Yep, I spent my formative years growing up in Anaheim (er…Hills) and I consider myself a huge homer for Tom, Tony, Adrian, and Gwen.  That’s No Doubt to you.

I felt 19 years old again last night when I had to stop and record the new No Doubt video Settle Down before heading upstairs to tend to my preschooler’s bedtime routine.  Instantly, I was back in 1994 asking my parents to videotape a set of No Doubt music videos on our local cable channel.

I gotta say, I really like the new single.  It’s been long enough, right?  Something like 10 years since their last album.  I’m definitely looking forward to Push and Shove which comes out in September.  They’ve also hinted at a 2013 tour.  Time to dig out my old tee from the early days.

This particular photo of Gwen and I was taken at Triangle Square in October 1995. It was shortly after the release of Tragic Kingdom but Just a Girl wasn’t getting any radio air play yet.  My friends and I got there hours early and watched the band do a sound check.  That’s when I was able to get this photo.  I was having a full blown fan girl moment here.  I never really understood why she was pointing her thumb at me.  Maybe it was to say “this girl is wearing a backpack.”

That was a great show at Triangle Square.  Afterwards, the band signed autographs in the old Virgin record store.  I still have the set list from the show that the band signed.  My friends and I also were picked to be extras in the Just a Girl video (I later opted out but both friends did make it in the video!).

I can’t say that I’ve loved all their albums.  To date, my favorite remains to be their independently released The Beacon Street Collection.  I still love Total Hate ’95 featuring Bradley Nowell from Sublime and I chose to play Stricken during the cake cutting at my 2001 wedding!

I will say that I love Gwen.  I loved both of her dance records – especially The Sweet Escape.  Wind it Up is brilliantly bizarre and Early Winter kills me every time I hear it.  I was barely pregnant when I saw her at Verizion in Irvine and was completely exhausted at the end of the show that I suggested we leave.  From the car I could hear No Doubt playing and realized that the band was having a mini-reunion and I was in the damn parking lot!

I did get to see them again on their summer tour after that and danced my ass off the entire show.  Honestly though, nothing beats those old warehouse shows we’d go to in an industrial park in Orange or Anaheim.  150 or 200 people crammed in a tiny space, sweat flying, ears ringing the next day because it was so loud.  I can remember the details like it was yesterday.  Good times.

It shouldn’t be any surprise that I’ve already downloaded Settle Down (in the video, I love the nod to O.C. when Tony grabs an orange in his rig) and I will keep my eyes open for tour dates because this girl will definitely be in attendance.

You know mine so tell me what your favorite ND song is!  Bonus points if you know where “No Doubt Anytime” comes from!

I know who won the Oreck Magnesium vacuum!  Was it you?

Thanks to everyone who entered this awesome giveaway!  I appreciate all the Twitter, Facebook, and comment love.  A big thanks to Oreck as well for providing me with this fantastic product to give to one of my loyal readers!

And now…

Congratulations to ASH JOHNSON!

I will send you an email by the end of day, Monday, July 16th.  If I don’t receive a response from you within 24 hours of my email, I will have to forfeit your win and chose another winner.

Thanks again to everyone!

Thank you to Kleenex Hand Towels for sponsoring this post about how I’m making my bathroom guest-ready! To learn more about Kleenex Hand Towels or to find out how you can save money when you buy your own, check out this site.

I really like to my home to look a certain way when entertaining guests. I like fresh flowers, a well stocked refrigerator and pantry, and shiny countertops. Ooh, I really like candles and ambient lighting too.  And always a little something-something like cupcakes or homemade chocolate cookies.  I want nothing more than my guests to feel welcomed and comfortable. Overnight visitors are few and far between but when it does happens I am certain my bathrooms are always guest ready!

Typically, the extra bathroom in my home houses dirty towels, hair products, and a sink full of sticky toothpaste. Hey, I never said I was perfect!  But that certainly doest sound guest-ready, does it?  When I know in advance that someone is coming to stay I always spring for a couple of new accessories from my local home store where I can get all the little luxuries that I love and hope that my guest will appreciate too.  This includes:

• Big, bright, fluffy, fresh towels.  My biggest pet peeve is having to use a towel that was washed but smells musty from sitting in the washing machine too long!  Make sure those new towels are cleaned and hung or folded promptly after they are done in the dryer.
• Something silly, like a fun soap on-a-rope.  While I know it’s not totally practical it’s definitely adorable!

• Beautiful bars of soap but  for decoration only!  I think a communal bar of soap is just plain gross but I love how they look – either unwrapped or kept in whatever pretty packaging it comes in.  I love the idea of a huge glass hurricane jar filled with beautiful soaps!
• Hand soaps that you want your guest to use.  I’m drawn to any pump soap with something eye catching on the label!  I usually try to grab ones that are made of either organic ingredients or ones that labels color coordinate with my bathroom decor.

• Containers to hold ear swabs and cotton balls
• Non-slip bathmat for the shower floor!  Find something cute because you certainly don’t want your guest slipping in your shower and suing you for their unpaid medical bills.  True story.  Not mine, thankfully!

• Unopened toiletries like toothpaste and a toothbrush, shower gel, lotion and hand cream, disposable razors, shampoo and conditioner.
• I always stash a hair dryer, curling iron, and flat iron in one of the drawers in case my guest forgot theirs.
• Extra paper products are a must!  There is nothing worse as a house guest having to ask your hostess for more toilet paper.  I’m crazy nuts about replacing the toilet paper roll with a new, fresh one and always have extras stored in an obvious place that’s easy to find.
• Reading material.  Let’s be honest, we all like to read something while taking care of other business.

A luxurious bathroom isn’t always the best idea though.  A couple of summers ago, we threw a huge 4th of July party at our house and I decked out our downstairs bathroom for the guests.  We had the kids decorate festive t-shirts which turned out to be a terrible idea because everyone washed paint off their hands in my beautiful bathroom.  My brand new, fluffy, and fresh hand towels were destroyed!  This would have been the perfect scenario to use Kleenex Hand Towels!  So, while I love a great towel I will certainly use Kleenex Hand Towels in the bathroom that gets a ton of party traffic!

Join the 14 million people who have already joined the Clean Hands campaign by using Kleenex Hand Towels, and click here for savings and more!           

What’s one unexpected item you’d like to find in your hostess’ guest bathroom?

I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.

I’m serving up another “best of…” post today in preparation for BlogHer’12.  It’s about clothes and despite my best attempt to not worry so much about what I’m wearing this year, I’m officially worried about what I’m wearing.

***

I have let this whole BlogHer’11 weekend really get in my head. You see, I wear t-shirts from Old Navy and jeans from the Gap. I like old sweatshirts and ratty pajamas. And you’ll only see me in one of the following on any given day: tennis shoes or flip flops.

I really lack any kind of style.

So, instead of shopping at my usual haunts and coming home with another pair of hideous denim capri pants, I decided to call on a professional.  With a couple of phone calls, I set up a personal shopping appointment at Nordstrom.  Did you know that this service is totally free?  Lori had three questions for me:

1. my size
2. the color of my hair and eyes
3. an idea of what I was looking for

The third one was probably the hardest one to answer.  I knew I didn’t want to wear a dress or skirt but I wanted to look put together and professional.

I found all this when I stepped into my huge private dressing room.

There were at least ten super adorable outfits including jeans, sweaters, blouses, and four pairs of Tory Burch shoes. I literally spent the first fifteen minutes taking pictures!

First up was the designer denim. She had pulled the usual suspects: 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, and Hudson.  I really, really wish I had the bod for these jeans.  I’m convinced these are made only for teenagers who haven’t hit puberty yet.  On me, it’s all plumbers crack and muffin top.  But, I tried them all on because Lori went through the trouble of pulling them off the rack.

Just as I thought…way too tight!  And worst of all were these skinny jeans!  I honestly looked like a penguin.  Lori jumped to plan B which included several pairs of trouser cut jeans which better suit my shape.  A gorgeous pair of Rivet & Blues came home with me.

There were so many cute tops to choose from!  I was immediately drawn to this blue and brown blouse and the adorable necklace she paired with it.  I loved it on the hanger but on it looked a little like something Stevie Nicks would have worn.  Against my better judgement, I purchased it (and returned it almost as quickly when my friend said it wasn’t flattering)!

I love the black and white striped cotton top. I got that and the green one behind it too. Aren’t you supposed to buy double of something you love?

This was such a miss. I didn’t even try it on. Can you say Paula Poundstone?

I wasn’t sure about this top either. The colors were so pretty and it goes perfectly with the dark blue denim pants I chose. It might be a little Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company, but I don’t care — I’m wearing it to the Saturday conferences.

This was a pretty sweater and I thought might be good for a chilly hotel but it was too matronly. I did love that sparkly number on the right but didn’t know if I’d wear it for sure. Maybe to the Sparklecorn party? I’m kind of regretting not getting it now. It’s very Las Vegas and would look adorable with black trousers and heels or black skinny jeans — but again, I don’t have the bod for the skinnies.

I couldn’t resist trying on the black Tory Burch flats and it was love at first sight.  I wanted so badly to get the tan wedges in the background but just couldn’t justify it.  I knew I’d get some mileage out of the flats but tried being realistic about the wedges.

I wanted these black cuffed pants SO BADLY but I had to pass with a price tag of $198.  I’m hitting the Gap or H&M tomorrow to find a similar pair.

This wool Tory Burch cardigan was also a big NO after seeing the price tag. I tried it on though. And it was itchy, thankfully.

The sea foam green blouse also came home with me but I returned that as well. It’s just not practical and I know it will sit in my closet unworn if I keep it. I did steal that black tuxedo jacket. I so want to wear it with dark denim and my red Foo Fighters t-shirt underneath but I fear looking a little manly.

In the end, I got the black flats and a couple tops, a pair of jeans, and the black tuxedo jacket. And maybe a necklace. But I still don’t feel prepared. I think I need something dressier for the evenings.

If you’re going to BlogHer have you packed?

***

Looking back, I did wear the green stripped top, the Mrs. Roper blouse, and the Rivet & Blues jeans.  I ended up getting an adorable black tank dress from Target that I wore to Sparklecorn and it was by far my favorite outfit (and cheapest) I wore all weekend.  Even though I’ve found myself spun tight over my attire for BlogHer’12, I just need to remember that everyone else is more worried about themselves and no one is worried about what I’m wearing!

Today’s post is a “best of…”  Happy Tuesday!

Last week, the reps for J.R. Watkins Naturals graciously invited me to visit their new boutique store at the Irvine Spectrum. I can’t believe that I’ve never been into this beautiful store considering the amount of time I’ve spent in that shopping mall. But let’s be honest, I usually just hit Target, maybe a quick run into Nordstrom, pick up a frozen yogurt at Golden Spoon, and then off to the carousel so the little one can get a ride in before we head home. Really, I don’t even know if I make it past Old Navy on most visits. However, I’ll be adding J.R. Watkins Naturals as one of my pit stops because their stuff is simply delicious.

If you’re familiar with the Irvine Spectrum, J.R. Watkins Naturals is located on the corner in the old Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge Factory location. The store is quite gorgeous. When walking in last Tuesday night, I realized “Oh, this is what I want my master bathroom to look and feel like.” It’s beautifully designed, it smells heavenly, and everything is perfectly placed. I know that I could easily spend a good hour in there just testing out all the J.R. Watkins products.

And speaking of products. Oh my. I was already a fan of J.R. Watkins. I usually throw a couple bottles of their hand soap in my cart at Target. But, Target has very limited options while the Watkins retail store has every single variety available and AT THE SAME PRICE! This girl can only live on one “fragrance” for so long. My favorite right now is the Aloe and Green Tea.

Hand soaps, lotions, balms, salves – they have all that. But they also have cleaning products for the home, natural remedies for sore muscles and sunburns, and seasonings, oils, and sauces. I know it sounds like a mixed bag but CEO Mark Jacobs explained that J.R. Watkins started out selling products to the woman of the house and made sure they had everything she needed. It’s a company that has been in business since 1868.

Hands down, the absolute best thing about J.R. Watkins is that the products are natural. They are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalate, mineral oil, petrolatum, dyes, formaldehyde, bleach, and animal ingredients. Their gourmet products are 95% and above natural and USDA organic.

I definitely suggest stopping in on the J.R. Watkins Naturals boutique store next time you’re at the Irvine Spectrum. You have to get a tube of hand cream, a stick of the baby balm (perfect for super dry skin), and the peppermint foot scrub. Ah, heaven.

J.R. Watkins Naturals
Irvine Spectrum, suite 219
(949) 754-0664

This is a non-sponsored post.   I was invited to preview the J.R. Watkins Naturals retail location and at that time I did receive several items to take home and sample.

***** This fantastic giveaway is now closed *****

A couple of months ago I wrote about my obsession with the Oreck Orbiter® and how I love the way it breathes new life into my wood floors.  It does an awesome job getting up water spots, scuffs, and footprints.  But, I still needed a quality vacuum to sweep up dust, dirt, and dog hair on a daily basis.  And just like that, it was like the Oreck Magnesium™ vacuum Gods were listening.

Oreck sent me the Magnesium™ (retail value $499.99) to review and one of my lucky readers will receive their very own Oreck Magnesium™ vacuum, brand new and shipped directly from Oreck to their front porch!

Honestly, I was a little skeptical about how much I would like the Oreck Magnesium™.  I owned another Oreck vacuum years ago but had to get rid of it when I found it hard to push on our new high pile carpet.  Since then, I have been using a vacuum that has some definite drawbacks despite it’s popularity.

My first impression of the Oreck Magnesium™ was that it was a nice height – especially for someone like me who is 5’8″.  The worst thing about vacuuming is being hunched over and having a killer backache afterwards.  It’s also incredibly light – 7.7lbs. to be exact – almost 15 lbs. lighter than the vacuum I regularly use.  And it has a nice long 30 ft. cord.

The Magnesium™ has large, high-performance wheels that don’t clatter over every plank of my wood floor.  It also has two push button settings – high for carpets and low for wood and tile flooring.  I really liked that I could simply push the button to change the setting instead of turning it off, bending over, and rotating a dial to change settings.  The Magnesium™ also has what they call self-propelled movement.  Essentially, it feels like it’s griping the floor and moving along without a ton of pushing effort.  By far its best feature is that it will almost lay flat to get under furniture.  This is a huge plus because in my house dust takes residence under my entry tables and I don’t have to use the broom when I use the Magnesium™.

Now, remember I told you that I had to get rid of my old Oreck vacuum because it was too hard to push on high pile carpet?  I’m so happy to report that I didn’t have any problems using the Magnesium™ on the same high pile carpet in my home!

I am really pleased with the Oreck Magnesium™ and I think  you will be too!  So don’t you want to enter and get your own $499.99 Oreck Magnesium™?  Here’s what you have to do to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oreck Corporation provided the prize for the sweepstakes but is not the sponsor of the sweepstakes. All opinions and descriptions are honest and of my reflect my own experience.  The giveaway winner must be a resident of the U.S. 48 contiguous states.

I sent a text to my BlogHer  roommate yesterday to tell her I was having a minor panic attack browsing for dresses.  I rarely wear dresses or skirts in my everyday life but I feel like a party deserves a cocktail dress, don’t you?

I’m not sure why I was panicking.  That’s a lie, I do.  It’s because I want to look cute and put together and I’m still trying to figure out how to dress myself at 37 years old.  I simply don’t know what looks good on me.  I’m curvy, I’ve got an ample bosom, and my arms are in need of some serious toning.  I don’t want to look like a hooch or a grandma!

Here’s some photos of what I’d like to wear. 

I actually bought the blue dress and necklaces but promptly returned them the following day.  The ruffles on the sleeves just didn’t work for me!  How cute is that chevron dress and especially that belt?  It’s all from Anthropologie but their sizes run too small for me.  I really like the cap sleeve on the cheetah print dress but I’m a real life size 12 and  I don’t want to look like some beasty animal.  How do you feel about animal prints?

I adored the red dress but only if it was in black and I don’t know if I love the wide shoulder straps.  The striped sweater paired with those raspberry colored pants are perfect for walking the Expo Hall and attending conference sessions.  Love, love, love.  I might go back and get it!  Alas, I spy another animal print but if I don’t want to look like a cheetah, I certainly don’t want to look like a zebra!

Sparkly heels for Sparklecorn?  I don’t know if I’m jumping onto the “let’s wear tutus, feather boas, and sequins to Sparklecorn” train but maybe a little bling might be fun.  I’d probably only ever wear them once.  Flats on the other hand are my BFF.  I bought a very expensive pair of flats last year and they are the most uncomfortable $195 shoes I’ve ever worn!  I’m loving the zipper detail – and the price (under $40) – and I love the turquoise toes on the black and white pair.

I did buy these two dresses yesterday.  The stripped one (from White House Black Market) was an impulse buy after I had spent the previous hour trying on dresses at another store.  I really like it but I think it might be a tad too short on me.  The one-shoulder number is adorable (Maggy London from Nordstrom) – but I think cuter on the model than me.  It seems a little dressy.  Maybe more appropriate for a wedding (or my 20th year high school reunion next summer!).  I do like the silver strappy heel rather than a black one, don’t you?

I snapped these last night and threw them up on Instrgram for advice.  Is that first dress too short?  The animal print dress in the middle is from my closet and has never been worn.  And the black skirt is actually a dress that has a black and gray chevron patterned top – also from my closet that has never been worn.  What do you think about those wedge sandals with any three of those dresses?

I like the idea of shopping from my closet for this year’s BlogHer but I need to freshen my wardrobe up a little bit – and those raspberry pants are calling my name!

Going to BlogHer’12?  What’s your wardrobe plan?

Now that the 4th of July holiday is over the official countdown to BlogHer begins!!  Twenty-seven days until I board a jet plane headed to NYC!  Until then, there is so much to do in preparation for the biggest blogging conference of the season.  I felt compelled to write a post for all the first timers attending BlogHer in hope to silence some of their worries.

Last year, I was FA-REAKING out in anticipation of attending my first blogging conference.  I was terrified that I  wouldn’t know anyone and that I wasn’t getting any private party invites.  I was embarrassed that I didn’t have an iPad.  I was worried I’d get snubbed by the big time bloggers.  I couldn’t remember my elevator pitch.  I didn’t know what to expect from the Expo floor.  I wasn’t sure what to wear.  All my worst insecurities were rising to the surface.  And you know what?  It was all for nothing!

• Yes, I went knowing very few people but I came home with a lot of new friends and connections.   My advice?  Don’t be afraid.  Lean into your discomfort.  You already have something in common with the stranger sitting next to you.  You both blog.  The easiest way to start a conversation with someone is to ask them what they blog about.  Or where they’re from.  Or if they’re staying at the Hilton.  The person next to you is likely feeling the same way you are – so just reach out to them.  It will be worth it.  And if it’s not, there’s another person sitting next to her.
• Being excluded from a private party can take you right back to junior high when you didn’t get invited to the slumber party.  I didn’t get invited to one single private party last year.  (Hell, I haven’t got invited to one single private party this year!)  However, I did go as a friend’s +1 and it was fun.  Free food and cocktails.  A celebrity chef.  A couple of fun gifts in a swag bag.  After that particular party, we walked back over to the San Diego Convention Center and went to the free BlogHer sponsored Sparklecorn party and it was a BLAST!  It was the best party of the entire weekend.  Great vibe, free drinks, lots of dancing, two unicorn cakes, glow necklaces, and a celebrity DJ spinning records.  So, don’t get hung up on the private parties.  Grab some dinner with your new friends and kick up your heels at the BlogHer sponsored soirees!

• I thought I’d be a technological outcast if I didn’t have an iPad.  The remedy?  I borrowed my Dad’s and I hardly used it.  My iPhone 3 with the cracked screen worked just fine and really I’m a faster note taker with a pen and paper anyway.  Bring what you have – no one else is worried about it except for you.
• Yes, the big time bloggers you follow will likely be in attendance.  Hopefully, they are gracious to you.  My advice?  Keep your mini fan girl freak out in check.  Last year, a friend introduced me to Jill Smokler and she was lovely.  Sure, inside I was like “OMGeeeee that is SCARY MOMMY!!!!”  Unfortunately, I wasn’t as cool and collected (or sober) when my friends and I ran into Mama Kat in the hotel lobby.  I may or may not have complimented her on her beautiful skin.  How absolutely creepy is that?  I’m still horrified.
• The elevator pitch!  Gah!!!  I still don’t have a great one.  Keep in mind, you will be asked 8 bazillion times about what you blog about.  Keep it short and simple is my best advice.
• The Expo floor is a beast.  I suggest going Thursday night when it first opens – there will be less people.  Last year, I walked the floor with a veteran to that kind of environment.  I hung back and tried to learn from her.  Oh…and bring a tote bag.  You are given so much stuff – things you won’t even want but still take because you think you have to have it.  Some people only go to BlogHer for the Expo floor and the parties.  I’d rather stay away from the Expo floor and maybe take a nap back at the hotel!

• What to wear to BlogHer is the number two question behind the how to get into a private party.  Last year, I spent too much money on clothes I didn’t wear.  Bring flats for the sessions and the Expo – you’ll be walking a lot.  I stuck to what I was comfortable in – dark jeans, cute top.  In the evening, I broke out the LBD (little black dress) and wedges.  I’m certain I’ll follow the same guidelines this year but NYC is far different from San Diego so I might be consulting someone who knows more than I when it comes to fashion!

Let’s get back to the business of blogging, shall we?  Today we’re talking SEO for bloggers.

Last year at this time, I was blogging on another platform and didn’t have a clue what SEO was.  It wasn’t until BlogHer’11 when I figured out that I really needed to figure out how to effectively use SEO when writing my blog posts.  I bought a hefty book full of geeky jargon and  I watched a couple of outdated tutorial videos.  Then my brilliant friend Steph from Hearts and Laserbeams published a kick-ass guide to SEO called Easy SEO for Bloggers!

Do you want to learn how to get more eyeballs on your blog posts?  You need to get your hands on a copy of Easy SEO for Bloggers!  It doesn’t get any easier than screen shots with arrows and text that reads “type YOUR FOCUS KEYWORD here.”

This is what Steph says about her own blog and how much her page views grew once she started consistently using the techniques she’s outlined in Easy SEO for Bloggers.

“I was getting about 1,000 page views a month, and my Alexa score was in the high 5 millions. Here we are a couple of months later, I’ve been picking up more and more knowlege about SEO, and it shows. I’m currently clocking in at about 4,000 unique visitors a month with about 10,000 page views. My Alexa score is now in the 700,000s, with a score of 76,000ish in the US (as of 6/20/12).”

You can download Easy SEO for Bloggers at Hearts and Laserbeams for only $10!

If you are clueless about SEO and want to increase your page views, you definitely need this book.  Plus, it’s super cute!

Steph from Hearts and Laserbeams provided me a free copy of Easy SEO for Bloggers to review.  All opinions of are my own.  This post appears as a courtesy to my lovely friend!

Two months ago, thirty-two brave and amazing women sent me a photo of themselves on a scale to kick off the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge!  Now after eight weeks of counting calories, exercise, and weekly weigh-ins one has emerged as the winner.

Together we lost a total of 254 lbs.!  How freaking amazing is that?  I wish my contribution was a bigger part of that number, but it’s not, and that pity party will be saved for another day!

And now…let me introduce you to the top four and their BEFORE photos!

I want to congratulate (clockwise) Lizz, Jackie, Heidi, and Erin for their endless commitment!  Together, these four amazing ladies lost a total of 139 lbs.!  Let’s check out their AFTER photos!

And with that…the winner of the #iwillrockthis weight-loss challenge is…

Congratulations Erin – You definitely rocked it!!  And thanks to everyone for their hard work and great attitude throughout the challenge!  It’s been awesome!