Memorial Day

Spent most of my day with the kids putting flowers on relative's graves.

And to tell the truth, I wasn't quite interested to do it. My mother asked me to stop by my grandpa's, great grandpa's, and great great grandpa's and wife's graves today. I could come up with a few more enjoyable activities than searching for old graves and crypts.

And I was a bit grumpy today. Hubby is gone for a month or so doing his Army job. It seems he is always out of town doing his Army job during Memorial Day. I find that a bit ironic.

But then this morning I saw this picture.

This photo breaks my heart.

I feel it's almost inappropriate for me to put this photo on my blog. It's an intimate moment that I'm sure wasn't meant to be captured on film. But I'm also grateful for it.

It helped me remember that I have not sacrificed too much. If my Memorial Day is about missing Hubby and feeling a bit lonely that's ok. He has always come back safe and sound. The kids and I do miss him terribly when he's gone. But we also are comforted knowing he is doing important work. Work that most people wouldn't do nor most wives let their hubbies do.

(I must be crazy!)

So instead of staying grumpy and ungrateful I took the kids to get some cheeseburgers, bought some flowers and off to the cemeteries we went.

Thank goodness for a beautiful LA day. We spent hours searching for graves.

Those maps are not as easy to read as they look!

Our own taste of Glee

On Thursday night we went to the Burbank High School Pop Show. We had some kids from our church performing.

Show Choir is just like the TV show, "Glee". I was absolutely blown away by the performances. The stage, sound, props, lighting, was so professional. I had to remind myself that these were true teenagers and not adults playing teenagers

(Glee)

I was so proud of the kids in our ward. They had solos and definitely stood out as some of the best performers.

I have to admit...I got a wee bit emotional watching them.

I try so hard to eat healthy and provide healthy food for my kids in the home and for lunches, but waiting in line for Pop Show...not so much.

And besides, the money goes for a good cause!

Burbank High School is actually one of the top high schools in the nation for show choir. They have consistently been in the top 3 for many years.



The kids enjoyed the show and sat
glued to their seats.

Already Asher and Avery have been bugging me to get them an agent and audition for commercials.

(GULP

Not sure if I'm ready for that but seeing the show planted more seeds for them.

Yes, I got caught with a piece of cheese pizza.

This is what happens when you don't make dinner before you go.

I have a confession to make.

...........................

I absolutely hate the TV show Glee. What's all the fuss about anyways? I think I'm the only one who doesn't love the show. Tried it a few times...couldn't get into it.

Don't hate me.

Fab Lunch Date

Today I had a free day. No clients,no errands to run. So I chose to wear "normal" clothes. I am usually wearing workout clothes so it become enjoyable to put on jeans and a tee shirt. So what to do on a free day?

Have a lunch date of course!

I absolutely enjoy my lunch dates. To me they are a huge luxury. I do not take them for granted. I am absolutely aware of how fabulous lunch dates are. Especially with fab friends.

Melissa and I try to get together as often as we can. Which usually ends up once a month. Melissa is a fab friend who makes me laugh so much my face hurts! She is also a fabulous actress and singer. She was in the national tour of Jersey Boys.

We chose to eat at a Thai food place. Wonderful food with wonderful ambiance. Summer seems to be officially here in LA and we took advantage of it and sat on the porch.

Melissa...dreaming of her pear salad

I love this shot of her up above. She looks like a 70s bombshell. Can't you just see Charlie's Angels in this shot?

We couldn't resist. We got a bear claw with pecans at the next door chocolate factory. YUMMY!

(Reason #642 why I LOVE Los Angeles)

A Great Invention

My sister in law, Jalene, was in town for a business trip and came a few days early to visit us.
I told her about our fruit fly problem...(although I think she had already noticed).

Since summer has begun here in LA I have been cutting up lots of the wonderful fruit that is in season. And, since I started my compost bin I have been saving every last piece of food with out throwing it away.
The problem is.. I sometimes leave the leftover food on my counter, which includes fruit rinds. Hence the fruit fly problem. Jalene introduced me to an ingenious fruit fly trap.

And it really works. Like IMMEDIATELY!

If you look close you can see all those poor, horrible, and disgusting fruit flies trapped in the bottle. They can fly in, but can't fly out. Poor horrible creatures.
eeww!

This Makes Me Happy

These pictures make me happy. We went golfing over the weekend at a cute little 9 hole course just blocks from our home.

I love her style, carefree attitude, and her ability to just be herself. This what 6th grade looks like for Avery

Iron Man Two

A relative visiting is always welcome. Especially when Hubby and I get a night out on the town. We chose to watch Iron Man 2.

I think I may have found my own Iron Man

Yep. That's definitely an Iron Man I spotted. I actually got Hubby this shirt a while ago. He broke it out for our big date night.

My quick review of Iron Man 2. Definitely worth seeing in theatres.

Not as good as the first Iron Man but entertaining non the less. Don Cheadle was pretty horrible as a full bird colonel.Completely unbelievable. I could almost see him rolling his eyes before and after every take.

Mickey Rourke was fab. Totally believable and the Russian accent perfect. He was a great bad guy. Really creepy. Scarlett Johanson was pretty good. Her fight sequence was awful though. Too many special effects were required to make it seem like she could actually kick arse.Too many edits and not enough movement. And there was this weird strobe light thing going on the whole time.

And Gweneth? Perfect as always.

Marina and the Diamonds

I Am Not a Robot.

My latest song obsession is Marina and the Diamonds. The song, "I am not a Robot". Lovin it.
I hesitate to share music videos first. I usually think it's best to listen to the song first before viewing the music video and getting someone else's idea of the song, etc. before your own. So if you want..turn your monitor off and listen.

But the video is Amazing and totally fab.

Here is an alternate video below. I have to say this one might be my fav. It showcases my beautiful city of LA. It was filmed on Hollywood Blvd just 20 minutes away from my home. I love the fact she stood on sidewalk of one of the busiest streets in LA and lip synced in funky makeup in front of all the tourists and club goers. I can totally tell it was done guerrilla style....no permits, no license... just shoot and run!

YES!

Have I mentioned how much I love the lyrics? BTW. I've gotten my kids hooked on this song as well. They love it.

It's ok to say you gotta weak spot. You don't always have to be on top. Better to be hated than loved for what you're not. You're vulernable. You are not a robot. You're lovable. You are not a robot.

Foxy isn't so Foxy

We adopted a new foster kitty 5 weeks ago. Her name is Foxy. And she is quite a fox don't you think?

Just one problem. Foxy is not so foxy anymore....

Our little sweet, crazy Foxy has gone potty on my bed. Not one, but three times. The last time was on my pillow! I caught her in the very act. She seemed quite ashamed of herself.

Now Hubby is a good and patient hubby and puts up with my kitty love. But....this is might end up pushing Hubby over the edge. He is not happy.

Please little Foxy....go back to being sweet lil Foxy and quit going wee on our bed!

"OMG! That is some serious hood s*#^!!"

That's exactly what my girl Miranda said when I texted her this photo. (only she didn't say shiz)
Mirand is the awesome chic that I swap personal training with for hair. She took one look at me the other day and informed me my hair was dry and the exact opposite of shiney.

(dull and lifeless?)

A Keratin treatment was in order!

Keratin is a treatment women use on their hair to keep it shiney, smooth, and healthy looking.

Did I mention it's at least a $350 treatment?

Anyone got a look at Demi Moore's hair lately? Gorgeous hair. That's Keratin. How about Reese Whiterspoon? Goddess hair. More keratin. Cindy Crawford? Keratin. You get the picture.
(BTW, I didn't have to pay $350)

It's quite a process. After it was over Miranda informed me I couldn't get my hair wet for 48 strict hours. She said it needed to "cure". No clips, ponytails, or bobbypins. And no headbands either. And no sweating. WHAT?? I am a professional sweater. ... I sweat just thinking about exercise. And I'm a trainer... so no sweat?..... Ain't gonna happen. And what about my own workouts? Two days? ACK!!! I'm used to my endorphin rushes and I can be dangerous if I go two days without one.

So..the conundrum..how to take a shower without a shower cap? I stopped by two different stores to find a shower cap. Each store was sold out. Shower caps? I had no idea they were in such demand. Where have I been? (outta the loop I guess)

This is what Hubby rigged up for me. (see above photo) Two plastic bags tied around my head. And it worked perfectly. Not a wet hair in sight.
Miranda was right.

"OMG! That is some serious hood s*#^!!"
But my hair? Absolutely gorgeous, goddess material.

Palm Springs Continued

Ok, I have some serious bad news. While I was downloading my pictures yesterday my IPhone crashed....along with all my cool picts from the trip. These are the only ones from my phone I have.

I do have a few we actually took with a real camera and I will upload those later.

But all my cool hipstamatic prints and Polaroid picts are gone.
Sniff Sniff.










We really enjoyed watching this dog hang out of the window while we were driving.

The driver had another dog with him in the car too. Super cute.




And here's a pict of my super cute Hubby whistling while driving.

Palm Springs

We had an amazing time in Palm Springs. A resort in Palm Springs is the only way to go IMO. There isn't too much going on in the town unless you're gay. Well, OK, there is some good window and trinket shopping during the day. But nightime ..... ?hmm..I'm still not sold. (Palm Springs has a large gay scene didn't you know?) (not that there's anything wrong with that.) :)

Fabulous Flamingo


I have so many pictures to go through so here are two Picts that give you and idea of the fabulosity that was the resort we stayed at.

Fabulous View From our Balcony

It was a crazy party down there. We had no idea Saturdays were off the hook at the pool. DJs and everything!

I was a little out of place. I didn't have a boob job.

But we had a grand time non the less.

And I'm wishing...I was back....

can you see the snow capped mountain in the background?

Hiking LA Style

I Have a great friend Tayna who does pilates. We swap and train each other and both enjoying getting great workouts we don't usually do. Lately we've been hiking in the Hollywood Hills, bringing our mats and doing some pilates where the view is. Then I incorporate interval sprints/runs up the last remaining bit of the hill. We do that 5 or so times so we're nice and smoked before we head down the hill.
It's a fabulous workout and so much fun to get outdoors and enjoy the views.

Look, you can see the city and the ocean right behind it. Love It.

What do you think? Great workout huh? And great views and great people watching.
Reason #158 why I love Los Angeles!



View of the Oh So Famous Hollwood Sign behind me.

A picture of Tayna, the amazing pilates instructor, is under another pilates link in my blog

Leg Lifts gone Crazy

Ok, So I kind of think Tracy Anderson is a wee bit crazy. And I think Gweneth Paltrow's feverish support of her is a wee bit crazy as well.

Tracy Anderson is a dancer turned trainer to the stars. Gweneth was turned onto her by Madonna. Now Gweneth is business partners with Tracy and they have opened up workout studios in New York and LA. Tracy's studio is the next town over from me in Sherman Oaks.

I have used some of Tracy's moves in my own personal workout regimen and incorporated some of her easier moves for my clients. They are a nice supplement to any workout and can definitely add some jazz if you're getting bored with your usual moves.

But in my experience, nothing lifts your booty, gives your a perky rear end, and smooth your thighs like good ol squats and lunges. Oh, and plies. Sorry ladies! And throw in some cardio for good measure. No one can ever do too many plies, lunges, or squats.! And adding weights in your hands only speeds up your progress so don't be afraid of grabbing those dumbbells.

Warning..these moves in this teaser video are hard! I don't think there is a need to buy her videos. Just snag some more of her moves from her other you tube videos if you want.

Warning. I'm going to have a little soapbox moment now.

I think sometimes that workout videos can give people the wrong expectation and can be discouraging. When we don't seen our bodies looking like the people in the video or when the video is too hard and we can't do the workouts, that is a formula for discouragement. ( i will never have a body like Gweneth or Tracy no matter how hard I work because I'm just not built that way)

And let me tell you a little secret. All these videos have fantastic lighting. And, most of the time they have body makeup on the enhance muscle tone and look more defined. It's no wonder why a countless number of my friends have given up after a month (or usually less) because they weren't looking like Tracy or Madonna or Jillian Michael's. Bodies like that can sometimes take years to create along with an extremely strict eating plan.

And who wants to do that?

I am now off my soapbox!

So, all that being said, ENJOY!

Passed the Door of Darkness

A feature film I did a while ago is now available via online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Wall mart, Best Buy, and Blockbuster.

The film was a lot of fun to make..I always have fun on sets whether they're big or small. The director, Peter Mervis was very professional and easy to talk to. They were a few challenges but overall a delightful experience.

I have to be honest. I would save my money if I were you. If you want to see "me act" I can send you the link to my demo reel, etc. The film is more or less from the horror/mystery genre. Some parts are pretty gruesome. The storyline is, in my opinion, confusing. Even while we were filming I had no idea what in the world was going on. My best descriptioin of the film is "Fight Club" meets "Seven", meets "Muholland Drive".

But I have to say, there is something so enjoyable and fulfilling when I do what I love. I don't get the opportunity to act and persue my craft as much as I would like. When I come home from a set, rehearsal, or even acting class I feel amazing. I feel energized, creative, productive, and sometimes a bit buzzy! :) I find I have so much more to give my family and Hubby when I've given a bit to myself. (something about how you can't get water from a well when the well is dry)

https://www.echobridgeentertainment.com/dvd/Passed_the_Door_of_Darkness_69679

Palm Springs

Ok, I'm having a hard time concentrating. (although doing laundry doesn't really require concentration)

Hubby and I are going to Palm Springs this weekend to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary This is the hotel he picked and I have to say, I approve. I love Marriott reward points!!


http://www.desertspringsresort.com/ Isn't it fab?

We were originally planning on staying at the beach but we go to the beach all the time. And the weather forecast isn't warm enough. 65 degrees in Santa Monica just cannot compete with 85-95 degrees in the desert.

Of course the kids will not be accompanying us. That's what Aunts are for!!

Wonderful Weekend Continued

Sunday is a wonderful day. One of my absolute favorite things to do is read the LA Times Sunday paper in the backyard.



I only get the paper on Sundays. And I will admit, my favorite sections are the store advertisments and the Image, Arts. and Calander section.


Church last Sunday was Stake Conference.

Stake Conference is when all the local LDS wards all get together for one big meeting and we don't go to individual sunday school classes like we normally do. My Stake is the North Hollywood Stake. It consists of all the Morman wards in Studio City, Burbank, Sylmar, and North Hollwood.

I don't usually let the kids bring toys to church but Stake Conference is an exception. Asher is quite the chess player and he brought this travel size, magnetic chess set. (We played during one particular boring talk)
I almost beat him. I had him cornered and he pulled a sneaky move on me. I lost a few minutes later.
yes, i let him wear his converse shoes to church. and not just stake conference. every sunday. he's hip like that.

A Wonderful Weekend

I was able to spend all Saturday with my son Asher. What a sweetheart he is. My daughter Avery was at Magic Mountain with a friend and Hubby was out of town working. It was a great opportunity for a Mommy/Son day.

But honestly, I did drag him around on a few errands. He hung in there quite nicely. He actually enjoyed all of our stops and looking around. Just one of the many reasons I absolutely LOVE Los Angeles is the ability to go to so many different types of places and restaurants and go to so many events and activities only a few miles from your house. After all the errands we went to the movies and saw, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". Asher has all the books and just loves them.




First stop was composting workshop. Burbank offers free composting bins if we attended a 90 min lecture on how to use them, etc.

A lamp store to drop off the famous Avery family rooster lamp to get rewired. You can find any type of lamp at this store. A quick stop to the nearby store where I can always find something amazing and unique. Last time I was there I bought a vintage alligator skin purse. Both of those stores are mostly kept in business due to the film industry's waredrobe and set designers.

Then lunch at a favorite little place next door to where I get cheap pedicures. This place has great food, great prices, and huge servings. (Leftovers are a good thing) Then movie time along with the requisite popcorn and soda.

After the film I couldn't resist trying on a pair of jeans at a store nearby. I have a friend who wears a pair just like these and I am quite envious of her style and rockability. I have tried in vain to find a pair that looked just as cute on me as they do her.

I thought these might be just the ticket. But alas.. it wasn't meant to be. Asher informed me I looked like a country girl that went really wild. He was right and I went home empty handed.

It was a lovely day all in all. It was refreshing to be around Asher without having to tell him what to do, what to finish, what to pick up, to hurry up, to stop that, be nice to his sister,..and on and on. We hung out, talked, held hands, and laughed.

A wonderful day with my wonderful son.

Stephanie Nielson

One of the reasons I started blogging was Stephanie Nielson's blog.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

She has been on many different news outlets including Oprah. She has inspired countless people in her quest to persevere and be truthful. It's hard to put into words what I feel when I read her blog.

Inspiration, example, peace, devotion, love, thankfulness, acceptance, peace, God, harmony.
Ok. I tried. Those are some of the immediate thoughts and words that come to my mind but aren't quite enough to convey her message.

If you want to catch up with her and read what happened here is a good link to get you started. A bit lengthy, 10 chapters, but a beautiful and remarkable story. (Warning....gut wrenching. And, you're going to want to grab your hubby and kids and give them extra squeezes and kisses tonight.)

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html
Yes, she is also a Mormon like me. (here is my obligatory, "The real name is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) I will admit, I am the first one to scoff at church videos and such, but this video is quite touching. Even if you're not interested in the church message, you can't help but to be inspired by Stephanie.