My Notepad

"Rock Candy"

2009-02-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Love this idea from Tara Frey ... this would be good as a goody bag filler for my little one's birthday.

Disposable Potty Seat

2009-02-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

In theory it's a good idea, but I'm not sure how Disposable Travel Potty will hold up. I'm starting to slowly potty train my 3-year old and he's less than 40lbs, but I'm afraid the whole thing will collapse on my child. If it did I know it will scare my little one off potty seats for a long while. But I do like the convenience of it and the fact that it's biodegradable.

Photo: Amazon

Another Look to Remember

2009-02-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Love this look.

Conduct Happiness

2009-02-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Love this design "Pea Standing Up" ... thinking of getting one for my boys.

Hotel Horrors

2009-02-18T04:12:00.000-08:00

Have you read this? I've heard the horror stories and watched Dateline, but I always cringe when I hear about this. Especially with this article written by a former housekeeper and how she describes her shortcuts during the work day. Frankly it makes me angry to hear about how lazy some of these people can be. It's offensive to think that someone that is hired to clean up my room is cutting corners so that he/she can have an easy work day. I am a paying customer, paying for their salaries. We leave tips ... yes we leave tips ... EVERYDAY we leave tips. We are not horribly messy, but we do have young children so there's crumbs here and there. There are dirty diapers in the trash. There are a couple of milk stains on the sheets. But what do you expect? A spotless room day after day? Be realistic. Plus that's what I'm paying the hotel for, in addition for a roof over our heads, beds to sleep, the ability to shower, etc ... is the ability to have someone clean up after us.

It's your J-O-B! If you hate it, quit. Otherwise before you think of not cleaning the glasses some other guest used to drink his fifth of vodka and just rinsing it with water, think of my 3 year old using that same glass to drink his milk.

Besides if I wanted to clean up my own mess I might as well stay at home.

Photo: Yahoo

One Week

2009-02-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have one week to decide or until supplies are gone, on whether or not I want to buy this beautiful Gerard Darel bag from Delcina. It's on sale for $340, regular price $560. Ah the decisions to make.

Still in Love with Boyfriend

2009-02-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Love this look.

My Boyfriend, Well Ex-Boyfriend

2009-02-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

A favorite jean of mine.

I Heart Bacon

2009-02-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

As a bacon lover this necklace is for me!

Comforted

2009-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we went to our local farmer's market and I wore my Levi's 552 straight jeans, rolled up and paired with my black UGG's. I wasn't quite sure about the way I looked but geez it's just the farmer's market right? But now I see this photo of the lovely Isla Fisher and I'm comforted that she's wearing the almost the same look I was going for. But of course I'm no where as cute as she and her baby daughter is.

Photo: Denimology

Lovely in Teal

2009-02-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Oh this color is gorgeous. You can find the Teal Matt Bernson Barracuda sandal here.

Coraline

2009-02-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

It's too bad that the movie Coraline would be too much for my boys because I wouldn't mind seeing it. Coraline looks so delightful and having Dakota Fanning provide the voice makes it even better.

Matt Bernson Barracuda

2009-02-05T04:58:00.000-08:00

Oooh ... can't wait for the warmer weather to appear. It's raining here but when the sun comes out I want this sandal from Matt Bernson. I have other pairs from Matt Bernson and they are all fabulous and surprisingly comfortable.

Goodbye Elephant Parmacy

2009-02-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Elephant Pharmacy, known for their holistic approach to health remedies closed their doors today. What a bummer. I liked this store for their organic snacks and natural toys and supplies for kids. Ah, this economy is rough.

Gross

2009-02-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Now that's just gross. Those poor birds.

Marc Jacobs Satchel

2009-02-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

Cute bag for Spring ... thinking of getting one in this lovely bright red.

Parent Hacks Tip: Road Rage Maracas

2009-01-31T03:01:00.000-08:00

I can't help laughing when I read this terric Parent Hacks tip regarding road rage. I think it's a great idea. Often times when I'm driving my children around and some idiot cuts me off my first instinct is to call the other driver an a$$h0le. Most times I get to the word 'a$$' and I catch myself. If I was to wave an "angry maraca" instead that would be perfect. Can you imagine the other driver's face seeing an pissed-off mama, waving a maraca with an angry face draw on at them? Priceless.

Photo: Parent Hacks

Kids Busy Box

2009-01-30T02:53:00.000-08:00

Trying to decide whether or not to purchase this Kids Busy Box that I saw on Parent Hacks. It's a box filled with arts and craft supplies and 20 craft projects for children ages 3-7. It's a great concept but I feel like a lazy mama if I just don't head over to my local Michael's store and pick up the stuff myself. Then head on over to Kaboose or Family Fun to find the craft ideas.

What do you think?

Juicy Couture Delia Sneaker

2009-01-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for the review on Zappos that said the shoes were uncomfortable. I didn't want to go down the Juicy Couture road but almost did. These shoes looked fab with those zippers. But now reading that they are uncomfortable I'll do the right thing and stick with my good old Converse slip-on's.

Organic Elephant

2009-01-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Fancy this hand printed organic Elephant shirt by Mika. I especially like the Elephant ear applied on the sleeve. Nice touch!

As seen on: Green Grechen

Booted

2009-01-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Today husband and I made the decision to have the cats outside 24/7. After coming home from vacation the upstairs loft was sprinkled with cat feces and urine. Ugh!! Our flight was delayed and we all didn't get home till midnight. Husband spent 20 minutes cleaning up the mess. I'm torn with this decision because our cats have mainly been indoors and I worry about their safety outside. But the loft is my children's play area. I can't have cat feces and urine spoiling the area with germs. I do not want my children playing with a toy that was sitting in a pool of urine and I didn't catch it in time.

Another factor making it difficult for me to accept this decision is that I strongly believe that it is only one cat doing this bad behavior. So I feel for my other kitty, or "squishy kitty" as I call him. Now he has to be outside just because he is "guilty by association". If we have one cat inside and one outside, one of the two will start crying because he can't be with the other. We can't have that as it will wake up the boys and us. Aargh! Whomever said that life isn't fair sure knew what they were talking about.

Dolce Vita Aries Thong

2009-01-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

Very cute! Need to get a pair for this Spring.

Give the Girl a Break!

2009-01-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

I saw this photo a couple days ago showing singer/actress Jessica Simpson in a supposed "unflattering" way. C'mon, cut the girl some slack. She's just wearing clothes that are not right for her. I would love to have a body like Jessica Simpson. She's beautiful so you media types just lay off!

Photo: Yahoo

Converse All Star Double Tongue

2009-01-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

Ooooh nice! I have the slip on version and now I'm eyeing this double tongue style.

Foley & Corinna Jitney Must Have!

2009-01-25T00:40:00.000-08:00

Love this new piece from Foley & Corinna ... the Jitney tote. I especially adore the hardware pieces and color.

Want the Love Again

2009-01-24T00:27:00.000-08:00

Oh so want more of these jeans ... this time in the Loved wash. Of course it's the Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans. I need to get one in every wash available!

Turn the Clock Back

2009-01-23T17:16:00.000-08:00

Wowza! I like men, but Miss Audrina is looking fabulous in this ad for Divine Rights of Denim jeans. I'd like to turn the clock back about 20 years so I could work my ass off to look like Audrina Patridge does.

Photo: Denimology

Shaka!

2009-01-21T00:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Mr. President, Barak Obama. It's a new day!

Boyfriend Jean

2009-01-20T05:26:00.000-08:00

Again with the boyfriend jean ... still a fan.

Susan Farber

2009-01-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

Would like to add this Susan Farber Antique Gold Belize bag to my collection.

Look!

2009-01-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Adore this look!

You Paid Money for That?

2009-01-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

I wore my Alexander Wang Baggy Denim Shorts today. I love them. They are comfy and have that slightly, just ever so slighty dirty look, so I don't have to worry so much with keeping them spotless. A little juicebox stain no biggie with these shorts. I paired the shorts with a vintage shirt, belt and my go-to sandals that go-with-everything.

We go over to my Grandma's house to have lunch and of course, my family members laugh at my shorts. "You paid money for that?!". Hey, if I could have my Taro wear my denim to get that worn and ripped look, I would but I can't, he wouldn't fit it plus he'd look silly wearing his mommy's clothes. But I didn't care so much about what my family members said, I love my baggy denim shorts and I'm keeping it!

AMAZING

2009-01-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

I hope everytime I fly I have a pilot like the one who skillfully landed a plane, whose engines stopped working, in the Hudson river with all passengers and crew surviving.

Privo Popcorn

2009-01-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

Love my Privo shoes ... eyeing this one to add to my collection. This is the Privo Popcorn, described as a "athleisure mary jane flat".

Bad Behavior

2009-01-08T16:44:00.001-08:00

Really people? It's so embarassing.

Gum Blobs

2009-01-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that the 5-second rule does not apply in Mexico City.

Mommy Wants One

2009-01-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

I'm seriously thinking of getting a bouncy house for inside our house. Even though the weather has been crappy off and on my boys need this inside the house. Lately they have been taking over 30 minutes to fall asleep, apparently from having too much energy left.

Tired kids = happy mama.

Want. Need.

2009-01-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

I want this bag. I am craving this bag. Someone buy me this bag ... please. It's just so pretty!

Cleaning Bitch

2009-01-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Cleaners come on Friday mornings. Later that night found a knife on the counter. Sharp knife on the counter. On the counter where my Taro can reach. Where Taro could have grabbed that knife and seriously hurt himself or someone else. WTF?!

Tragic

2009-01-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Horrible ... just tragic.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T01:31:00.000-08:00

Woohoo!! Happy 2009 ... hopefully 2009 will be full of fun and love for everyone!

I'm Drooling Over this Outfit!

2008-12-31T22:35:00.000-08:00

I want this outfit ...

Street Fashion in Japan

2008-12-29T00:47:00.000-08:00

Always loved looking at Japanese street fashion, so naturally this is one of my fave sites to visit.

Need a Tan

2008-12-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

I received these shorts and tried them on last night and boy I need a tan. Know of any good self tanners that I can purchase? I also ordered those sandals ... full on adorable. I'm under the disillusion that if I order the same items in a photo that I'll look like the model in the photo. Shhh! Don't tell me that that strategy doesn't work! To quote my oldest son ... "Not listening!!".

House Cleaner Whine Post

2008-12-27T22:06:00.000-08:00

We've had the same house cleaners for a few years now. You'd think that after three years they would know what to do with their eyes closed. But that is not the case. Found out that our main cleaner has other people working for her so she's not here all the time. So things don't get cleaned the way they are supposed to. That's one problem. Here's another. They break things. They've broken our child-proof gates, special photo frames, cabinet doors, etc ... I kid you not. We pay $100 a week for a once-a-week cleaning. But I figure with all of these f*&k up's it's actually costing me more.

These people serious lack common sense. Common sense is not expensive but their lack of it is costing me. For example I use a bath sponge ... came home to find that the sponge was on the floor of our shower. What?? WHY?! Why would one leave a bath sponge there? So it could collect all of the dirty soap water? Mmmm ... NOT!! My husband failed to notice that it was wrong to leave a bath sponge there and proceeded to take a shower with it still on the floor ... again why? So I have to throw that sponge and get a new one ... extra $$ spent again.

There is so much more to tell but I can feel my heart rate escalate when I talk about it so I'll stop.

Ugh

2008-12-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

I'm sick. Been sick for the past couple days and it's horrid. I hate being sick. Whine whine whine ... bitch bitch bitch ... well that's it ... for now.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Photo: Rockefeller Christmas Tree (New York)

My Wishlist

2008-12-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

... includes a couple of these adorable pandas!

Whee!!

2008-12-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

The boys had tons of fun playing with this toy at a local indoor play place. It's the Up & Down Roller Coaster from Step 2. Hmm ... this would have made a terrific Christmas gift.

Chocolat

2008-12-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Always loved this movie. Everytime I see it I want to drink a steamy hot cup of chocolate, not the hot chocolate with marshmallows, but the rich sipping chocolate. Sinful!

Pricey Postage

2008-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Postage is so expensive lately. What a ripoff ... one of my packages costs as much to ship as the items I sent. It would be cheaper to move to my shipping destination than to ship something.

To Yell or Not To Yell

2008-12-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

I told myself this morning that it will be a "no screaming" day. I made a pledge that I will not yell at my boys and give them that extra ounce of patience. Well suffice to say that I didn't even make it to 9am. Ugh. I'm not much of a drinker compared to my college days but boy that wine bottle on the counter looks especially tasty.

Breathe deeply ... deeeply ...

Snow in Vegasa!

2008-12-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Wow! Wish I was there.

Too Cute!!

2008-12-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

You have to see them to understand ...

Moscato

2008-12-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

Forgot how good a bottle of Moscato is. So sweet ... like dessert in a bottle.

Ah-nold

2008-12-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Tempted to get me one.

Some ECards

2008-12-10T19:18:00.001-08:00

Love these!

Eye 4 Style

2008-12-06T10:51:00.001-08:00

Looking for the latest sample sales ... visit Eye 4 Style. Very handy guide to the greatest deals. Editor Dina Fierro is your best friend for finding the fabulous sales.

Photo: Eye 4 Style

Sweetness

2008-12-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

My children's fave shoppe of the moment is the Powell's Sweet Shoppe. A new one just opened up not too far from us and wow, talk about Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I could spend hours in this place just browsing. There are so many sweets to choose from, from the new to the classic oldies. Of course my boys wanted everything they saw, of course. A kid would definitely go nuts in this place, grown-ups inlcuded.

Photo: Powell's Sweet Shoppe

Matt & Nat

2008-12-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Thinking about adding this bag to my existing Matt & Nat collection. My faves are from their vegan Japanese Paper collection and this pewter color is delish.

Photo: Shopstyle

Bite Me!

2008-12-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Saw the movie Twilight this past weekend. I read all the books and loved each one. The movie was so-so but who cares, right? I mean just to see HIM on the big screen ... who cares what everyone else thinks?

Bronx Footwear

2008-11-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

Want this badly.

Photo: Shopbop

WTF? Walmart Employee is Killed ...

2008-11-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

By a stampede of insane shoppers at a Walmart in New York. Seriously people, is a laptop worth the life of an innocent man? Is a DVD player worth it? A six pack of men's underwear?? HELL ... NO. I even read that shoppers were angered when told that the store was closing because of the death. What the hell people? Don't forget for those of you involved ... karma can be a bitch.

Naomi Watts

2008-11-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not pregnant but I want to dress like Naomi Watts. I've been loving her outfits whether she's going out for coffee or walking the red carpet. So pretty!

Photo: Celebrity Baby Blog

The French Way

2008-11-27T05:17:00.000-08:00

I am salivating ...

Photo: La Tartine Gourmande

If I had a Nickel ...

2008-11-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

for every cough I heard in my house over the past 4 days I could bail out GM. Boys and husband are still sick. What terrific timing.

Child of Flames

2008-11-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Love this blog ...

Photo: Child of Flames

Zebra Baking Mix

2008-11-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

The boys and I baked some chocolate chip cookies with the Zebra Mix baking kit. The kit incorporates organic ingredients plus it was so much fun to make. Also the cookies were quite yummy. This would definitely make a good rainy day activity or a gift for a special little one.

Brandon's Legacy

2008-11-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

Truly inspring.

Jack is Back!

2008-11-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

Two years is a long time but I am happy that Jack Bauer is back to save the day.

Revolve Sale

2008-11-24T15:56:00.001-08:00

Revolve's sale items are endless + use code NOTCOTLOVESREVOLVE for an additional 25% off. Of course their usual exclusion list applies.

Tobi Sale

2008-11-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

Tobi has a sale too!

ShopBop Discounts

2008-11-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

My fave Shopbop and their tiered discount system.

Velvet Priya Cashmere Goodness

2008-11-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

So want this!

Falke

2008-11-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

Oh I just got mine and can't wait to put these on. So what if an 80's flashback, the legwarmers, but don't they look comfy? It will be useful on those cold nights where a bit of extra warmth on the ankles would not hurt at all. You can find the lovely Falke Leg/Arm Warmers at one of my fave sites, Shopbop.

Teatro Zinzani

2008-11-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

Saw Teatro Zinzani in San Francisco last night. Highly recommended! There is fabulous food with even more fab entertainment. A must!

Denim Blog

2008-11-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

If you like looking at celebs in various brands of denim head on over to Denim Blog. It's a great site to see what the latest jean trends are and how they look.

Photo: Denim Blog

Boyfriend Jean

2008-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

Love this look ... of course I have to be able to walk in heels and of course, I can't. Go to Shopbop to get this stylish look.

Nap Pak

2008-11-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

An alternative to the blanket my boys are using for their naptime at school ... the Nap Pak.

Dapper Snappers

2008-11-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

Debating whether or not to pick up a couple of these Dapper Snappers for my boys. Most of the pants I buy them have adjustable waistbands so loose pants is not so much of a problem. But you never know ...

It's About Time!

2008-11-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Whatever it takes, Romo or no Romo, a win is a win ... whew!

Cross My Body

2008-11-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Liking this handbag from SHIH by Stephanie Lin. This is the Monica Messenger in Taupe. Sweet!

Fall with Daftbird

2008-11-15T04:46:00.000-08:00

This wrap from Daftbird is one of my favorite fall pieces. It's currently 25% off at Sway and Cake.

Twilight Fever

2008-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

I absolutely CANNOT wait for this movie to be released. I would love to be Bella, of course I'm old enough to be her mother, but hey, I can dream.

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

More Pancakes Please

2008-11-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

Another pancake obsession from Smitten Kitchen.

Photo: Smitten Kitchen

Coffee Cake Pancakes

2008-11-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

I'd like to make this yummy looking coffee cake pancakes one morning.

Photo: Baking Bites

Shopbop 30% OFF

2008-11-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

I've already placed two separate orders ... give me the strength to stop looking!

Morelle

2008-11-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Adorable on the go bag ... the Truffle Clutch in Gray Leather from Morelle.

Frye Love

2008-11-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

Wanted one and got mine today! This lovely item is the Frye Engineer Boot. The weather's a bit warmer this week so I'll hold off the breaking in for a few days ... what a bummer!

I Covet This

2008-11-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

I so want this look.

Xmitten's Shop

2008-11-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Ooooh, I like these. Lovely fleece finglerss gloves from Xmitten.

Book Swim

2008-11-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Now here's a good gift idea for the book reader on your Christmas list, Book Swim. It's like Netflix, but it's for books instead of DVD's. I'd like to get a membership started so I can get some good books for my kids and cookbooks for me. I already have a Kindle so as for fiction/non-fiction books I'm set.

Pan Fried Steak from Cafe Johnsonia

2008-11-09T01:18:00.000-08:00

So want to make this when we get back from vacation. Does anyone know where I can get organic/hormone-free cube steaks from in the Bay Area? You can find the recipe at the wonderful blog, Cafe Johsonia ... yummy recipes and beautiful photos!

PS - I also want to try the Sticky Chicken ... gives me a good excuse to get out the Crock Pot.

Photo: Cafe Johnsonia

Moop Madness

2008-11-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yum!! I so adore these bags from wonderful Wendy at Moop. I own more than I care to mention. Every bag is made to order. I think the current wait time is about 2 weeks but it is SO worth it! The bags are excellently crafted using high quality materials. I use one Moop bag pretty much at least once a day. You see I have some what of a bag fetish so I change bags like I change my ... well you know what I'm referring to. Being a mom the Moop bags are great to take to the park, swim lessons, soccer lessons, etc ... Since they are washable I don't have to stress too much about the little ones getting their sticky hands all over it.

Hurry and pick one up at her many stores (Etsy, Supermarket and Moop Shop). They sell fast! I am especially digging her organic bags. I have the Organic Market Bag in Dark Grey and love the style. Now I'm craving the Organic Espresso Brown Market Bag.

Check out her blog as to what's going on with the Moop crew.

Note to Wendy: stop with all these fabulous well made and stylish bags ... my wallet is taking a beating!

Photo: Moop

What to Eat?

2008-11-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

I'm always trying to think of what to cook for dinner at home. Something that I think everyone will like. My search for our next meal majority of times takes me to the internet, I mean seriously, where else? I'm liking This Week for Dinner ... yummy food along with easy to follow recipes. Perfecto!

Photo: This Week for Dinner

Cashmere Craving

2008-11-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

Want this. Never owned anything made out of cashmere. Think it's about time.

Congratulations

2008-11-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who voted. Regardless if your candidate won or not this election year, be proud that you took the time to make a difference.

Photo: Yahoo

Do it Now!

2008-11-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

Did you vote?

Photo: Yahoo

Pack it Up

2008-11-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday already and I need to pack. Family is off to Tahoe for a quick vacation. Husband and I need to maintain our players' points so that we can maintained our "loved" status at Harrah's casinos. You see, when you are "loved" by the casinos they offer you free rooms, meals, amenities, the works ... the key word here is FREE. Of course it's not really free being that we have to gamble to earn these things but we both love to gamble, so if we're going to do it anyway might as well get some free stuff.

Photo: Harrahs.com

The Most Important Meal

2008-11-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

I really should eat breakfast every day, no REALLY every day. But I'm so rushed getting breakfast for my boys that I wave off making anything for myself. But what's so hard about a good bowl of cereal right? Nothing right. I should make a point of visiting this beautiful site, Simply Breakfast. Talk about morning meal inspiration.

Photo: Simply Breakfast