Currently Reading (Again): Diane von Furstenberg's "Book of Beauty"

One of my favorite thrift store rituals is to go through the book section. Although often futile, sometimes I find gems tucked between numerous discarded copies of The South Beach Diet and dusty 1980s romance novels. A few years ago, I picked up a copy of Diane von Furstenberg's Book of Beauty and found it extremely informative and interesting- especially considering the book was published in 1976! She writes of many things like exercise and healthy eating, all the way down to the specifics of applying makeup, but I found her chapters on making the most of our time (yet taking a day each week to just relax) and being confident in our life choices the most enjoyable. The tidbits and photos she includes about her early life, loves, and career in fashion are an added bonus.

Definitely worth the $1.99 I paid for this hidden gem!

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Basset Hounds and Breakfast Burritos

This morning, my man and I had an adventure. We decided to take the scenic Highway 1 to Pismo Beach because I had just been dying for a PBL (Pismo Beach Locals- it's not on the menu!) breakfast burrito from Hoagie's (when I worked in Pismo I used to get this for breakfast nearly every morning- so delicious). We were winding our way towards the beach when suddenly we noticed a dog standing smack in the middle of the road! Parker pulled over and as we both got out of the car, the dog immediately starting trotting towards us. He was the cutest little Basset Hound, and after we helped him into the car (his little stubby legs couldn't get himself up unassisted) I called the phone number on his tag. It was for a veterinary office, but they weren't able to find his owner's information and suggested taking him to the pound. There was no way we could do that, poor little guy. So we kept driving, and noticed an animal care office up ahead- we pulled in, took the dog inside and the girls at the front desk shook their heads and said, "Hi, Bentley..." as soon as he waddled in. Thankfully they were able to keep him and get in contact with his owner without him having to go to the shelter- I hope he'll stay in his yard from now on!

After that little detour we continued on to Pismo for my burrito and then on to San Luis Obispo for a leisurely stroll through Barnes & Noble. It was nice to have a little outing with Parker today, especially as I have been feeling not as sick (I hope I didn't just jinx it!). Today was a good day.

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Majorly MIA...But For a Good Reason

When can I expect to look like this?

Oh how I've missed you, blog o' mine! It's been way too long since I've posted, but I'll admit I've had other things on my mind. You see, exactly one month ago my hubby and I discovered that we've officially got the stork on holiday duty- my eggo is preggo, no doubt about it! This is pretty fantastic news, and while we've had an ultrasound (just to confirm everything is A-OK in there), there is still not a confirmed due date so we're thinking somewhere between Hanukkah and Christmas (the perfect combination of me and Parker!). Right now I'm ten weeks along, and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel; however, I'm not out of the woods yet as far as morning sickness is concerned. Let me tell you something, there is nothing pretty about morning sickness- the joy I may feel when someone tells me I have that "pregnancy glow" all goes out the window when I can't even keep Cheerios down. But I am trying super hard not to complain and keep a happy face because in all honesty I am so happy. I just miss enjoying cheese, meat, and pretty much everything I loved a month ago! Sigh. I miss food.

I just want to take a second and point out that I may, in fact, have the best husband ever. He's been even nicer to me than normal, which is saying something! When I've got that "I feel disgusting and not pretty and fat and I'm hungry" look on my face he knows that I need a hug and a smooch and he pats my tummy and I feel better. I'm really so lucky.

Things to ponder in the months to come:

How will Parker's phobia of pregnant bellies come into play when I start showing?
Is it a boy or a girl? (Yes, are you kidding me? Of course we will find out!)
Will I still be able to wear my cute shoes?

~VP~

Video Wednesday

I was excited to see that a friend of mine, Andrew, was featured on Conan O'Brien's show last night! Take a look!