Joyeux Dimanche - French New Wave

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

I read THIS article the other day about the influence of French fashion & film, and I thought I'd share it with you.

I may have Paris, but all of you have the wonders of TARGET!

Joyeux Dimanche!

*image borrowed from the internet

The Beauty Of Pollination

Have an amazing Sunday.

Hot Yoga

Party Time!

I just finished my 6th Bikram Yoga class. I've had 4 different teachers and done them at different times. Here's what I've learned so far.

1. I'm much stronger in the morning than the afternoon.

2. It's freaking HOT in there. But it's getting easier to take because I know what to expect.

3. I need 2 bottles of Smart Water. (One bottle cold and one bottle FROZEN)

4.  I need one yoga mat and a bunch of towels.

5. A giant beach towel because I'm tall.

6. 2 more towels to sit on when I get in the car.

7.  (And most important) A little hand towel. Why? Aha! When I get to class I get the towel wet then wrap it around my frozen Smart Water. Just when I can't take the heat anymore I put the cold towel on my face and it's like heaven.  ( I'm pretty sure this is illegal yoga behavior)

8. I'm completely addicted to this yoga. I feel so fantastic the rest of the day.

9. Party Time in Bikram yoga means we get to take a sip of water.

I was telling my brother, The Sgt. Major, about my new Hot yoga. I was explaining how hot it was for 90 minutes! I have to sip Smart Water and smuggle in a frozen one just to get through. Can you imagine?! I asked him. Can you imagine the heat?! He was strangely quiet for a few seconds when it suddenly dawned on me. Of course he can imagine the heat! He fought in Iraq and Vietnam!!!

I'm an idiot. And it brings the whole thing into perspective. Doesn't really seem all that hard compared to that, now does it?

He thought it was pretty funny and now we joke about how HARD my hot yoga is. I love him. He's the best brother ever.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Namaste.


xoxoxo


(Smart Water is not paying me I just like it:)

How To Fake French

Have a great weekend!

Joyeux Dimanche - Let's Go Streaking!

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

I read THIS article the other day and I thought I'd share a video with you from Etam, a French clothing company.

The Etam marketing team thought it would be a fun marketing idea to send a guerilla group of models (and a film crew) into open spaces to surprise/shock the public dressed only in lingerie. The representatives at the Musée d'Orsay were less than pleased when the girls teased their visiting art afficionados, claiming the group had no permission to film in the museum. The entire gang was thrown out into the cold without their coats.

Joyeux Dimanche!

*video borrowed from the internet

Les Soldes

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

Living in the US, you may take for granted all the different retail sales that take place at any given time of the year. In Paris, there is a winter sale and a summer sale. Period. So if you're shopping in December or in June and you buy something ANYTHING you will surely regret it the following month when you see the same item for 70% less. Man that burns!

The sales here are always in the months of January and July. And for some reason, it's not all month long. I don't know who acts as the god of retail rules but I hope he dies soon as I'd like to take his job.

Today marks the first day of the winter sales so SexySultry and I braved the crowds in our heavy winter coats and scarves. That was our first mistake. It was an unseasonably warm 50 degrees today on top of the body heat of eleventeen billion people all cramming into tiny little french shops.

We were reduced to taking off our sweaters and outerwear which we then had to carry around in addition to the weight of our purchases and our handbags. I felt like I was weightlifting for 8 straight hours. (Yes, I spent 8 hours shopping today. It was like a marathon. Cashew would be so proud.)

We were out for the sole purpose of finding warm winter boots for SexySultry as I am subjecting her to offered her a plane ticket to join me in Scandinavia next month to visit my parents. She didn't find anything that was perfect so we ended up buying tons of other crap neither of us needs. Big surprise.

In the process, we have decided that it's time to start changing her look. She think she dresses like a nun. She wants to dress more like a fun-loving rock star. I am taking on the challenge and am becoming her style guru. Yay, how fun!!

Zumba

Perspective

I just agreed to sign up for a Zumba class...........a night class.

I don't know who I am anymore.

Happy Tuesday.

Bikram Yoga. Day 2

This photo has nothing to do with Bikram Yoga.
It's just a bunch of stuff my little guy collected and threw on the table.

Bikram Yoga. 

Day 2

"Karen, if you feel sore tomorrow you should definitely come in and do another day."

"Okay."

The day after Day 1 of Bikram Yoga I was feeling muscles and things I forgot I had.  Like cleaning out your closet and finding awesome boots, rhinestone jewelry and a prom dress you'll never need.........kind of.   Anyway, I ponied up, threw on my running shorts (soooo 2 years ago) and a sports bra. 

(Intense heat makes you increasingly immodest regarding clothes. I may be a nudist by February.)

It was actually cold and foggy that morning so I welcomed it into my soul. (Knowing I would be pining for a popsicle in a few minutes.)

The second day wasn't so hideous difficult. Maybe because I knew what to expect. Maybe because I wasn't wearing very much. I don't know. 

My only goal is to stay in the room.

I stayed in the room. 

This may be the only goal this year regarding Bikram Yoga. 

I may never touch my toes, twist my body into a pretzel or do anything perfectly. But, by God, I will stay in that freaking room.

When my perky 20 something tiny little yoga instructor said we should clear our minds and get rid of anything that doesn't serve us, the only thing that came to mind was sneaking in an ice pack  next class. Where to hide it would be the problem......

Ice pack mule.

Namaste my friends. 

Happy Monday.

xoxo

Joyeux Dimanche - Fly Me To The Moon!

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

Oh how I wish I could have been at the Grand Palais in Paris at their first airshow in 1909. The below photo combines my love for travel, Paris and aeronautics!! Check out this beautiful blog that I visit regularly for inspiration and see lots of other wonderful posts. CLICK HERE

Joyeux Dimanche!

*image borrowed from the internet

Bikram Yoga

You know when you say things out loud you didn't even know you were thinking about? That happened last week. (The first year of the new year, how cliche of me.....But cliche is a French word, No?)

5 and I were on a walk with our neighbors. We were off to Starbucks for my new favorite  drink, Skinny Peppermint Mocha Latte, when I said "I'm going to do Bikram Yoga at least once a week this year." My sweet neighbor said "Oh great! I'll do it with you." And a New Year's Resolution was born.

I sort of forgot about it, because I'm going with the freaking flow this year and there's been a LOT of Lego building since Christmas. But my neighbor is very organized. She researched the different locations around Burbank and came up with 3 choices. We picked one and went to our very first class this morning.

Now, I had been hearing about this crazy yoga experience for awhile now. I knew it would be hot and probably a little hard. I dusted off my yoga mat, brought a towel and some water. Put on my yoga pants, tank top, grabbed my friend and headed over.

I think I may have subconsciously been just a teensy bit nervous because I got us lost 3 times before we found it. (I don't get lost) Anyhoo, I signed up for one month of unlimited yoga at a minimal price and headed into the room.

The instructor was very sweet as she said "It's your first time so take lots of breaks. Your only goal is to "stay in the room". Even if you just sit there for an hour and a half. Just stay in the room."

"Okay."

As I walked in, I was hit by a wall of heat reminiscent of the last heat wave of summer. You know, the kind you try to get out of as fast as you can? Peer pressure is a magical thing so I acted like this was all normal and spread my mat and towel out with my water bottle in just the right spot.

Then she came in and turned the heat on.

There were 32 people in class.

The room was 105 degrees.

I haven't officially "worked out" in a year and a half.

The room was 105 degrees.

I was overdressed.

One person in class had to leave to hurl.

I took many breaks.

I am not bendy.

The room was 105 degrees.

I stayed in the room for the entire hour and a half.

When we were done I was never happier to go outside in 75 degree weather.

I came home, took a much needed shower and tried to figure out why I want to do this again.

The rest of the day I felt delightfully relaxed or exhausted or both I don't know but I loved it.
I'm completely hooked and going again tomorrow.

Let the New Year's Resolutions begin!

Leek & Cauliflower Risotto

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

OMG people. It's the new year. It seems like just yesterday I was on a year-long trip around the world with Cashew and all of a sudden I woke up this morning realizing not only did my birthday, Christmas and New Years pass by me in a flash, but it's 2012! Crap! I mean, YAY! Right?

Resolutions? I think I'm going to go with the one I made last year. Due to my amnesia from the accident the previous year, I'm pretty sure it was June before I could remember what that resolution was. I kept walking around in a fog knowing I'd made a really good, attainable new year's resolution but what was it again??? DRINK MORE WATER. (Actually, to be honest it should be DRINK WATER. PERIOD.) So far this year I have drunk a liter a day which compared to maybe 8oz a month last year (if you count accidental ingestion when showering and brushing teeth) is quite an accomplishment.

Also, I am thinking about trying to vary my skills in the kitchen (now that Obsessed! is no longer around to tease me with his tantalizing culinary creations.) I can't serve my lethal quinoa recipe each and every meal, can I? No. I can't. That's a definite negative. Too many marriage proposals.

So my first attempt was Monday when I made a leek and potato soup with corn, turkey, tomatoes, noodles and 2 different kinds of cheese - Parmesan and Boursin. It was damn good if I have to say so myself.

My second attempt was last night when I made a pork medallion dish with pasta and veggies for SexySultry. I actually included one of my enemies (mushrooms) because she loves them so much. Dinner was delicious, according to my wife, but not very pretty so I chose not to take a picture.

Once I'm able to tear myself away from rewatching the JJ Abrams series Alias with SexySultry, maybe I'll get my ass over to the market to buy ingredients for my next attempt. Leek & Cauliflower Risotto (but with parsley, not coriander - enemy numero uno.) I can't wait. For the risotto. Alias too.

We just started season two when Lena Olin comes on the scene as Jennifer Garner's mother. I WANT TO BE A SEXY SPY WITH LOTS OF WIGS AND GIVE OUT ASS-KICKINGS BECAUSE IT'S MY JOB!

I found the recipe and borrowed this photo from a gorgeous blog that I love reading called fresh365. Her photography is brilliant and the recipes are inspiring. To try this at home CLICK HERE for instructions.

*images borrowed from the internet*

Dogs and Children

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

Lately, it seems like it's sunny all day ...until I want to go outside, that is. Then it starts raining and everyone on the street who is on his way to the bakery or on a pause clope (cigarette break) or walking his dog looks up at the sky with an expression of putain de merde (very common French expression - click the link if you want to know what that means.)

Even the dog being walked seems annoyed, as if it would say, "Ah crap. Now my fur is going to get all frizzy, my paws and undercarriage will be covered in the sidewalk schmutz and don't get me started on the smell. No one likes the smell of wet dog. That coupled with my constant halitosis really isn't going to help my game. Guess I won't be getting any action tonight. I'm really sick of humping couch pillows."

You know, if dogs could talk and all.

Speaking of which, the stairwell smells like wet dog. I hate that smell. Don't non-pet residences exist? I know it may be un-PC to exclude certain people from a residence but retirement homes and nudist colonies exist... Why can't someone come up with pet-free or child-free apartment buildings??

While they're at it, child-free airlines would be nice too.

Have I mentioned that the toddler directly behind me on the flight the other day screamed the entire way?! I never knew such small creatures could make so much noise and for two hours straight. If it hadn't been 8am I would've bought a fifth of booze to down and then if I still wasn't unconscious, I would've knocked myself out by smashing the bottle against my forehead. Nothing like a minor concussion to get a little peace and quiet! When we landed, I got off that plane so fast you would've thought my ass was on fire.

In other news, I've been told I should open a day-care center. Yes, people. You can trust me with your children. I swear. I'm actually a very gifted teacher, believe it or not. I bet I could teach your kids lots of useful things besides being seen and not heard ...like swearing and smoking and stuff.

I Love A Parade

White Cheddar, Parmesan, Green Onion and Habonero Pepper Omelet.

 

 Watching the Rose Parade is a tradition for me. Having it the day after New Year's Day is going to throw me off for the whole year. But seeing as it's only January 2nd, I'm trying to go with the freaking flow. (Ahem)

The Dream: Astonish the guys with a gorgeous breakfast while we sit around watching the parade together. They will smile warmly at me while they eat their delightful breakfast I made with love.

What really happened: As soon as the bacon started cooking 5 starts yelling "Bacon! Bacon! May I have bacon mom? Please? Now? I need it!" I explain that we are all going to watch the parade together. He and Hubby exchange looks like I'm crazy. 5 offers me actual cash to watch a kid's show, they eat  breakfast so fast I don't think they tasted it then went in the back room to watch Star Trek.

In the spirit of going with the freaking flow I sit alone watching the parade and writing.

 New Year's Eve Day my girlfriends and I got together at Jen's. She made these lovely spinach and cheese yummies and an amazing dish of grits with cheese and an egg on top. (I forgot to take a picture of that before I ate it.)

Happy Day 2 of 2012. Here's to going with the Freaking Flow.

CHEERS.

Happy New Year!

Shaboom sends us her update from Paris, France :

Don Antonio, SexySultry, CatchBlondie and I rang in the new year together at a Brazilian party in Montmartre where the champagne was flowing too freely and we all had unbearable headaches by 6am.

We all ended up back at Don Antonio's where I made some pasta for us all hoping it would help our champagne assassination.

I hope you all had a great night! Now it's time to make resolutions, n'est-ce pas?!

Joyeux Dimanche et Bonne Année!