An Apology and A Giveaway

Happy Friday Lovelies!

I want to apologize for being such a blog slacker lately. I guess I'll blame it on being busy at work and focusing on my "get healthy, work out everyday" plan...

I still read all of your blogs faithfully and I thank you for the comments you've left on my posts. As an added note, my brother helped numerous injured people in Haiti during his time there and he is on his way back to the US now. Thank you for keeping him and the medical team he was traveling with in your prayers.

Life is stressful now, but I can't complain because I know we all go through tough times every now and then. While I'm happy, I am finding myself uber-stressed about money, the future, if I'm making the right decisions, etc. etc....BUT I won't bore you with that now, I'll save it for another post...haha!

Let's get to the good stuff, shall we?

Remember a long time ago when I did a follower appreciation post and sent random followers cookies from Sugar & Flour?! Well, I happened to be perusing Etsy the other day and was checking out my favorite sellers. I noticed that Sugar & Flour had these adorable sugar cookies in the shape of conversation hearts!

Aren't they cute?!

I'm giving one person the chance to win 2 dozen decorated cookies to be delivered just in time for Valentine's Day!

If you'd like to be entered to win, just leave a comment on this post. No need to do anything else. If you have plans for Valentine's Day, feel free to share in your comment...I need ideas! I'll draw a winner on Thursday, February 4. The winner will have 24 hours to get their address to me so I can get the cookies ordered and make sure they arrive the week of Valentine's Day!

I truly just want to say thanks to each and every one of you for being so awesome. I keep thinking I'll get back in the swing of things with posting, commenting, and sending snail mail, but the days are just passing by so quickly without me really progressing at all. I'm working on it, and I guess that's the best I can do!

Have a great weekend and be sure to enter the giveaway!

♥

Friday Wrap Up

My mom just called to let me know that my brother, Bill, will be going to Haiti to help aid in the earthquake relief effort. He is a paramedic and was asked to help out at a hospital there. He will be leaving tomorrow and staying approximately one week. He is very brave and I'm so proud of him for lending a helping hand to this sad situation and this poor, devastated country.

Please keep him in your prayers, along with all the other relief workers and the people of Haiti.

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I don't really want to add much to take away from the above message, but I just wanted to mention that I have reduced the prices of the three remaining Lilly dresses. Dress #1 and #2 are now $50 each and Dress #5 is $30. As always, email me at sweetteadiaries@gmail.com if you would like to purchase or have any questions.

Lilly Sale!

*I apologize in advance for some of the pictures being the wrong way...Blogger is not cooperating with me!!*

I am selling 5 of my Lilly Pulitzer dresses and would rather sell to my bloggy friends than list them on Ebay. If you are interested, have questions, or would like to purchase any of the dresses, please just email me at sweetteadiaries@gmail.com. Also, all of the dresses are newly dry-cleaned and ready to wear. Shipping will be $7 per item.

Dress 1: Stephanie Shift Engineered, Size 8 (still available on Lilly website, though sold out in size 8). I bought this dress for the full retail price of $168 and have worn it ONE time. The dress is in flawless condition and newly dry-cleaned. There is still plenty of time to wear this dress before Spring!

SOLD

Dress 2: Kimball Dress, Hammered Satin in Oops I Spilled It Again, Size 8. This dress is currently available from The Pink Door for $135. I have worn this dress 2 or 3 times and it is in flawless condition. There is a dark blue band under the bust area and 2 front pockets. The back has a slight v-neck with a zipper and hook closure. This is such a great dress and is super flattering!

$75
REDUCED TO $50

Dress 3: Lilly Pulitzer Strapless Dress, size 6. I'm not sure the name of this dress, but it is a lovely bright pink shade with light blue and white cranes. The dress has boning on the bust area for extra structure. It features a side zipper with a hook closure. The back of the dress has an elastic patch so it fits the bust more comfortably.

SOLD

Dress 4: Lilly Pulitzer dress in size 8. Again, not sure the name of this dress, but it is really cute! I bought this for a summer trip to Las Vegas because the pattern features pink tigers playing cards! The hemline is white scalloped, along with the neckline - so darling! There is a white lace band underneath the bust area as well. I wore this dress once and it is in excellent condition.

SOLD

Dress 5: Lilly Pulitzer Halter Dress, size 10. You may remember this dress from last fall. I bought this dress at Cabana in Santa Monica, CA. This is a really cute orange and light pink parasol and flower pattern. It's a halter top with a back zipper and hook closure. The dress is fully lined and is perfect for summer weather. I've worn this dress one time and it is in flawless condition.

$45
REDUCED TO $30

Thanks for looking and again, feel free to email me with any questions or if you'd like to purchase...sweetteadiaries@gmail.com.

Have a great day!!

Happy Friday!

I can't believe it's already time for the weekend...and a 3 day one at that! I am so excited about having Monday off! I had plans to go to Santa Ynez Valley for a fun day of picnic-ing and wine tasting at Koehler Winery, but the weather isn't cooperating with that idea. Oh well, I'm sure I'll find something else fun to get into.

Here are some pictures from last weekend {read about my plans here}:

Avatar

Pizza Port

San Clemente

And...I did do the hike at Topanga State Park {much harder than I anticipated!} but stupid me took my camera without realizing that I had forgotten to put the memory card back into it! So we got to the top of the mountain and I was so excited to take pictures of the beautiful view only to realize that I couldn't!! Hopefully, if the weather holds out this weekend, we'll be going back on Saturday and I will definitely take a working camera!

On another quick note, I have had a lingering sickness since last Sunday, and it just won't clear up. My throat is sore, I'm coughing, my nose is runny and itchy...so aggravating! I'm hoping I start feeling 100% asap.

Alright lovelies, have a great Friday and 3 day weekend! Happy Birthday to the brave and inspiring MLK Jr. {which is actually today, not Monday}!

Weekend Forecast and Plans

I keep reading about all of my bloggy friends that are freezing their bottoms off. It makes me *kinda* nostalgic for the cold sting in the air, for an actual winter, BUT...then I remember how awesome it is to wake up and throw on a light cardigan or short sleeve shirt and head out the door without having to bundle up in endless layers!

Yes, California weather is currently B-E-A-U-tiful and I have plans to be out enjoying the sunshine all weekend!


As for weekend plans, I am finally seeing Avatar tonight...I must be the last person on the planet to see it! I'm pretty excited because we will be going to the 3-D showing :) I just love the glasses they give you! On Saturday, I'm going to San Clemente to spend the day and make a trip to Pizza Port for some tasty pizza and beer! And on Sunday, I'll be enjoying the sunshine while taking a hike at Topanga State Park!

Anyone else have fun plans??!

I hope that whatever your weather is, that you all enjoy your weekend!

Happy 2010!

It seems like it's been awhile since I've blogged! I don't really feel like reflecting on 2009 because the only event that seems to stick out in my mind is "the breakup." However right I know the decision was, I'm finding myself having moments during the day where I just feel like crying. I think it's because while I feel like I lost my boyfriend months ago, I'm just now realizing the loss of my best friend {and life as I knew it} and that's hard for me to cope with. However, I truly am doing okay, and am really looking forward to what 2010 has in store for me!

Here are some of my goals/resolutions for the year:

1. Be healthier. This one goes without saying, and I am hoping to pick back up with Weight Watchers and lose these last 5-6 pounds for good.
2. Budget. I have depended on my parents for far too long, and it's time to break that habit. I need to learn to make it work with what I have. Distinguishing needs vs. wants will be a big key to staying on track.
3. Travel. Okay, so I just said I have to budget, but I'd love to travel more if possible. I have been in California for 2 years now, but haven't seen any of what the state has to offer. I'd love to take some road trips {San Fran} and plan a trip to Napa Valley. And, since I'm so close, I'd love to fly to Seattle this year because I've always wanted to go there.
4. Enjoy exercise. Like the "be healthier" resolution, this is one that goes without saying. I really want to be one of those people that enjoys to run. I would love to sign up for a 5k this spring and enjoy training for it and then advance to bigger challenges.
   
5. Do things that make me happy. When I'm in a relationship, I find that I focus a lot of my time and energy on my partner. This isn't a bad thing, but it kind of makes me lose sight of myself...I forget to do the things that I enjoy. I would love to be in a place where I'm comfortable with myself and where I know exactly what I want. Finding myself again will be a big part of my year!

I hope all of you had a wonderful New Years! I know I did...I ended up going to a Masquerade Party that turned out to be soooo fun and the perfect way to start 2010! Since I don't really like to post without pictures, here are some from the NYE party :)

HAPPY 2010!

...in case you're wondering where i've been...

the answer would be, "eating my face off...{quite literally}..."

{Lemon Pasta with Chicken, Brussel Sprouts in a Butter Sauce}

{Onion, Mushrooms, Olives, and Feta Panzerotti from Blue Dog}

{Jambalaya, Creole Potato Salad, and Cornbread from The Gumbo Pot at LA Farmer's Market}
{Korean Short Ribs from LA Korea, also at the Farmer's Market}

{Burger and Sweet Potato Wedges; Bratwurst and Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw from The Golden State}

{Piranha Pale Ale Nachos from BJ's Brewhouse}

...i'm thinking i need to sign up for that gym membership after all...