12.20.10

Tis The Season: Teachers.


Last Friday, we hosted a luncheon for all of the teachers at the girls’ school. Because collectively they have been touched by every teacher there, I thought it would be nice to honor all of them rather than just giving the average gift card to their current teachers. Honestly, the luncheon equated to only a little more than I would have spent on the smaller group of teachers. The teachers were so appreciative– I think everyone really enjoyed it.


It is always so hard to make sure that you take care of everyone on your list, and for some reason, teachers always seem to be the hardest to shop for. I cannot thank my girls’ teachers enough for the love and care that they give my babies. They truly make a difference in my children’s lives’ everyday.

There are so many options for so many budgets; last year we gave them personalized CD’s wrapped up with a Christmas Candle– I still hear from some of them how much they love listening to our play list. Fresh flowers and potted plants are a great surprise, and something that they can use on their holiday table. And if you run out of creativity– gift cards are always welcome; Starbucks, Michaels, Paper Source- the possibilities are endless!

So this one’s for all of you teachers out there… Check out the holiday gift items that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. Custom CD Labels– $26 for 20
5. Monogrammed Compact– $29.95
6. Cupco Cup + Starbucks Gift card– $7.99 + Gift card amount
11. Mani and Pedi– Varies
12. Potted Paperwhites- $19.95

12.17.10

Shop For a Cure.


Many of you were so touched by our friends the Carmicals, and their battle with pediatric cancer. Through Declan’s Journey, thousands of people around the world were touched by this baby boy and his family. Sadly, Declan lost that battle on August 18, just eight days shy of his 1st birthday.


This past week, I spoke with Sherri on the phone and was able to catch up, which was long overdue. As you may know, Declan is buried just steps from my Mom, and the girls and I visit him often. Even after everything that Sherri has been through, the first thing that she said to me was that she thinks of me every time she visits Declan. I guess once you become part of the not-so-elite club of losing someone close to you, you get it. We even joked about how the girls and I had ice cream at Declan’s grave on his birthday. While some may think it’s morbid, or weird, it’s become a part of our lives. My mother was such a force within my life, and somehow, someway my girls feel that too. They ask to go see Grandma and actually get upset if we happen to drive by the cemetery and not stop. Sherri and I laughed about how the cemetery is like a second home to our kids— but it’s peaceful, and it’s beautiful.

So, while Sherri has found as much peace as she can visiting her baby in a cemetery, she continues to fight so that she can hopefully save other mothers from the heartache that she and Stan have been through. I will never forget how proud, touched and amazed I was at Declan’s funeral when Sherri wrote a letter to her precious boy and vowed to keep up this fight.. and what a fighter she is.

Sherri and Stan have started Journey-4-A-Cure, a foundation started in honor of Declan to advance research for a cure to pediatric cancer. Recently, they have teamed up with RuMe Bags for a promotion through December 31. Purchase any items and not only will you receive 10% off, but RuMe Bags will also donate 30% of your purchase to Journey-4-A-Cure. (Promo Code: CURE.)


They have some great designs that fold up perfectly to fit in your purse, laptop bag, or even carry on.. and how adorable is the Jr. line? I know that I will be purchasing the cuff for myself as well as Mike– great for all of the activities that we will be doing during our post-holiday boot camp. Also, I snagged a few of the reusable baggies for snacks for the girls… They can also be used as make-up bags, or a little change purse for my beach bag.

So many great options for stocking stuffers, already at great prices. Now you can get an additional 10% and donate to a great cause… Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Love this line, and I hope you do too. Let’s all shop for a cure!

12.16.10

Detox.


If there is one down side to blogging, it’s the 20 lbs that I have gained through the process (btw.. I just housed a burrito bowl from Chipotle before typing this….) That being said, for those of you that know me personally, know that I took part in a purification program almost two years ago. It is a three-week program created by Standard Process. In conjunction with a daily shake and various all-natural supplements, you essentially detoxify your body. The hardest part for me was the fact that I had to give up all preservatives. That’s right– all organic foods, no diet coke and no sugar, wheat or cheese. I know it sounds grueling, but honestly after the first day’s migraine, I was smooth sailing for the remainder of the time. I was even able to watch my family eat a pepperoni pizza while I happily ate my salad. The best part wasn’t the 15 lbs. that I lost, but the way that I felt. People told me that my hair and skin never looked better, I lost all bloat from my stomach… and for the first time in my life- I lost inches in my butt and thighs. I was never able to achieve that even at the gym! My sinuses were super clear, and any aches and pains that I was experiencing completely went away– I felt better than I have ever felt in my life. Oh, and on a more ahem… personal note…. if constipation is an issue for you, this will also do the trick. You wont be running to the bathroom, but you’ll definitely get on a regular schedule.

 
So, in preparation for our trip to Turks and Caicos in January, I will be doing the program again, and I am inviting all of you to come along! I purchase the supplements through my amazing Chiropractors at Beyond Wellness. Luckily for all of you, Beyond Wellness is offering these supplements to you at a 10% discount (total price of $200 for all three weeks worth of supplements) through Christmas and free shipping for those who are out of state.
 
I am planning on making this an online forum for all of those that participate with daily updates from me as well as information from the seminar that I took from Standard Process and tips and tricks for how to see the best results.
If you are interested email me for information.

You will not see the results unless you commit 100% to the program- so unless you are serious as a heart attack.. don’t waste your money. 😉 I would never endorse a product that I didn’t 200% believe in, so know that if you stick to the program… it works!
 
Start date is January 3– so guzzle up that eggnog and eat your figgy pudding, because come January 1- we’re all in boot camp!
 

12.14.10

Oh Yes, I Did.

Yes, this will be making it’s way to the Salmon household from the North Pole this Christmas… although, I am still not entirely sure of who it is for… (I would put my chips on me.)

 
Jonathan Adler has teamed up with Barbie on a various projects. Besides the Jonathan Adler Barbie Doll, to commemorate Barbie’s 50th Anniversary, JA designed Barbie’s Malibu dream house- a life-size barbie mecca located in, you guessed it, Malibu.

 

“Of all my work, bringing to life Barbie’s famous Malibu Dream House has been one of the most fun design projects yet,” said Jonathan Adler. “Barbie was a dream client because she doesn’t have a husband to rein in the fantasy or tone down the glamour.”


You said it.

12.14.10

Green With Envy?

Remember this post about going green? Well, after months of slacking… I am able to unveil my console… which I absolutely love. As you can see, she’s all decked out for the holidays.
 
There is a lot happening in our living room and dining room (the first being that the mirror needs to be raised…) and once it is finally finished I will be able to show all of you. Until then, here’s a teaser…..
Before:
 

And After:

12.13.10

Bloggers Give Back.

Remember my friend and graphic designer extraordinaire, Jenna? Well, she has launched an amazing program called the Bloggers Give Back Project. This team is bringing the blogging community together to help a family in need. This year’s family lost their home and everything in it in an electrical fire on November 28. There are over 60 items to choose from. I will be donating a custom e-design service to the highest bidder. New items are being added everyday so hop on over and check it out and don’t forget to place your bids on Wednesday!