Dark Chocolate Bar/Caramel with black sea salt

Need I say more??? Not really! Best combo ever and the caramel is gooey and the salt just the right contrast! And its 70% percent cacao, so it's good for you of course!Not to mention it has cool packaging as well! And where else do you get this tasty morsel but Trader Joe's. A new favorite luxury for the New Year!

Hugo

I would highly suggest seeing the movie Hugo!! It was filled with such wonder and delight and twists and turns that kept you interested. The pace wasn't to fast or slow but just right for a contemplative time in the movie theater! I loved the message of the movie as well but I won't give it away!!

Glass Glitter from Paper Source

I have to admit my love for Paper source borders on sinful but nonetheless I gear up when I enter the doors and know exactly what I am looking for thus to prevent myself from buying up the store!I have been looking for years for glass glitter ( so sparkly) to freshen up some vintage Christmas signs that's glitter is turning brown....this glitter is perfect as it looks like pieces of metal and glass and brings such a sparkly shine to my sign that I couldn't be more pleased! I put it on with a modpodge and although the clerks at Paper Source doubted it would work, it worked brilliantly!!

Run run as fast as you can....

My mother-n-law bought my twin 2 year old boys Gingerbread men from Trader Joe's to decorate today! They had such a great time decorating them as they spread sprinkles all over the cookies, posed for a quick pic and then ate all the candy off! It was such a fun festive activity to do with them!!

Bayside Restaurant

I recommend for a special holiday dinner to go to Bayside Restaurant on the outskirts of Balboa Island...Well actually it's right before you go over the bridge on the right hand side! Their beet salad with creamy goat cheese and honeyed walnuts was to die for!! They have festive live music on weekends and many other amazing dishes!!

Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's

Besides "sipping chocolate" sold at Trader Joe's there is nothing better to kick off the holiday season than these amazing cookies! I love that they are covered in Dark Chocolate so they are not too sweet and have a peppermint kick that is just right! These are definitely a cookie I look forward to during Christmas!

roses doughnuts

One of my favorite sandwiches of all time is at Roses doughnuts! I pretty much grew up in Corona del mar and only discovered the place a few years ago...and really just started going there on a regular basis. Rose's club sandwich keeps me coming back! I get it on toasted squaw with a tiny bit of mayo,turkey,ham,cheese,pickle,olives,salt and pepper,and avocado.(it comes with lettuce,tomato and onion too)It's piled so high you almost can't get your mouth around it! It is such a treat! I order it with a large ice tea and lots of ice and I am in heaven!

Habanas

At the copa, copa cabana...well not really but in the anti-mall nestles a great cuban restaurant named Habanas. You can outside amongst hundreds of candles, lights and a bonfire or inside the candle inspired spanish/cuban decor. My little luxury of it all is ordering the plantain crusted chicken with rice,beans and plantains!!! It is amazing!This is a place where you can celebrate a special occasion or grab a great lunch with a business partner.

rooster cafe

i love the rooster cafe for breakfast in costa mesa! It's a little random but has such great healthy and non-healthy breakfast for so cheap! Some menu items as low as $4!. You order at the counter and everyone is always friendly as regulars visit daily! It's perfect for meeting a friend to catch up or even having a meeting...It's clean, cheap and good!!

daffodils

I love this time of year when daffodils are only $1.29 at Trader Joe's! You can get bunches and bunches of them and for around $20.00 fill up a large vase of what looks like newly cut flowers from your garden! Happy Spring!

Linda Lewis - I'd be surprisingly good for you 1979

a fun cover from evita! thinking it might be a good maxxfemm cover!

Mother India

My husband and I's favorite type of food is Indian! There are not very many reasonable priced places and for that not many places that serve Indian where we can order and pick up...so we drive over 15 minutes when we are really craving it to a place called Mother India on Bristol near Wahoos.(pretty shabby exterior and cheesy interior but it's worth it) Some people say it's not their favorite but it is definitely one of ours! One of the best Chicken Tikka Masala out there! Pair that with the lamb Vindaloo and Naan bread and you have a great savory satisfying meal for about $34!

See's Candy

With all the amazing chocolate out their you would think I wouldn't settle for See's but I have to admit See's will always have my heart! When I need a pick me up I go in and get my free sample and order my baggie of goodies! Dark Chocolate Chip Truffle, Walnut Square (with caramel)and a Tippery Bon Bon...(it's an odd one and very sweet but with tea alongside it, I love it! It has a candied caramel outside and a gooey caramel inside with finely chopped nuts on top! This is a tradition I will never stop looking forward too!

Tiny Dishwasher

One of my new luxuries in life is my mini dishwasher! I hate doing the dishes!! Do I get an "amen?" So when we moved into our new place I saw our tiny dishwasher and thought well at least it has one, I will make due. But then I found out it doesn't work and it will be ordered and should arrive shortly......well....it took a good 2 1/2 months and that my friend was a rude awakening. I had to do the dishes by hand!...so when my dishwasher arrived although many laugh at its size I find it a complete luxury! I think I had to go without one for awhile to appreciate it!

Nekter

Nekter just opened in our neck of the woods and I am so glad! My friend who has celiac disease goes here all the time and orders a gluten, dairy, soy and egg free piece of chocolate peanut butter coconut pie! You won't believe it has all that missing! Its so rich, creamy and dense! Its a little on the pricey side one slice of pie is $6.00 but its a large piece and you could spread it out over a few days! They also have great smoothies and juices made from local farmers produce! There is also a Nekter on 17th St. Enjoy!

simply sweet and good for you

I opened a ripe papaya in the warm sun and sprinkled lime juice on top and bit into some heaven! Okay so I actually ate it in the night but doesn't that sound like a dream vacation moment! Not to mention the health benefits, papayas are a great source of Vitamin C. They have 33% more vitamin C than oranges!It brought me back to tropics and the sweetness and the tangy pop from the lime was perfect!I plan to do this more often! It made my day a little brighter...

Best Cup of Cocoa

Today started off with nothing on the agenda until i suddenly got a call from my mom telling me we have a dr. appt. in l.a. and it had started 10 minutes ago...i called and worked it out with them and they told me i had to be there in an hour..so we threw the boys in the car...it takes at least an hour to get there and we had about 45 minutes and no gas....we eventually made it and all worked out with several favors from the pharmacy,etc...phew...afterwards to treat ourselves for the craziness we decided to stop by Intelligentsia a favorite coffee shop of my families and order what i know to be the best cup of hot cocoa I have ever discovered! It is honestly worth the drive. It is located in charming Silverlake at the Sunset Juntion. The cocoa is the richest cocoa you have put your lips to it is full of various flavors such as even a hint of blackberry! They grind the cocoa beans and it is the first time I have ever had fresh "made on the spot" cocoa...it takes awhile to make and the lines can be super long...but its well worth it as you have never tasted a better cup of cocoa.

maxxfemm show

playing again is such a thrill and a luxury for me. my brother and i used to play several times a month for over 12 years until i had my twin boys. I was so excited to play last june which was a gift from my brother for christmas! But our show tonight was unexpected and last minute but I enjoyed every moment of it. We played at Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa which is definately my favorite place to play in orange county! They have great sound and a nice size stage and the room is just the right size to make it feel really personal! I feel alive when I get the chance to perform with my brother on stage! (stoked on his get up) Thank you to the peeps that came out!

my moms cupcakes

My mom made cupcakes for my friends going away party tonight and they were so amazing! She is such a great baker and whips them up with such ease! She made mini chocolate ones with rose flavored icing and coconut ones with sour cream frosting and shredded coconut on top!Love them! I started with one but couldn't go to sleep with out taking a big bite of another one! The coconut ones are so moist (if cake isn't moist it isn't worth it to me) and the sour cream icing just has the right tartness to it! Cheers to you mom!

Flower Balls

My favorite go to "center pieces" for parties is the flower ball! You start with an oasis ball of choice...they range from around 2 inches wide to around 8 inches wide. You soak them in water for around 10 minutes till they get nice and wet. Then choose the flower of your choice and cut the stems off to about an inch in length and poke them in the ball! Anyone can do it and when you are done it looks like a professional was in house! My favorite is the carnation flower ball! They look so fluffy and lush. You can even mix flowers too! When you are done you can hang them or put them on top of a vase. You can put colored crystals or dice or pacifiers or whatever matches with your theme!

favorite fridays

Singing with my brother is always a favorite of mine! We have a show this monday so we have been singing a lot together lately in prep...at the end of a day no matter how tired I am it always puts me in a calm and happy place! We have been singing together now for 18 years beginning when I got to sing one song "the carwash" per show! It was a highlight for me! I would wear my neon pink and lime green vintage shift dress from the 60's with my laced up black boots and be in a moment of bliss! As the years went by I sang lead and it went back and forth until we both came up with our own projects and now work together happily ever after! Its a great joy when you can be close to the person you work with!

new idol- TEVO

I have to admit I am watching American Idol this year. They got me intrigued when Steven Tyler agreed to be a judge and then throw Jennifer Lopez in the mix and I had to give it a try. I haven't watched in a few years so it was fun to watch from the beginning and see the process... I really enjoy the new judges and they kept it pretty interesting. I watched tonight as they chose the top 13 and I think America and the judges wildcard picks got it right (the only one I was surprised that didn't even get to tryout again for the wildcard was Clint). Ryan Seacrest at one point asked the judges " Who is better, the boys or girls?" They said they were equal...Not a chance! In my opinion the boys blow the girls out of the water! They are amazing!! Some of them seem like recording artists already! They have a really really talented and young crop this year! I have too many favs to say who might win but I have to say I lean towards Jacob, Casey or James.. I do have to say though my little luxury today is tevo! I loved just watching the highlights and if a song is boring I can go right through to the end of it! I can commit to watching it with this talent and my tevo...here's to the guys in the competition..cheers!

Etsy

I have been loving Etsy these last few weeks! It's becoming almost like a Google search for me from finding decor, special signage and even robot lampshades for my sons room! Here are some of my favorites right now!

Creative Pal

Bekah Jennings

Amy Gaines

Its almost like a creative facebook you know look at what at your friends like and suggest by joining circles of friends. It's a little scary how long you could spend on the site but at the end of each session with Etsy I feel inspired to create and design or to shop :)

Mickey's House

My boys and my mom and I try to go to Disneyland or as I tell the boys "Mickey's house" once a month or so ever since we have had annual passes. I never thought I would be the mom who would take their kids before age 5 but as soon as my twins came into this world I couldn't wait to take them! I think their first trip was around 4-5 months! It was so much fun as we dressed them in mickey hats and took them on the jungle cruise! We just stay a few hours each time and as they are now 2 we can stay a bit longer and enjoy more of an array of rides....as before we were limited to the small world, tiki room and Peter pan....we now venture out to the teacups, toon town, dumbo ride and more! Our trips to this magical place always add a sparkle to my week! And I count a it a true luxury to live so close and to be able to go so often!

poco dolce

One of dear friends gave me some of these for valentines day and they were some of my favorite chocolate I have ever had! The flavors are amazing! They have toasted
sesame and burnt carmel just to name a few! They are a little on the pricey side for the size ofthem. Around $2.25 a square ( you can get them at Zinc Cafe) but are worth every penny...I love having them with a cup of tea on a brisk day! Definately treat yourself to one someday! You can get them online too at pocodolci.com!Cheers!

Oscar Win for Christian Bale

I do have to say I was so excited tonight that a great movie won the Best Picture this year!! The King's Speech! But I was more excited that Christian Bale won supporting Actor!!! Finally! He is such a great actor and has covered so many unique type of roles! I first fell in love with him in 1992 when he starred in Newsies (cheesy but awesome Disney film)! With his tough guy act and sad story while singing and dancing about what he believed, how could you not? He finally became more widely known when he did Batman but he doesn't get much credit for Swing kids, Prestige and the Reign of Fire...He has such an amazing spectrum of roles he can play, I am thoroughly impressed! He is also in one of my all time favorite Sci-Fi movies that did not get the credit it deserved! Great story line! Great Choreographed fighting scenes, great message...Equillibruim...I recommend it!

All in all pretty excited to have your favorite actor win an Oscar!!!

hair extensions

I decided to get hair extensions a few weeks ago a friends wedding that I was in. My hair will only grow a few inches below my shoulder bone and even when it does it is quite thin so I've always thought it would be fun to have them put it but thought they were way too expensive ! I remember back in high school I knew a girl who had and it cost her around $700! When my friend told me about the Living Room in Costa Mesa and that they do it for less than half that price I thought I would give it a try!
They consult with you first to match your color and then you come back after they have purchased your new "real" hair! It takes about an hour as they weave 3-4 strands ( depending on how thick you want it) into your own hair. It feels like they are sewing it in as they take part of your hair intertwine it with the new hair and clamp a silicone bead every 1/2 inch or so. It is so tight and uncomfortable for the first few days, it took me a week to really feel like I didn't have a tight headband around my head at all times! From the beginning you can wash it and style it like it's your own hair. It holds curl better than my own hair and you can straight iron it too! IF you have shorter hair they say it's better to wear it curly most of the time so people won't see your "new hair" starts and your "old hair" ends but I have been able to wear it both ways and its been so fun! You get them tightened every 2 months or so and they can last up to 7 months (so I hear)....So all in all minus the pain its been a fun little life luxury!

Favorite Fridays

I love watching movies on Friday nights! I used to love GOING to movie's Friday nights but with kids things have changed....Earlier today I went to the local blockbuster to rent "Life as we know it" but sadly it is closing down and is now only selling their movies till they shut their doors...so after realizing there is nothing good on TV on Friday nights I bought the movie on "On Demand"!

The kids were down early and I was by myself which for some reason I really think I prefer watching movies by myself...it was raining and windy outside and I had my sipping chocolate and watched "Life as we know it".

It was okay, typical love story with a fight and then back together...but i love those! They make me so happy inside!

Wouldn't call it a instant classic or favorite but here's list of a few new ones I've really enjoyed:

The King's Speech-Inspirational
The Fighter- Christian Bale is amazing!
The Social Network- Interesting

Okay so their all up for the Oscars this week...maybe this year they got some of them right!!

fabric barn? or le creperie?

Many might disagree that the fabric barn is a luxury in long beach, but today i visited with some friends and although there are many items that you are not sure what do with, there is a great selection of ribbonand favor bags for dirt cheap!! 25 yards of satin ribbon for $3! I definately think its worth going to if you know what you are looking for and are on a budget. And if you want some random entertainment of doll heads, fancy lace and miniature top hats...hmm...but redemption is nearby on 2nd street full of its quaint delicious restaurants. One of them, Le Creperie has great breakfasts from sweet to savory and a dramatic atomosphere with its grand piano and 1,000 lb. crystal chandeliers. A definate luxury to get to go to a non chain restaurant and enjoy your friends company!

Cheese Grits at the Old Vine Cafe

I went to breakfast at the Old Vine Cafe today which is such a charming place with great food! I wasn't sure what to order from the banana crepes to the homemade english muffins with pistachio or apple butter! I decided to try something new and ordered a side of the "cheese grits"! So yummy! Sort of a risotto texture with melted cheese and garlic and salt! It was so satisfying! If you go for lunch try the "meatball sandwich", its' the best one I have ever had!!

Yoga at St. Andrews

Recently my friend started teaching Yoga at St. Andrews on Tues. mornings from 9:30 to 10:30! She does such a great job! It's in a dark quite room and she starts off with a reading and then leads you into stretching as you begin to let go of the daily stresses. She took us through balance stances and times of relaxation! It was just what I needed! They also provide childcare for $5! The class is $10! But the first one is free!

Candy!

It's never too early for Easter Candy in my humble opinion! I was at the grocery store at 10 p.m. last night and didn't really want to be until I realized the easter candy was out. The only one I truly love or ever buy though is Cadburrys Robin Eggs. Not every place has them, so right before i checked out I went to the Easter candy display and to my delight there they were! They aren't too sweet and of course are made of Chocolate! They have a thin outer shell that melts quickly to a smooth center of chocolate! They melt in your mouth and are addicting! They have mini pouches available if you just want to see what the hype is about! Enjoy!

WONDERFILE

I saw this cheesy add for the "wonderfile" a few weeks before I moved and thought, "that could actually work!" I always struggle with my pile of bills, ripped out photos from magazines, letters I want to save, business cards,etc. I ended up a few months before putting it all in a cute basket but even though that made it neater it still was a pile I had to look thru to find anything! So when I saw the wonderfile I thought I would give it a try! It's only $20 and you buy one get one free! I started using mine few weeks ago and its perfect for storing all the different type of documents you want to save and in different compartments. You can label each department if you wish and it all wraps up into a folder size! A total organizing luxury! here's the link in case you might want to get one! www.buywonderfile.com

Chai Debate

One of my favorite hot drinks besides hot chocolate is Chai Lattes... For some reason i really dislike Oregon Chai so much so that i won't order it if thats what the place serves...I was on the hunt for my favorite chai when I found out I loved Gypsy Den's Chai and you could get vanilla chai or a decaf spiced chai. There is actually a lot of caffeine in Chai so sometimes I would order Decaf spiced chai with a shot of vanilla. I started testing other peoples chai's and found I also love to order a chai latte at Pain Du Mondes, Milk and Honey and Alta Coffee. Several of these places use Big Train Chai mix. SO I found it online and it taste just as good at home!! Suprisingly enough Trader Joe's chai mix is very similar and overall gives the same luxury of sipping a hot chai on a cold day! Here's to the good chai's out there!

favorite fridays

I had the luxury today to go to my friends class she so cleverly calls "Farm to Feast" Its a great time to relax and start with a cup of tea as you go around and answer a food question she might have. Today it was "What did you have for dinner last night?" Meanwhile she is preparing buttermilk cake with creme fraiche frosting, spinach salad with lime dressing and pumpkins seeds, potato asparagus tart and we tasted amazing blue cheeses, breads and chocolate!She goes to the local farmers markets for her produce and has the eggs she uses are from her very own hens! What a treat! It is one of my favorite luxuries to sit around with friends and watch my friend work her magic in the kitchen as we try new flavors.