The Old West

Deputy Tom, Miss Kitty-Diane, Gambler Nader, Senorita Sally, Madam Sue, Marshall George

Our last night in Scottsdale we had a costume party at a ranch in old west attire. It was pretty funny. People really get into it, esspecially when they drink. It's even funnier when you aren't drunk. Seriously, imagine if I drank...I'm crazy enough without it! Tom loved his badge and gun. I looked like Miss Kitty. Who gets to do that...it's like a soap opera!

So Savvy

I just want to give a shout out to Savvy Girl-Holla! When I was in Scottsdale, of course I was looking at jewelry...none of it was half as cute and all of it was at least twice as much! I was at boutiques and galleries where they had trunk shows and one of a kind pieces, but nothing as unique and cool as Cydney's collection. We're lucky to have access to such great style and chic accessories.

Three Funerals and a Spa

After my brother's funeral in December, President Hinckley's in January and Grandma Olsen's in February I could use some R&R. The Rx: The Boulders Resort in Scottsdale. It was...I'm going to use the F-word...fabulous! The Golden Door Spa was the perfect place to unwind. I was poked, prodded, pampered and if I do say so myself, my pores are positively purified! I'm not really one for public nudity, but it doesn't take me long to just go with it. I had some perfect days...spa treatments, lunch and shopping with Becky, followed by dinner with some of my favorite people I only see once or twice a year. I love it when my biggest dilemma is...what shall I eat and what shall I wear?! That is the life. I could get used to it. Oh, I already am! Royal treatment...Lady Di lives!!

Auntie Di

These kids call me Auntie Di. Yesterday on the way home from preschool Sam told his friend,"This is my Auntie Di. She's my favorite!" I love spending time with these kids. They crack me up and warm my heart!! Besides I'll answer to anything.

Let's Put the FUN Back In FUNeral!

Tante Marit 96

The other night my nephew was praying and said, "Bless that we can have fun at Grandma Olsen's funeral." I love it, and we did. This was a joyful day. Grandma lived a long full life and we could celebrate that. Besides we already put the FUN back in dysFUNctional...we might as well!

Aunt Bidan

These boys call me Aunt Bidan. Braden used to call me Aunt Diego. How good is that? I love these guys. They provide endless entertainment and never a dull moment!

Shoesday

These are fabulous! My huband earns a professional award each year and I am the recipient of a gift card. Whoo Hoo!! These shoes are shoegasmic. Thanks Tom and PFG!!

My New Wheels

These are my new wheels. I call my old ones "the grand people pedals." I'm moving up in the world. Tom went 65 miles on his bike today. I go for 6 minutes. Impressive, I know. I may not go far but I'm getting stronger! No triathlons in my future. I just want to walk without my strut. However, I hear it gives me street cred...I'm all about that!

You're Welcome!

Seriously, how cute!

In Memory

Ellen Blattman Olsen 101 years. My Grandma lived an amazing life. She joined the church in Norway then immigrated to the US. She raised four children, and influenced grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren! She was a widow for 50 years. She lived on her own up until this week. Thanks for the krumkake, kringle, and goro. What a legacy, what a life!

The Wrong Side of The Tracks

These are my tracks..."they're tryin to make me go to rehab, I just say no, no, no." I promise I'm not a druggy and the only rehab I've been in is physical therapy. This is what happened to me when I got an IV push of Boniva this week. This was the second attempt. My veins stink! After my Humpty-Dumpty episode in July I had to do something to help my fragile bones. Of course I'm allergic to the oral meds, so this is my alternative. I'll look like this every three months. If you notice, don't try to make me go to rehab!

My Marathon Man

Top Ten Reasons I Love Tom:

1. He's a great Dad to our kids


2. What other guy would volunteer to be the team photographer and "team mom"


3. He's generous. He gives thoughtful gifts. A vase with the promise of flowers for a year. A cook once a week.


4. He cooks too


5. He does laundry


6. He's patient. It's been a rough year with all my health issues.


7. He works hard


8. He's all about service. That's his middle name.


9. He's steady. He 's the ying to my yang.


10. He's cute...have you seen his calves?!

Time For A Change Part Deux

Before

After

So continues family history through furniture. This chair was our first purchase as a married couple. It's partner was a handsome navy blue sofa. Totally 80's! I used to be a little bit country...now I'm a little bit rock-n-roll. Can you dig the mauve tile in the background?! I love this picture of Jordan. He was 5 years old. He had no fear and thus, always had a contussion or two. I just had this chair recovered. It's over 20 years old I think it's about time. I guess I'm still a little bit country...french country.

Shoesday!

These are cool...I mean warm. My daughter got these for Christmas. My sister-in-law has them in black. I want to join the cool club so I ordered them in sand. Of course they're back ordered so, I'll have to wait a little longer to be cool...I mean warm.

Sunset So Cal Style

Okay, I don't have words. Enjoy!

Shut Up and Drive!

I love awards shows. Tonight is the Grammy's! The fashion, the music, it rocks! This year I'm loving Rihanna...Umbrella-ella. My theme song for the year is Shut Up and Drive! I can't wait til my baby gets her license. No more carpool! Did I say I'm excited. We haven't had our drivers around since September. Soon I'll have a chauffeur.

Girl's Night Out

Tonight we had a mother-daughter night at the theatre. We saw Alice in Wonderland. My friend's daughter played the lead. She was an amazing Alice and she owned the stage. I love community theatre and esspecially youth productions. The sets and costumes were so professional and the kids were adorable. It was a great night at the theatre.

$73 Outfit

I love Laura's $73 outfit of the week posts http://jeffandjer.star941sandiego.com ...I can't get enough of this stuff!

Recycle

Recycle yourself! Seven months ago I never thought about this stuff. Since my accident and having "cadaver croutons" (my Dr.'s words not mine) transplanted into my leg, I think about it a lot. I think maybe my donor was a gangsta, hence the gangsta strut. Anyway, they changed my life. I'm going to call the DMV and have them add the donor on my license. I need to give back. Just something to consider. It could save or improve the quality of someone's life.

Oops They Did it Again !

Oh no they didn't, not again. Bath and Body Works has once again discontinued my favorite scent pink grapefruit. How rude. Don't they know that aromatherapy is key to my happiness. I've tried other citrus scents in the past. Some make you smell like you've been dusting or doing dishes. Not exactly what I'm going for. Pink grapefruit is clean, fresh and not too sweet. Oh well, I guess I'll have to be content with coconut lime verbena and sparkling peach. I do have a small stash...and then there's always complaining to customer relations.

Super Shoesday!

These boots are made for walking with our candidate to the White House. Go Mitt!

The Only Toys You'll Ever Need

Through the years we've had all the latest and greatest toys. If I only knew that these were going to be the most popular, I could have saved lots of money. Little ones and adults alike enjoy them. I can't count the number of people that have had their face, foot or hand on the green thing. Disgusting! Not exactly sanitary. Save yourself some money and run right out and get these...available at Target.

The Princess of Quite -A-Lot

This is the Princess sitting on her throne...back in the day and now. When she was little I called her Brynnderella and sometimes Brynella Deville. Look how she's grown, taller than me. I love having a daughter. Someone who likes fashion, shopping, and sports. She is brave, brilliant, and beautiful. If I wasn't her Mom I'd want to be her friend...but, I don't know if I'm cool enough.

Taste Buds

This is a shout out for my sister's new recipe blog Taste Buds...http://annemarie-livelovelaugh.blogspot.com/ She's so good...like a young, cool Barefoot Contessa. Some of her recipes are from the cookbook she made for Christmas with recipes from our Mom and Grandmas. Thanksgiving she came and cooked for us and saved my family from another holiday with Aunt Marie (Marie Calender.) Don't be shocked but, I actually made her Chicken Tortellini Soup this week. I think it's the first time I've made soup from scratch! How can I improve on Campbell's or better yet the fresh gourmet soup from the grocery store?! My family enjoyed it, now, let's order take-out!

They're Back!

...After!

I'm so excited. The upholstery guy called yesterday afternoon to say my chairs were done. What? Only 2 days! These guys are genius. I didn't expect them til Feb. 12th. I love how they turned out. The fabric on the wingback chairs goes a little freaky with the flash. They have gone from shabby chic to chic. The fabric is from the Candace Olson collection. HGTV Divine design...how divine!