MJ

We're taking the Taxi into Athens from the Airport and our driver goes--Michael Jackson, he's Kaput, huh?

Assuming he meant his career is becoming a dud we laughed and agreed and moved on to the next subject.

After checking into the hotel and turning on the TV, we realized OH NO Michael Jackson really did go Kaput. Tragic day for all of us.

In other news, Greece is fabulous. 10 plates of Tzatziki later, we're headed to Crete tomorrow afternoon. I'm craving the ocean more than I ever expected to. Can't wait to leap into the Aegean!!

Not another Shopping Post!

Don't worry, it really isn't another shopping post.

Technically, it's not really a food post either, it's a camping post. But food was the reason we camped.

So basically my life only revolves around food and shopping. Are you surprised?

Three weeks ago, we met up with the SLC Besties (minus Laura who bailed last minute in order to find a job. psh.) on the NorCal coast for a little Abalone diving.

In case you didn't know, Patrick and I are chickens. So we didn't dive. But we DID camp (one whole night) and I got totally sunburnt.

AND...I ATE RAW(still living!!!!) ABALONE. See? Here's proof. I'm totally tough. (so so nasty)
My new best friend Eric wins for best photo of the weekend. Agree? (And yes, that's an Old Milwaukee next to him. I did not partake but was told it was DEESSGUSTING)

We had an incredible time (minus getting pulled over for having 10 people in the back of a pick-up and slicing up my fingers while cleaning the $500 beasts)

For those of you who are wondering what Abalone is, Klarissa claims it's a sea slug. But if you've ever been to a fancy restaurant and seen it on the menu for upwards of $100 an entree (I have) you know it's no ordinary sea slug.

Luckily for us, we did not have to pay $100 a person to eat this delicacy. But we did have to work dang hard to clean it, slice it, pound it, and fry it.

Was it worth it? Umm yeah! I was so excited to finally try this thing I've been hearing about my whole life. To be completely honest, I think I'd prefer it if it was prepared for me at a resaurant (aka in slightly more sanitary conditions) but I'd do it again for sure.

Oh yes, and we went on a hike through Fern Gully.


Don't worry, Patrick's just faking it.


Thanks DeMaso clan for the invite!!

Brad or the Abalone?

Changed my life in 4 days

Yes, I made a decision

You all know about my bathing suit drama. Yes, it's true. I ordered over 30 suits and couldn't decide for 2 months which one to keep. But when you're going to Greece, it's an important decision!

Thought you all should see the final "keepers". Thank you Daddy, I love my birthday present!! (BTW everything's from the Bloomingdale's "Private" sale. I'll just tell you now, don't go. It's DANGEROUS)
DVF Cover-up. Doubles as a top, no?
Juicy suit. I know EVERYONE has this one already, but it's honestly quite flattering to my mid-section aka my worst feature.

And, of course, you can't go to Greece without a huge straw hat!!

1 week and counting. Not that I'm excited or anything...

Idiot

I seriously have a problem. I buy food- good, quality, (expensive) food and then forget all about it and it goes to waste.

Namely vegetables and meat.

So, to combat this problem, I decided we'd just buy things the day we wanted to make them, to stop with the waste. (Also, because I can't figure out how to freeze meat and then defrost it and still have it taste ok)

But then pork tenderloin was on SUPER SALE at Safeway so I was like ohh, I'll just pick some up and for sure cook it in the next day or two...

I just remembered it's still in the fridge. Would have been cheaper to just buy it full price when I actually wanted to cook it, I think.

2 for 1 Movie Tickets??

I know, right! Sounds way too good to be true. But I saw the ad in a magazine this morning and just verified it online.

Here's the scoop- If you are a Visa Signature Card Holder, there's a promotion going on right now where if you purchase movie tickets on Fandango.com/visasignature they'll deduct up to $13.50 from your order of 2 or more tickets once a month through 9/30/2010 (or while supplies last, of course).

How awesome is that??!! We're definitely seeing UP 3D this week!

Ultimate Sorenson Weekend

With a title like that you know a few things:

1. We had a great time
2. Scott looks the same in EVERY picture (no one has their photo smile down as well as Scott)
3. Lots of eating was involved
4. Someone must be moving far away and we're trying to pack as much bestie time in before June 18th (hint, it's not us)

I kept thinking if I didn't post this, they couldn't leave, but unfortunately, I don't think it works like that...

A few weeks ago we came to the terrible realization that our time with Scott and Michelle was quickly coming to an end. What better way to say goodbye than to dedicate an entire weekend to hanging out with them, right?

Dinner Friday at Pizzeria Delfina. True Italian Pizza--and while absolutely delicious, I think I like NY Style best (Gasp! Saraceno clan, please don't disown me). While documenting the evening we came to the discovery that Scott has a special gift--he can put on his "photo smile" and look identical in every picture he takes.





Saturday afternoon we left for Santa Cruz and were shocked to find that it was 100+ degrees and TOTALLY trashy (sorry Burgons but it's true). In any case, you can't go wrong with chocolate dip cones and deep fried twinkies so we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.





We decided to take the scenic path home and further extend our time together. Along the way, we found the cutest "You Pick 'Em" strawberry farm. Maybe if we hadn't already been so tired or so...throw in many other excuses here... we would have actually picked some ourselves, but alas we bought some strawberry truffles and pre-picked berries and called it a day. The best part about the farm was the "honesty cash register" where you paid for what you purchased. Talk about trustworthy! I really hope no one takes advantage. We didn't! I promise!

We also did a quick drive-by at the Half Moon Bay Ritz. Gorgeous Views. I wouldn't mind staying there sometime...ha!

Needless to say, June 18th is coming WAY too fast. I guess I didn't expect to have found such great friends so fast and then have them leave even faster. Good luck in Boston. I hope you hate it, quit Harvard and move back to SF :) (I'm only kinda kidding)

let me just say...

cutting down on fried foods has made me realize that's all I eat. When I can't think of a single thing to eat for dinner that isn't fried, that's a bit of a problem.

In other news, apparently Patrick and I went a little overboard on our trip to Seattle and are now trying to live without going to the grocery store until our vacay in 23 days...lets see how that + no cheeseburgers lasts.

I think I need more realistic (ahem, fun) goals. To put it lightly, these suck.

dang it

When we were in Seattle last weekend we had the best burgers in the entire world. Not exaggerating. When you go to Seattle, you MUST go to Red Mill Burgers. I demand it.

Anyways, so at bootcamp* this morning, my trainer informed me that the reason my belly is so fat is because of all the cheeseburgers I eat. (also the Pizza and Burritos which I've eaten at least twice this week). So I've sworn off cheeseburgers and pizza until the vacay.

Why is it that the second my trainer tells me I can't eat cheeseburgers, all I can think about is Cheeseburgers??

5 weeks without one? I'm not sure I have the strength. Good thing I don't live in Seattle, that's all I've got to say.

PS: Not to fret, Seattle will be covered in another post once I finally download our pictures

*Yes, Patrick and I are a little crazy. We started an early morning bootcamp (we're waking up at 5:30 am which you know is a crazy impressive feat for Mr. Larsen!!) last week and are hoping it's gonna turn us into Grecian Gods before our Grecian vacation. Wishful thinking but at least we're trying, right!?

sometimes...

...the best thing is just a big bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats.

Napa/Sonoma Extravaganza

It felt a little strange to be telling people we were going to Sonoma for the weekend--I mean, if you don't drink what is there to do, right?

Such a silly, naive question (if you know the Larsens or Paredes, that is)

You eat the world's best gelato and incredible baked goods from Dean & Deluca

You eat famous cookies and "Bouchons" from The Bouchon Bakery

You eat Kobe Beef burgers, ribs, fried chicken, Onion Rings with spicy homemade ketchup, coconut cream pie and ice box sandwiches at Boon Fly Cafe


You go to see Star Trek at the little theater in town (loved it!)

You eat "homemade" waffles and bacon a la Sarah Larsen and Kyle Paredes

You have a picnic on the front lawn with fresh baked bread, rotisserie chicken and leftovers from above mentioned culinary extravagances



And then you sit on the front porch and embrace the absolutely perfect summer weather while reading John Grisham's "The Testament" for 3 or 4 hours.

Talk about a great weekend! Thanks Bekah and Kyle!!

I have a sunburn on my neck

It almost (ALMOST) makes me wish I'd worn sunscreen to Sea World on Saturday. But I laugh at sunscreen. I'll laugh all the way until I get skin cancer and then I'll cry.

I am not sure exactly why I think I am the only person in America who won't get skin cancer, but I do. It's a terrible thing. And it's even more terrible that I LOVE the feeling of sunburns. It reminds me of summer and the beach and come on, who doesn't want to remember that?! I get annoyed every time yet ANOTHER person has to comment on my "poor" sunburn. It's like, OK PEOPLE I GET IT. Yes, I know it's burnt, yes, I know you think I need your opinion on the pain. But I don't. I'm happy so leave me alone!! Besides, it turns into a tan in just a few days.

Ashley's wedding was wonderful. I wish I had pictures to share. But what a surprise, I forgot to charge the camera...stupid Sarah. Sea World was fun too but I have to say I'm not sure it was totally worth the $100 admission for the two of us (you get 20% off with your Southwest Rapid Rewards card). It's gonna be a long time before I go back. ALTHOUGH if you were trying to find a gift for Mr. Larsen, he would love to be a "trainer for the day". Hint, Hint.

We're entering into a very busy May--once again, we have plans every single weekend! At least they are exciting plans though. I'm counting down to Napa and The Boonfly Cafe this Saturday with the Paredes already :)

The ideal online store...

Would have Zappo's shipping policy, Anthro's return policy and Nordstrom's customer service. Right?

How am I supposed to be okay with spending $20 to ship and $10 to return? That's like half the price of the dress I wanted to buy! I don't think so!

I've been known to spend just enough at Gap.com to get the free shipping and then turn around and return the extra items in-store so I don't have to pay the return fees...

There's a reason Nordstrom and Anthro have gotten over 80% of my shopping funds in the past 10 years. I like to buy a bunch of things, think about it, and then return it 6,8...12 months later (if I never wore it, of course. I'm very honest) And they let me! Now that's a shopper's dream come true! (and a Husband's nightmare).

I know that I'm the bane of every commissioned employee, however, I will say this. Give me a good return policy (that I admittedly overuse) and you will get more of my money than anyone else. I think it balances out.

Which reminds me. Let me know if you're planning a purchase at VictoriasSecret.com any time soon. There's some bathing suits I'd like to split the shipping charges for :)

You know they're gonna be ugly

When they even look fat on the Model!

In other somewhat related news, Bekah P. and I went shopping last night with my Anthro 15% off Birthday discount (sign up for their "insider" card to get it!) We got some GREAT stuff and to top it off, the store credit I'd been saving for who knows how long was worth about 5 times as much as I remembered. Always a thrilling discovery.

Plus, we topped the evening off by meeting up with the boys at CPK. Which means I have leftovers for lunch today. I love CPK but I love CPK leftovers even more!!

Vacation anyone?

I realize I've been bad at telling everyone what's going on in my life. But to be fair, I have to say I feel a little embarrassed spilling the news about this one*

So without further ado...

We're going to Greece in June!! Woohooo!!!

Athens for three days, Crete for 7 (give or take a few hours)

We're so so so excited. I've always dreamed of going and now we finally get to! And now that I've got the flights, hotels, rental cars, and scuba figured out it really feels real.

Except that now we have to wait two whole months. ARRRGHHH. I don't think I can do it!!!

And yes, those who saw my gmail/facebook status last month, it's also true that we're going to Australia in October. Yes, my life is a fantasy. No, it's not normal so please don't hate us too much :) What can I say, us Cowans (+ 1 Larsen) like to travel!

In case you wanted to know, everyone but Amanda is going to Greece, but only my dad, Robert, Patrick and I are going to Australia. Poor mommy and lex :(

Since I'm going on my dream vacations this year, I only hope you're going on yours too. Let me know where you're traveling to this summer!

*I hate when people brag on their blogs. Yeah, yeah, yeah, your life is SO wonderful, barf. But you'd be mad if I didn't share too, right?