- Dec 19, 2017
One of the things that was always important to me about Christmas was giving gifts. From the time I was little and still to this day, putting thought into a gift means everything. Some of my happiest memories were of the gifts I gave my mom as a child. They might have been things I made at school or inexpensive things I could buy, but I loved the look on my mom’s face when she would open my meager offerings. I wanted my children to have this experience, I wanted them to be good givers and so I always made a point of taking them with me to pick out gifts for their father. Every year, I would repeatedly ask my husband to do the same, even if it was only a quick trip to Target. That way they could pick out something to put under the tree for me and hopefully get the same joy out of giving that I do. He would have been more likely to steal all of the Christmas gifts and decorations from Whoville than to buy me presents with our children. Usually at his insistence, I would end up buying my own gifts, wrapping them and putting them under the tree myself. Everyone would be surprised except me. At one point I stopped and on more than one Christmas Eve, my husband with his heart that was five sizes too small, would feel guilty and at the last minute, scramble asking my stepson and/or myself to get something under the tree from the kids. We would inevitably spend Christmas Eve going on the internet to Nordstrom.com or NiemanMarcus.com printing out pictures as my “gifts” from the kids so that they would not feel as though I had been left out Christmas morning. Bright side: I always got what I wanted and even receiving a gift certificate for a new Jaguar, which my ex never allowed me to redeem.
In my mind I made excuses for him, “he’s a busy man, he isn’t patient enough to take young children shopping, he has a lot on his mind”; but the reality was, he just couldn’t be bothered to make even the minimal effort it would have required to give our children that much time. I was already in too deep, with 2 children whom I adored, how could I be so unhappy?
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- Dec 16, 2017
Loving A Bargain
Carmenet Reserve Chardonnay California 2015
California State Fair Wine Competition Results
Rated 98
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL
Best of Class of Region
If you are having a Christmas get-together with friends and they are anything like mine, they can put away a substantial amount of wine!
I have never claimed to be a wine connoisseur and am not ashamed to say that I am probably not very worthy of an expensive bottle of wine as I could always think of better things to do with that money than to drink it. I do however like wine and I do know what I like and don’t like! On a recent trip to the desert, I stopped in to pick up a few bottles of wine for a casual get together that I was attending. I had intended to buy a much more expensive wine, but the sommelier suggested this wine instead. At less than $8 a bottle if I bought six, I was hesitant, thinking “how good could it be?” The sommelier challenged me to give it a try, claiming that it was her new favorite everyday choice and that it would not disappoint! I went with her suggestion and served it at the gathering. Every person in attendance, wanted to know where I had gotten the Carmenet, and it is now one of my (and my friends) favorites. You cannot beat it for the price!
Wine Tasting Notes
Carmenet Chardonnay is a lovely straw-colored wine with hints of apple, banana, and vanilla. This opulent and sensual wine finishes with butterscotch and tropical fruit and ends with a smooth, crisp, enjoyable finish. Enjoy.
86% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Proprietors' White Blend
Alcohol 12.5%
- Dec 14, 2017
Loving Your Skin
Glo Pro:
A gift for your face!
Micro-needling is something that I have heard about for years and even tried a few years ago after buying a session on Groupon. Honestly, I really didn’t notice a difference. Last year, on a whim I decided to try it again after seeing the "Glo Pro" mentioned in a magazine. I was skeptical, but I figured I would try it and return it if I didn’t notice a change. After using it for a few weeks, I went in for a facial. My regular esthetician asked, “What are you doing different? Your skin looks amazing!” I told her and she mentioned that she had wanted to try it herself. Later that week, I took a trip with the girls and again, I was asked, “What have you done? Your skin looks great.” I am now a fan! My face gets a bit red after use, which I do not mind and if I work out the following morning, I do notice a bit of tingling when I sweat. I don’t love that, but that tells me that it is working! I use it 3 times a week at night, putting on various serums within seconds of finishing the 1-minute needling session. I also make sure that I spray the head with alcohol immediately as well. I am a Germaphobe!
Don't forget to take care of yourself! Ask Santa for this or if you're like me, you might have to buy it and put it under the tree! Nordstrom has a limited edition "Rose Gold" version for the holidays!
