Need a Pet-Sitter?

Then call me! I work for Bonnie Best, the BEST pet-sitter in the East Valley (and owner of THE BEST Pet-sitting), and we’d be happy to take care of your little one when you go out of town or for any other odd reason you’d need a sitter for your pet (if they’re sick and you want someone to check on them during the day while you’re at work).



Pet-sitting encompasses house-sitting, too. We visit your home, play with your pet, feed/take him or her out and whatever else you prefer! After we lock up, check on everything and keep lights on and newspapers in, it looks as though someone is home!

Easy, right? Stress less when you go on vacation because we'll take care of your home and your pets. Bonnie was a licensed veterinarian, and me, well… I’m not but I love animals and am anal about keeping your house safe and your pet happy while you’re away!

Click here for more information.

See Bonnie in the Gilbert Lifestyles Magazine here.

Any Shopaholics Out There?

I haven't read the book, but I LOVE Isla Fisher! Only 3 more weeks... I can't wait!

The official movie website has a GREAT virtual experience for you. Click here to go there now:


I'll be picking up my own copy of Allure this month, too:

2 Speeding Tickets

...in 2 weeks. You'd think my Corolla was Britney Spears with all the cameras flashin'!

Think that says something about me? Well, it does. I drive WAY too fast! Why? Because I'm always in a hurry, and rushing! AGH... I need to slow down.

Please pray for me. I'm going to wait to get served, and maybe ignore the knocking on my front door...

Driving fast is expensive!

Cheese Plate

I received an early Valentine's Day gift from Rob, a cheese plate made from one of my favorite wines, Little Black Dress!!! He's such a hunk for being so thoughtful!



Considering his last day at AmTrust was Friday, he had to act quick with his customer who specializes in stained glass and kilns.

Her name is Lyn Koepke! Let me know if you want her information.

Here are some more pictures:



Thank you my love!

New Cookie Lee Catalog!

Let me know if you’d like to see the new Spring/Summer catalog. You'll love the new jewelry! I'm obsessed with teal, so you can only imagine.



Earn free jewelry by hosting a show, or having a catalog show!

Have a wonderful weekend.

The COKE COW recipe

I used my new crock pot (thanks, Grandma Margie!), invited my parents over for my experiment, and tried a recipe from my friend Bridgette at work. She’s brilliant! And expecting… I’m so exited for her!

After a trip to Fry’s for all the spices I didn’t have, and 5 hours of slow cooking, the result was amazing! One of the most delicious meats I’ve ever tasted!!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt so accomplished after, and my parents thought I was a chuck roast expert! Rob loved it, too!

Here is the recipe for you to try in your homes ASAP!

Coke Cow

3/4 cup coca-cola
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 1/2 pounds chuck roast
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 onions, chopped
1 teaspoon OR 1 cube beef bouillon
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons butter

In a bowl, combine cola, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, bouillon, mustard, chili powder, red pepper, ketchup and butter. Place meat and onions in crock pot and pour liquid. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
It’s GREAT with mashed potatoes, or shredded up as a sandwich.

Enjoy!

Slowing down

Something awful happened last weekend. Friday before my night out with my work girls, I lost Lucy. I absent mindedly left the garage doors open and she slipped out while Rob and I were visiting. After realizing she wasn’t hanging around like she normally is, Rob and I went searching for her in our neighborhood. Thinking she couldn’t have gotten farther than our coldesacke considering the group of kids at the house outside our street (Lucy loves people), our minds and eyes were racing to where she could be. Driving in my car, with my sweet friend Kelly, we screamed for her and flashed my mini-flashlight everywhere. God must have forgiven my foolishness, because after 30 minutes, I got a call from an unknown number. That’s when the tears came! A lady had Lucy at her house! Here’s how the conversation went:

“Do you have my dog!!!!???” (me, instead of saying ‘hello’)
“Yes, I do!” (lady)
“Oh, my God! Thank you so much! (sobbing) Where do you live??” (me)
“I live in a coldesack, on Rawhide Avenue.” lady)
“I LIVE in a coldasack on Rawhide Avenue!” (me)
“Really?” lady)
“Yes! I’m at 720 W. Rawhide!” (me)
“Well, I live right across the street from you then” lady)
“Oh my god!” (me)

Lucy had wandered only 20 yards to our neighbor’s house across the street, where this lady found her scratching at her door to get in to see her dog, Lily.

This little incident, (mind you, the 3rd time she’s slipped out on my watch), just goes to SHOW, that I shouldn’t have children for awhile. If I can’t keep an eye on a 3 year old, 28 lb curious dog, how can I monitor the whereabouts of a small human!? I PRAY that I’m a better mother than I am a dog owner. I’m pretty anal when it comes to Lucy (she’s the best gift I’ve ever received other than life), but when it comes to all the things I juggle in a day or weekend, it’s OBVIOUS I need to slow down. If I had more time to enjoy the day, I might have been more aware of the back door I left open (or the unread books I have stacking up on my bed stand).

This is why I haven’t bought a planner this year. Instead I bought a journal (to write down all my crazy dreams and random thoughts/feelings), and will only use my work Outlook calendar to plan my days. I’m also trying to say “NO” more. I don’t have enough time in the week to do all the things I want to do, plus accommodate everyone around me, plus have time to just sit around and read a book! SLOWING DOWN is my big initiative for 2009. By slowing down, I’m also going to NOT spend money. To not go places because I think I need to be doing something. I’m going to try my absolute hardest to NOT spend money, or buy things I don’t absolutely NEED. Like shoes or pedicures. I’m content and by slowing down, I can spend more time doing NOTHING, and saving for the future! Like Greece in 2 summers, or a trip to see Sarah in NY w/Rob in June. Save now, play later!

If you have any other tips on how I can SLOW DOWN, please share with a comment! I’ve done the research (even gave a speech at Toastmasters about prioritizing your time for the most important things), but would appreciate any other helpful insight!