Chasing down taxis with my mom...

As you know, I recently took a trip to California for work. And since I am originally from Southern California, I got to spend some time at home with my mom. Whenever we are together funny things happen to us. One day we went to an outdoor shopping center to...well, shop of course! When we were walking to our car a taxi van pulled up and asked us where the El Torito restaurant was. Now, Mr. taxi man, you asked the wrong people. I hadn't been to that particular shopping center probably since 2005 and my mom, well, she doesn't really go there either. So as far as I knew, El Toritio was not anywhere close by. So we apologized to the taxi guy and his elderly woman passenger and let them know we had no idea. The lady seemed confused, and my mom and I felt so bad for her. Then, not 10 seconds after the taxi drives away I look up and spy the restaurant! I tried to flag the taxi down but it was no use....so what do we do? Well, hop in the car and chase the guy down of course!

There is our taxi guy. We didn't want the old lady to miss her lunch date....so we drove around the entire shopping center trying to flag this guy down. I stuck my arm out the window to wave at him, yelled at him....and nothing. I think my mom was in tears over my unsuccessful attempts. Finally we caught up to the guy and pointed out the restaurant. The old lady was so happy! She said they had been driving around forever looking for it!

Of course I had my camera in my purse....so mom suggested I take some pics for the blog! She is so resourceful. After we pointed out how to get to the restaurant, we were a little worried the clueless taxi guy wouldn't be able to find it (even though I was able to spot it from across the parking lot, this guy was a little slow). So mom said "do you think we should escort the lady to the restaurant?" and then one beat later she answers herself by saying "well, we've done all we can"...and I don't know why but I thought this was hysterical! Oh man, we were laughing and crying over this one big time. I guess you had to be there!

Oh, and I snapped a photo of the El Torito too! I hope that lady enjoyed her date!

Tow Truck Adventures

So, how many times during the weekend would you think it necessary to call AAA towing service? If you are me, then the answer would be two. On Saturday the husband and I were out running errands in our Jeep when all of a sudden it wouldn't start. No sound of the engine turning over...just silence. And the heater and clock were still working so we knew it probably wasn't the battery. So that was the first call to AAA. After about 45 minutes they sent someone out to help us. (Side note, the AAA people are so nice and helpful, I'm seriously so thankful we have a membership). They guy that came to our rescue was named Bud...I kid you not. The husband and I wanted to ask him if that was really his name...but we restrained ourselves. Anyway, he tried giving us a jump, which of course, didn't work. Then he got on the ground and slivered under the car with a hammer. He gave the starter a little bang and the Jeep started again! Success! We were so happy. While we were waiting for AAA to arrive we were texting all of our friends and our neighbor to see if anyone could pick us up and no one was available...so we were so glad our car started again!

And now here is where we went wrong: We took the advice of Bud. He said that the car would probably be fine. Bud told us that the starter was probably just clogged up. So we jumped in the Jeep and discussed taking it to the dealership to have them take a look at it just in case. Well, the Jeep dealership we thought was down the street was no where to be found...so we just went home and made plans to take it in for service during the week. Obviously, another mistake.

So anyway, come Sunday afternoon the husband is working on his bicycle and discovers he needs to run to the store to pick up a tool he is missing. Well, of course he took the Jeep so he could test it out...and it started just fine. Well, you can guess what happened next. It involved me and Wrigley driving to Home Depot with a hammer to his rescue (and no, mom, I didn't bring the pink hammer...I knew better!). The poor husband got under the car and hammered the spot Bud told him about....and nothing happened. We could not get that dang Jeep to start for the live of us! So I called my AAA pals, again. And told them our story, again. Needless to say they came to our rescue and got us started again. The guy had to hit the starter really hard. So, having learned our lesson we went straight to a repair place. Turns out we need a new starter...surprise surprise.

So we are just a one car family for today....and so thankful for AAA. Highly recommend them! I hope you had better luck during your weekend!

Love it . . . Keep it

Welcome to love it keep it, where I gab on and on about stuff I'm lovin' and keepin' this week. Do you guys like these posts? I know I can be sort of random! Anyone else interested in doing a love it keep it of their own? I would be happy to link to your blog! Erin at navy blue and I do always does a love it keep it with me on Thursdays! I think I'll keep her.

Okay, now for this weeks picks....

First up is Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm. Anyone who knows me knows I have an obsession with all things chapstick and lip gloss. It is so hard for me to walk out of Target or Sephora without picking up something yummy for my lips. And Burt sure knows how to make a good chapstick. It goes on smooth and lasts a really long time. And it makes your lips so incredibly soft. I could go on and on about how great Burt's Bees stuff is...but I think you all probably know that already! I'm definitely keepin' this one!

Next is Special K Cinnamon Pecan cereal. I've been eating this for about a year now and I never get tired of it....but I'm totally the type of person who can eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch and never get board of it (total opposite of my husband, by the way!). Anyway, this cereal is good, and satisfies that late night need for something sweet a little too often in my house! Love it!

Nest is the FURminator, a must for anyone with dogs or cats. It is a miracle de-shedding tool! The husband is allergic to our cats and dog (I know, aren't I mean to make him live with them? But he is a good sport about it) and I think this tool helps cut down on the amount of hair we have to deal with in our house...which with two cats and a dog is a lot, trust me! I got mine on amazon at a discounted price and it was worth every penny! It is supposed to be for dogs but I use it on the cats too. I can pull a whole grocery bag of hair off of each animal...it is crazy! I'm keepin' this thing forever!

Oh, and next we have the joy that is the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. What's not to love about these? Lower in calories than normal treats but still yummy. We have these for an occasional treat and even the husband loves them! I buy the big box from Costco...score!

And speaking of Costco, I had to include it in my love it keep it. I seriously love Costco. (side note, has anyone seen the Modern Family episode where they go to Costco? "I'm sort of like Costco. I'm big, I'm not fancy and I dare you to not like me." - Cam. The husband and I quote them every time we go for a visit...yeah, we are cool like that). Anyway, Costco always has the best prices on fresh fruits and veggies, which are tough to come by during the winter in Michigan.

Well, that's the run down of what I'm lovin' and keepin' this week! Thanks for stopping by!

San Fransicso in Pictures

I love San Francisco. Great food, great shopping, and lots of interesting people to watch. My mom and I had a wonderful time doing what we do best...shopping of course! Our first full day there was beautiful and sunny, and just a little bit chilly.

No trip to San Francisco is complete without riding on the cable car. Here is me waiting in line with my tickets.

And my cute mom...rocking her new scarf which I love!

Here it is! Since we were at the end of the line they have to push the cable car around to face the right direction.

Still rotating....

Here is a shot of Lombard Street (famous for being really steep and winding) from the cable car. Yikes, we could never have a street like that in Michigan!

Another cable car I thought was cute. I love how old they are!

View of the bay.

We took the cable car to Ghirardelli square where there are at least 4 Ghirardelli chocolate shops.....we manged to visit one and pick up some treats for the husband (well, I said it was for the husband, but I managed to eat a few pieces too)!

Oh Boudin bakery....their sourdough bread is amazing! (Good thing we did a lot of walking on this trip because we ate a lot too!)

They have bread shaped liked alligators, turtles, and crabs....so cute!

Pretty boats!

Here is the best shot I could get of the Golden Gate Bridge....it was really foggy when I snapped the picture, but still beautiful. The next day it rained constantly so we mostly stayed close to our hotel and did some more shopping. Man, I forget that it can be pretty cold at times in California!

Thanks mom for a great trip!

Look What Came in the Mail....

Look what I found in my mailbox on Saturday....the official Vancouver mittens! I was so excited! I only got to wear them for two days of the games...but still worth it! (Thanks mom!).

Aren't they cute?

And they are so cozy! (thank you in advance for ignoring my no-makeup face).

I'm sad the Olympic games are over....but can't wait for London 2012! And did anyone watch the closing ceremonies last night? Oh, it was so cute! I just about died when the giant inflatable beavers and moose showed up! While watching it the husband suggested we move to Canada....and I am totally considering it. (just kidding)

Oh, and pictures from my San Francisco trip coming this week!

Love it . . . Keep it Olympians

Well, I had a great time in San Francisco and now I'm on my way back home to Michigan...where I think we have a few more feet of snow since I left! I haven't had much time to watch the Olympics (so sad!) because I've been so busy...and also because they are on so late at night! What's up with that NBC?

Anyway, there have been a few Olympians that have really impressed me and even brought tears to my eyes, so welcome to Love it Keep it Olympians! First up, Joannie Rochette, a figure skater from Canada.

Joannie's mom died right after arriving in Vancouver for the Olympics. Two days later Joannie skated her short program and placed 3rd. She still has to compete tonight. I can't even imagine suffering such a tragedy right before the Olympics. And she still skated...for her mom. So sad and moving. Throughout her entire program, the audience clapped and cheered for her, which was so sweet. Love Joannie!

And of course we need to talk about Apolo Ohno...he is such a good sport. He smiles regardless if he wins gold or bronze. He has such great Olympic spirit! And now he's the most decorated winter Olympian....go Apolo!

And of course I'm lovin' team USA's Men's Nordic Combined Relay Team! They took home silver and it was the first time the US has ever placed in the event! They were so fun to watch!

And who doesn't love Lindsay Vonn? She is so cute. And such a great athlete! She brought home the first gold for USA in this Olympics. Keep her!

And last, but not least, John Shuster, the Skip for the Men's Curling Team. He was taken off the team because of his "poor" performance...and yet he still had a great attitude. He wanted to do what was best for the team. Luckily, he was put back on, and even though the US is not going to take home any medal, he is still out there showing great spirit.

Love all the Olympians! I am so sad to see the Olympics come to an end.

What are you lovn' and keepin' this week?

Greetings from San Francisco

I'm in San Francisco shopping away with my mom! Love this city!

Love it . . . Keep it California Edition

Welcome to Love it Keep it, where I chat about things I'm lovin' and keepin'...this week is the California edition, because, well, I'm in California! My job has sent me out here for a conference and to do some work...which is wonderful because I'm from CA and love the chance to catch up with family and friends. I'm in Southern CA for a few days and then I'm heading to San Francisco for more work stuff....and shopping with my mom! Anyway, let's start love it keep it.

First up, Lucille's original BBQ sauce. So amazing! This is the best BBQ sauce around and I have loved it for years. The only problem is that I can't get it in Michigan. So I've decided that anyone who comes to visit me from California must bring at least one bottle of sauce. Seems fair, right?

And what would love it keep it be without a mention of In-N-Out? This is the best burger place ever. They have locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona. I introduced In-N-Out to the husband during a California trip a few years ago and he is now obsessed. He wants me to bring him home a burger and fries every time I go to California. Love it!

Up next is Shoreline Village....a spot in Long Beach that I have been going to since I was a little girl. They have a carousel that I always had to ride. The whole pace is so cute and charming....and right on the water. Love it!

Aw, Nordstrom. Now, we have a Nordstrom in Michigan but it is about 2 hours away so I never get there. It is always a nice shopping experience when you go to Nordstrom...I miss it. And they have a great sale twice a year. Love it, keep it!

And finally, this is my cat Pepper. He is 16 years old and still a sweetheart. He can't hear anymore but loves to sit in your lap and purr. Love him, keep him!

Thanks for stopping by. What are you lovin' and keepin' this week?

Wordless Wednesday...I guess I've always loved Goldens!

Sara's Shower

On Saturday I had the chance to attend my friend Sara's baby shower. Sara is expecting baby boy Ryan in April and I am so excited for her! Our husbands are buddies from college and I'm so grateful for our friendship!

Here's Sarah opening up some adorable baby changing pad sheets. So cute.

And now my gift!

Sarah said she could tell it was from me as soon as she saw the wrapping. I guess I'm predictable! Since the husband is a baseball player, naturally I went with a baseball theme.

Tiny t-shirt that says "little slugger" with matching plaid shorts.

And how cute is that onesie? I couldn't resist buying it when I saw the baseball on the butt!

Baby Ryan also got some cute jammies with monkeys on the feet! So cute! All the cute stuff almost makes me want a baby....almost, but not quite yet!

Sara's niece, Summer, was a good helper.

Sara and her cake!

Me with Sara, and Karri. Thanks for a fun afternoon! We can't wait to meet baby Ryan!