moving

When I was in high school, I used to check the weather page in the newspaper every day I was at my dad's house. After reading what the weather was going to be like for school, I would check the weather for San Francisco. I have always loved it there and have dreamt about moving there for years. Well, my dream came true! I have accepted a fantastic job and am moving home to California. I will be in Palm Springs for six months, then moving to lovely San Francisco. 

..........contented sigh...........................

When my cousin found out he texted, 'when you wish upon a star!'

I am thrilled. 

Blog posts will be sparse, as I have to pack my condo, rent my condo, cry good bye to friends and family in Phoenix and head West ALL in the next seven days. 

CRAZY! 

But good crazy. 

See you in California! 

I'm coming home!

*photo credit

{p.s. I will be listening to this song and this song the entire drive}

My Vicious Cycle

a new year harvest

Oh look, just some broccoli that I GREW MYSELF! 

Ok, not by myself. With the help of Carol and The Judge. But still. Pretty cool, right? 

We only planted three plants. I didn't realize that you only got one broccoli piece per plant. Farmer Tay has learned her lesson. Next harvest? At least 20 plants. 

Because it was so delicious. I must have more.

So....

So, um, now that the I Believe posts are done.....

.......does this mean I have to, like, start writing again? 

Hmmm.........

Daina Believes

We have a straggler! Today's list is from a family friend, Daina. :) 

Enjoy!

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My list is an odd number kind of thing. And, I dedicate it to Taylor’s mom…

 I love you Sammy!

·         -I believe in drinking expensive champagne out of plastic cups

·         -I believe reading opens the mind

·         -I believe in “ponies”

·         -I believe in listening and the power of touch

·         -I believe in breaking the cycle

·         -I believe in rocking in chairs during training sessions

·         -I believe walking barefoot in the sand calms the soul

·         -I believe in never judging – you never know when you will be walking in the shoes you have just judged

·         -I believe in dancing

·         -I believe in playing word games during staff meetings and giving hotel tours as it were the Louvre

·         -I believe friends are like the ebb and flow of tides – sometimes they are in and at times they are out, be but they are never truly gone

·         -I believe everything tastes better with fresh herbs

·         -I believe magic sentences are the best when packed in a lunch box for school or work

·         -I believe my day is complete when sitting at my very old dining room table sharing great food and wine with my family and friends

·         -I believe in lipstick and scarves

·         -I believe in no regrets and life lessons

·         -I believe in Carpe Diem

·         -I believe all problems can be solved during a “working lunch” at Joe Jost’s

·         And last but not least… I believe we can pang if we want to!

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Thanks for sharing Daina! :)  

{photo is of Daina and Jeff's gorgeous girls who wear my party dresses and ready my books. :) } 

Oh So Cheesy

Do you like Macaroni and Cheese?

Of COURSE you do!

Check out my new blog project with HSBFF Ney.

http://ohsocheesyblog.blogspot.com

I Believe

Today's list is from me. 

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I believe there is no better free form of relaxation than laying on a raft in a pool in the summer. 

I believe in wearing a lot of sunscreen. 

I believe in reading every night before bed. Even if it's just a paragraph.

I believe in carrying your passport with you at all times. You never know when the love of your life is going to come up to you and say, 'Hello, I know we've just met, but would you like to go to Paris with me this afternoon?' You must be prepared for that type of occurrence. 

I believe in champagne. 

I believe watching your best friends become mothers is one of the greatest things I've ever been witness to.  

I believe in marriage equality and that if two consenting adults want to be married (regardless of gender, race, religion), they should be allowed. 

I believe it is our duty as humans to help, in some way, people who are not being treated fairly. 

I believe that there will never be a better way for me to relax than to swim laps.

I believe I was a mermaid in a past life. 

I believe in reading the newspaper.

I believe it is ok to try and fail. 

I believe in buying/shopping/eating locally. 

I believe in volunteerism and that people who volunteer regularly are happier and more content with their lives. 

I believe in closing your eyes when you take a bite of creme brulee. 

I believe in creme brulee. And macaroni and cheese.

I believe that organized religion, sadly, is the root of most of the problems our world faces.

I believe in peace and diplomacy. Always. 

I believe it is possible to forgive people and to not ever speak to them again. 

I believe this is one of my favorite quotes: "The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."

I believe that becoming a doula and being present on the BEST day of people's lives has profoundly changed the way I view the world. I see more beauty and hope now because of those little babies.  

I believe I feel best in a dress.

I believe in divorce.

I believe in super soft mattresses, featherbeds, lots of blankets and a ridiculous number of pillows. 

I believe in Katharine Hepburn. 

I believe in Jeopardy and Crosswords.

I believe in feminism. Not the type that is most commonly associated with the word, but the type that acknowledges and recognizes the feminine role to be as important and vital as the masculine role; in our homes, our relationships and our world. It is a necessary balance. 

I believe in defying traditional gender roles.

I believe that traveling internationally is the best way to change your perspective for the better.

I believe in my family. 

I believe in learning from the mistakes made by others in your family. I believe it is possible not to repeat them and to make your life better because of them. 

I believe in snow cones.  

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Thank you all SO much for participating and reading. It has been a pleasure to host this series again. I look forward to next year. 

**photo credit. 

Bee Believes

Today's post is from my grandma, Bee.





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-I believe I am blessed with a wonderful and most understanding family. 

- I believe Taylor is blessed with some fabulous, profound and fascinating blogging friends. 

- I believe in the power of prayer

- I believe good music soothes the soul

- I believe 2011 will be filled with new adventure and wonderful surprises

- I believe tears are cleansing and that it is ok to cry

- I believe a cup or tea or warm milk before you go to bed will help you sleep better

- I believe in candle baths with lots of bubbles

- I believe a walk in the fresh morning air keeps you healthy and helps to start the day.

- I believe I am one of the luckiest Grandmothers in the whole world

HUGS....BEE

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Thanks for sharing Bee! 

Check out Bee's post from last year here.  

**I think this is the last 'I Believe' post?? Did I miss anyone? 

Stephanie Believes

Today's list is from my favorite Phoenix turned London blogger, Stephanie, from Letters and Lists. 

I'm fortunate to know Stephanie for-the-reals and am SO anxious to visit her {and Jessica and Nicole} in London this summer. TK in the UK. Woot! 

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I Believe...... in the form of an even numbered list because that's how I do:

1.  I believe in love....."Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love."

2.  I believe true friends make up your heart and soul

3.  I believe most problems can be solved with ribbon

4.  I believe most problems can be solved with wine

5.  I believe ribbon and wine go together like peanut butter and jam

6.  I believe jelly is bullshit

7.  I believe in marriage

8.  I believe confidence is sexy

9.  I believe I'd be lost without my family

10..  I believe people come in and, sometimes even more importantly, go OUT of your life at just the right times

11.  I believe everyone is slightly OCD in their own right. Some more so than others, obvs

12.  I believe that people who shorten their words are cool kids

13.  I believe in God

14.  I believe in the power of making lists

15.  I believe "the champagne's bubbles" should be the new "the cat's pajamas"....but not the new "bee's knees" because that one is a classic.

16.  I believe Tay's mom might agree with #15

17.  I believe it would be hysterical if a dog was named Linda 

{note from Tay- my mom will also like this one. Linda is my step mom's name. Bwahahahahaha.}

18.  I believe I now need to pause and laugh at the thought of Linda the dog!

19.  I believe you have to be in it to win it

20.  I believe it's okay not to smile all the time, it doesn't mean you're not a happy person

21.  I believe in glitter and rhinestones

22.  I believe in not having regrets

23.  I believe fellas should wear more cardigans, it's just a good look. Ask Mr. Rogers (a moment of silence please to show your respect)

24.  I believe winter wardrobes are way more enjoyable than summer ones

25.  I believe it's okay to have a loud decibel

26.  I believe in saying no

27.  I believe pumpkin flavored treats should be available all year round

28.  I believe most things in life happen for a reason

29.  I believe in singing loudly in the car

30.  I believe watching reality TV is not a reflection of your intelligence

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Thank you for playing! I am loving this list.  

I am also loving the pink mustache. Way to bring it to Stonehenge. 

Adri Believes

Today's list is from my DDD sorority sister, Adri. 

Adri cracks my shit up and I miss our days living in Mountain View. :) 

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I believe…

…at 28 that it’s totally normal to talk to my mom every single day

…that you need to live in the moment and spend less time thinking about tomorrow

…that my dog’s paws smell like nacho cheese doritos

…that if it is not on PerezHilton.com, it’s not news ;)

…in a clean house, but not in the act of cleaning a house

…that every girl deserves at least one expensive purse and an expensive pair of shoes

…that flip flops should be worn all year long

…that laughter truly is the best medicine – especially laughter with snorts

…in following your heart, but making sure your head is on board too

…in the magic of Disney, -Walt, -land, -movies, -mouse ears, anything Disney
“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

…in friend dates

...in taking lots and lots of pictures

...in using your words passionately, wisely and intelligently

...in the New York Giants (even though they break my heart.....*sigh*)

...in reminiscing with friends and family...even though sometimes it's the same story over and over (I still love to hear it!)

...in MYSELF!

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Thanks for playing Aids! 


{best animal Christmas card photo ever}

Summer Believes

Today's list is from Summer, who I know from high school. 

She was a senior when I was a freshman and I was friends with her little sister, Winter. 

She used to drive us around in her convertible cabriolet {am I right on the car make?} and I used to feel so cool being driven around by a senior. :) 

Know she has four adorable children and a very crafty fun blog. 


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I believe a day begun with bacon and/or coffee is a better day

I believe taking out the trash is a man's job.

I believe something you made yourself is better than something else, unless that something else was made by someone who loves you.

I believe everyone has a gift to give, and when you are able to see the value of everyone's gift you love a little more deeply.

I believe my husband is my better half, but sometimes that's not saying much, and sometimes it's more than he deserves, but usually it's exactly right, and that's why we make a good pair.

I believe I never understood how God loved me until I held my own child.

I believe in watching cartoons on Saturday morning in bed.

I believe children can do more than you think, perceive more than you'd like, and forgive more than you deserve.

I believe laughter, chocolate, wine, and a good cry are better with a friend.

I believe in having a house where the inside doors don't lock.. but sometimes I wish I didn't.

I believe "What do you think?" Is the best way to answer a question you don't want to answer.

I believe in taking too many photos and then not deleting any of them.

I believe words are powerful and sometimes I am careless with them.

I believe in do-it-yourself. Conversely I believe in asking for help, and it has taken YEARS to come to this conclusion.

I believe children should dress for church, sit reverently during service, and smile at the elderly, but that doesn't make it happen,

I believe sometimes it's okay to bribe kids under 3, I mean 4 okay.. seven is definitely the cut off.

I believe you should kiss before you leave and say I love you because you just never know.

I believe the days can be long, but the years fly by.

I believe a thing worth doing is worth doing well, as long as your doing, if I'm doing it i will determine what degree of "well" is acceptable given the time and energy constraints I'm currently under.

I believe the best time of my life is everyday, if I want it to be.

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THANK YOU for playing Summer! Your words and crafts inspire me and I can't wait to see what you have in store for the new year. 

{best kid family photo ever}