Sunny n Blue

Maligayang pasko and Giang Sinh Vui Ve! Hope everyone experiencing the joy of Christmas and being with family and friends today!

My family and I shared a nice food memory on Sunday. We talked about how yummy Numero Uno pizzas are and how we miss eating there. That thick Chicago crust and stewed tomatoes added as a topping. Yum yum! The Fountain Valley locaton closed years ago and my brother told me there is a nearby one in Numero Uno. More info: Numero Uno, 8863 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-964-5926

I was at Sephora last Tuesday to buy a Christmas gift for a girlfriend and of course got something for me. I can't wait to try the Fresh Firebird mascara that promises voluminous lashes. I also got a refill on my Benefit Rave Review lip gloss . Such a nice shimmery red! You can swap it on without a mirror too.

I'm a sucker for sales especially ones offering 70% off and for my favorite Limited slacks. Tonight, I ordered the Cassidy Tab Trouser and Drew Fit Tab Waistband Classic Flare. Gotta love that this only cost $36! One secret - you can use coupon code 744 to get 25% off the entire order. My lovely receipt: More info: The Limited - http://www.thelimited.com

It's been rainy this week in Cali, so it makes me thankful I bought some long sleeve sweaters to wear during my work commute. Check out the fushia button up I got at Banana Repbulic for $20! Everything was half off at the Black Friday sale at the Cabazon outlets. The black tee pictured probably won't work now, but will look cute in the spring.

On Tuesday night, I spent a good two hours finishing up Christmas shopping at South Coast Plaza. I was starving by ten o'clock so the hubby and I decided to finally try Charlie Palmer's Happy Hour. We got $9 kobe burger sliders and fries, $13 lavender lemon drop martini and $16 scotch. Yum yum! The slider was delish with truffle mayo and pickled cucumber with huge fries displayed nicely on the plate. The vibe of the lounge area was cool and very modern w/ dim candlelight and glass case of their wine selection surrounding you. Upscale but chic. Here's a pic of the sliders: More info: Charlie Palmer - http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CharliePalmerAtBloomingdales/

At my last holiday party, we had a gift exchange. The Shamwow! was a popular item that got stolen twice. What a cool and unique holiday gift that would make. Their tagline says it all: "A towel that acts like a vacuum". More info: https://www.shamwow.com/ver3/index.asp

My hubby made an awesome salad for our Saturday holiday party from a recipe we got on Goop. Goop is Gwyneth Paltrow's Web site, where she sends a weekly newsletter on various topics from spiritual, food, shopping, to fashion. Here's the recipe for the yummy salad. Who knew maple syrup would be good as an ingredient for salad dressing? You can find other yummy recipes in her November newsletter . Greens with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries SERVES: 12 TIME: 10 minutes 3 small cloves garlic, pushed through a press 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons real Vermont maple syrup 1/3 red wine vinegar 1 cup extra virgin olive oil coarse sea salt freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 large heads of endive, washed, chopped 1 1/3 large head radicchio, washed, chopped 4 large handfuls arugula, washed 1 1/3 cup goat cheese 3/4 cup walnuts, broken into pieces 3/4 cup dried cranberries In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, Dijon, maple syrup and vinegar.

I think the last time I bought something from Eddie Bauer was when I bought some warm winter clothes when I was a college freshmen going to school in Colorado. Who knew this would come full circle? Here I am on Black Friday and buying something again for my upcoming Colorado trip. Check out this navy blue and white striped thermal I bought for $12.99. Oooh la la!

I love finding people who have the same hobbies I do. SHOPPING! A co-worker told me there is a Guess holiday sale in LA this weekend. Check out the jpg for more info and enjoy!

Go to Hollywood on December 13 from 8am to 2pm to score deals on the beauty brand stila. You can save 50% to 80% off at this winter warehouse sale. Their lip glaze is cool but just a lil sticky and goopy if you don't watch out. More info: Stila flyer - http://www.stilacosmetics.com/Images/downloads/Warehouse_Sale_08.pdf

I've been in love w/ the BCBG brand since college. I own several flirty tops and skirts perfect for work or an evening out. When I went to Cabazon on Black Friday, I took advantage of the 30% off discount. I got some cool black slacks and grey/black striped knit tee. My mom knows how picky I am and saw that I was eyeing this khaki safari jacket. Being the awesome mom that she is, she bought it for me as a Christmas present and gave it to me early. I can't wait to rock this jacket this winter.

My dad reminded me of Taco Tuesday at Rubios and Dollar Scoop night at Baskin Robbins. You gotta love food deals. Yum!

Can you believe we were crazy enough to fall in line for the James Perse sample sale in Hollywood at 9:56am on a Saturday morning? I think that's dedication. We have been in love w/ James Perse simple California casual for several years now. The tees are so cottony soft. The cash register rang up to one hundred fifty six smackeroos. We were way happy with our purchase. I got khaki pants, burnt orange tank, turquoise tank, and a sea blue tee. He got a black pullover, baby blue button up tee, and brown v neck. Whoo hoo!

I haven't written about my other favorite love in a while. FOOD!! After a nice shopping jaunt at the James Perse sample sale in Hollywood, he wanted to take me to a pizza place he's been wanting to try for a long time called Pizzeria Mozza. Chef Mario Batali is one the peeps behind this place. He's the same one who wrote a cookbook and did a documentary while travel with Gwyneth Paltrow in Spain. What a cool gig that is! We sat at the bar and got a good view of the workers making the food. I loved it when he'd prep the pizza dough and pinch the bubbles. We ordered a nice amount of food for this late afternoon lunch. The bruschette melted in my mouth. I'd never had butternut squash that way before. Who knew that combo of bacon and greens would compliment so nicely? Bruschette with butternut squash, applewood smoked bacon and dandelion greens Next up was the highlight of the restaurant. He got the meaty one while I got the mushroom one. The funghi pizza wa

I overheard some co-workers this week talk about something they want for Christmas. I looked up the slanket they were talking about. Ohmigosh, it is the coolest thing ever. Imagine a blanket you can wear. Totally perfect for these winter months. It's definitely on my wishlist. Hee! More info: The Slanket - http://www.theslanket.com

Thank you Daily Candy! What will I do without you? I'll be hitting the James Perse sale tomorrow. Can't wait... What: James Perse Sample Sale Why: Biannual blowout of men’s, women’s, and baby basics at up to 80 percent off retail. When: Dec. 6. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t N. Gower St. & La Baig Ave., Hollywood. What: Obey Sample Sale Why: Men’s and women’s clothing and gear marked at least 50 percent off retail; buy lots, get more off. When: Dec. 5 & 6. Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 3500 W. Carriage Dr., b/t Harbor Blvd. & S. Yale St., Santa Ana

I love wearing cardigans for work and over dresses for church. I own a black one I got from Nordstrom Rack and gray one from American Eagle. Here are a couple good ones I saw after reading Yahoo! Shine. Both are on sale. I may have to add these to my wish list. Say ooh la la! JCrew merino wool cardigans Old Navy cashmere cardigans

My niece had some items from the Sundance Catalog on her wish list. I've never heard of this site before so was excited to see all the cool jewelry they have. Everything is artisan made and unique. Here are some of my niece's favorites: Enchanted Leaf Ring Brilliant Cut Garnet Ring Wishbone Earrings More info: Sundance Catalog Jewelry

-Black Friday shopping w/ my mom at Cabazon Outlets. Gotta love Banana Republic 50%, Eddie Bauer 30%, Adidas 30% and BCBG 30% off sales. -Hollywood and Highland. Lipgloss and mascara at Sephora, new holiday dress at Express, tweed slacks and white tee at H&M, and custard rolls at Beard Papa's. -Cyber Monday shopping on AE.com. Gotta love free shipping and 20% promo codes. Stay tuned for pix and more details of my findings!

Saw this on my South Coast Plaza enewsletter. I think I definitely want to try their happy hour and Kobe beef sliders. Can you say yum after shopping? "Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza has one of the sexiest bars on the West Coast. Comfy, upscale but unpretentious. And do they have a deal for you. Seven days a week, twice a day (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight) all wines, cocktails and beer are half off. And for a yummy treat, Kobe beef sliders and fries are only $9! Don’t miss it." More info: Charlie Palmer

Cyber Monday is coming up. The Limited will be having some online deals. More info: The Limited

Nordstroms is having a private beauty event. The Bliss, Laura Mercier, and Nars gifts look awesome. More info: Private Beauty Event

Get 25% off on orders over $100 now until 11/30. Use promo code "25OFF" when you check out. More info: Paul Frank - http://www.paulfrank.com

You can mingle, shop and relax at Trilogy Spa next week. Wish I could go! More info: Trilogy Spa - http://www.trilogyspa.com

Got this email from Fashion Elements yesterday. Enjoy! --- Thanksgiving Secret Sample Sale Featuring Eva Franco Fall and Holiday Collection at 50-75% off retail along with other top LA designers Purp7e Knits Park Vogel tops and sweaters Jalda handbags Opal Moon jewelry And a few more secret vendors we can't even publish!!! Hours: Friday Nov 28th 12-8 pm Saturday Nov 29th 10-7pm Location: Xin 8064 Melrose Ave. (one block from Fred Segal) Los Angeles CA 90046 Tel: 213-622-9038 X11 Location Tel: 323-653-2188 RSVP at info@evafranco.com Cash and Credti cards accepted

I can't wait for Black Friday. I want to look for a portable DVD player somewhere. Here are two deals worth mentioning: H&M - get 20% off. Paul Frank - shop the first hour they're open, get 30% off purchase. Second hour, get 20% off. Third hour, get 10% off. When you spend $75, get a free gift with purchase.

Was on ShopDiary yesterday and found out about the Paul Frank sale in my neck of the woods. I think I'll go December 6 before hitting LA's James Perse sale. Here's more details: Dec 5 10am to 7pm Dec 6 9am to 4pm Paul Frank Industries 960 W. 16th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 More info: Paul Frank holiday warehouse sale - http://paulfrank.com/holidaysale/

Yesterday, my hubby and I decided to venture out to Manhattan Beach for a late lunch after shoe shopping in El Segundo (More on my Seychelle warehouse shopping spree later!). He looked up Twelve Highland on his iphone and described it as New American (such Top Chef speak!). This place was way cute with modern decor. Imagine wispy white curtains, white poofy lanterns, black tablecloths, and black velvet chairs. We ordered the manchego chicken salad (arugula, frisse, manchego, pistachio, grape) and kobe burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar, and a house sauce). Deliciouso! The Texan waiter told us that the chef is from Water Grille in LA and said the menu is awesome. (I agree!) Kobe burger Manchego chicken salad More info: Twelve + Highland - http://www.12andhighland.com/

I attended the Hurley warehouse sale today and got a thermal, two knit tops, and a hoody. I can't wait to wear these goodies when it stays cold. Hooray! If you missed out, there will be another one Thanksgiving weekend. Here's the details: Nov 28 10am to 6pm Nov 29 8am to 3pm Nov 30 8am to 3pm Corner of Brookhurst and Slater near police department 17570 Brookhurst St Fountain Valley, CA 92708

I clicked on a banner ad about Live Larger for Hollywood & Highland. To my surprise, I found out that if you get a Elephant Card at their Visitor Information Center that you get a percentage off at certain stores along with dining and entertainment deals. Stores include BCBGMAXAZRIA, Fossil, Gap, Planet Funk, and Beard Papa's. Offers go until December 31. More info: Live Larger - http://livelargerhere.com/

Just read the LA Times Guide and found an awesome thing to do this weekend. Go ice skating at Seaside Ice in Redondo Beach just 150 feet from the waves. How awesome is that! There's nothing like ice skating that puts me in the holiday spirit. More info: LA Times article - http://www.latimes.com/theguide/holiday-guide/la-et-family20-2008nov20,0,3710369.story Seaside Ice rink - http://www.seasideice.com/

I stumbled upon this great site that talks about all the pretty clothes Serena and Blair wear on Gossip Girl. If I had a choice, I would dress urban bohemian like Serena. Blair is a little too preppy, but I do like all her headbands though. More info: Gossip Girl Closet - http://www.gossipgirlcloset.com/

Did you know when you sign up for The Limited email list, they send you a coupon for $15 off for every $50 you spend in-store and online? How cool is that. More info: The Limited - http://www.thelimited.com/

Last Sunday, I attended a Thai cooking class at Laguna Culinary Arts. Chef Tony taught me along with nine other students. Right when I got there, I got my very own station, apron, and dish towel. We started with cutting mangos for the sticky rice and mango and chicken for the chicken satay. I now know I need to work on my kniving skills. That night, I got to learn how to make pad thai. It was so neat chopping the onions and smashing the garlic. I got to sautee all the ingredients. Soo cool! At the end of the night, we got to enjoy all our hard work. See the masterpieces below. I can't wait to make pad thai at my next dinner gathering. Yum! Chicken satay Tom kha gai Pad thai Sticky rice w/ mango

I first got into Nivea on my honeymoon trip to Spain two years ago when the airline lost our luggage and gave us a toiletry bag of goodies. Nivea soft creme was one of the items in there and I've been in love with that body lotion ever since. Since I'm a big fan of that lotion, I decided to purchase the Nivea Lip Care Essential in passionfruit on a recent Walgreen's outing. Oh wow! My lips felt so moisturized. So perfect for winter! It also gave a hint of color which is great. Not too shabby for $2.99. More info: Nivea Lip Care Essential - http://www.nivea.com/highlights/product_special/lipcare

I love Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and lip silk. i notice that beauty brand barely has any offers or free gifts. however, to my surprise, they are having an online offer with a $85 purchase. The gift includes a cosmetic bag with Lip Color, Eye Pencil, Illumniating Tinted Moisturizer, and Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub (btw, it smells so yummy you may want to eat your arm!). More info: Laura Mercier (Nordstrom) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6016097/0~2376780~6009391~6016097?origin=boutiqueBrandHeader

If you book by November 17, you can save up to 50% off stays from November 13 to March 1, 2009 at any starwood hotels. The last hotel I stayed was W seattle. It was so nice, except my parents didn't like the modern feel and no pool. Oh well! More info: Starwood Promo - http://www.starwoodpromos.com/hotel-deals/?EM=sgc_WH_1433_97518_5570608_5565706_prim_GLONOVLTO_BOOK_WEST

Saw this on my DailyCandy.com newsletter today. Enjoy! --- SHOP Rock & Republic Sample Sale What: Grab premium denim for men, women, and kids, plus tops, outerwear, shoes, and accessories all at 50-80 percent off. Why: Your inner rock star needs some unleashing. When: Nov. 14-16. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Sony Studios Stage 9, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City. (Entrance is on Overland Ave.) More info: Rock & Republic Sample Sale - http://www.rockandrepublic.com/ads/Fall09_SampleSale.pdf

If you enter 2008BEBE at bebe.com, you can get free shipping on orders of $150 or more. It's valid until December 24, 2008 11:59pm PT. That's more of an incentive to buy a stylish dress for the holidays! I'm likin' this Organza Multi-Layer Dress , but of course, it is out of stock. More info: Bebe - http://www.bebe.com/

Perfect for fall and winter! Famous Footwear is having a buy one pair, get the second pair for 1/2 price sale. There's so many cute boots to choose from. I really like this LifeStride style. Say ooh ahh! More info: Famous Footwear - http://www.famousfootwear.com/

I usually don't like to eat junk food, but I remember whenever McDonald's offered the McRib I was always there to eat that barbeque sauce smothered "pork" sandwich (no pickles please!). Just read on a blog that you can't get these in Cali anymore. So sad! I guess if I ever go to Tennessee, Georgia or North Carolina, you know where I'll be.

If you use coupon code 4259224 at Martin + Osa's Web site, you can get 30% off. I haven't personally bought anything here but I do like their cute array of tops and camis. More info: Martin + Osa - http://www.martinandosa.com/

At H&M, you can buy 1 get 1 free on select fall knits until November 16. Go check it out and buy something cozy! More info: H&M - http://www.hm.com/

Te Casan has the prettiest shoes and is offering 50% off full price items if you use the promo code "gcn50" through November 15. More info: Te Casan - http://www.tecasan.com/

Guess where I'll be two Saturdays from now? I'm going to El Segundo to check for size 6 Seychelles shoes. I already own a pair of black and gold low heels I bought from Nordstroms. Their line is so cute. Here's more info:

Daily Candy announced some sample sales in LA. This one looks worthy of trekking to LA. What: Citizens of Humanity Warehouse Sale Why: Men’s and women’s denim and knits are going for up to 60 percent off retail. When: Nov. 8 & 9. Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: 5715 Bickett St., b/t E. Slauson Ave. & E. 54th St., Huntington Park. More info: Daily Candy Los Angeles - http://www.dailycandy.com/los_angeles/article/39937/Set+Sample+Sale

Got this email from my dad. Too bad I have plans on Sunday or I'd go. Enjoy! --- Philippines' first all male classical-pop tenor group. With Special Guest LARA AVENGOZA Sunday, November 9, 2008, 5:00 p.m. Torrance Cultural Arts Center The James R. Armstrong Theater 3330 Civic Center Drive Torrance, California 90503 All Tickets Now Only $25 Available at the James R. Armstrong Box Office 10am – 8pm [Monday – Friday] 12pm – 4pm [Saturday] Via Credit Card to 310-781-7171 Visit www.torrnet.com for directions and additional information For additional information on the Angelos, visit www.theangelos.net http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avg5DhjaYnE&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyMmchzIpRQ&feature=related

Overheard a co-worker this morning say she wants to drop by Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, and Ben & Jerry's today to get free stuff on election day. Krispy Kreme will be giving away free star shaped donuts, Starbucks is giving away free tall coffees, and Ben & Jerry's is giving a free scoop of ice cream from 5pm to 8pm tonight. Don't forget to vote! More info: Free coffee at Starbucks for voting - http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/02/free-starbucks-for-voting-get-a-load-of-these-election-day-dining-deals/4628/

It's that time of year! Nordstrom will be having their half yearly sale for women and kids. It starts November 5 so be sure to check it out. I always love the sales in the Brass Plum department. They always have such good fall stuff on sale. More info: Nordstrom - http://www.nordstrom.com

There's a iShopFem Pre-Holiday sale happening November 8 at Smashbox Studios in Culver City featuring designer clothing. More info: iShopFem - http://www.ishopfem.com

Happy Halloween! Be safe getting tricks or treats. In case you want to send me any candy, my favorites are crunch bars, mr. goodbars, and m&m's. Image credit: Google image search

After attending an alumni mixer in Costa Mesa last night, my hubby decided to go to Oki Doki (the sister restaurant of 345 in Laguna Beach). This restaurant serves a fantastic menu of pan-Asian food from Japanese, Chinese to Vietnamese dishes. I love ordering the salmon lemon rolls, cajun tuna roll, and albacore salad with extra garlic chips. Salmon lemon rolls: Albacore salad with extra garlic chips: More info: Oki Doki - http://www.okidokirestaurant.com/

I have been taking the Metrolink to/from work lately. All the train commuting means I need to be prepared. Here's what's on my checklist everyday: 1.) Comfy shoes My navy blue Keds I got for $20 at TJ Maxx are super comfy. I also love my black Adidas sneakers I got in New York City after wearing black leather boots all around the city. 2.) Watch I got this yellow wannabe Juicy Couture necklace charm watch at a thrift shop a few months back for $10. Hooray! 3.) Pashmina scarf I gotta stay warm on the train and be prepared for chilly mornings. This thing can serve as a blanket or scarf.

My brother introduced me hakata ramen a few years ago and and gets mad at me whenever I mispronounce the name. What a snob just cuz he took Japanese class in high school. Whenever I'm there, I get the hakata ramen with spinach, flavored egg, and extra ginger - medium base, medium oil, medium noodles. The ramen is so good and flavorful! It always hits the spot for a nice dinner meal. The place is so popular too that there is often a wait. Hakata Ramen: More info: Shin Sen Gumi - http://www.shinsengumiusa.com/FV_ramen/index.php

Two weekends ago, my hubby and I met up with some college friends in San Diego. Since they are out of towners and wanted seafood, I suggested we try Ocenaire. I've always wanted to check out how Top Chef contestant Brian Malarkey prepares the seafood. The restaurant was crowded, yet had a cozy rustic charm about it. They seated us right away which was nice since we didn't make any reservations. We started off with Oysters Rockefeller and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. The crab cakes were awesome and had real crab. They didn't have that smelly seafood taste either and tasted fresh. For our entree, my hubby and I shared the swordfish glazed with a red wine reduction and sprinkled with almonds. Delish! I forget what our friends ordered, but we did share some great sides of sauteed mushrooms and haricot verts (aka green beans). Our lovely swordfish dish: More info: The Oceanaire - http://www.theoceanaire.com/Location/Default.aspx?id=6

You're probably thinking - what is that thing? It's a new apple slicer I bought at Ikea last weekend. I like to think an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I'm a big fan of fuji apples and this new one called honey crisp. Can't wait to try my new apple slicer. Yay!

I first blogged about Te Casan when I mentioned Natalie Portman is a vegan shoe designer. Just got an email that they're offering 20% off online orders. Ch-check it out: More info: Te Casan - http://www.tecasan.com

I used to be undecided with the two Presidential candidates, but Palin's recent behavior and quotes have made the choice easier. Tina Fey's impresion of her on SNL is hilarious! I absolutely love following news about her. Did you know that the Republican National Committee has spent thousands on her wardrobe and accessories since she was nominated? They spent a whopping $150K last month. Whoa! Oh, to have that kind of budget for fashion, beauty, and accessories! I think I would get a facials/massages every week, buy any pair of shoes I spy, go crazy with eyeshadows and skincare products, and get any dress I like. More info: Sarah Palin's $150K wardrobe malfunction - http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2008/10/palins-economic.html

One of my favorite shows has returned for the second season. Lipstick Jungle features Wendy, Nico, and Victoria living a New York life filled with fun and scandal. I love watching it to see what Victory and Nico will wear. Oh, how fun it would be to be a fashion designer or editor in chief! Victory always has the best dresses, while Nico has the best accessories. I'd love to dress like them in real life. One neat feature of the NBC site is they have links to featured clothes on the show. I wish there were visuals but I guess this will do. More info: Lipstick Jungle Featured Clothes - http://www.nbc.com/Lipstick_Jungle/about/featured_clothes/index.shtml

One dolla make you holla!? Last Saturday, my hubby wanted to go to Ikea to buy some glass jars for the kitchen to stop our lil' ant problem. After going through that maze of a store, I rewarded myself with a nice non-fat frozen yogurt. Can you say yum?

A girlfriend recommended Extraordinary Desserts to me a while back and I've been dying to try this bakery. She said they have the best desserts ever. I was excited to see all the goodies galore and even made my hubby drop by before dinner with some college friends. I ordered their elaborate chocolate raspberry cake and lemon hazelnut cake decorated with flowers and gold flakes. Oooh la la! Mmm! More info: Extraordinary Desserts - http://extraordinarydesserts.com/

I love H&M for their affordable prices and cute fashions. You should see my closet on what kind of loot I have. You can now get $10 off for every $50 purchase until Sunday, October 19. Hurry! More info: H&M - http://www.hm.com

Got a Nordstrom's newsletter yesterday that select apparal and shoes are 50% off online only. Ch-check it out! More info: Nordstroms - http://www.nordstroms.com

I first heard about Trilogy Spa from Allure Magazine and love going to the South Bay just for their lomi hot stone massage. Of all the spas I've been to, I love that they have cut tropical fruit in their quiet room and yummy homemade body scrubs for their rainfall shower. I feel like I am in Hawaii each time I go here. I'm so happy to hear they have $70 specials. Check out the image below. More info: Trilogy Spa - http://www.trilogyspa.com

Guess what? I read in one of my food blogs that there will be no more Mother's Circus Animal cookies. I suggest raiding your local grocery store and stockpiling these for the future. Oh, I loved those white icing cookies! More info: Say bye to Mother’s Circus Cookies

I blogged about Fashion Elements (fem) way back and wanted to mention them again. They launched a new site last week where they host online designer sample sales. Right now, they're selling cute dresses by Voom by Joy Han. I'm diggin' the Luxi Mini White dress. So dainty! More info: I Shop FEM - http://www.ishopfem.com/

Did you know there's a new Hollister store at the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas in Primm? Say ooh la la! I got myself a few goodies on my Vegas trip last month all for $30. This soft grey shirt, cute white v neck, and comfy sweats. I don't think I've bought anything at Hollister since my brother worked at the Fashion Island store. Shh, he doesn't want me to tell you he worked there. Haha! More info: Hollister - http://www.hollisterco.com/

I bet you didn't know there was a Pinball Museum in Vegas. I sure didn't until I read a recent LA Times article. A couple Saturdays ago, I had a fun-filled day in Vegas lounging by the pool sipping a cool drink and shopping at Fashion Outlet of Las Vegas. We had some time to kill before dinner so decided to go to the Pinball Museum off the strip. This place boasts of 200 pinball machines and I sure believe it. I think the $20 roll of quarters went to good use for my entertainment. My favorite pinball machine is Nightmare on Elm Street. When you go to nightmare mode, you get more balls on the board. Whoo hoo, makes it so fun to hit with the flippers. Where the fun starts: More info: Pinball Museum - http://www.pinballmuseum.org/

I'm sure you've seen the signs on your way from Vegas. I have to say I fall for advertising every time and made my brother pull over to Baker after a Vegas weekend two weekends ago so we can finally try Mad Greek. I have to say it was the best Greek food I've ever had - way better than Daphne's Greek Cafe. Everything was so flavorful and tasty. I can't believe we ordered $30 worth of food, from strawberry shake, hummus, gyro, to grape leaves. No wonder it's packed with hungry folks. Mmm, mmm, good: More info: Mad Greek, 72112 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309, 760-733-4354