Life Buy the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:55:00 +0000

I'm not doing Life Buy The Beach right now....
I've been pretty busy with the new man in my life... and I'm in LOVE!

Sometimes he's a Fireman

He lets me help him with his boots

We like exciting adventures

and even enjoy a little rock climbing.

We love long walks on the beach

and basking in the sun.

We dine on gourmet food

and decadent deserts.

He even does the dishes.

and we Love our Lakers...

I'll be back Buy the beach one day....

but for now

I'm just gonna love my new little man.

He's perfect.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:28:00 +0000

My last post was in May...2011

I've had a hard time sitting down to blog cuz I've been having a really big pity party.

I had an emergency hysterectomy surgery several months ago,

I've been licking my wounds, healing myself and keeping myself busy with my grandson. He makes everything better. Little by little and day by day I've been finding myself again. The real me. The one that's been hiding way down deep inside myself for a very long time. The one that loves life, friends, family, the sunshine, the beach, bike rides and to be loved.

And I'm back!

I reconnected with a really special friend this week. It had been over a year since we spoke. He asked me about my blog... he had been following it and I didn't even know it. He said he really liked it and wondered why I stopped. When we hung up I had the urge to open up my blog. For the first time in a really long time... I felt like blogging.

A really big Thank You to that very special person.

It feels good to be back

xoxo

Check out this price reduction

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:16:00 +0000

www.3431Artesia.com

REDUCED to $345,000.

be sure to visit the website http://www.3431artesia.com/ for all the details!

Fiesta Hermosa and Memorial Day Weekend 2011 in the South Bay of Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Fiesta Hermosa and Memorial Day Weekend 2011 in the South Bay of Los Angeles

How to put a Rental property on craigslist for free

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Thu, 05 May 2011 21:46:00 +0000

How to put a Rental property on Craigslist for free
Sometimes as a Realtor we do special favors for really great people.
This week it was a favor for my Momma.
She needed me to help her neighbor get her little guest house rented.
She is a cute little old lady. She does not have Internet access and really had no business meeting strangers.
She contacted several property management companies to help her but NONE of them called her back. I couldn't believe it!

I told her I would help her just cuz she was a sweetheart and I wanted to restore her faith in Real Estate agents. Besides... she said i could blog about it too.

I stopped buy her place in the afternoon and snapped a few pictures.

Then downloaded them to my computer.

Take at least one front of the property picture

Always take a kitchen photo

4 to be exact, That is all that is allowed unless you want to do a custom one.

Pictures are a must for Craigslist!

I then opened a FREE account with craigslist by going to http://www.craigslist.net/

It was easy, just follow the directions.

Pick a user name, a password and agree to the simple terms.

BINGO! account opened!

Next select the area that you wish your ad to be placed.

Title the ad. Be clever. This is a studio apartment...but I knew I would get lots more interested tenants if I called it a Guest House. It really is a guest house.

A little house in the back of a single family residence.

I wrote a cute add describing the best features of the property and all the details.

Darling Guest House in Torrance

Studio-Doll House

New kitchen

New bathroom

Full size stove included

Refrigerator included

water and trash paid

Great neighborhood

no pets

no smokers

good credit a must

$875 month

month to month only

I did not put the address. I only put cross streets and the City. I did not list a contact phone number.

I had them reply to an email address. This way I could communicate with them a few times via email first. This way I could ask the questions and give them the answers to their questions before I even scheduled the appointment to see the unit. I was able to eliminate several showings and bad credit tenants.

I only scheduled appointments with serious tenants.

There are lots of people that just like to look at rentals. Don't waist your time.

With in 1 hour I had 9 emails from interested parties.

I only showed it 3 times in three days

In less then a week I had it rented to a wonderful gal with fantastic credit and a great job!

I was sure to check her credit, verify that she really was employed and verify her past rental history.

If you hired a real estate agent or property management company to do this same service you could pay as much as 10% of the first years rent. In this case she may have payed $1,050.

I would have charged 6% so the cost would have been $630

Sometimes it pays to be a sweet little old lady.

I love craigs list and have found my last 4 homes using this free service.

If you need help putting a property on craigslist feel free to email me with your questions.

Loving The Coastal Chic feeling over at Beach N Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:23:00 +0000

Most of you know that I'm doing a little redecorating...and I'm having some trouble finding just the right stuff.

So after a long morning at the Dr. office of (getting a lump, I recently discovered on my neck, checked out)

I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself and decided to cure it with a little

coastal chic beach shopping.

Well this morning traveling down PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in South Redondo Beach, I discovered a new little shop! Well... new to me anyway. It's called Beach N Creations. I slammed on the breaks and turned into the parking lot of this darling little shop!

Turns out they have two Locations. Both In South Redondo Beach

They also have a website but it's nothing like the shop!

The best selection and display of sea shells ever! Fantastic prices too!

I am in love with this plate.

Must have these for the Kitchen Breakfast bar

The perfect dish for entertaining...Right?

Coastal Chic Pillows anyone? I can't decide which ones! Help.

So cute

Perfect colors

Love this one

I'm really lovin' this one too...

and then there is always the unique Mermaid

This is first on my list of must haves! I have the perfect place for it!

Best of all I feel like I have two new BFF's

These ladies love what they do and you can tell!

Lynne Johnson the owner can be found at

Beach N Boxes

817 Torrance Blvd Redondo Beach Ca 90277

310- 316-8600
www.beachNcreations.com

(I forgot to get a picture of Lynne but I will on my next visit.)

and my new coastal chic BFF

Linda

She is warm and friendly and makes you feel so special while you shop.

She runs the shop on PCH

Beach N Creations

1305 S Pacific Coast Highway

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

310 316-8600
I haven't even told you about all the darling and beautiful jewelry they have. Next time...OK

Be sure to pop into my Open House Tomorrow from 12-2:00

http://www.3431artesia.com/

Torrance Townhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:44:00 +0000

3431 Artesia Blvd. #23 Torrance CA 90504

Turn Key! Move right In!

Not a Short Sale!

Not an REO!

Brokers Open House Thursday April 28th

12:00 to 2:00

Artesia Gardens

2 Bedrooms * 2.5 Bathrooms * Indoor Laundry * 2 car garage * 1483sf

2 Master Suites each with private bathroom, new carpet, fresh paint and views of park like grounds

Large living room, Kitchen with eat in breakfast area, New flooring, recessed lighting, fresh paint and is open to the Family room/dining room. Unique floor plan inn this turn key Tri level Townhouse.

Fantastic views off the master bedroom balcony.

HOA includes Solar Heated Pool, Clubhouse with Kitchen and Sauna with showers and dressing area

Large grassy area right outside your front door.

Unit 23 also includes a two car attached garage with direct access to unit and auto garage door opener.

Inside laundry room for full size washer and dryer with gas hook up.

This Townhouse is priced at $360,000.

Home Goods Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:36:00 +0000

Have you ever been Home Goods Happy!

My better half surprised me today with Coffee and a (before work) morning trip to
Home Goods in El Segundo.
I've been looking and looking for just the right things for my coastal chic makeover
But, have not had very much luck.

That was until today!

I am Home Goods Happy Now!

Here is a sneak peek of what I found...

More to come...

Be sure to check out my new listing at 3431 Artesia Blvd #23 Torrance CA

I will be holding an OPEN HOUSE this Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00

Eye Spy with my little eye

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:06:00 +0000

As a kid we played a game called "Eye Spy" on long car rides to my

Auntie Sheila and Uncle LJ's house.

Eye Spy with my little eye... something that begins with...

You remember this game right?

Well I kept the tradition going when my daughter was little.

She loved this game as a child.and even today.

Little Miss Momma

has created a link party on Wednesday's called Eye Spy.

This week on Eye Spy we are taking a look at things around the house.

so here is my Eye Spy

Eye Spy with my little eye... something that begins with a "T"

Troy, my little ~~Tea Cup~~ Yorkie! He runs the house.

Eye Spy with my little eye... something that I can't live with out, that begins with a "K"

If this broke I would get another one today!

Keurig Coffee maker...

Eye Spy with my Little Eye... The greatest fireplace I've ever had!

and my favorite shabby chic decoration...

A wooden ball with carved roses...

Eye Spy with my little eye a white sea shell collection in a bird bath

and My favorite pictures

and My new vase with white Daisy's

Eye Spy My Home office after a large real estate mailing

Eye Spy...The beach cruiser

The weekend volleyball games in front of my house

My Beach Rules sign

The seagulls at sunrise

and my stairway to heaven.

Eye Spy is a link party that my daughter created.

I will be linking up over at Little Miss Momma today.

Be sure to check it out!

Mothers Day for Single Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:32:00 +0000

I was a single Mom for much of my daughter's childhood.
I was lucky that I had family close by to help out.
I worked hard, Two jobs for a long time.

Sometimes I felt like a failure
Sometime I thought I couldn't do it anymore
Sometimes I thought nobody understood how tired I was
Sometimes I would wish I had a friend that understood how hard it was to do this by myself

But then, my darling little girl would wrap her arms around me and tell me,
"I love you Momma" and I would be rejuvenated. Ready to take on the world!

Picture of a picture (sorry for the poor quality but it's one of my fav's)

I am really close with my daughter. In fact, I would consider her my best friend. She inspires me, loves me and makes me proud every day.

She writes about our relationship on her blog.

(my other fav pic of the two of us)

Today, I woke up got my coffee and logged into Face Book .... And saw this post.

It made me smile. It made me proud. It made me want to think of every single mom I've ever know and nominate them to win. Not just cuz they could win the cutest sign ever... but because it was a chance to recognize them. To let them know that we are proud of them and that they are not alone.

So I thought I would nominate the best single mom I know right now. I want her to win one of these darling Barn Owl Primitive signs that Little Miss Momma is giving away on her blog.

here goes

Teresa W

She is a great Momma. She is single and a hard working Real Estate Agent. She put the needs of her darling daughter Sierra first. She struggles like we all do to find a balance between supporting her daughters financial need and giving her quality family time. She makes goal boards with her, She plants vegetables with her, she decorates her room, dances to Miley with her, goes to her Soccer games, picks her up early from after school day care and gives her all kinds of love. She teaches her to be nice to everyone and that everyone has something special inside them. Sierra is a sweet, thoughtful little girl that goes out of her way to make everyone feel special. Sierra like everyone and has a special place in her BIG heart for the underdog.
Teresa and I have drifted apart ... But I still think she is a wonderful Single Momma.

If Teresa won I would select this sign for her. Beach Rules she also lives Buy The Beach

or maybe this one Playroom Rules

Oh wait... maybe this one. Family Rules

I'm sure we all know a fantastic Single Momma. Join me in making someones day.

What great single momma do you know?

I love my job!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 02:48:00 +0000

cuz I get to meet fantastic people like my new seller.
He is just the greatest seller ever not to mention a great new friend!
I got home to find an email with this picture of him in front
of the For Sale sign that went up today!

We are both really excited to get it sold!

Tri Level Townhouse in Torrance

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:44:00 +0000

Sneak Peak. Be the first one to see it!
WOW!!!
This one is gonna go fast!

Not a short sale!!!!
Seller can close Fast!

3431 Artesia Blvd #23 Torrance CA 90504

This spacious Tri Level Townhouse is located in the back of the complex
away from Artesia Blvd. and is quiet and peaceful.

2 Bedrooms, Each with a private bathroom and sliding glass door to let in the evening breeze.
2 1/2 bathrooms
Over 1480 sf
2 car garage with auto openers and direct access
Indoor laundry room with gas hook up
Balcony that overlooks a lush grassy area off one of the master suites
Big Living room with high ceilings
Eat in kitchen (installing new flooring next week)
Dining/family room off kitchen
Fresh Paint through out. (Being Painted next week too)
Community Solar heated Pool, Club house with sauna and showers. Large grass area in front of this unit perfect for kids to play. Security Building.

Priced at $360,000.

Inside photos will be posted end of next week when painting is complete
To see this property today email me at Michelle@LifeBuyTheBeach.com

Spicy White Bean & Chicken Chili

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:38:00 +0000

It's very rare for me to open a cook book and follow a recipe.
I own tons of cook books but can't be bothered with buying or searching for the ingredients.
(I'm lazy that way)

I grew up with three spices in our house.
Salt
Pepper
Lowery's Garlic Salt. (It has always been my secrete ingredient) (Really it was my only ingredient)

My mom was a great cook. More of a meat and potatoes dinner maker.
My sister cooked right along side her.
I was more of the salad maker, table setter and dish washer.

So when it comes to spices and seasonings I don't have a clue.

After giving my kitchen a recent makeover, I decided I should put a little more effort into my cooking.
My hubby and I went on a cook book buying frenzy.
On one of our Home Goods shopping sprees I came across this wonderful little cook book.
Cooking with Flavor. I think it was $3.99

It has taught me so much about seasoning and flavors.
We went from Garlic Salt to a spice rack to a spice cabinet overnight.
I still don't follow many recipe's but at least now I have a better understanding
about what spice goes better with what dish.

I thought I would share one of the few recipes I do follow.

Spicy White Bean and Chicken Chili
(The best thing about this is that you can have it ready in about 30 minutes and its kinda healthy)

That's It!
Hopefully you didn't expect me to write out each and every step.. did you?
Oh... crap you did.

OK here is what you do

measure out the ingredients set aside
chop up the onion and chicken
throw them in the Pan of hot oil
cook for 5 minutes
add the dry ingredients that you set aside
add white beans and chopped green Chile's
stir
add chicken broth
bring to a boil
simmer for 20 minutes.
DONE!

Oh ya....you can top it with sour cream or green onion or both or what ever your heart desires.
Enjoy cuz this is my first and last cooking tutorial.

cuz I don't eat anything but eggs and meat and veggies for another 20 days!

PS the only other recipes I follow are in The Pioneer Woman Cooks! Mac & Cheese, Spicy Pulled Pork

Bone Chillin Cold

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:05:00 +0000

It cold today!
No really! The beach is Bone Chillin cold today.

3 blankets kind of cold.

Fireplace on full blast... cold!

Hot Tea instead of Diet Pepsi... cold!

~~No surfers~~ Only 2 surfers in the water... cold!

Blue Fence painters bundled up... cold!

Uggs instead of sandals ...cold!

I think I'll read me a love story by the fireplace ...kind of cold!

Drive In Movies - Billy Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:57:00 +0000

I really miss Friday night Drive-In Movies!
I grew up with them.
Mom would pack us kids up in the neighbor's station wagon for a night of fun at the local Drive-In.
8 of us in one car! My mom, my sis, my brother, me and the two little girls from next door and their mommy.

We all played on the playground at the front of the theater with out our mommy's.

We would run up and down the bumps and the isles.

(I'm really not as old as the moms look pictured above and our car was a Vega not a 1940 oldsmobile)

The lights would blink twice and we would run back to our cars and
hook up the speakers to the windows.
If we were really good we would get to go to the snack bar at intermission.
I'm not even gonna talk about the teenage date nights at the Drive-In! Yikes!

I missed them so much ,that last summer
We had us a back yard movie night. (back when we had a back yard)

We got some jumbo size movie Candy Bars and Popcorn tubs.
We even had hot dogs wrapped like they do at the movies.

We set up some chairs some blankets on the grass, a few lights, a big wall...

We borrowed a projector from my Uncle and we were ready to go!

We invited some good old friends from High school

(that's why the high school year books are on the blanket)

So we decided to see a good old movie...

Billy Jack

(not recommended for children under 21) even if it is 30+ years old

A classic!

We all loved this movie...Some of us could say the lines word for word.

at one point in the evening we were All singing

One Tin Soldier

The guy in the back row, with his arm in the air believes he is Billy Jack.

We opted for wine and beer rather then soda pop.

It was lots of fun and I would recommend it to anyone with a back yard, friends, a projector and a classic old movie!

I want to do another one with Grease!

What old classic movie would you pick?

things I forgot to do...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:15:00 +0000

The older i get the more things I forget...

It is pretty bad when your list of what I forgot to do exceeds your to do list.

Here is a list of what I forgot to do this week:

Charge my phone last night. So I ran out of battery at noon.
Deposit a check that has been in my wallet for two weeks. AGAIN! Thats three times to the bank in a week.
Take the steaks out of the freezer. Looks like another Chipolte night.
Charge my camera battery.
Forgot how to take my camera off flash again!
Give my daughter back her camera stick.
Put water in the flowers. That's right. I arranged them and forgot to put water in the vase for two days.
Eggs. We eat them all the time but I always forget to get them at the market.
Move my car for the street cleaner on Tuesday morning. Almost got another Ticket!
Forgot where my car was parked at the mall.
Forgot the name of the Pickles I'm allowed to eat on this crazy diet.
Forgot to get off the freeway at the correct exit to my home.
Forgot how to get to Ikea. I was just there.
Forgot to charge my lock box key. Always fun when clients are waiting for you to open up the door.
Forgot my password to on line banking.
Forgot my iphone voice mail password. I didn't even know I had one.
Forgot where in Mexico I might be going in a few weeks.
Forgot that I already bought the Cottage Style $9.99 magazine so now I have two.

Please tell me I'm not alone...
What did you forget?

Shabby Chic or Coastal Cottage?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:44:00 +0000

I've got that itch again.
The itch to start over.
The itch to redo everything. Again. I've got the decorating bug!

I've been inspired for so many years by Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Style

I've spent years gathering treasures for my little places.

This is the last Shabby Chic thing I purchased, it makes my top ten list of favorite things.

These were found in a little antique mall at the Janss Mall in Thousand Oaks. I have two.

I found these pictures by Angela Staehling in a sweet little shop in Agoura that is no longer there. That was a sad day!

This was from an Antique mall (not an antique) in The Janss Mall that has moved to the
Agoura Antique Mart. These are
just a few of my favorite Shabby Chic things.

But I have that itch...

Recently my daughter gave me a darling beach sign for my birthday (that story here) that was made by

the greatest sign maker ever Barn Owl Primitives. Isn't it darling?

I put it up in my place and ever since, I've wanted to go from

Shabby Chic

Coastal Cottage

I didn't realize I was headed that way until I took a good look at my recent additions.

I've recently developed an appreciation for seashells. These were a gift from my sister.

It seems everywhere I turn I see darling Beachy stuff that would look great in a

little Coastal cottage...

Yikes!

I think I'm gonna do it!

Bye Bye Shabby Chic... Hello Coastal to be continued...

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:20:00 +0000

I got mine today!
Went to Borders Today to pick it up. The hubby went with me. He's kinda excited too! He loves her recipes!

Sat in the chair waiting for the hubby to get his book fix and got all the way to page 37.

It was so cute, the girl that helped me find the last one...said "Oh, she was here when she released her cook book. She was darling!"
Yeah! I'm glad she was darling!

I'm in the Little Miss Momma Book club that she didn't start yet.

I'm really excited!

Temptations

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:39:00 +0000

My Grandson came to visit this weekend. We had a blast on the beach. It was a little bit breezy but for the most part ... a beautiful day to collect shells and walk on the beach. He loved it!

So much so that he didn't want to leave. After two hours...and a very heavy diaper I had to carry him off the sand. His diaper weighed about 3 lbs of apple juice and water.

It was hard to keep his pants up.

He insisted on walking up the gigantic stairs all by himself.

Then his shoe fell off and Gma had a hard time getting it back on.

When we finally got into the house it was filled with food temptations!

Like these
Chips and Roasted Salsa.

One of my greatest temptations.

But I was good!

and this... cheese bread

But I was good! No Problem!
Not a single bite!

I was so proud of myself that I could make it through the day with out a single taste of some of my favorite junk foods!

Then

happened!!!!!

The greatest temptation ever!

Couldn't

help

myself!

Serious!

Wesley and I ate almost half the bag. :(

So today is day one, all over again!

Who knew? Circus Animal Crackers would do me in!

what i ate this week and next

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:22:00 +0000

Today was day 7 of this detox diet I've been doing. I'm not going crazy, I'm not starving, I'm not grouchy and my hubby still loves me. I've been walking almost everyday and have tons of energy. So I'm on to week two. So here's a little look into what I'm eating...

This morning I woke up, went on my walk and headed to the Redondo Beach Farmers Market.
You know the one that is on the beach overlooking the Pier.
I go every week on Thursday morning.
I love it!
Funny thing is... I never buy the stuff in the picture above.
I thought I did. Really!
But today I realized that I buy all the bad stuff!
Chips and salsa
Pita bread
Fresh humus and Pita chips
Salted nuts
Kettle Corn
cheese
Sure I throw in a few apples and maybe an onion or two... and if I'm really feeling farmers market-ish , I may get a squash and a green pepper and a garlic glove.
But I realized the real reason I went was for kettle corn and pita bread and the fresh flowers wrapped in newspaper! YIKES! No wonder I put on 22lbs in 6 months.

So today I was a true farmers market kinda GAL and only got really healthy stuff!

These babies are in the pot right now and I plan to eat each and every leaf. (without butter)

Today for a snack I ate (for the first time ever) Snap Peas! and this blood red orange.
They are my new fav. I hope they are as good at the movies as they were on the beach.

I also got some of the freshest Asparagus ever. I did the bend test to see where they snapped off and they didn't! Serious. The farmer glared at me a little but, ... I just smiled and said I'll take a bunch please.

The olives and nuts (unsalted and raw) were my big treat. Yes I would rather have Salt and Vinegar chips but this will have to do.
That is a sweet potato next to the olives. Another fav. Oh so good! No butter either. Just wrap it in foil and oven bake it for about 35 minutes. Perfection! Seriously.

Never been much of a strawberry fan. My mom ate them by the crate full when I was a kid and she always put tons of sugar on top so it would turn into Strawberry syrup...Yuck! But I must admit I have come to love these as a late night snack. (with out the sugar)
Not nearly as good as the thin mint girl scout cookies I see EVERYWHERE but a really good substitute.

My liquids have been reduced to Coffee, Black Tea and this cool black Chai Tea i found at the market. I've had to put the wine and diet Pepsi aside. That may truly be the one thing I miss. A nice glass of Chardonnay sure takes the edge off of a long day.

Ohhhh yes, I can't forget the most important thing I am putting into my body everyday. and alot of it! now I'm drinking about 12 of these a day...sometimes more... Ice cold only.

I'm eating eggs, meat, poultry and even a slice or two of bacon every now and then as well.

All this for two reasons.

To detox my body off all the crap I've been putting in it

and so

I can get rid of my new Blogger's Butt!

Then this big gigantic PINK across my ass will hopefully shrink to just pink!

Can't wait to try the One Ingredient Frozen banana smoothie that one of the funniest blogs ever Fabusously Flawed made for her family this week.

I will be linking up to FAT Friday over at my new Bloggy BFF Chrissy of Boerman Ramblings cuz she ROCKS! BIG TIME!

Things you should know about me if we are going to be Bloggy BFF's

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Ten Things you should know about me if we are going to be Bloggy BFF's

10. I will break plans with you, if it's a good Beach Day.

Unless you are Matthew McConaughey

9. I am on a never ending diet and have lost the same 20 lbs 15 times.

They latest diet is below.

8. I have left overs in my fridge that have turned into science projects

cuz I save them, I don't eat them.

7. I have a boogie board and surf board but hate to go in the water.

I'm afraid of seaweed. So they are just for looks.

6. My purse weighs more then my 2 year old grandson

and I can never find anything in it.

5. A new pair of shoes always makes everything all better

(Steve Madden-Ross Dress for Less $12.99)

4. I own stacks of cook books but never follow a recipe.

(because I hate buying the ingredients at the store)

3. My new favoraite show is Shameless and I would run away

with Steve (Jimmy) if I were Feona.

2. I spend more on my hair in a month then my husband does in a year

and he doesn't have any idea.

1. I got my belly button pierced. at a tattoo parlor, late one night,

after too much wine with my bestie.

(It's closed up now) & (this is not my belly, remember i'm on a diet)

again... not my belly

What should I know about you, if we are gonna be Bloggy BFF's?

No More Excuses

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:29:00 +0000

I got on the scale last night and almost fainted. I have put on 22lbs since the end of October.

I hate that I do this!

I work so hard to take off the weight and then I put it right back on!

UGGGGGH!

I asked myself why?

I didn't have an answer... But I know I don't want to feel like this any more!

I woke up this morning and got ready to take my first walk in a very long time...

Then it hit me. I give myself excuses.

10 excuses I give myself every morning

10. It's way to cold! (I do own a jackets and gloves)
9.    It's raining!  (That only works when it is raining and I'm told it Never rains in CA)
8.    My hair will frizz!  (My hair is always frizzy by the end of the day)
7.    I'll walk tonight!   (But I never do)
6.    I don't have time today   (Ya right... maybe if I cut out TV I would have more time)
5.    I left my shoes at Ashley's again.      (NOT, I own 6 pairs)
4.    I don't feel good, the cold might get me sicker. (This is a really good one)
3.    I already showered & can't mess up my make up. (Walk first stupid!)
2.    Still recovering from surgery. (HA! That happened in October. completely healed)
and now the #1 reason I give myself is :
1.     I'm not so fat...right? You should have seen him try and hide it. Then he said I like you curvy, and your boobs are so big now.... Double UGGGGGGGH!

So today I told myself each and everyone of these excuses while I took my walk and before I knew it I had completed 4 miles. I feel great! NO MORE EXCUSES!

The funny thing is... every time I finish walking I feel sooooo good! I'm always so happy I walked! Why do i do this?

These pants fell to the floor the last time I put them on October 15th 2010! That was 22lbs ago.

I am so embarrassed!

So I put them on and had him take these embarrassing pictures. They are so tight!

I am going to give myself 30 days to lose the 22lbs. (hopefully more)

I'm gonna walk again and I'm also going to try this 30 day program of healthy eating.

Click the logo for details.

I started today!

Wanna join me?

Bloggy Bootcamp San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:32:00 +0000

Being a brand new Blogger I was a bit intimidated to attend the Bloggy Boot camp in San Diego this weekend. My daughter Ashley (Little Miss Momma) was the first speaker--so at least I felt, while I may not be worthy, I still had a good reason to go.

WOW! Was I pleasantly surprised.
Everyone made me feel welcome and special...
Everyone was so supportive
and everyone made everyone feel like they were a superstar blogger!

It was jam packed with ton of useful and helpful information.
The set up was welcoming and almost forced even the shyest of us to interact and meet fellow Bloggers.

The speakers were all so insightful. So a big shout out to the
SITS Girls for making this all happen. Tiffany (you are so pretty) and Francesca...

You rock!

Best of all, I feel like I just made some really good friends.

Like Betsy of Betsy Life who's food blog could inspire even the worst cook to try and sun dry tomatoes and who's new hair do makes me want to chop off my locks.

and Kathleen of Kathleens Sugar And Spice who's little Beagles melt your heart and who made me feel so welcome at the after party.

and Lisa of Love Heals Gage who's story is so inspiring it brought tears to my eyes and who's as every bit sweet and kind in person as I knew she would be.

and Lauren of I heart Andy Gross who's stories of her 3 year old had me in stitches and a little worried that my own grandson was not going to be out of the terrible twos anytime soon.

and Lisa of The Gonzo Gourmet that grows her own tomatoes even with a black thumb and then takes amazing pictures too. She was the first blogger I spoke to at the first table of the day and I knew I was gonna love that I was there after meeting her.

I listened with admiration as each person at the table gave their elevator pitch. The worst part of the day was that we often ran out of time before we got to hear each persons story. I wanted to jump up and shout WAIT!!!! I DIDN'T GET TO HER HER STORY YET... but it all moved so fast and we were on to the next speaker and table.

I'd love to spend an entire day of only meeting all the bloggers and hearing their stories.

I plan on spending every free moment pouring over all the blogs of every one I met so I can get to know each and every one of them even better.

Trisha 3 four and under

Eva Tech Food Life

Gabrieal Living LaVida Normal

Amy Using Your Words

Kay Bucksome Boomer

Ali The Rehan Family

Brandi me Designs

Chelsea Someday I'll Learn

Julie A Little Bite Of Life

Jennifer Piggies and Paws

Genevieve Celebrate Today

Nicole Sweet Craft Cakes

Candice Fashionably Organized

Marissa Mama Sparkles

It was a great weekend not only cuz it was a great Boot Camp but because I got to spend some time with my biggest blogger supporters, my daugher Ashley. of Little Miss Momma and Nina of Momma Go Round

These two ladies know how to have them selves some beach fun.

San Diego is a great place with so many little beach towns to visit.

We had a blast on Friday

Looking forward to another visit.

when the beach is cold...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:50:00 +0000

There is nothing better then a hose, a bucket a backyard and a GRANDSON.

Love this little guy more than I could have ever imagined.

Can't wait to let him run on the beach all summer!

www.217Valero.com Price reduction to 699,900.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Life Buy The Beach) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:56:00 +0000

Back and forth from Redondo Beach to Oak Park. Lots of activity on the Oak Park listing has had me running to and from for two weeks. Open house last weekend was busy with lots of Looky Lou's. The price reduction to $699,900 has generated lots of interest. I spent three days updating every website with the price reduction and notifying all the agents too. No offers yet but lots of activity. Spread the word.
217 Valero Circle has been reduced to $699,900.