I'm a little bit COUNTRY...

Each year, my BB(Ady) and I go to at least one country show!

Last week, we went to Sugarland at the Greek with two other GFs (Megan and Hilary).

 We started the night at a great quaint lil restaurant called Lil Dom's.
I highly recommend this restaurant!
Great ambiance.
Definitely try the rice balls and burrata salad.
Pizzas are delish, white fish amazing and lasagne so so!
Over all it gets a two thumbs up YUMMO award from me!
After dinner we rushed to the theater.

What a fun night, despite the ticket snafu?!
They printed out in another language and I didn't notice, so we (and the security) could not find our seats.

But we lucked out and ended up getting to lean against a wall much closer to the stage than our original seats.
I have to say Sugarland isn't my favorite country band, but seeing them live made me love them! 
Their stage was among the best I've seen at country concerts.

XO,
S

p.s. Can I get an Amen for having a driver there and back.  Parking at concert venues can be such a B, so worth it to get a limo or car.  :)

So much to discuss...

Happy belated Mother's Day to the most AMAZING woman I know!

I love that you are MINE! 

I was generic and unoriginal with this year's mother's day gift.  I went with perfume - Chloe Love

It smells wonderful and sweet, just like mi momma! 

And I just have to say, I LOVE NORDSTOM and their unmatched customer service! 

I wish I was rich and could shop their weekly, monthly, even bi-monthly... just more than I do now!

In other news, the verdict is out on Bottega Louie! While I understand the draw to this restaurant, it was definitely way too ZOOish for Shane and I.  Luckily we got a corner booth, so we were out of the chaos for the most part.  The service was fantastic, however for us the food left something to be desired.  I think it would be a better place to go with a group or while you are pregnant (lots of cute bellies around the place), so you can try more of a variety of food.  With just the two of us, we couldn't order much of a variety.  The scallops and our salad were good, but the seafood manicotti was overcooked and just sorta blah! Mas Malo across the street had a cool bar downstairs where we had a great time celebrating our dear friend's bday!  Happy 35th Nick! 

All in all the NEW Downtown LA is pretty cool, but I'm still a fan of the Westside (aka. the BEST side).  Staycations are the best! When it's time to go home, you're only 20 minutes away.  

Last night we watched Fair Game, definitely a great rental!  Starring Naomi Watts (love her) and a very old looking Sean Penn (I cannot believe Scarlett is dating him, eweee).  

Anyhooie Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mommies and mommy to be's in my life!

XO, 

S

Verdict on Movies at SM Place and The Yard!

 The BIG Screen!

 My Models. LOL

Two thumbs up for each.
The Yard  had a tasty, well priced happy hour. 

I highly recommend the fish tacos. 

The movie at SM place was really fun!

Small crowd

No need for chairs (see pic above), plenty of seats and tables

No one barked at open wine and food

Only down fall is it was little hard to hear

There you have it! 

XO,

S & S

P.S.  LOVE the Gel Nails. 

Local Things To Do!

Each year I tell myself I'm going to try and do more of the wonderful extra curricular activities offered right in my own backyard.  Each year I do like one- FAIL.  This year/summer I hope to do more than just the usual Sunday trip to Farmers.
Tonight we're checking out a movies on the dining deck at Santa Monica Place. First we are meeting friends for HH at The Yard (looks mighty fab, food critique later). And then we'll head over with our blankets and chairs to watch an oldie but goodie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Cause seriously, "The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"

Channeling my inner Bueller. 

Other local events I hope to check out during our upcoming warm months:

Concerts at the Pier (I've been, but not nearly enough)

Yoga near the beach

First Fridays on Abbot Kinney

More wine tasting in Malibu here and here and here...

The Getty

Explore the NEW and improved Downtown, Los Angeles (headed their Mother's Day weekend)

Cooking classes

And so much more.

Happy Hump Day!

XO, 

S

Perfect weekend with my LOVE!

Weekend started off with a nice night in and this delicious meal. 

Recipe here.

Uh-maz-ing and easy. 

Watched The Romantics, it was okay at best.

Saturday we went on a MUCH needed date to the Bungalow Club with a coupon we bought on 

Livingsocial.com

 (love this site)

Yummy dinner and good wine. 

Fondue fun. 

My LOVE and I, not afraid to take down the entire plate of fruit and marshmallows!

After dinner we had planned to go to The Groundlings (Improv/comedy club) with another coupon we bought, but had a poor experience reserving seats, terrible customer service, didn't go to the show and WILL NOT be returning there! 

Instead we topped the night off by celebrating our friend Mandy's birthday at the Hudson.

Holly hot spot batman, super crowded, but FUN!

  Finished the weekend with brunch on Sunday with the Peykoffs...

I LOVE our friends! 

Now it's time to work off the food and drink.  

Happy Monday.

XO, 

S

"That bitch is back and better than ever"

Can't wait to hear new Britney Spears!

Big fan always and forever!

P.S. On an AI (American Idol) note, I have to say Julie blew it for me last night.  And everyone can shut up  about the judges sucking now and missing Simon.  So they are nice, so am I, who cares if they aren't always completely honest.  I like them!!!  It's not up to them anymore anyways, it's up to America.
GO McDonald!  

XO, 

S

American Idol, are you loving this season or what?

BEST.SEASON.EVER.

We are thinking so. 

First off, love, love, love the new judges!  Randy, I could take or leave, I feel like he's on repeat, but Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are awesome to watch. Holly stunning Jennifer! True musicians, giving worthy opinions.  The talent seems to be pretty amazing this season as well, several artists I would go out and buy their CDs right now.  Loving the pianists, base player and unique voices.  Looking forward to seeing if mine and Shane's predictions of the Top 5 come true. 

Hard to pick, but here we go...

Mine: (in no particular order)

Casey Abrams

Jacob Lusk
Julie Zorrilla

Lauren Aliana

Paul McDonald

Shane:

James Durbin

Jacob Lusk

Casey Abrams
Lauren Aliana
Julie Zorrilla

I think James Durbin is fabulous, but kinda like I'm watching Lambert again, so I think America might not vote him as far as they would if it was something new and fresh for Idol.  Looks like we see pretty eye to eye who the talent is.  We shall see... Who knows? 

Happy watching... 

XO,
S & S

Things that make me happy

During a week that hasn't been filled with smiles and laughs for me, I thought I'd share something that does make me smile! 

these yummy little jellies make me happy...  

On another note, last night we (Sham) watched another great flick, kinda on a roll with the documentary style indie films as of late. 

Check out Waiting for Superman

I'd be lying if I didn't say how terribly disturbing and upsetting it is to watch how poor of shape our country's education system is in. We all need to do our part in improving it.  I plan on finding a way to to do mine!  I will let you all know when I figure out what that is.  I did donate to my cousin's classroom, but there's got to be more. 

XO,
S

All in ONE weekend blog!

Catfish, Cupping, Upper West, 30th Birthday, Valentine's Day Feast = Quite the Eventful Weekend

 

 

Rent it, you will not regret it!

Catfish Review

Went in for an acupuncture visit, came out looking like this

I didn't have quite this many leper spots, but I had the same procedure done

It's called cupping, click for a more detailed explanation of it's benefits. 

After I got cupped, I spent a lovely day with my Adydu enjoying the almost 80 degree LA weather in January.

Saturday evening, Shane and I ate at Upper West, a newish hot spot on the west side.  The atmosphere and bar were fabulous.  The food was pretty good, minus the dessert which we shouldn't have ordered. 

We shared the Burrata- definitely recommend

I got the crab cakes - YUM

Shane got the beef carpaccio and the smoked bacon blue cheese fries - carpaccio was delicious (or so he said, I don't do raw beef) and the fries were good, but a little too soggy for our liking. 

For dessert we got the cinnamon sugar donut bites and they were overcooked.
Drinks were Excellente! 

Would definitely go back for drinks and apps!

Happy 30th Birthday to our dear friend Tessa!

Last but not least we celebrated Valentine's Day with my mom and Barn on Sunday!

Menu included Filet's (for the ladies)/Rib Eyes (for the men), Lobster, Farmer's Market String Beans and Roasted Rose Bud Potatoes Oh My! 

Topped dinner off with Secretariat, an inspirational Disney movie (true story), great for the whole family! 

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! 

XO, 

S

Celebs, little things around the house and needles?

=VERY needed weekend

It started out with dinner with Olga and Vince to celebrate her upcoming birthday at the Buffalo Club in Santa Monica.  I pulled a Sam when choosing the restaurant, thought we had a www.livingsocial.com $40 (that I bought for $20), but it was for the Bungalow Club, oops. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Buffalo Club, but was super embarrassed when I busted out my coupy and it was for a different place.  Luckily I pulled it out and Vince noticed that it wasn't the right restaurant before giving it to the waiter.  Embarrassment averted, at least partially.  

If you know Olga, you know she travels a great deal for work and tends to have star sightings in airports across the country, which she gives us updates on Facebook about.  Well Friday, we hit the jackpot in celeb sightings.  Started off with seeing Isla Fisher at a neighboring table, can you say flawless? Then I noticed that Isla was with Chelsey Handler (eweee, not a big fan, especially after our bathroom run in where she was a total B to Olga). In walks Lionel Richie, woohoo, now we've got a party! A little later into our meal a petite blonde turned around and who was it?  None other than Reese Witherspoon.  Stars don't generally excite me, but Lionel and Reese, had us all excited.

Here's my sneaky attempt at taking pics of Vince and Olga and capturing everyone else.   

I had the best view of everyone "all night long"

 Don't worry Olga definitely got us talking to Lionel who is SO down to earth and hasn't aged a bit. 

His advice, never live for yesterday, always live in the present and look forward!

The BEST part of the evening was when the restaurant raised the volume of their ambient music and played "All Night Long," the house went crazy. Everyone threw there hands in the air and began to sing, including Reese who could not be cuter.  It was a great moment and I realize that you probably had to be there to feel the excitement, but whatever, I'm still giddy about it.  Happy Happy Early Birthday to OG! 

 Little things around the house...

Saturday was dedicated to Spring cleaning (I know it's Winter), but we needed to go through our closets and re-organize some stuff.  We also did some handy work.  Hung up my new card holder that I picked up from Pottery Barn's holiday sale, and black out curtains in our guest bedroom. Getting ready for MIL's (mother-in-law) visit next weekend.  Felt good to be home and get things done. 

 Love, love, love our new and improved wall of friend fame! 

 Great item all year long for all the wedding invitations, birth announcements...

Needles...

So needles, yes needles, why needles?  Well, I am terrified of them, but that didn't stop me from going to try out acupuncture Saturday afternoon.  An alternative medicine doctor I'm seeing suggested I do it and I'm all about trying new things to promote better health naturally. It wasn't bad at all, I even found it enjoyable and booked a second pin cushion appointment next weekend.  Look forward to blogging about results a few weeks from now.  

Saturday evening and Sunday proved to be productive, while nice and relaxing.  Movies, football, napping, homemade soup and breaky in bed for Shane.  It was a very nice weekend indeed.  I had to miss another good friend's wine tasting birthday weekend, which was very sad.  I know our girls showed her a great time though and was there in spirit.   And another friend's bday in Newport...  Finding balance isn't always fun and I've never been good at it, but I'm learning.  Happy Birthday to Katers and Megan!  Love you girls!

.

XO, 

S

The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down

Yup that's right, that's the title of a movie we recently borrowed and watched twice already.

Leave it to Larry Castruita to know about this movie. 

The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down is classic!

If you have ever lived and partied in LA, especially in the 90s you will die laughing!

WATCH IT. LIKE IT. LOVE IT.

Enjoy.

XO,
S

Ho-Ho-Holiday Highlights!

 Meeting Cooper...

and seeing Kether and JJ! (of course)

 Bloody Mary's at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay.

The start to lots of tasty beverages along the way!

 The Creedons. 

I love them ('nough said)!

Oysters at Willi's in Healdsburg! 

A must go to restaurant.

Our sweet, sweet Bed n' Breakfast.

 The Grape Leaf Inn is such a treat.  

Each room unique, with steam showers and soaking tubs, wine tasting in their cellar daily, homemade breakfast with every last detail.

 The Chiurcos.

Another amazing couple we don't get to see nearly enough.  :(

The kids/family!

Seeing Susie getting better each day! 

And watching Steve (Dad/D3) be the incredible husband and dad we all know and love!

Holidays 2010 complete! 

Now for New Years and 2011.

XO, 

S

Carlin vs. Lopez

This post is for my hubby!
See it was our first Christmas together,  I bought George Lopez tickets for Shane.  I was so excited.  We were going to see George, his favorite comedian.  I bought them and made adorable stockings for his entire family filled with thoughtful fun.  Shane opened his last and there were the tickets.  I was so excited and yet he seemed less than over joyed.  I just figured he liked em, but wasn't going to properly thank me until the show.

A few months pass and it was time to get dressed up and ready for the George show at the Nokia theater. We arrived and noticed an interesting crowd to say the least.  We were definitely the minority, but still I thought nothing of it, even when we got to our seats next to a guy sporting a tear drop tatoo on his face (don't people get those in prison).

The show started and I turned to Shane and said, "you actually like this?"  It took him a minute and he said, "did you mean to buy me George Carlin tickets?"  Oops!  We stayed for part of the show and ended up going out for drinks and laughing about it. 
The saddest part of the story is that George Carlin died a few months later and I was never able to take him to a live show. Sad face.

vs. 

This Guy!

I mean there really is NO comparison!

Cheers to silly mishaps that make you laugh years later. 
Don't think I'll ever live this one down. 

TGIF. 

XO, 

S

Let the games begin!

For Shane's bday, Jason built him his very own USC Corn Toss or as we've been calling it Corn Hole!
The Bon got him all the accessories- cardinal and gold bean bags and an official score keeper (that holds your beer).
We had a blast breaking it in this weekend.
I see many BBQs and competitions in our future.

Still as cute at 32!

Happy 32nd birthday Boo Boos!
(Shane as a blondie kidlet below)

Friday, June 18th, your birthday continues!

In our going on 4 years together, we've had quite the run of celebrations,
here's a glimpse of them.

Year 1: Happy 29th at The Standard Rooftop Pool
Downtown, LA

Year 2: The BIG 3-0
at Zu Robata

Year 3: Just as fun at 31!
at Ivy at the Shore

Year 3 cont: BBQ with friends!
The Carlton, Brentwood

The Party Continues this year as Shane turns 32!
Friends and family will celebrate with us in the desert at the Palm Springs Riviera!

You are so very loved babe.
I hope you remember that on all days, not just your birthday.
We can't thank all our friends and family enough for celebrating with us!

XO,
Sam

Who will be our next American Idol?

After 9 seasons of trying for tickets, I finally won the lotto. Last night, Shane, Naira, Diana and I attended a live tapping of the top 6 American Idol contestants! We lucked out with our place in line and ended up in the standing section left stage (Simon's side), only 2 feet from the action. It was Shania Twain (gorgeous in real life) / Country Week and all of the contestants rocked it! It was hard to pick a favorite last night, even for the judges!

After seeing them live, I have NO idea who will go home tonight.

I have to say my bet is on BIG MIKE. :(

My next mission is to get tickets for SYTYCD!
(So You Think You Can Dance)
Let's see if we get lucky twice in one year!

American Honey...

My Lady A

It's catch up time... Last week, Ady and I went to hands down one of the best concerts I've been to in some time. Lady Antebellum was a real treat especially in such a small great sounding venue! Every song was just as good live if not better, which isn't always the case. We sang our hearts out as if we were in our cars and nobody else could hear us.

Kris Allen (my favorite American Idol from last season) was the surprise opening act.

Bought Ady and I these little souvenirs (now Daddy D can stop telling me to dry my hands at bowling)!

We ended the night trying to find some dim sum in the area around the Wiltern. I see Chinese wording on signs in the area and thus my cravings and the search begin. We ended up meeting up with some old friends and enjoying some Thai food at Toi late night. Looking forward to our next country music adventure!

Yee-Ha,
S