give thanks & give back

my two Snowflakes that I'm sending in for the students at the new school

Lets take a moment to reflect and remember the 26 lives that were lost at Sandy Hook.
Especially, right now- it's so close to the Holidays. I don’t know about you but I want to help, but I can’t send money like a normal Red Cross donation- because they don’t need money… they need life.

We need to help the children of the world because these ridiculous massacres are getting to frequent. I don’t know if that will be stricter gun laws, changes to media and television programming or a better understanding of mental sickness. But we need to figure it out..

I read this article the other day and I knew I had found a little answer. It’s called the

26 Acts of Kindness

and it is in memory of the 26 lives that were lost in Newtown.

It can be as simple as opening a door for someone, making a donation, or my personal favorite… Someone called into the local Newtown Starbucks and gave their credit card number to pay for the next 100 customers’ orders. That is HUGE!!

As a special treat when the children return to Sandy Hook after their break, the National Parent Teacher Association wants them to be greeted with a Winter Wonderland theme. They’re asking to please cut out some paper snowflakes and send them to the address below so that the school can be covered with them. The snowflakes are due by January 12^th … so get cutting J

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12. Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

 26 Acts of Kindness page on Facebook.
or on Twitter- #26ActsOfKindness

As for the 26 acts of kindness, you should invest in humanity and kindness this Holiday Season

Give Back!! xo

:: get your weekend on ::

The start of the Christmas season is upon us.. and this weekend is the first weekend in December!!

The rain has been crazy here in Northern California and it sure does feel like Winter is here. This weekend there is an amazing indoor festival being held right down the street from my house, I mentioned it here before. The San Pedro Square Market, is one of my favorite places in downtown San Jose- there are so many fun places to grab a bite and concerts happening almost every weekend.

funny for your weekend

SJ Made Holiday 2012

It is being held in the large building near the coffee shop. It opens at 11am and lasts 'till 6:00pm. There will be a TON of individual artists, crafters, clothing designers and so many other artisans...it's a vendor fair for local San Jose makers, labels, brands, small businesses, and artists showcasing and selling current projects and goods.

 It will be like the ultimate "Pop Up" shop!! Feel good about buying gifts for others while supporting your local economy and small business owners.

Santa's Village in Willow Glen

This event is Saturday night only from 5-8 at the Lincoln Glen Church. This is another community event that shows off the local talent with a shopping event with other small shops and Santa will be there at 6pm.. if you have little ones in your life. Go out and support this adorable town.

maybe I'll spot you at SJmade.

enjoy your weekend

xo ciao

get your weekend on :: Small Business Saturday

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After a wonderful dinner yesterday and getting to catch up with my Dad's side of the Family, I am truly blessed and thankful for this Holiday. Getting to have dinner this year with both of my Grandmas was so special and I loved getting to spend extra time with them. I know I'm lucky to still have both of mine around and I enjoy learning about their lives and hearing all the old stories. I hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday.

Now onto the weekend.. I didn't participate in any of the Black Friday craziness, did any of you? I used to work retail and I can honestly say I would never voluntarily choose to go shopping at that time. I even have to go to Target for a few things today, and I'm still scared.

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As you know, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving {sometimes at 12:01 am} when large retailers give amazing deals to kick start the Holiday shopping. <-- not too fond, but love this--> Small Business Saturday partnered with American Express.

It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving where you give back to the community by shopping at the local boutiques and individually owned shops to help promote the economy. I think it's a great way to make sure the large corporations don't hog all the business and we allow the smaller "mom n pops" to prosper.

So rethink your shopping destinations and check out the Small Business Saturday tomorrow November 24th. Some Northern California local shopping destinations I would highly recommend are Los Gatos, Los Altos, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto on University and Pleasanton. I would say San Francisco but there are so many locally owned shops- you should go to every neighborhood. Some of my favorites in the City are; Noe Valley, Marina, Hayes Valley, The Mission and The Height.


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So please get out there are support all those adorable local shops you always promise yourself that you are going to go in- because tomorrows your day!!

gobble gobble ♥

This year has been fun. Reflecting on the past 326 days really can boost a person's spirits... because in all honesty you only remember the good things and you do forget the bad. This just further shows you all the things you should be thankful for. And if something bad did happen, I'll think good thoughts for you. I'm in the Central Valley today celebrating with Family from near and very far away. I hope you can spend today with those you love- close friends, family, co-workers, other couples or even just your dog. <3

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

&& to those of you venturing out for the Black Friday Sales, I wish you good luck.

The Proper Way to Set Your Table

With T-minus 1 week and counting 'till official Turkey Day- I though it would be a good idea to share some prep work help to make it easier on the big day.

Use this cheat sheet the day of to ensure that your table is properly set. Simply adjust depending on your courses and dishes. Just trying to make your thanksgiving effortless..

xo cheers

Read This Now For Your Health

Click to enlarge and to enhance your way of life. :)

get you weeked on

::Quoteworthy::

"instead of worrying so much about leaving a better planet for our children, we should focus on leaving better children to take care of our planet"

just thought I'd share this- I heard it the other day and it really hit home. I am a huge advocate for leaving a healthy planet for our future, but if we don't teach the youth of today about conservation then the planet will suffer regardless. and, on to another pick- me- up, the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale is here!!  So this weekend your only homework is to shop.. shop... SHOP

On Sunday I will be going with my hunny to his first Niners game, even though he has been a die hard fan since he was a little boy. I got the ticket as a surprise for him and I hope they win!! Keep up with me on instagram to see what trouble we get into at the game on Sunday!! @devonfoster

boots 129 :: glasses 69.90 :: hinged bracelet 34.80 :: wrap 36.90 :: sparkle bracelet 86.98 :: bag 46.80 :: stacked bracelets 22.80

get your weekend on // Follow Friday



Ok this is effortlesslii’s first Follow Friday but it pairs perfectly with Get Your Weekend On. If you are a fitness enthusiast, like myself, and are interested in CrossFit- I highly recommend you head over to CrossFit Silicon Valley this weekend for their annual OctoberFit Throwdown. This is an event not to be missed because of all the other Box’s who participate from all over the Bay Area. Come see athletes compete, test their abilities, push their limits, win, loose, and most of all SWEAT!!! Learn a new workout, meet elite athletes and learn how to get started.

This weekend is also a huge launch for my boyfriend

(insert proud girlfriend squeals here!!)

His company Tabata Times is having another launch party this weekend during the OktoberFit event and they will be unveiling their new marketing material- he’s the creative director and lead photographer Plus he completely re-designed their box for the event. I have seen all the behind the scenes work for the last few weeks [[ which is Amazing ]] and I can’t wait to see everything finished!! Too bad I’m headed out of town today and won’t get to attend the event this weekend, I am beyond bummed…

But please go, support, learn, enjoy!!

Follow my guy on Twitter and Instagram @lenscaption

Follow Tabata Times on Twitter @TabataTimes and Like on Facebook

Follow CrossFit Silicon Valley on Twitter @CrossFitSV and Like them on Facebook

Any press on the event- tag your shots//tweets with #SVOctoberFit

While you’re there… you can follow me too

Instagram @devonfoster

Twitter @devonnfosterr

(confusing, I know) lol

 

::get your weekend on::

The Bay Area is back and packed with a full weekend of fun events. A lot of things are happening close to Home, so if you live in the South Bay... get ready!

a nap sounds like a good idea

Hollister is having their Hot Cars and Guitars and it is being held at Bolado Park on Saturday the 15th. There will be a bunch of different Blues, Soul and Country artists performing throughout the day. And there will be a zillion (ok maybe not that many, but a ton) of classic hot rods, muscle cars, custom rides and smikin' trucks. Throw on your boots, bring your own beer koozie, and get ready to boogy!

Out in downtown this weekend if you head to the Sofa District you can check out  (e)merge- the Zero1 street festival tonight starting at 6:00pm. It is a street festival focused specifically on showcasing work by emerging artists! They are filling streets city blocks of the SoFA District along South 1st Street. Plus you can check out the other art galleries too! Great inspiration here people... & if you cant get out there tonight for the event... the artwork will remain up all weekend for your viewing pleasures.

It's no secret around here that I have fallen for wine, see here and here, and after a fun art and wine festival in Mountain View last weekend... lets do it again in Santa Clara at Central Park. The Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday and there will be over 175 vendors at the event.

Pleasanton will also be having their 40th Harvest Festival at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. This is a huge event and if you are into the little decorations and artsy items... there will be over 24,000 to choose from.

Little Saratoga has big things happening this Sunday with a Village Block Party and Grape Stomp. The event will have three stages with over 22 bands, dancers, some of the best wineries including Kathryn Kennedy, artisan beer, announcing Citizen of the Year, and lots of yummy gourmet food. Plus..[how cool is this] the master of ceremonies will be a robot!!

If you want to head over to the coast, you should hit up Santa Cruz for their Greek Festival... I don't know about you, but if I know there will be good Greek Food... I don't mind driving for it. And with a ton of different vendors to choose from, you're bound to find something you like. Aside from you regular line-up of drinks there will also be a taverna serving traditional Greek spirits. And after you feast enjoy your time while the Kafenio whips up authentic Greek Frappe in the traditional style of Greek cafes. YUM

And if you have tons of energy and want a little more activity than the other events, you should head to Foster City and enjoy their Community Bike Ride. It is happening on Sunday and the ride begins at Boothbay Park at 10:00am. Families and individuals are invited to participate in the annual 2.5 or get a little adventurous with the 11 mile ride.

attention foodies

Do you like to eat ?

Do you like to travel ?

You should read this.. and even if you know you won't be visiting Barcelona for the Foie Gras Raviolis or Dubai for their unbeatable Pad Thai... it's still a fun read. Plus, you can look up your favorite dishes to see the places that are well known for serving it... maybe a little extra incentive for traveling. Or you can do what I did and research the intriguing ones so you can host your own "feast of nations" dinner party.

Does anyone else think the description of Bangkok's Jok's Kitchen by Andrew Zimmern sound AH-mazing!!? What a fun little stop, but I guess it's not the place for spontaneity.. reservations are booked a month out??

:: get your weekend on::

3 day weekend?? Yes Please!! 4 day weekend?? DUH!!

Sorry, I'm just too excited to announce that I have a four day weekend and it starts at 5:30 tonight. Boyfriend and I are headed over to his brother's house for a little sumthin' sumthin' tonight. Obviously our new favorite hangout... and Maddie loves their "children" too- so it works out for everyone. Then tomorrow I will be supporting my guy at the launch of his site, Tabata Times. For all of you out there who are into CrossFit or looking to improve your workout and fitness goals then it would really benefit you to check out the site. It offers great articles about everything from working out while pregnant to improving your pull-ups. After, we're off to the City, aka San Francisco, to hang with friends, eat 'till we nap and shop 'till we drop.

What are you up to this weekend? Want some ideas? look no further...

I love Greek food, if you do too- then head to Belmont for the annual Greek Festival and be prepared to eat.The festival includes authentic Greek Food & Pastries, Music & Dancing, Arts & Crafts at the flea market and Church tours... only a small charitable $5 is asked for in return. Plus its open Saturday, Sunday (12-10) AND Monday (12-8)- for those of you looking for something to do on your extra day off.

If your headed up north, it might be worth your while to check out the art and wine festival being held in Milbrae. The theme is Mardi Gras, and they will have all the usual suspects-artists and craftmakers showing their latest handcrafted wares, festive food and drink, premium wines, margaritas and mojitos, artisan specialty food, a microbrew tasting tent, an organic and green product showcase, home and garden exhibits, health and wellness displays.

Up in Golden Gate Park is the SF Zine fest, which I might check out while I'm up romping in the city. Its a collection of local artists that get together from 11-6 tomorrow sell, and trade their wares. Plus there's many free workshops and panels and, as always, the show is free to attend.

enjoy your weekend xx

:: get your weekend on ::

This weekend there are tons of fun things going on in your area. I unfortunately don't have a long weekend- so I wont get to everything. But here are a few things that I think you should check out if you're in the area and have some extra time. Pack up your sunscreen your headed outdoors this weekend for some festivals.

 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is a pop culture-themed street fair that covers the grounds of Post Street from Webster to Laguna and the Peace Plaza of Japantown, San Francisco. The weekend hours are Saturday Aug 24 - 11:00am - 6:00pm and Sunday Aug 25 - 11:00am - 6:00pm.This is a pretty       Japanese-esque festival so bring your Hello Kitty backpack and be prepared to stock up on hair accessories and yummy food.

Have you been itching to find some new end tables or a new trunk? how about an older one... like vintage/antique. That's my favorite word(s).  I have told you before here, that I love antique shopping- so I might have to check this out. This is the 48 annual Niles Antique Fair held near Fremont. Plus tomorrow they are having a classic car show and Sunday they will have a few live bands. The serious shoppers go around 6AM, so get there early before all the good things get snatched up!

So, whether you reside closer to the North Bay or the South Bay... there is an art festival located in your neck of the woods.I love art festivals because there is always so many different items to look at, from all different walks of life. There are so many talented artisans, from paintings to photography, ceramics and jewelry to unique sculptures. Palo Alto is having there big art festival this weekend from 10- 6 both days in their main drag off of University. Tiburon is also having theirs this weekend and it will be from 11-6 both days and is situated on historic Ark Row in downtown. (cost is $5)

enjoy your weekend

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do you smell what i smell?

the smell of autumn is upon us.

I get so giddy when I think of knee high boots, pea coats and scarves. I was at Michaels last night and they already had the store smelling of spiced apple and harvest pumpkin. Even though the weather in Northern California starts out chilly in the morning, it warms up by lunch. I can't wait for the foggy mornings that take the entire afternoon to burn off, where a sweater is preferred and a spiced chai is a must!

Looking at inspiration for the upcoming season, I pulled some images that left me longing for a mug of spiced cider. I also cant wait to try and make these little babies- a recipe I have never attempted. Flipping through a magazine the other day I saw this ad and it immediately put me in the mood for fall fashion. So I thought I'd share it to see if I could get you in the mood too. I have always been a fan of the preppy polished look; so the university blazer, riding boot and newsboy cap are definitely on my must have list. What are some of your favorite looks or treats for fall?

sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

The Dreaded Bloggeritis

Lately, I have been reading about a few people coming down with... dunh, dunh, dunh- the dreaded bloggeritis. Ok, I know bloggeritis is not an actual ailment.. but wrist problems are a big problem for all of you who are hooked up to your computer all day. I found this great article in Health Magazine about some of the common aches and pains that people experience. Plus, in addition to explaining the condition it also shows great stretches and other pain remedies you could use or talk with your doctor about. Another great idea is to purchase a hand wrap, and if you feel some tenderness starting, throw it on to battle the inflammation, hopefully the pain will stop there before it gets worse.

These are some warning signs that will tell you if things have gotten "worse"

~Inability to carry objects or use the arm~

~Injury that causes deformity of the joint ~

~Wrist pain that occurs at night or while resting~

~Wrist pain that persists beyond a few days ~

~Inability to straighten or flex the joint ~

~Swelling or significant bruising around the joint or forearm~

~Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth~

enjoy the read

SOURCE

drink up

How about some food for thought... or should I say a drink? either way I found this article the other day from Livestrong, and loved the information so much I just had to share it with you... It talks all about the various drinks you should be having and when you should be having them.

Like what Lisa C. Cohn owner of Park Ave Nutrition in New York has to say...

"You exercise for less than 90 minutes: Just because you sweat doesn’t mean you should reach for a sports drink. Yes, you need water for rehydration and because it helps lubricates joints and provides cushioning to organs and muscles, along with many other vital processes. However, people often overestimate their needs for sugar and sports drinks when exercising. "

 

I can't tell you how many times I have seen people casually walking on the treadmill and chugging a Gatoraide. I mean... they haven't even burned off the amount of calories they are ingesting from the drink??

 

Or what Robin Miller, author and nutritionist, has said about the benefits of drinking beer...

"You want an endurance boost: Who would have thought that beer could improve your running time? Dark beer has higher iron content than lighter beers. Iron is an essential mineral within all cells and it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The more oxygen carriers you have, the easier your muscles can access the oxygen rich blood to keep you going.

 

Wow, that is one fact that the BF will for sure want to know about. Anything that proves that drinking beer is a good thing?... he is all ears. I'll drink one to that.

enjoy the article  xx

:: get your weekend on ::

Music is in my ears this weekend- and I love it!! There are a few different music events happening in the Bay Area this weekend, so throw on your sundress and enjoy the sun outside this weekend..

It's that time of year again, San Jose's Summertime Jazz festival is this weekend in downtown. Come out and enjoy a weekends worth of Jazz music from artists of all ages and a few different genres. Last year there were even a few reggae groups- I joked that they took the wrong freeway entrance and ended up at the Jazz festival my mistake. Of course they will have a wide array of shop booths and tons of yummy food- per the norm.

Up in San Francisco everyone is going to be rockin' out at the notorious OutsideLands festival held at Golden Gate Park. I have been following a few of my fav bloggers today and it looks like they are really enjoying themselves at the first day of the event. The entire line up is fantastic- personal favorites for me are on Sunday and include.. Bloc Party, Santigold, Skrillex and Franz Ferdinand.. leaves me wishing I didn't spend my "summer musical festival" allowance on Coachella... but at least I learned a lesson for next year. speaking of Coachella- did you hear it will be hosted on a cruise next year?

San Francisco will also be hosting the 2012 Festa Coloniale Italiana a.k.a. the Italian Festival in North Beach on Saturday. as I'm typing this my mouth is watering, just thinking about all the delicious food and wine that will be at this event. I can already smell the marinara sauce for the meatballs. a warning goes out to my readers- there will be tons of carbs at this event, so a wheelbarrow might be a smart thing to bring for the walk back to the car.

It is also the weekend for the Burlingame ArtzFest it runs 10-6 pm both days. They are celebrating their 20th anniversary so that automatically means there will be something extra special about this festival. Plus this year they have over 130 artisans selling their crafts; works of art, jewelry, photography, vintage prints, clothing, sculptures, home décor, and more.. And they will offer a Wine Garden- so much more upscale than the traditional "beer garden", in my opinion... but, I mean this is Burlingame- so it's expected to be a little classier. The festival is located in downtown, so you can enjoy the local shopping and restaurants too.

:: get your weekend on ::

WOW.. This weekend is jam packed full of fun things to do,, for those of you living in the Bay Area. Even though the weather man scared us with a chance of rain on the horizon, I think it will stay nice and hopefully everyone will enjoy their weekend.

Santa Clara is starting off their county fair this weekend. It's a four day long event that takes place in San Jose. The fairgrounds have been home to the fair for years and years. It is the place where you can taste the best kettle korn and funnel cake, see the Worlds largest pickle and witness your very first piglet race... all in one day!! So throw on your cowboy boots and get to talkin' a little funny- head to the fair this weekend!

Fremont is having a little fun this weekend over in their neck of the woods. It's time for the Festival of the Arts again.The event is Saturday and Sunday 10-6. hosts a wide variety of activities and entertainment for the entire family; over 700 top-quality artisan booths delight the most discerning shoppers, music lovers enjoy continuous music featured on three stages, and Gourmet Marketplace offers gourmet specialties and wine for the discerning cook/foodie... best of all- it's free

In downtown this weekend is the magical Renaissance Faire held in Guadalupe Gardens near the HP pavilion from 10-5. San Jose Renaissance Faire offers you a chance to visit the days of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the First.. without sacrificing your twitter feed. See about 800 costumed performers bring Shakespeare's England to life with parades, pageants, and fun townsfolke. My favorite part of the faire are the gigantic turkey legs and the horseback riding jousters

enjoy your weekend xx



The definition of exercise

I don’t try to be a know it all,

but I’m sure I come across like one to some people… on some occasions. J But, it really isn’t the worst thing in the world- especially if you’re giving sound advice and genuinely trying to help someone. I love to learn things from people. Especially if it’s in an area that I’m not too familiar with.

I actually enjoy reading about new health studies and reviews of products that are new to the market. So when I come across something that would be good for my readers, I always pay it forward. That’s how I felt about this mini article I found in Shape Magazine.

For someone just starting their workout journey or trying a new exercise style , it can be a little intimidating being in a new environment. The fitness lingo can be hard to understand… and when someone is trying to give you instructions but really all you hear is Swahili, obviously there is some kind of communication disconnect. Below are some of the common terms that every fitness enthusiast should know.

So study up!! And show your trainer, friends or significant other that you know what’s up when it comes to your workout.

simply smile

One thing I like when I read other blogs, are the segments that share some of their favorite things at the moment. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere runs Five Things and Sam from Could I have That does Bits and Tips. My new little set of posts will be called "Simply Smile" and it will be a collection of things from my week that have a soft spot saved in my heart. Maybe a new treasure I find, or a snap shot from a fun evening with friends or a daycation. Maybe something incredible I ate or made... of maybe just a photo of the sunset or a bunch of my favorite flowers.

Either way, I hope the series of posts brings a smile to your heart and inspiration to your soul.

flower love

Found this gorgeous Buick in Los Gatos the other day. Reminded me of my papa, and how well he kept his Buick. I can remember tinkering in the garage while he shined up the rims with his homemade cleaner. "That'll make 'um sparkle"

new favorite scent

The sunset from my kitchen window

new obsession- frisbee golf

reusing old jam jars for small buds