Vamps, Wolves, Choppers & Mud Baths

Or, how I spent my weekend.

Kicked off the crazy on Thursday night with Twilight in the theatre with Sharla. She had never seen it on the big screen, so I joined her. I'm not one to turn down Junior Mints and a 20 foot Eddie. Then, since we were already there....we decided to stay for the midnight showing of New Moon. We couldn't help ourselves. We make no apologies.

I had to be up by 7:30 the next morning and kind of wanted to die. But the thought of RPatz' hair and Tay-Tay's abs kept me going. And a gallon drum of Diet Coke. And a lot of sugar.

And then it was finally time for what I had been waiting months for...my New Moon party!


This handsome couple showed up, took a few pics, and then I told the one with scruff to scram. I gave him bonus points for his solid, smoldering stare-down competition with Jacob. However--maybe next time he should try it in front of a poster featuring someone less, um, smoldering. Someone like Jerry Lewis! Then he would surely win the stare-down contest. (Just kidding, T! Love the red and black!)

May I welcome you to Forks? Eddie stopped by to oversee the night's activities. He's so thoughtful that way.

SQUUUEAALLL!! Did you see that he is holding my hand in this pic??

Kristine laying a little sugar on her favorite teenaged werewolf

Sharla fitting right into the advertisements

Once Lancer came out of his man cave, he discovered that his house was plastered with pictures and posters of half-naked oily wolves and vamps, and women in their 30's getting a little too friendly with a cardboard cutout. He was very uncomfortable with this for some reason.

The Gang

In addition to a super low-key taco bar, we did some tasty Twi Treats to take to the movie--all red and black, of course.


We ate our food, listened to the Twilight soundtrack, took a quiz and giggled about our favorite boys. And, yes, New Moon really was just as great the third time. Except for the part where RPatz runs like a girl in a flowing vest during a dream sequence--you know which part I'm talking bout, Willis. That part was just as bad for the third time.

I finally got more than 5 hours of sleep, and then headed out to the Motorcycle show with Lancer. He was much happier at this than the crappy Fall Harvest Craft Fair.

@ The Harley Demo

I love these weird hybrid bikes--they are kind of like a snowmobile mixed with a motorcycle. 3 wheels, less chance to tip over. I'm all for it. We ran into our Stanford Ward friends, Jeff and Natalyn, at the show--I think Lancer has a new recruit for his biker gang. And Natalyn and I are going to try and spend more time on the back of the bikes. She has full leathers. I'm behind the times.

Then off to Napa!! Once we checked into our old-school Motel/Spa, Dr. Wilkinson's, we went to dinner at the CIA in St. Helena. SO tasty.

I started out with the roasted butternut squash soup. I told Lancer that I would spend a day in the kitchen if I could somehow re-create the delish soup at home. The waiter must have heard, and showed up with the recipe. It makes 3 gallons--so once I figure out how to make, oh, 4 cups, I will get busy.

Lance got the swordfish on a bed of lentils with bacon, and I got the steak with blue cheese sauce with fingerling potatoes. We shared the wilted spinach salad.

Lance got the apple marzipan tartine, and it made him make this face. I hope he steers clear of those down the line.

We love-love-love the CIA!

Napa is so beautiful! The fall colors were in full bloom all over. I love the small town charm.

After our mud baths, whirlpool, steam room, facial, and massage...we sadly packed up and headed back home. But not without a stop at Bouchon for lunch, and the Bouchon Bakery for baked goods to go. I love Thomas Keller.

Lancer got the apple/butternut squash soup with toasted hazelnuts, I got the french onion soup, and we shared the salad with warm goat cheese. All culinary perfection.

For entrees, I got the pan-seared trout, and Lancer got the roasted chicken.

Then we headed on home and relaxed. I really needed a weekend hanging out in Canadian peat moss and volvanic ash from the Napa Valley. I'm so glad Lancer intuitively knew this. He also intuitively knew I needed some cute Pumas, a new sweater dress, and tights to boot. What a smart gent.

Busy as Bees

I was all excited for November to be the "relaxing" month between October and December. Yeah, that hasn't happened yet. Here's what we have been up to:

Had a delicious birthday dinner for our funny and adorable friend Ashley. If you haven't read her blog, you should. You will be funnier for it--trust me. Yes, we ate at Fuel. Don't judge-it's delish.



Next, Lancer was all excited for this motorcycle show in San Mateo. It has a ton of vendors, and they all display their newest wares and goods. They even had a (likely pink and purple filled) section for ladies. I was sold.


However, when we arrived, Lancer and I started seeing signs about some Harvest Festival--that's code for arts and crafts.Turns out we were a week early. Oops. Since we were already up there, I suggested we stay and see what they had going on.



It wasn't totally heinous--in fact, we had some delicious food, bought some yummy soy candles, and a Christmas gift I want to wear now. However, the Ball n Chain vetoed it. Guess it has to wait. As Lancer said about the craft fair--"You hit paydirt, and I just hit dirt."


We also got a DVR--FINALLY. I'm not sure why we were so behind the times on this--we're fairly tech savvy. It makes no sense. Even The Atwoods had DVR, and they're as thrifty as can be. Finding this out was almost as bad as when Tat beat me @ Dance Dance Revolution. This machine has already changed my life. I am now hooked on 30 Rock, and feel myself getting lazier and fatter. Thanks, Comcast.Speaking of the Atwood family, I got to visit Hayley and little baby Lincoln. She's right--I could have snuggled him for hours. He's so cute, and looks just like Avy. Congrats--we love you!


After the Harvest Festival, I tricked Lancer into going to Fry's and buying one more huge crockpot. Hey--I'm a big batch lady. I need big batch equipment. I had to clear off a whole shelf so I can have quick and easy access to them. I am convinced this is going to make my life easier.

It's also Clementine Cuties time!! We stopped by Whole Foods, and this is all that's left from a huge crate. We love these babies--and they're perfect right now. Not too firm, not too soft--juuuust right. Eat up! Vitamin C is waiting.


I also got to help host a baby shower for my favorite Twilight Mom, who is actually now going to be a mom. A real one. We can hardly wait for Renesme.

Mom to be opening her gifts

Alyssa with the other love of her life--Eddie. I was going to take him down post-Halloween and then put him back up for New Moon next Friday--but then I thought Alyssa would enjoy having it up for her shower. Lance is thrilled.

Kristine arranged 3 cute games, because Alyssa LOVES games. And we have to do what Mama wants.

The Ladies

I finally got to use my buffet warmer--this was a Christmas gift from Lancer last year. I love it! It keeps food the perfect temperature while you entertain in the other room.

And this is Brooke's famous salad, as interpreted by Heather. It was delicious. Here is the link for the recipe since everyone asked for it. Repeatedly. (You Warner ladies know how to eat! I mean that in the best way possible!)

The whole spread

And the adorable (and from what I hear tasty) carrot cake that Sharla made and decorated all by herself. It was so cute! It says "Goodbye tummy, hello mummy." I love that the baby on the cake is British.

Phew! That was one crazy week. I am so excited for next week--New Moon on Wednesday, Twilight in the theatre on Thursday, and then the New Moon party on Friday. I am ready for Eddie. Bring it on Twilight Moms! I will shove you out of the way if you get in my way. You tweens have nuthin on this crazy lady.

Totally Cool or Cool as Ice?

Easy Rider and I are having a bit of a disagreement. Please cast your vote and let us know which one wins this round.

Lance seems to think this is a good looking jacket:

But, I think it looks a little Vanilla Ice. You feel me?

Red, black, and white just seems to 80's to me. Lancer says he trusts my taste, but I can't tell if I'm on the right track with this one.

Please weigh in. Word to your Mutha.

Easy Rider

Lance went and got all ninja on me. Not that kind of Ninja.

This kinda Ninja.

He's contemplating all of his cool riding maneuvers in the picture below.

It's a hot little number--I love riding on the back. It's soooo Bella and Jacob after he gets all beefy, buff, and legal. I'm totally going to speed in hopes that RPatz appears as a hot ghostly figure, chastising me for being reckless. Then it's off a cliff for me!

Now onto my jacket and helmet. Why is all the biker chick crap pink??

I hate pink, followed by purple, so my options are limited. {shudder} Apparently, I have to dress like Rizzo to ride on the motorcycle. Why is that?

May I also take a brief moment to assure you that my man is *not* having a midlife crisis. He used to be a semi-professional BMX rider back in the day, and he's had his motorcycle license since he was 16. Besides--midlife crises are reserved for men who are saddled with the following:

and

and, most importantly,


My man is cool as ice..he's way too cool to be melting down midlife.

PS--totally unrelated--did no one notice the dog in glasses on my page?? A dog...in glasses. In SF. With my own eyes. I love this place.