Favorites/Loves #3

DA-DA-DA-DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! (Think: trumpets!)

I know this is the blog everyone loves to hate or hates to love...or both...or neither. In any case, thanks for reading ici est la "update" nombre trois de my favorite things. I will add some hates as my next blog!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!! (see #1-10)

1. Freaking facials. Seriously how can a self-proclaimed spa-whore such as myself have never had a facial before!?!? Ludacris! Blasphemy! OMG I had a facial at 5 Star Salon & Spa about six weeks ago and it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to get another one. Which leads me to favorites #2...

2. Sanitas skin products. I'm also a self-proclaimed makeup whore and skin care junkie. My skin care collection is limited as I'm allergic to everything under the sun...except a few products. That being said, I thought Laura Mercier was the JACKPOT but I have moved on. This Sanitas stuff is amazing! They sell it at 5 Star (the facial place) and they sell a starter kit for $30 on the day you get a facial. I'm just sayin...

3. THEEEEE BLACK MATTTTT! Life without The Black Mat = no bam. Life with The Black Mat = BAM! "I pity tha fool" without the black mat. Granted, I rocked the green machine for months, totally. But I didn't have a random blogger putting me in the know. I'm just sayin...

4. Eyebrow waxings by Emily at Exotic Day Spa. True, at first glance I do look a lot like Dede (that's my mom). However, I did not happen to inherit her chest or her great eyebrows. So unfair. Unfortuantely, Dr. Van Raalte doesn't do eyebrows. So, I've been getting some serious eyebrow work done since junior high. I really think Emily is worthy of Jennifer Aniston's eyebrows! Plus it's at the mall. Howwwwwww convenient. :-)

5. Cowgirl boots. Literally! They are so much fun. I bought four pairs last year in Nashville on accident. This year I am not getting any because I have so many pairs already! How do you accidentally buy four pairs, you ask? So I went down to Nashville the two pairs of Frye's I have from Von Maur. They were both tan-ish and I needed some black ones for Saturday night. So, I found some pretty cute grey ones at a store on Broadway. Got those. Then Kurt wanted some new ones so we ended up at a store next door that was Buy One, Get Two Free. Kurt only wanted the one pair (of course they charge you three times as much for the first pair) so I got two other pairs of cute ones. THEN I found them: at Nashville Cowboy on 2nd Avenue. *Sigh* My first pair of Lucchese's. I had to have them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wear them all the time. Kurt also bought a super cute cowboy hat there :) He and Craig wore cowboy hats on Saturday night. It was so cute.


6. Nashville. Seriously, the funnest time IN THE WORLD! Only ten more days til I depart. Contrary to popular belief, there is definitely no line dancing in Nashville!! There is lots of singing and dancing though to fun classic rock and classic country songs.





7. OHHHH how I love the St. Patrick's Day parade in Davenport!!!!! It is definitely the FUNNEST FUNNEST FUNNEST event of the year. I hate going downtown...except on St. Patrick's Day :-) My bday is the day before St. Patrick's Day so I've just always loved the St. Patty's festivities/clovers/green beer/etc.



8. Black labs. The lab, Daffodil, a.k.a ZAFFO, was the most recent addition to the fleet. I found her running randomly on the highway. Of course, I leave no dog behind, duh. She hopped in the Aud and away we went. I haven't ever thought too much about labs before but now I know why they are the most popular family dog. She is such a companion dog! She wants to go everywhere we go. It's so cute! She is always laying right beside me, Kurt or Belle. Her dream is to sleep with Belle but we don't let any livestock in Belle's room overnight. :)


9. Vacations. I really want to be on beach vacations 24/7, 365. I'm still trying to work this into my career plan. I'll keep you all apprised.

10. Getting to work early! I'm a habitual snooze hitter. Luckily, my jobs have always had flex hours. Since Jamaica, I decided to become an early riser and that way Belle and I wouldn't be so rushed in the a.m.'s! Also, I get to leave work earlier :) which is MUY BUENO!!! I have been to work "in the 7's" (this means before 8:00 a.m.) every day since then! Yay! Other benefits: less traffic, can stop for fountain soda if needed/wanted, never have to think "Oh Sh&&, I hope I don't have an 8:00 a.m. meeting." Granted I haven't missed a meeting (that I recall) but frequently I have thought this on my way to work at 8:20!

Mucho amounts of Namaste. (Does this even make sense?)

Love -
Ann :) :)

Ann's Favorite Things Vol. II / New Shoes OMG / Dirty Dancing

Who loves the movie Clueless? I do! I do!

Cher's dad: "What the hell is that?"

Cher: "A dress."

Cher's dad: "Says who?"

Cher: "Says Calvin Klein."

So yesterday we Christmas shopped for like five hundred hours. We were walking through Von Maur and HALLELUJAH! The Red Sea parted and "Hello, shoes." "What's that?" you may say (or "Eh?" if you're from Canada/N. Wisconsin/MN). I said, "Bonjour, Aloha, Guten Tag, Hola, etc. SHOES!!" Yes, they are now mine and I want to marry them. I 100% believe in love at first sight. It's happened to me twice. When I first saw Kurt (seriously!!!) and also yesterday when I found these shoes. My life is complete. Granted, they look kind of ugly in this picture but I can assure you they are not. :)

In an effort to put a direct gift lifeline to my husband (who may or may not be buying me more prizes) or any other guys that have no idea what to buy their gals (it may give you guys some ideas), I will make an "All I Want For Christmas" list! This is going to also serve as my Fave Things Vol. II. Below, are the things I would love to have for Xmas prizes (he better check this!):

1) Gift certs to Tapas or Indigo, hello. http://www.tapasyogashala.com/ or http://www.indigowellness.info/.

2) H20 body products from Von Maur. Fabulous!!! More specifically, body butter and sugar scrub in Sugar Plum. Men, buy this for your wives/girlfriends ASAP!!

3) Seriously, I ADORE Dirty Dancing!! What woman doesn't? If she says she doesn't, she's lying. Granted, it won't be near as awesomely awesome as the movie, but I would love tickets to DD on Broadway in Chicago! "Nobody puts baby in a corner."-Johnny Castle. HELLO!!!!!!! *Swoons*

[Disclaimer: My friend Bree told me Penny is HOT in the show (blasphemy!!) as opposed to run-down and icky with mascara and unexpected pregnancy drama all over the place. In other words, Penny's hot instead of a hot mess (= Annoying). ALSO, the Australian-born Johnny *raises eyebrow* YELLS the afore-mentioned quote instead of sexily stating it and subsequently claiming his woman before "doing the last dance of the season" with her.]

**SCREAMS!!!!!!!** OMFG! You tube has the clip!!!!!!! Check It:



*****************************************************

4) Liteally anything from Tiffany's will do. Literally.


5) A spa cert 5 Star Salon or William Wesley. I like 5 Star's atmosphere better but LOVE my girl Yvonne from WW. I wouldn't mind trying a thai yoga massage either! Gentlemen, the moral of the story is you can never go wrong with a massage/spa package for your woman. Don't fall for the, "I don't like people touching me" line. The only girls that say that are the ones who haven't yet realized that life without massage is just like life without parole: prision-ish. Ew.
~"We're spa whores." -Heather Bozek (about us). lol.


6) I really love those nice photo albums from Von Maur. Guys, it can't get much easier. They are adorable and your chica will really think you went shopping and picked out a good prize. They have like five different styles plus free giftwrap. Voila!


7) Any type of Chanel perfume = love. (P.S. Dear C-bine, I already have Chance). :)

8) Okay, I hate to say it but it's doubtful I can roll for an extended period without an LV wallet. I mean a Coach wristlet in a Louis? I don't know... I'm thinking no....I'll have see how much they are... But we'll have to see :) *slyly logs onto louisvuitton.com*

I will add more gift ideas if I think of any! In my lovely husband's defense, he did already get us and awesomely awesome trip to Jamaica! Love him!! These are just prize "ideas" for...ya know, other people to get their wives/gf's. Yeah. That's it. Hi, honey!!


Love you all and happy shopping!!!!!!!!!!! ::cues Jingle Bells::


Love,
Moi

Ann's Very Merry Un-Favorite Things Vol. 1

::cues "A Very Merry Un-Birthday" song from Alice in Wonderland::

While usually I am the epitomy of positivity (LOL), and truly LOVE/ADORE/OBSESS about everything I like (see post Ann's Favorite Things Vol. 1), I thought I'd spice up the blog. There are definitely things I don't prefer (a.k.a. DOUBLE HATE) so I thought I'd share! :) This benefits YOU how? I really don't know! But happy holidays and ENJOY THE BLOG! *Smiles Sweetly (through gritted teeth)!!*

A. Kohl's. I despise this store, even the name. Honestly. The end. :)

B. Tylenol. OMG, it does not work, people! Go for the Advil instead of suffering with the red & yellow! I'm just sayin...

C. The show Home Improvement. OMG, it's on right now in the other room. It's so corny. Al is the best part by far. Plus, the fact Wilson (R.I.P.) never shows his face is just annoying. Apparently, I do watch it though since I suddenly seem to be an expert on all of their names. Ha!

D. Shopping at The Limited. Adore the clothing/jewelry, though. Yes, this is a direct shot at a select few (not all) members of the staff. B*tches! *smiles sweetly* I'm annoyed by those who totally recognize me, greet me as such, then proceed to follow me around and stalk me profusely about their stupid credit card while I pick out sweaters. I mean, why??? Just let me shop! You know me and can guarantee I'll walk out with a bag. I don't hike it to Southpark for nothing!

E. People that are, in any way, mean to/abandon animals!!!!!!!!

F. Okay I'll admit it. I hate Express. I am not sure why but I can't stand the store. So odd, really...because it soooo seems like merchandise I'd like. I've hated it for approximately 8 years. Yes, it has a direct relationship to my college graduation year. I must have bought one too many "twin sets" in college. Go Fieldhouse, Halftime and Stickmans!!

G. Anything "gummy." E.g. worms, Swedish Fish (what's up with that name anyway), gummi trolls, etc. Ew.

H. Two words, people: ASSUMPTION HIGH. I'm a Falcon, what can I say? I don't hate anyone that went there *smiles sweetly*, just Ass High in general....oh, and anyone that went there. JUUUUUSSSST KIDDING! :) ::cues West High drumline::

I. Dooney & Bourke, omg. I do contend that the "It" bag, back when It's were "it" was probably my favorite purse I ever owned, meaning I just LOVED it at the time. I will desparately search for a picture of me with this gem of a purse. Everything pre- and post- "my It barrel bag" = no bueno. Just my opinion!

J. Avon and Mary Kay makeup! OMG! Hateness!

K. Email forwards breaking off friendships if you don't send back. Sadness! I mean, who really notices who does and does not send them back?? Annoying!

Any others out there to add? Bueller?? Bue-ller??

Ann's Favorite Things Vol. I

*Brown paper packages tied up with strings...these are a few of my favorite things...* Sound of Music did it, Oprah does it, so I can share my loves with the world, too.

I wouldn't say I'm high maintenance but I'm more so than low or medium maintenance. ha! We all know I love my family, friends, being yogalicious, school and handbags. Granted, this is an uber-fulfilling life right there!! But what else?

There are some things in life that I have found to literally be the greatest things ever. And I will share these things! Note this is Vol. I, which means there will be more volumes to come. I'll try to spread out the makeup and beauty products over various volumes throughout the coming months. Cool? Cool. Coolness.

In no particular order and without further ADO:

#1 - iPods. Seriously, anyone living without one is living in sin, or hell, or whatever. C'mon now.

#2 - Laura Mercier face moisturizer. Granted it's kind of expensive for a somewhat tiny jar but it 'lasts and long time and is worth every dime.' *wink*

OMG!! that rhymed! I would highly recommend buying some NOW.

#3 - Two-week disposal contacts. I have ALWAYS sworn by these lil' numbers. Not sure why others choose regular contacts or dailies or choose to roll au naturale and squint and get headaches. Put these babies in, sleep with them in, shower with them in, whatever. Literally no maintenance and very inexpensive. I go months without even knowing where my glasses are and can still see the clock in the middle of the night. To be more specific, in case anyone cares, I use Acuvue Oasys.

#4 - My Sigg bottle. Very stylish and very good for you! No plasticy leaking, leeching, whatever/etc. Now, I do have the pesky old diet soda obsession (pish, posh) so the Sigg encourages me to drink water, ya know...in between Diet Cokes! *cracks open a can* Oops. Plus I never forget it considering it's huge and the brightest purple I've ever seen. They sell them at Dick's Sporting Goods.

#5 - Uggs, seriously. Who can live without these? I compare life without Uggs to walking on hot coals or broken glass, or sleeping on beds of nails. Am I the only one who remembers Circus of the Stars???

#6 - Coach wristlets. Is it a wallet? Is it a purse? Is it something to take $1's in to ensure great service at the beach bar in Mexico?? No one really knows. I use them for all of the above.

#7 - Robes. Not sure why, I just like robes. I have a hot pink one from Victoria's Secret that = love. It's hideously hotteous pink and matches nothing in my bathroom but yet it usually hangs on the bathroom door in case I want to wear it.

#8 Bed, Bath & Biscuits. The greatest dog grooming and boarding place in the QC. It's this adorable little facility by West Lake. It's really nice and this chica freaking LOVES LOVES LOVES dogs. I never feel sad leaving the crew because they are so happy and get so much attention and exercise at BB&B. When Kurt and I went on our honeymoon, she gave them all little bride dog toys. LOL. The # is 563-381-DOGS. Highly recommend!!

#9 http://www.thelimited.com/. Suffice it to say I love the work clothes and jewelry at The Limited in Southpark but cannot F*&^ING stand shopping there...so I do not and will not. Double yay to them FINALLY developing a website for shopping! I have been boycotting The Limited since Springtime and thus looking super dorky at work. I discovered this website and ordered seven pairs of work pants during their pants sale for $205. Craziness....anarchy really. Can't wait 'til they arrive!! ALMOST all of my old work pants ===> garbage!

#10 The Breakfast Club. Totally worthy of it's own blog posting (soon, very soon)!!! I effing ADORE this movie!

John Bender: Hey, Cherry. Do you belong to the physics club? Claire Standish: That's an academic club. John Bender: So? Claire Standish: So academic clubs aren't the same as other kinds of clubs. John Bender: Ah... but to dorks like him, they are. What do you guys do in your club? Brian Johnson: Well, in physics we... we talk about physics, properties of physics. John Bender: So it's sorta social, demented and sad, but social. Right?

The Breakfast Club is awesomely awesome and helped define the lives of so many since it's premier in 1985. Well, maybe not "so many", but what the hell, let's just all say "Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club" together anyway: (in chorus) "Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club." You know you love it, too!!!!!

::cues "Don't you...forget about me..."::

Peace & Love, peace & love, y'all!

A.