Celebrate Good Times

So I celebrated my 35th birthday this week. It's so weird to put that age to myself. I don't feel that age, but then I don't know what 35 should feel like.

In most places (outside of Utah, of course) 35 is the prime age to be. Everybody strives for this age. I suppose it's similar to how we all feel when we reach 21 years old. We all wanted to be there.
For my birthday, Eric took me to a wonderful lunch at the Market Street Grill. The fresh Atlantic Salmon (wild, not farmed) was FANTASTIC. I forgot to take a picture of the salmon (if you really want to see one, run to the store and check out the seafood area). I did get a picture of the dessert, though. Yum.

Later in the evening, Eric and I joined Richard and his kids at my mom's house for hamburgers. I love those kids!! We had so much fun. We played in the front yard with Dante.
(Collin was sick, which made me cry)

Dante is getting a bit old, which is sad to watch. He still loves the kids, though.


Elise posed a very serious look - which I thought suited her perfectly. I thought is turned out nice.


Cute Andrew is such a poser! I love his smile and playful personality.


I loved the way this shot came out of Marcus. He was just sitting there watching me and I captured his expression.


And then there was poor Collin asleep in the car. He has to have one of the sweetest dispositions of any kid his age.

Voting Republican

I know, I know - it's going around the emails right now, but I loved (LOVED) this video!

Wanna Save Money at Costco?

Costco is one of the only places I go to shop for food items I know I can stock up on. The idea, of course, is to save money by buying in bulk. Did you know there are a few "signs" to watch for when shopping at Costco that can save you some mullah? Here's the low down:


#1 - The ASTERISK - Look at the price sign. If you see an asterisk it means the items will be discontinued soon. Think you might want that item? It might not be there next time, so get it now if you like it.


#2 - The CENTS - if the price of the item ENDS in as $.99 or $.95, it means the price is at it's highest possible mark up (which for Costco is 13%).

If the price ends in anything other than $.99 or $.95 or an even dollar amount (i.e. $.97 or $.96) it means the price has been dropped by the maker of the product (possibly because it might be discontinued at the location).


#3 - If you see a PLUS SIGN in the right hand corner of the price sign, it means this product is a test product. Meaning it's being tested for the demographic. So if you like it, buy it so it will continue to be available at the location. (this is why you can go to one Costco and find one product but another Costco might not carry it).


#4 - If the price is an even dollar amount (i.e. $10.00 or $23.00) it means the price has been marked down by the merchandising manager. This manager has the authority to mark prices down as much at 50%!
It can indicate a few things: 1. This was a floor model; 2. the item isn't selling so they are trying to move product; 3. they are making room for an updated product.
On larger items (furniture, computers, etc) you can negotiate a price with the merchandising manger (only) - ask for $10 or $15 more off the discounted price. They might do it.


#5 - The lowest price of clothes is found on the center table in the middle of all those tables of clothes. Start there and work your way out for the best deals on clothes you find.


#6 - Seasonal items - Costco (like most retailers) likes to stay ahead by a full season, so plan ahead.
Certain seasons present better deals on items:
Late Winter - Furniture deals are best
Late Spring - Lawn & Garden
July 4 (yes, it's a season) - Furniture
Early Fall - Fall Holiday items (Halloween, Thanksgiving)
Mid Fall (October 1 - End of Dec) - Christmas items

So these are the tips I learned from a fellow class mate of mine. Her husband is a merchandising manager and these are public tips, so no insider trading going on here. Hope it helps all of you Costco shoppers!

California Dreamin'

CONGRATULATIONS to April for her amazing and awesome accomplishment. She graduated from University of Southern California at Long Beach in economics. Woo - that's a mouthful.

I met Elida and Damon's cute little baby, Mason, and I fell in love instantly. He's so mellow and sweet, and he's a people watcher - so he fits right in with the rest of us.



We spent the weekend on Catalina Island. My mom, Sandy, April, Collin, Elise and I camped in Little Harbor. Elida, Damon, Mason and my dad had hotels in Avalon - a most touristy little town.
Our camp site was just off the beach of a beautiful little cove and we saw incredible sunsets and played in very soft sand of the beach. On Saturday (5/31/08) we got on a "bus" (really, it was a van) and went to Avalon to spend time with the Avalonians.
In the end, this was a most pleasant and relaxing vacation. I had a very difficult time saying my goodbyes to my sisters. I usually don't feel such emotions, but this little goodbye was felt deep in my heart and I was sad. Sometimes, more than others, I realize just how much I miss my sisters.
Flying home was very nice and comfy - of course, I love Jet Blue. I was on one of their new planes - so LOTS of room for my short and stout legs. The crew was awesome and had some cute jokes and fun little comments as we flew. It was so very nice to sleep in my own bed and most of all to see Eric (here's the cheese). I had missed him a lot and it was nice to see him. Next time we go to California, WE will go to California together.

Here are some of my favorite pictures I took while on this adventure:
First we have the Two Harbors beach - I thought the colors of all the kayaks under the palm tree was amazing.


Collin and Elise loved playing in the water and along the shore line (do you remember playing in the water all day long?). I loved this shot because you can see Collin is jumping.

I loved how pensive this shot came out, with Elise just walking along the beach.

Another really great picture of Elise walking in the water. I thought it looked great how the sun light is coming through that first wave.

The sun began to set and this shot came out very nice. I was standing by our tents and you can see we were right off the beach. Just a really nice spot.

I took a gazillion pictures of this sunset, but this one was my favorite because of one little seagull. Collin hiked up with me and we watched the colors unfold.

In Avalon, I got some other really great shots, but this one makes me laugh.

On the morning of our last day, Sandy and I woke up very early (around 6:00, which is unheard of when you're on vacation) and walked to the beach. We found this sailboat had joined us in the night. Again, the seagull made this a favorite.

Just before our bus collected us for our journey back to a civilized world, I took some pictures of the palm trees that encircled the camp ground. I love the very blue sky.

Wanna see more? see my flickr pics (link to the right). I know, a shameless plug for my pictures. Also be sure to see Sandy's pictures and when my mom gets hers loaded up, make sure you hit those, too.

You know, I was planning on where my $600 surplus would go? Yeah, well, a large chunk went to this trip and the expenses - so it guess I did was the money was intended to do, right?