Not only is today Valentine’s Day, it is my SITS Day. Welcome friends and SITStahs!
SITS stands for The Secret is in the Sauce, a blogging community 8,000+ members strong, lead by Tiffany, Francesca, and Kathy B.
I don’t know how the ladies juggle all that they do, but they manage to lead bloggy boot camps, feature a daily blogger, give helpful advice, organize & lead tribes, and have just started a book club. Are you as exhausted as I am? Be sure to check them out.
Today I’m getting a heart-shaped box of chocolates. My little birdies did not spill the beans, but my big bird did when he asked if the girls had told me. I’m not sure what brand he bought, but as long as they aren’t Russell Stover, all is good.
Along with Russell Stover’s chocolates, here are some other gifts I do not want:
Lindsay Lohan’s White Dress
The now infamous white dress in which Lindsey strolled to court. Hubby has said I wouldn’t have to wear it long, …or outside.
An Arizona Jean Jacket
This was another brilliant idea from hubby. Yes, I get it. I live in AZ and I’m Jean, but really, it’s not my style.
A Vermont Teddy Bear and Pajamagram’s “Marshmallow-Soft” Hoodie Footie
I’m a woman, not a toddler. I don’t want a dust-collecting bear or pjs with feet.
Invariably, someone will come along spouting the benefits of gift a, b or c. “I’m from Vermont, and we are very proud of our bears. Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be the same without this wonderful gift, you heartless tramp.” 
Next thing you know, I’m back peddling and hosting a Vermont Teddy Bear give-away. If you’d like to be eligible for the Jean Has Been Shopping teddy bear, leave a comment below.
• Have you had your SITS day?
• What gift do/don’t you want for Valentine’s Day?
Helloooooo! I have been gone for far too long, and I’ve missed you. So much has happened in the past month, and what follows is the recap.
First off, our oldest daughter was finally accepted to a local, private school. She had been on the waiting list for four years, and being accepted was like receiving a golden ticket. You may or may not be familiar with the drama we experienced at Montessori, but we are pleased that she excelled at public school and made the transition to this private school with ease.
Our business is branching out. We will be unveiling a new publication in the very near future, and I cannot wait (but must wait) to give you a sneak peek! Stay tuned for that.
Everyone and his brother is sporting tri-colored hair in our town. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just, well, my wonderful stylist gave me that look three years ago. I loved it! I rocked it! I admit, I hadn’t been doing much with my hair lately, even letting my sparkles (greys) shine through. But when I saw the town awash in this new trend, I felt it was time to head to Vegas for some much needed treatment.
I parked my butt in Brooklyn’s chair and told her my dilemma. She recommended I try the ombre look. ::: Perk! ::: I’m all ears! Go on.
Ombre, as in dark roots, lighter ends. I love it! Now I notice others who are wearing this look.
Are you watching American Idol? When my husband saw that Steven Tyler was a judge, he tuned it and is loving it. He cannot believe the size of the crowds, and wonders how they pack all those auditions into two days. This is only my 3rd year of watching, and I do like the chemistry of Steven, J.Lo and Randy.
The Super Bowl has come & gone. I didn’t have a favorite team nor really a favorite commercial. Fergie’s mic wasn’t working very well, and Usher’s pants were too baggy in the crotch. Shout out to my girl, Sherri, for dancing around with a box on her head. She rocks.
• Hair – what’s your secret to looking so fresh?
• American Idol – why do you/don’t you watch?
• Super Bowl – name your highlights and lowlights.
Being an Arizona family, each winter we search for snow with the express purpose of playing and freezing our butts off. Mount Charleston (outside of Las Vegas) had a record 8′ of the fluffy white stuff, but accommodations on the mountain were nil. Santa Fe Station Casino offered the closest lodgings, plus online reservations were a cinch!
We arrived at the “Designated Snow Play Area”, got the kids suited up, and hauled them in their little Christmas sleds towards a hill.
This run looked good…
…but veered towards a tree!
Both girls were fine, and eventually steered their sleds straight.
We ate snow,
tried to build a snowman,
took lots of pictures,
and enjoyed the scenery.
Ninety minutes later, we were heading down the mountain to thaw and check into our room. The girls chose their bed, then ran to the bathroom to check out the toiletries. They would have tested the lotion, shampoo & conditioner immediately, but we distracted them with the mention of dinner.
Steakhouse, Mexican, Sushi, Buffet, Fatburger, Chinese, Wings, Pizza, or Coco’s Restaurant & Bakery ~ so many choices! Coco’s won us over with their extensive menu, and we all dined happily.
After dinner, we bowled. Tom and our youngest daughter had something in common. It was their first time bowling! How does a 49 year old man go through life without bowling?
I left my camera in the room, so I tried to spruce up these phone shots with photoshop filters.
When our summer temps reach 120º F / 48.89º C, we’ll be wishing the snow was still on the mountains.
• Snow: Love or loath?
• Cabin or Casino?
• Which restaurant would have enticed you?
