It's My Party!

Bruce & I at the end of a great night...Don't we look fresh!

I don't know how to get that dang date stamp off my photos. It's so irritating! But, check us out!
Turning 32 was absolutely fabulous, AS IT SHOULD BE! I'd been planning my birthday outfit for weeks. I had this vision in my mind of how I wanted it to be. The thing is that I knew we would be doing karaoke. I've been planning that too. I love singing all the classic rock chic songs. Janis Joplin, Pat Benatar, Bonnie Tyler, Blondie.....So, I had to look like a rock star! I wore my skinny jeans...of course everything held in tight with my SPANX. I found this fabulous shirt at TJ Maxx. Got some great jewelry. Lots of make-up. It came down to Friday, I picked up the babysitter and we went to the shoe store to finalize my look. The shoes aren't in the picture. That's a cryin' shame!

We went to dinner a La Rosa Blanca with some friends. You must go to this place! Excellent food and great live music on Friday nights. It was dreamy to have a bunch of Mexican men surround me with guitars and tambourine's and sing their lungs out! Wheww!

After dinner we went to Ruru Lala.....small group but so fun!! Here's a few pics and some video clips(although the video is pretty dark, you can hear us screeching out our songs!)

Felisha & Ashley.....prego power!!
Dan , myself, Georgia and Mary

Jason and Bruce rock the house!


"I Will Survive"....but you might die listening to it!

What a little color can bring

This is a picture of me from last month, right after I colored my hair. Yes, I DID IT MYSELF! I'm trying to cut costs like everyone else. I went to Johnathon the next week for a cut because the fact remains that he can make me look & feel fabulous like no other!! A little Lady Gaga and some funny stories about the life of a gay man and I walk away feeling so full of life and overjoyed at how blessed my life is. I have an internal list of seemingly shallow things that are rather important in my life. Hair happens to be at the top. It's almost a tie with make-up but I think hair is really the first. Don't you dare judge me for it either.

Let me tell you a little story to illustrate why. When I was a youngster, growing up in Chico, I had a very VERY awkward stage. I was tall and lanky. I was uncoordinated and clumsy. I had a big nose that already had hair growing out of it. I had big bucky beaver teeth. I had no butt. I had (& still do) a deformed thumb. When I started into middle school, the middle of 6th grade, after moving to Red Bluff....I still had all of these physical insecurities and then my boobs got huge. I actually started wearing a bra in 4th grade. The boys in my primary class would snap my bra. It was humiliating. By the end of 6th grade I was a D cup. By high school I was a DD. Boys at school ignored me most of the time. They only occasionally acknowledged me and that was only to offer me money if they could see my boobs. What a bunch of jack @##@! Still no butt, still buck teeth, and on and on. You might wonder why I'm describing myself in such a way...Easy, this is how I remember myself because this is what people teased me about every day. The first time I got teased about my nose hairs was in 3rd grade. We were playing Red Rover out in the field. I was standing in the long line when the kid next to me looked at me and said "You're nose is disgusting...I've never seen such a forest in one nostril before." No one told me about nose hair trimmers until I was an adult. That's just mean. Then there was the time on the last day of 6th grade. I had actually just finished school. My mom let me go down to Chico to go to the last day of my old school with my cousin for the big play day. I was thrilled to see my old friends. It had only been a few months that I'd been gone. We were on the blacktop in the middle of a volleyball game when this girl clear across the blacktop yelled across the playground, "Hey that Tanja girl that use to piss her pants in class is back." Everyone laughed. Except me. There was the time in the 7th grade when my social studies teacher was talking about how the color of mankind's skin has evolved over time based on their geographic location. He believed that Africa made black skinned people because they had more sun exposure and over time their skinned had evolved into a very dark pigment. He thought that you should be able to tell the geographic location of your ancestry based on how well your skin tans. I thought this was complete crap (as most things taught in Red Bluff were) and was very confused. I asked him how is it then that my sister would get extremely tan while I would just burn and stay white. We have the exact same ancestry so obviously you cannot tell from tanning ability alone where you're from. He said in front of the entire class, "It's obvious that you are of African descent because you're facial features are much to large to be from any other continent."

I could go on for hours with all the stories of ridicule and insults that lead to the complexity of my complexes. I can tell you this. The only way I have been able to ignore the voices of those bullies,( and I still hear them from time to time), was to have great hair, great make-up and look cute. Something about having great color on your hair and face make me feel like a million bucks. I forget for a moment that I hate my flabby flat toosh. I forget that my belly is now nasty. I can love my enormous nostrils and mouth. I'm happy to be seen by people. I'm happy to be with my husband and my kids. I can get stuff done. If I let my hair go, I'm back to being that awkward kid that picks herself over about every little thing. I just sit around and feel sorry for myself. I'm not saying hair is most important in life. Obviously, it's not even close. But if something as simple as making sure my hair looks good gives me the confidence to be happy in my own skin then it's sooo worth it! I guess the truth is that those that judge me for the fact that I care about how I look really don't know me at all. Maybe they should try a bottle of color and see what it brings them? Bet it's something good!!

As for those mean kids, I have better hair than you...neener!!! neener!!!! neener!!!!

Move over FlyLady...SexyLady's in the House!

A word of advice to my lady friends, go buy yourself a sexy apron to put on in the morning after you've showered and got your make-up on. Wear it all day and be amazed at what you'll happily accomplish. There's nothing like some flashy red lipstick and a HOT apron to make you feel domestic bliss!!

P.S. And if you happen to have one of those husbands who scrutinizes every purchase...get the apron anyway...shower up, makeup on, put on ONLY the apron...he'll forgive you!!

A New Week

Hmmm, I've got another confession. (I like to get things off my chest!) In addition to binge eating and not exercising I've been on a bit of a spending streak too. UGHHH, the guilt. Well, that's a lie. I've always felt that I feel guilty for not feeling guilty. Does that make sense? My friend Molly refers to it as the good ole' Catholic guilt. I'm not Catholic. I'm a Mormon. But, my dad came from a Catholic family so I think not only do I have the Mormon guilt...I've inherited the Catholic guilt too. It's a double whammy! But, The guilt isn't what I want to talk about.

I want to talk about what I've been spending on. As much as I need to get myself in check, I admit I'm sooo elated about it. I ran out of my favorite Lancome moistuizer way back when....So, I got another. Chi-Ching! I also had run out of my favorite shampoo & conditioner, Pureology. Chi-Ching! I got my hair cut on Friday. Then I was at Target & they have some really cute stuff right now... I picked up a fabulous hat & denim jacket. After that trip I went to Red Bluff. The main intent was to take care of my Grandpa for the weekend. I ran over to a jewery show with my sister before my shift officially started. I came home with a lovely, plump bag of jewelry. Oh, and another hat! Chi-Ching! I stayed the night with Gramps and had a great weekend with my family. My mom, sister & I snuck down to Chico for a few hours to have a little get together with Patrice. That is when the food binging got bad. I had a stomach ache the rest of the day and into Sunday. But....I looked really cute in my new hats & earrings!!!

Now, Monday has arrived. The spending spree is DONE! It's to the gym and minimal eating for me. How wonderful it is to have a fresh start!

Bringin' Sexy Back

You all know how I work. I'm fun and spunky and so dang gorgeous(ok, I'll keep the narcissism in check). That is until I go too long without getting my hair done or let my eyebrows get in a funk or gain some lbs or have some funny skin thing. I've had all of these!!! I've learned from my past mistakes. When you sit a wallow in self pity you just get fatter & uglier. There's no way around it. So, as my favorite saying goes, "Put on your big girl panties & DEAL". (I do sport a very cute apron that says this!) So, I made a plan.

1. Get a sitter...Kids went to Grandma's house for a few hours.
2. Head straight way to Nordie's...no detours.
3. Park by the lingerie dept...get measured for some hooter holder uppers, find the perfect fit, close the deal!(Please be measured everytime you go...and remember beige is not old lady, it's essential.)
4. If you have $, head to the denim racks to try on a good 10-20 pair of designer jeans. Goal is the illusion of a hot booty! $$'s tight, like mine is, head over to the next best thing...the Rack! Same goal.
5. New tee, just low enough to show off the hot new cleavage but barely high enough to pass the modesty check.
6. Eyebrow wax and I'm set.
7. Hair appt scheduled. Bummer I have to wait a couple weeks...but well worth the wait.

Now, that's the short term rescue plan, which has helped me tremendously. Now I've got to lose a few lbs which really sucks because I love great food above all else. But, you know, Rome wasn't built in a day...I'll be working on that one.

The Eyelash

I get compliments on my eyes all the time. I've got them all fooled. The truth is this...I have little bity eyes. You can't see my eyelashes all that well unless you get up close. I have short eyelashes. With make-up, there's so much deception. I have to have a great mascara to conceal or fake what's really there(or not there). I've run into people when I didn't have make-up on & they either don't recognize me or they ask if I'm not feeling well. That makes you feel good! I've only worn fake eyelashes a few times. All of them were the ones you buy at Target or WalMart and you apply yourself. The glue really irritates my eyes. Which is a real bummer because I would wear fake eyelashes pretty much all the time. Then it occurred to me, I could get eyelash extentions. Something semi-permanent. I've overheard the process as I've laid in the salon getting my eyebrows waxed. I might check into this. I also just read an article about an up & coming drug, similar to Botox, but it stimulates eyelash growth. If it goes on the market, it will make things like fake eyelashes a thing of the past. I'd really like to know if anyone has tried this and whether they thought it was worth the discomfort. (As I'm typing, I'm realizing that I sound very shallow & superficial...I'm really not. Promise.) I just know that when I look good, I feel good, when I feel good, I am a happier, postive & more motivated person to my favorite people; my family! Now I must go put on my face!

Happiness in a Handbag or 2...or 3

Here are my 3 new & fabulous handbags that I picked up at my jewelry show. Aren't you jealous?





Thank you to my gorgeous photographer. It was a long shoot to get it right, but she hung in there and did great!

Veggies, Please with some Bling on the Side

I know I'm starting off subject...but, I thought if I waited a full week to post it might allow for people to lerk and they would eventually comment. I was wrong. I seem to have several peepers who would rather remain silent. Admittedly, it's so silly but I tend to be hurt over a lack of commenting on my blog. I realize that's ridiculous. I'm over it. I've accepted that I have people that won't comment too much. I will try to be grateful people care to stop by at all.



On to the real post, I awoke yesterday morning to find my new box from Farm Fresh. This week we received sweet potatoes, collard greens, kale, leeks,broccoli,radishes, fennel, cranberries, pears & apples. This is so exciting for me. What do I do first?

I chopped leeks, collard greens & kale. Sauteed them for a bit. Boiled & chopped up a butternut squash from last time. Through in some lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken stock with course salt & pepper & oh, what a yummy soup did I have.

The kids weren't as convinced. Bruce, however, (he's my toughest critic) liked it. In fact, I think he really liked it. He happened to pass through the kitchen when I was cooking and saw the ingredients which was not good. I'm sure had he not seen them raw he never would have known and would have enjoyed it even more.

About my jewelry show, Holy Toleto, thanks to all my wonderful peeps that came. It was SO fun. I can't believe how great I did. My sister-in-law did a fabulous job setting the whole thing up. I'll be posting pics of my new loves shortly. I got so much stuff that I'll be cheery and positive for at least a full week!

P.S. I do give full credit to my couple of buddies that comment regularly. I can count on you to brighten my day!

P.S.S. (or is it P.P.S? I'm deliriously tired.) If any of you locals are interested in Farm Fresh to you. I have 3 $5 off a box coupons to hand out. You can order only 1 box to try it and see what you think. First come, first serve!

My Hair

Today I went to my favorite stylist, Johnathon. I've been seeing him for almost 9 years. He understands my need for great hair. My self esteem is in my hair. I know this seems shallow. But, nonetheless, tis true. Johnathon is my oldest girlfriend. We listen to our old favorites together, today was Whitney Houston. We usually listen to old Madonna and our absolute favorite, George Michael. We both had posters of him in our bedrooms when we were young. I'm very loyal to him. (George and Johnathon) I'm so lucky to have a hair guy that knows how to make me SIZZLIN' HOT!

One Sexy Sabbath Day

Yesterday, I awoke unusually excited to go to church for the 4 hour block. As a member of the LDS church, I take in 3 full hours of spiritual enlightenment, as do all other members. I, however, have the great joy of adding a 4th hour for the choir. Oh, do I love choir...(Just in case you can't tell there is some sarcasm you should be sensing.)
Don't get me wrong. I do love going to church. And I really do love playing piano for the choir. It's just all the stress and rushing it takes to get there and have the kids running wild through the chapel while I play that brings on my dread. Yesterday, was different. The choir was performing in Sacrament meeting and we were actually playing one of my most favorite songs that I've ever played for a choir. There were lots of booming octaves in the bass, which always makes it sound so grand. Best of all, I GOT A NEW DRESS!! Some would say it was the spirit of God helping me play well, some may say there were angels by my side, some might even believe my dedicated practice did the job...I know better. I LOOKED HOT!!! When I look that fabulous, I can do great things. I don't know what it is but I played that song so well. I nearly started crying in the midst of the performance. I couldn't believe how beautiful our music sounded. I was so pleased with my dress, that I made Bruce take a picture of me before I left the house in the morning. I know I must sound very ridiculous and vain. I'm not. Every girl should go get all dolled up and pampered and test my theory. I guarantee improved attitude and self-esteem.

DeLICIOUS Lips

All woman should have these essentials....They are my favs!.

My Fountain of Youth

Everyone that knows me well would say that one thing I am so uncomfortable about is being seen without my make-up. When I wear my makeup and have my hair done, I mostly look in the mirror and think to myself, "I still got it!", but no makeup, oh shi-shi...One time I went to piano lessons and every student that day asked me what was wrong. I said, "Nothing, I'm fine." To which they replied, "Your face doesn't look so good". (Please teach your snotty children to keep their mouths shut!) lol.

Now, I'm changing my view. I found this product by Lancome. It's the at home kit to microderm abrasion. I love, love, love it. I've only used it once and can't believe how smooth my skin is. It glows. I had some brownish spots that have almost disappeared. I went to Total Beauty without makeup and the ladies at the counter were telling me how beautiful my skin is. They said it looks like porcelain.

Try it!!!