New videos of my nephew Liam - walking!!

PDX Area Fav Things: Nordies tax-free shopping, The Nines Hotel and Meriwether's Restaurant

This past weekend, I spent Sunday in Portland, OR with my family.  I set up a personal stylist appointment at Nordstrom downtown, for my mom and I to find dresses for my brother's wedding in June.
It was SUCH a good experience and so fun.  Both of us found dresses, shoes, etc...  We can cross this off our wedding "to do" list.  I do need a few alterations, but I think my mom is good to go.  I'm so happy my mom had this special personal shopping experience.  
After our appointment, we met my good friend and sorority sister, Christina Mueller, at The Nines hotel for a drink and catching up.  Her and I stay close via text/phone/email, but sadly hadn't seen each other in like 3 years.  She is about to move with her hubby to Maine for 3 years - he is a pilot with our Customs and Border Patrol.  Hopefully she will be able to visit me in Seattle this spring.
Next we headed to Meriwether's to exchange cars, and meet up with my brother, Suzanne and her twin, Jen.  So much fun!!  My dad should have had fun - he was at the head of a table full of loud women! HA LOL   Jen and I were able to hammer out some possible bachelorette weekend dates and ideas, so things are finally starting to come together for this wedding.  Being the uber-planner I am, this makes ML happy!

Garrett Morgan - Sacramento area musician and good friend

Please follow up and coming Sacramento area musician, Garrett Morgan, who is a good friend of mine.
http://www.reverbnation.com/garrettmorgan?kick=351466

Airfield Estates Winery

One of my very favorite wineries is Airfield Estates from here in Washington.  I discovered them when my friend, Renata, and I went to a wine event in 2008 at Chateau Ste Michelle featuring wines from all over WA. I tasted their unoaked chardonnay, and OMG - it is SO good!  Bought a few bottles, and from there, fell in love with these wines.  I visited their tasting room in Prosser, WA in 2009 and joined the wine club after that.  In April 2010 their Woodinville tasting room opened up, so very happy to have them close to me here.
Their Bombshell blend and Tempranillo are two of my favorite reds....  ENJOY!! 

RAVE! ML's Favorite Things... kind of like Oprah's Favorite Things

Sooo,
Not usually this huge Oprah person, but considering this is the last season, I'm kind of loving her final topics/guests.  Also, on her new network, OWN, which I get up here in Seattle on Comast 220, there are some cool shows, including her behind the scenes show...into how it is all made.  I had no idea she has 400 producers - not surprising - just didn't know.  Those folks have had an amazing career with her, I wish them the best!!
Inspiried by Oprah's Favorite Things, I think this blog will do a ML's Favorite Things post at least once a month. I do have my shoe blog, but those who know me, know I love more than just shoes! HA
If Oprah can put her "O" stamp of approval on consumer items, why can't ML! Maybe I'll whittle myself down to only one blog inspired by my fav things - shoes, news stories, people, products, etc.. 

Therefore, please welcome my first Favorite Thing:  Morrocon Oil Style products!!!   YEAH!!  Drumroll!! 
Folks, this ain't a cheap line.  I'll break it down... but such quality.  I have the Glimmer Shine Spray and it's lastest me 6 months!  Worth every penny!!  

Cut and Color tomorow!!

OMG - I must say, I am sooo happy to get my hair color/cut tomorrow.  Now that I'm growing my hair back out, it hasn't been cut in 2 appts, so meaning 16 weeks.  ugh!!  It's ratty, split ends, no style, etc...BUT, longer, which was the point!  My color is fab, but shit, it's just in a pony tail these days.  Gross!!
My stylist, Laura, works out of Salon Julien, here in WS.   Laura really is the best!  Did her time with the best in the biz, went out on her own, and knows her work.  No need to over charge for her services, no need to put on airs, etc...  I love my time with her, I look forward to it!  She is also a makeup artist, formally with Chanel and La Prairie.  Knows her stuff!  And, as a bonus, her hubby is in the kick ass local band, Kandi Coded!
Anyone needed a good stylist, please call me and I'll hook you up with Laura - you will not be disappointed!

Lisa's 45th Birthday... Columbia City...

My dear friend, Lisa Taylor, was 45 in January.  To add to the month-long celebrations, two of us were able to meet up with her in Columbia City (a Seattle neighborhood) - a few of the group were sick with the flu - Lisa and I hit up Verve Wine Bar for a drink, then we met Nga at Spice Room for a Thai feast.  It was such great food, and even better company!! Happy Birthday Lisa!!!

Roberta's 50's themed 50th Birthday Party.... And other January Girls

My dear friend, Roberta Miner, was 50 years old this past month.  Jan 12th to be exact.  Yet another Capricorn got a year older....Roberta booked the private room at a joint near her place, Del Rey, on Sat Jan 15th.  OMG!  What a fun party!  It was supposed to be 1950's theme, but apparently only her, Lisa and I got that memo?!  I went for it, combining my own clothes with some Party City and Jo-Ann Fabric finds... I think the pics speak for themsleves!  HA  No one else got the memo the 3 of us did, but that was fine.  I had SO much fun with it!! 
The weekend earlier was my b'day celebration (36th) on Cap Hill, and then Jan 22nd we celebrated Lisa's (45th) in Columbia City at Verve Wine Bar and then Spice Room Thai.  Wonderful night!! 
Us self-dubbed "January Girl's" try to celebrate once a month and it's looking like our next venture will be Feb 9th - Pics to come!! 

Roberta's 50's themed 50th Birthday Party - Pics

Gift Table

Me and Bridget (my neighbor from the Cap Hill apartment)

Me and local mystery author, Kevin O'Brien

january Birthday Girls, Lisa and Roberta

Gifts for us January Girls!

Lisa

me and Roberta

party goers dancing to 50's beats

me... posting as usual! HA

Whoo hoo!!  Roberta!!

again, me posing

January Girl sandwich!

Happy Birthday Roberta!!

HUGE RAVE: William Declan Mahoney Turns 1!!

Big News!!  My sweet little nephew, Liam, is now 1, as of Jan 14th!  OMG - where the hell did a year go?  God, life just flies by us, doesn't it?  Well, here he is, in all his sweet glory, hamming it up for the camera!  ENJOY!!
(P.S., I think he belongs in a J. Crew catalog.. I know that sounds biased, but, honestly, he does!  Those eyes can sell clothes!)....

I soooo see my brother Colin here...  :-)

Oh hey, my Aunt Marylyn gave me this sweatshirt for Christmas...