves. Okay, so they also get some credit for my poochy size 6 belly. (Ha! As KLS would say… That is a LIE. There ain’t nothing no size 6 about me, honey, but my ring finger!)
No seriously. If you can appreciate great tasting pizza, you must try MGP. The “Giant” comes from the fact that they actually make monstrous-sized pies (30 inches!) with ginormous slices. Now that’s MY kind of eats. Go see for yourself. Abandon the dark side and meet me there.
Oh, and don’t bother asking the friendly owner if he’ll sell the joint. I already checked and they will be “keeping it in the family.”
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Ever had one of these?
Within the first 5 minutes of waking up to my wailing 2-year old and tripping over my son's dinosaur toy, I received a text message from the nanny canceling. My husband was well, M.I.A. and I have to be at an appointment, like, 15 minutes ago.
The rest of the day has pretty much followed suit.
(long, deep breath)
Wow. Is it a full moon or something? Or maybe I just had a little too much candy last night. No- can't be that. Otherwise how would I explain surviving all the candy I ate the night before?
Days like today make me thankful for my Personal Fav (#4): Ooh La Lift by Benefit Cosmetics. Shit's the bomb. It's like a magic wand. Dab some under your eyes and those nasty black circles and puffiness disappear. Lightens and brightens your eyes, and takes any visible signs of stress away.
Now, if I could just channel some of that magic towards the rest of my afternoon...
Bibbidi bobbidi boo!
The rest of the day has pretty much followed suit.
(long, deep breath)
Wow. Is it a full moon or something? Or maybe I just had a little too much candy last night. No- can't be that. Otherwise how would I explain surviving all the candy I ate the night before?
Days like today make me thankful for my Personal Fav (#4): Ooh La Lift by Benefit Cosmetics. Shit's the bomb. It's like a magic wand. Dab some under your eyes and those nasty black circles and puffiness disappear. Lightens and brightens your eyes, and takes any visible signs of stress away.
Now, if I could just channel some of that magic towards the rest of my afternoon...
Bibbidi bobbidi boo!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Personal FAVS (#7)
Killer abs.
We all want them. We all (well, at least I) do a gazillion crunches in hopes of attaining that dangling six-pack carrot.
Having worked out for most of my life, I’ve tried a boatload of exercises and gadgets geared towards obtaining this crazy dream-- especially post-partum. From the ab roller and the body blade, to Hip Hop Abs and 1000 crunches a day, I've finally found my all-around answer...
Ultimately, the key to showing off great abs really boils down to your diet. So, assuming you’ve gotten that under control, here is my personal favorite, time-tested results-producing abs product: The BOSU Ball. It stands for Both Sides Up and looks like an exercise ball that has been sliced in half. There are tons of different moves you can do with this contraption on either side. It's fantastic and will not take you long before you see (and feel) results. I use mine twice a week.
And here's an added bonus.. Your kids will think it's a trampoline and burn lots of energy jumping on the thing.
Happy crunching!
P.S. Here are just a few moves we can all aspire to:
We all want them. We all (well, at least I) do a gazillion crunches in hopes of attaining that dangling six-pack carrot.
Having worked out for most of my life, I’ve tried a boatload of exercises and gadgets geared towards obtaining this crazy dream-- especially post-partum. From the ab roller and the body blade, to Hip Hop Abs and 1000 crunches a day, I've finally found my all-around answer...
Ultimately, the key to showing off great abs really boils down to your diet. So, assuming you’ve gotten that under control, here is my personal favorite, time-tested results-producing abs product: The BOSU Ball. It stands for Both Sides Up and looks like an exercise ball that has been sliced in half. There are tons of different moves you can do with this contraption on either side. It's fantastic and will not take you long before you see (and feel) results. I use mine twice a week.
And here's an added bonus.. Your kids will think it's a trampoline and burn lots of energy jumping on the thing.
Happy crunching!
P.S. Here are just a few moves we can all aspire to:
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Pure Entertainment TV
Okay, so I've highlighted The Kardashians' show. I've named Gossip Girl as my hands down fave of the season. Also included in my arsenal of must-see TV has been: Beauty and the Geek, America's Next Top Model and The Bachelor.
Yes, The Bachelor. Girls, have you even SEEN this season's bachelor? While I've never been a huge fan of the show (or previous bachelors for that matter), I must say, Brad Womack is one SeXy man and for that reason alone-- I'm tuning in each week.
But I miserably failed to include the latest, greatest show that ranks right up there with Gossip Girl and that is, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane. Wow. Formerly married to the "Godfather of Hip-Hop," Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee is at the helm of the female hip-hop brand and fashion empire, Baby Phat. I love this show. She's over the top. She's crazy. And she's funny as all hell.
Now there are plenty of bloggers out there dishing on the "poor quality and trashy content" of these shows. And there will be others out there who say I watch "stupid shows." Well, excuse my third grade verbiage, but that's retarded. TV for me is an escape. I don't turn the tube on in search of intellectual stimulation and such. The aforementioned shows serve as pure entertainment.. No more, no less.
Laughter is the best fashion, and I get plenty of it from these folks.
XOXO!
Yes, The Bachelor. Girls, have you even SEEN this season's bachelor? While I've never been a huge fan of the show (or previous bachelors for that matter), I must say, Brad Womack is one SeXy man and for that reason alone-- I'm tuning in each week.
But I miserably failed to include the latest, greatest show that ranks right up there with Gossip Girl and that is, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane. Wow. Formerly married to the "Godfather of Hip-Hop," Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee is at the helm of the female hip-hop brand and fashion empire, Baby Phat. I love this show. She's over the top. She's crazy. And she's funny as all hell.
Now there are plenty of bloggers out there dishing on the "poor quality and trashy content" of these shows. And there will be others out there who say I watch "stupid shows." Well, excuse my third grade verbiage, but that's retarded. TV for me is an escape. I don't turn the tube on in search of intellectual stimulation and such. The aforementioned shows serve as pure entertainment.. No more, no less.
Laughter is the best fashion, and I get plenty of it from these folks.
XOXO!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Are You Keeping Up...
With the Kardashians?
Who the hell are they? They are the children of the late Robert Kardashian, the famous LA marketing exec who vehemently defended OJ Simpson in his murder trial (and then later regretted his stand.) The show follows Kim along with her sisters Khloe and Kourtney, half sisters Kylie and Kendall, mom Kris and stepdad Bruce Jenner.
I just checked out the first episode. What a HOOT! Airs Sundays on E!.
Who the hell are they? They are the children of the late Robert Kardashian, the famous LA marketing exec who vehemently defended OJ Simpson in his murder trial (and then later regretted his stand.) The show follows Kim along with her sisters Khloe and Kourtney, half sisters Kylie and Kendall, mom Kris and stepdad Bruce Jenner.
I just checked out the first episode. What a HOOT! Airs Sundays on E!.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
My Skin’s Best Friend
Aaaaaaahhhhh…. There’s nothing like spoiling yourself with a phenomenal facial. I love my aesthetician. I’ve been going to her for almost 2 years now and I can honestly say… She gives the best damned facial out there!
I love going to see her because I know that every time I walk out of there, I will see immediate results. My face will look as clear as glass. My skin will feel as smooth as Lake Placid and glow radiantly like the sun.
I like to think of her method of skin care as the “Mercedes Benz” of treatments, chock full of extreme attention to detail, vast experience and the best, all-natural, all-organic products on the market. She always has my skin’s absolute best interest in mind. Not unlike a careful chemist, she goes to work mixing my custom mask and potions right beside me—throwing in a dash of this for tightening and a splash of that for healing or whatever. And it’s different every time. Sometimes she’ll do a gentle chemical peel, other times she’ll do a microdermabrasion. It all depends on what my skin presents and needs on the day of my appointment.
And it’s not magical, oogah-boogah stuff. She truly knows her trade and is always continuing her education to provide the best products, equipment and care for her clients. Period.
Now here’s the sick part. An aesthetician like her could easily charge upwards of $140 for a single-treatment facial in some swanky spa. EASY. But she chooses not to do that. Instead, she keeps her overhead costs low so she can provide excellent, dream facials MORE OFTEN (like we all need and deserve) to her beloved clients. Nah… For eighty super-stretched bucks you don’t get a measly 40 minutes of steam and a clay mask coupled with painful extractions. Hell no. What you get is a ridiculously luxurious amount of results-oriented pampering (try an hour and fifteen minimum!) which includes a peel or microdermabrasion plus whatever else she feels you need, IN ADDITION to your purely organic facial!!!
Hellooooo! She is my biggest skin care secret… and I’m sharing her with you now! For those of you lucky locals, you have the opportunity to experience Charlene’s ever-indulgent and organic facial. Call her today and see for yourself.760.727.0300
I love going to see her because I know that every time I walk out of there, I will see immediate results. My face will look as clear as glass. My skin will feel as smooth as Lake Placid and glow radiantly like the sun.
I like to think of her method of skin care as the “Mercedes Benz” of treatments, chock full of extreme attention to detail, vast experience and the best, all-natural, all-organic products on the market. She always has my skin’s absolute best interest in mind. Not unlike a careful chemist, she goes to work mixing my custom mask and potions right beside me—throwing in a dash of this for tightening and a splash of that for healing or whatever. And it’s different every time. Sometimes she’ll do a gentle chemical peel, other times she’ll do a microdermabrasion. It all depends on what my skin presents and needs on the day of my appointment.
And it’s not magical, oogah-boogah stuff. She truly knows her trade and is always continuing her education to provide the best products, equipment and care for her clients. Period.
Now here’s the sick part. An aesthetician like her could easily charge upwards of $140 for a single-treatment facial in some swanky spa. EASY. But she chooses not to do that. Instead, she keeps her overhead costs low so she can provide excellent, dream facials MORE OFTEN (like we all need and deserve) to her beloved clients. Nah… For eighty super-stretched bucks you don’t get a measly 40 minutes of steam and a clay mask coupled with painful extractions. Hell no. What you get is a ridiculously luxurious amount of results-oriented pampering (try an hour and fifteen minimum!) which includes a peel or microdermabrasion plus whatever else she feels you need, IN ADDITION to your purely organic facial!!!
Hellooooo! She is my biggest skin care secret… and I’m sharing her with you now! For those of you lucky locals, you have the opportunity to experience Charlene’s ever-indulgent and organic facial. Call her today and see for yourself.
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