Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone. I'm here in Dallas wrapping up my visit for the Christmas holiday. As always, we had a wonderful Christmas with my family. It was our little Perry Girl's first Christmas and she was super a good girl and was oh so precious.

We had Christmas Eve with the Langbeins at my parents house with a mexican dinner filled with tamales, guac, queso, and more. Plump little Perry was so cute busting out of her Christmas Eve pjs. She was such a trooper and did great all night.

Click here for more pics of Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning we went over the The Little Edgars (Carly, Rusty, and Perry)'s house for brunch with the Evanses and the Langbeins. We had a delicious brunch with breakfast casserole, sausage balls, blueberry muffins, hashbrown casserole, cinnamon rolls, and little smokies (great job on those by the way Russ).

After opening gifts we played a little "Pass The Perry" until she needed her mid day nap. My favorite part of the day was my Uncle Stevie busting out with his rendition of Hugh Grant's dance from Love Actually. Not sure if he had had one too many mimosas or what, but these moves had us all in stitches.

Click here for more pics from Christmas Day.

Thank you Edgars, Langbeins, and Evanses for a wonderful Christmas. Love you all!!!

Annual Christmas Party

Last night, Ashley and I hosted our 2nd Annual Christmas party. Ash used to throw an annual Christmas party in Fort Worth and after we both moved to Austin we decided to bring the party to our new hometown.


Ash prepared loads of yummy fare for the party...
Elk Sausage Balls
Polenta bits
Risotto balls
Italian herb chicken bites
Chicken picatta stuffed mushrooms

She really outdid herself this time....everything was especially delicious.


While Ash was in charge of the food, I was in charge of drinks. What can I say, we all fall into our natural roles. The party's signature drink is Oprah's Pomegranate martini. They were delicious and oh so festive.


One of my favorite parts of the evening was when we gathered around the piano and Frank treated us to some Christmas carols....a la All My Children.

Click here to see all the pics from our Annual Christmas Party.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year and thanks for bringing socks as a donatino to Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Merry Christmas everyone.

Mike's Bday

Wednesday was Mike's bday and we celebrated at one of his favorite haunts....Ginny's Little Longhorn. Ginny's is a great place to chill, have a couple of beers, and listen to great tunes. After Ginny's we headed up Burnet Road to Dallas Night Club. Dallas is one of those uber cheesy country night clubs, but it is great people watching and you know I love me some country music. Click here to see all my pics from the evening's festivities. Happy Bday Mike!

Sushi & Champagne Christmas Party

This week is party central....so I've been a bit behind in posting my recaps. Bear with me....it's tough being a fete setter. Tuesday night Elizabeth hosted our first every Sushi & Champagne Christmas Party. We had our largest group yet....so it was quite the celebration.

Ford and Ted were given the "honor" of serving as our servants for the evening. They even got spiffed up for the evening....Ford in his tux and Ted in his kimono. They were great about making sure our plates and glasses were full and taking pics for us.


We added some special touches to the S&C Christmas Party....poppers with paper hats, my bucket of sunglasses, and a gift card exchange. I ended up with the most apropos gift card...one to iTunes! How perf!

After dinner and the gift exchange, we took the party to the round table where we...did the Cha Cha Slide, sang show tunes and TV tunes, broke a chimenea, and started a small fire.

Cheers to another "successful" Sushi & Champagne girls. Merry! Merry!
Click here to see all the pics from the night's celebration.

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy!

A board member of mine shared this with me today and I got goosebumps listening to it. Enjoy.

My new love affair...

....is with a slinky. Yes, the silver metal toy that I'm sure I played with in my youth.

Recently I attended a luncheon at a company where I do business and one of the favors was a personalized slinky. I have to admit that I was quick to judge this little gift. I mean, I'm in the business of feeding the homeless and hungry....people who literally have to choose between food, meds, etc. I thought it was a little frivols and unnecessary...another one of those stupid promotional marketing things that everyone typically send straight to the trash.

BUT, I was wrong!!! Way wrong. I just happen to set it on my desk and I have to tell you I haven't stopped playing with the little sucker. If you know me at all, you know I have a hand thing....bite the nails, tap the desk, click the pen, twiddle the hair....well you can now add play with the slinky to that list because its a great little gadget to play with while on the phone, visiting with people, etc. I highly recommend it for a desk near you.

Fort Worth Fun

the girls

Saturday, Ashley and I hit the road for a little fun in the Fort. MC and Keri were hosting a Christmas party...and you know how I just hate to miss a good party. We rolled into town about 3pm and had a little down time before the big shindig. I haven't made it up to Fort Worth in quite a while so needless to say lots has happened....moves, babies, job changes, etc....so it was great to catch up with everyone.

Wally...the jello shot Santa

Several people came decked out in their holiday best....although I am pretty sure the Bryan and Robyn's vests take home the prize for best holiday get-up.

Bryan and Robyn in their holiday vests

Dinner was delicious, the fire pit was warm, the dancing was contagious, the attire was festive, the jello shots were gone, and Kirk, as always, was a douche bag. (you know I love you Kirk). All a recipe for a great party. Thanks MC and Keri!

Char and Brett jello shotting

And...for those of you who can stomach it....here's what was overheard at the party. Wally takes the cake for being the most on fire tonight, but I do have to give Luda credit for the quote of the night. Caution...read at your own risk:

"It was circa....9 o'clock." - Kirk
"Do you know Vidal Sassoon?" - Ben to Ash
"Why am I so drunk?" -Robyn
"I don't want to hurt it." - Gennie
"That better now have a leaf on it now." -Leigh to Char
"You're so crazy in the head." -Robyn
"La Leigh....I want you to do the reverse hot dog. Are ya in?" -Kirk
"I'm drunk...like high school drunk. I think I might have to have my mom pick me up" -Jane
"We're drinking like we're sophomores." - Wally
"Thigh highs?" - Kirk to Ash
"Are you freebirding?" - Dak to Ash
"I love ya....even though you are a crazy bitch." -Kirk to Ash
"I have a small penis." - Kirk
"And....Dr. Lips was born." - Wally on Ben
"There are definitely gonna be some tops off in that room and my wife is gonna be one of them." - Kris
"Kerquita's in there getting raw." - Wally on Keri
"I'm gonna have to wring her out in the morning." - Wally on Keri
"Don't put that on my face....I have a chemical peel." -Gennie
"I was blowing through the twenty dollar pregnancy tests that day." - MC
"She's MY ride." - Bryan
"You're anal and a little bitchy." Marissa to Wally
"Go make yourself a big boy drink." - Leigh to Brett
"Good thing you have that faggot scarf." - Wally to Kirk
"You have really nice sentence structure." Kirk to Leigh
"Can I use my finger or do I have to use my tongue?" - Brett
"I'm gonna run that up the pole and see if it flies." - Wally
"If you're seeing with your feet....you're in trouble." -Wally
"She shot out like a thoroughbred and ended like a nag." Wally
"You throw a couple of calves and then we'll cheer for you." Ben to Leigh

And my favorite quote of the night...
"It would do you some good to squirt some hot water up in that mess." -Kris

Click here to see all my pics from the evening's festivities.
Merry Christmas gang!

Fun Time Friday

After a week of being sick and cooped up....I needed a funtime Friday night, so Ashley, Ted, Katie and I set out for a nice dinner at Uchi to meet Ted's sponsor Mike. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner filled with Shag rolls (my favorite), a variety of sushi, Uchi's version of the McRibb, great vino, sparkling champagne, saki, and more. My favorite part of dinner has to be watching Ted struggle with his chop stick handicap. He really struggled through the first half of the meal, but in true Tedder style he mastered (well, maybe not mastered) the art of the chopstick. I only eat at Uchi about 4 or 5 times a year, but it never dissapoints and always leaves you salivating for the next time.

After Uchi the gang hit a Christmas party, Momo's, and then headed back to meet with with Lizzy and Ford at their house for some holiday fun! Lizzy was decked out in her berek sweater and we held a late night dance party on the porch. And, of course, we didn't forget to fo a little Cha Cha Slide!


Dinner at Uchi + a Christmas party + Momo's + late night at the Wheeler's = Friday Night Fun!
Here are pics from our Fun Time Friday.

On The Road Again

Mary Miles, Leigh, Elizabeth, Ford, Ashley, and me

Last night was my Mobile Loaves & Fishes truck run where we go out and feed the homeless and working poor. Lizzy and Ashley...two of my regulars joined me, along with Ford (insert jaw drops here), Mary Miles, and "other" Leigh. We had a great time and mangaed to avoid much of the rain. I was thrilled to have Ford out on the trucks. He and I have had many a late night...oh let's call them debates...about the homeless, so I wanted to take him out on a truck and let him meet some of my friends on the streets. He did great and from what I hear wants to go out again. You know you've had a good day "at the office" when Ford says..."this sure makes you appreciate what you have."

After the truck run we met up with Tony, Katie, and Daley for drinks and at Shoal Creek Saloon for Mary Miles birthday.

Thanks for another great truck run gang. Until next month....

More my favorite things

Today I'm home sick with a lovely little case of bronchitis. I've spent the morning in bed playing on the computer and surfing the web for Christmas gifts, so I thought I'd do another "My favorite things" entry with some holiday shopping ideas among other random favs.

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags
This should come as no surprise to you all that I heart monogrammed LL Bean bags. I have several (ok lots)....in loads of colors....turquoise, pink, hunter green, camo, etc...in several different sizes. My favorite one is actually my camo bag. It's a special one that is lined with rubber, so it's extra durable. I tote all sorts of things around in it. It's a great gift for the hunter in your life or for someone who just likes to look the part (sound familiar?). I got mine monogrammed with my name on it, but LL Bean only monograms the camo bag in black - - - it barely shows up and I think they should do it in hunter's orange...so I recommend just buying the bag online and then having it personalized elsewhere in a brighter color.


Votivo Candles - Christmas Sage flavor
My mom introduced me to these great Votivo candles...she is usually the one who can take credit for introducing me to just about anything great for my home. I love the way they smell....they smell really clean and crisp....not too much. Snd they aren't too Christmasy, so you can actually use them year round. I think they make a great gift exchange present or hostess gift for the holidays. I found a store in town that had them for half off right after Christmas, so I bought them all up to save for this year.


Aquaphor
Ok, probably not the ideal Christmas present, but might be an ok stocking stuffer for that really hard to buy for person. I mean, who doesn't love a great ointment (I love that word....it's so creepy and you can give it great Lizzy like annunciation). I have been using Aquaphor for years.....since way back in college when I went on Accutane for my zits and was all dried up. I use it to this day on my lips and extra dry areas. Great for elbows and feet too. It's perfect for the winter months (assuming you actually live somewhere where it gets cold) for those dry, chapped areas. I like the tub version, but also have the tube for travel and on the go. I do have to warn you though....this little guy is quite addicting...so be prepared to dive into a serious committed relationship with your Aquaphor.

Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks
Even if you aren't a wiz in the kitchen, I think you'll love these cookbooks. Ina Garten is the Barefoot Contessa...at least she is on the Food Network. I love her show. She is so calming and she always throws great little last minute parties with the perfect food...and she never forgets a good cocktail or a glass of wine to pair with her menu du jour. I have all of her cookbooks and it's difficult to pick the one that's my favorite, so I'll just do the one that I use the most....Barefoot Contessa Parties. It's full of east and delicious dishes and drinks that are sure to please at your next party.


The Flexpod Tripod

What, you ask? The Flexpod Tripod from Sahalie.com. I actually just bought one of these myself and I am so excited about it. It's this mini little tripod that you put your camera on and it wraps around tree branches and wine bottles (how apropos). It's perfect for all us picture fanatics. Maybe now I'll get to be in some of my own pics.

Josh Groban's Noel
This is the 2nd reference to this CD on Leigh Leigh Land. I really do love this Christmas album. I cannot take credit for finding it and revealing it to the world since it actually did make Oprah's favorite things show too. Of course, Josh Groban has an amazing voice and that alone should make you buy it, but I really love the list of songs he's chosen....all classic Christmas songs. I just hate it when an artist you love puts out a Christmas album with a bunch of newly written Christmas songs that we've never heard of. None of that here with Josh...all great classic Christmas songs. This cd is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

That's all for now folks. Stay tuned for future MFT entries.

Coats For Kids

the exhibit hall at Palmer event center

I know I've been slacking on the blog over the past week, but I spent all of last week getting ready for Coats For Kids.

Coats For Kids was my Junior League Placement for the year. For those of you not familiar with how the Junior League works....each member committs to a project or placement each year. I served on the Coats For Kids committee this year for my placement and served as a Public Relations Co-Chair. Coats for Kids is an annual community project that collects and distributes warm winter coats to eligible children and teens in Central Texas.

a very happy recipient with her new coat

We've been planning the event since April and we were thrilled to hold the big event on Satuday. We were worried that Saturday's 90 degree weather might keep people away, but after a long week of coat drives, soating, sizing, etc....we passed out 30,000 coats to kids in need in Austin.

Click here to see some pics from CFK 2007.

Do we really care?

What is this recent obsession with Miss Puerto Rico and the pepper spray incident? When did the news media become so obsessed with pageants? I mean....they are "fine" (Alicia - thought you'd appreciate that), but does this really need to be covered every day this week on the Today Show?!?!?!

If you have been hiding under a rock, then you might not know that Ingrid Marie Rivera, was crowned Miss Puerto Rico in San Juan, Nov. 23rd. Rivera become the island's 2008 Miss Universe contestant beating out beat 29 rivals. She alleges that her makeup and evening gowns had been laced with pepper spray, but labs indicate that they were in fact clean. Again, I ask...either way....do we really?

I admit, I am not a fan of the pageant scene...it's a lot of hoopla and a lot of pomp and circumstance around something that I think is outdated and unnecessary, but I digress. I was able to get lots of inside knowledge about pageant life from my college roommate of 3 years who on the Miss Texas pageant circuit. I will tell you that's an interesting little world.

I realize that by writing about this, it actually adds to the insanity of this media frenzy, but I couldn't help it....I just needed to rant. Enough already with the story on this girl. I don't care if her make-up or dress was laced with anything....nor do I care that's she's actually Miss Puerto Rico. Aren't there other things we should be hearing about on the news....goings on across the world, the war, the elections, Britney's train wreck of a life, etc.

Enough already.

It's begining to look alot like Christmas

Last night, I pulled out all my Christmas decor and decked the halls. I put on my new fav Christmas album....Josh Groban's Noel...and got into the Christmas spirit. If only it were actually Christmasy weather, but I digress.

I love pulling out all my decorations. I collect Santa Clauses and I admit I may have gone a bit overboard in my collection of them (are you shocked). I love each and every one of them as many of them bring back memories. When I was home for Thanksgiving my mom gave me a few new ones that I just love and have been great additions to my collection. I also put up my tree (artificial...I'm allergic to real) and decorated it....all with santas of course.

I do admit that it seems a little silly to go all out with the Christmas decorations when I live by myself and I'm not sure anyone will actually ever see them, but there is just something about a house all done up with the Christmas spirit that lifts my spirits.

Here are a few pics of my decor...

Baby Guy's 1st Bday

Elizabeth, Brown, and Ford

Yesterday was Brown's 1st bday party. All I can say is that the guy has a lot of friends and certainly knows how to throw a party. All the kiddos were so cute...esp the bday boy and his big sister Emma!

The party was animal themed, so we all decked out in our party hats...although we quickly realized that they kept breaking b/c they were in fact for children...not adults.

Courtney, Ash, Leigh, and Lizzy

The bubble bounce (aka bounce house, moon walk, etc, etc) was a hit among all the kiddos and even the Baby Guy took part in a little fun....even though he was almost trampled one or two times.

Brown and Mollie in the bounce house

Of course, as the party wound down and all the kiddos were safe and sound in their beds...the "adults" stayed up for a little partying of their own. The proud bday parents, Lizzy and Ford, treated us to quite a dancing performance. Ford's rendition of the Cha Cha Slide was certainly one for the books. The strangest occurrence of note was our late night spotting of a buck walking down Pecos Street (very strange).

Click here to see all the pics from Brown's 1st bday.
Happy Birthday Brown!

Sushi and Champagne

This month's it was my turn to host Sushi & Champagne. Ashley, Wendy, Sara, Marcie, Tami, Elizabeth, Christy, Renee, Courtney and I were in attendance this month. As always, it was another great S&C that provided much morning-after memories (although somewhat hazing memories). The sushi place insisted on fancying up our sushi display and presentation by providing us with a ginormous sushi boat (which by the way...I'm sure they are wigging our b/c I haven't returned it just yet). Tedder Vance put in a late evening appearance after winning his wiffleball game. There were a couple of casualties and war wounds this month...a broken chair, a broken champagne flute, one knot on the head, a couple of burns, etc, etc....but all in all it was yet another great S&C! Check out more pics from S&C.

Overheard at this month's S&C:

"She's like bat-shit insane." - Marcie

"Get to know me cookie." - Leigh

"Leigh fadda so funny." - Nail Lady

"You just got elected shitter." - Leigh

"Can you see my beans?" - Wendy

"Now you're autistic." - Christy
"I'm a killing machine!" - Ash

"I think my beans are slipping." - Wendy

"I have a twig and berries." - Christy

"I'm pregnant and having my period." - Elizabeth

"Stand by." - Wendy

"The girl has lost her charm." - Leigh
"You have no idea how hetero I am." - Ted

"He drives something else." - Leigh
"Is that your Doug Alpaca jacket?" - Elizabeth

See you next month girls...oh and Ted.

Slacky slacksalot

So I've been a bit swamped since coming back from Thanksgiving break. I tell you...I really pay for time off around here. Things are super busy at work and I am knee deep in my Junior League placement right now. So, in an effort to apease Murtle....I thought I'd do a quick entry today. Saw this cute cartoon in the latest Glamour magazine and thought I'd share.

My Favorite Things

Yesterday's Oprah was everyone's favorite show....her "My Favorite Things" show. It got me thinking about some of my favorite things. So, I thought I'd share some with you. Now, I don't antipate an onslaught of sales on these items like what happens after an Oprah endorsement, but I thought I'd gaves these favs of mine a shout out and see what happens.

Veuve Clicquot Rose - Of course I had to start with champagne...which quite possibly could by my very favorite thing. But...how can I have a favorite champagne you ask? Well, I do happen to love just about any (but not all...no thank you on the Andre) champagne, but I do have my own personal fav. I am a big fan of the regular old (if you can even call it that) Veuve Clicquot, but only seem to buy the Rose on those extra special occasions - - - ok your random Thursday. But, the Veuve Clicquot Rose is fabulous....the perfect amount of pink bubbly fun! Cheers!


Shag Rolls - Sadly I do not have a picture of these scrumptious little numbers (only a picture of Uchi), but I have to say that a picture could not do them justice. The Shag Roll at Uchi is by far my favorite suchi roll ever. They are the perfect little bits of heaven. I'm not even sure what is exactly in them....and at this point in our relationship, I'm not sure I care....but I do know they have salmon in them and they are toasted and then topped with a japanese mayo. I like to start and end my meal at Uchi with a Shag Roll. And, if you are joining me for dinner....get your own!!!


Table Topics - If you know anything about me, you know that I love "get to know me games.' And yes, by me...I mean me. Ha. No really, I love question/get to know people games. That's why these Table Topics cards are my favorite. We played them several years ago over Thanksgiving Dinner and they caused quite a stir. They are great little conversation starters and there is an appropraitely themed box for every occasion.


Tweezerman Point Tweezers - Don't leave home without them! I mean, is there any better place to pluck those stray eyebrow hairs than in the bright sunlight of your car at a stoplight. And, there is no better tool to grab even the finest little hair than the Tweezerman Point Tweezers. They aren't the cheapest tweezers you'll find, but the best part about them is that they have free tweezer sharpening for life. I have two pairs....so when I send one off for sharpening I always have an emergency back up pair at my fingertips.


Netflix - I heart Netflix. I used to wonder about how cool it really could be. I know that you pick movies and put them into a que, but what if I was in the mood for something else when a certain movie came? Well, I have been a proud member of Netflix for several months now and I have to say....I love it. I am the membership category that allows 3 movies out at one time. I love that there are no late fees and I love that all I have to do is return them in the postage included envelope they provide me. They do just about everything for you except come over and pop it into your DVD player. I find myself renting movies I might not have rented before and you can also rent tv shows/seasons that you've missed. If you aren't a member already, be sure and try out their free trial.


BaByliss Carrera Pro - No, it's not a Porshe....it's a hairdyer and it just happend to be the best one I've ever used. I used to go through hair dryers ever couple of months...burning them up from overuse....that's what happens when you have a head of hair like mine. But, now that I found the BabByliss Carrera Pro I can go what seems like forever w/o having to replace it. It also dries my hair in half the time of any other dryer I've used. Again, not the cheapest hairdryer of the lot, but I promise you won't be disappointed with the BabByliss Carrera Pro.



Sonic Impact i-Fusion - That sounds way more fancy than it is. Actually these are my favorite portable iPod speakers. I bought my set more than a year and a half ago and I do credit myself for their success. Ash, MC, Mooring, Alicia, Lizzy, and more all have purchased these fabulous portable speakers. They are super durable....I've taken my everywhere for the last year and a half. They are small and light weight. And, they have great sound. I love being about to take my iPod everywhere with me. It completes me!

Well folks, in an effort to keep this blog entry from being the longest in history....I think I'll leave at that. I have had so much with this entry that I think I'll make it a recurring entry. So stay tuned to Leigh Leigh Land for more of my favorite things.