If you live in California and are in the Orange County area, then you’ll definitely want to check out Simone and Son. They’re a mother & son owned local jewelry company that specializes in providing only the best in Orange County jewelry. Whether you’re looking for wedding bands, custom engagement rings or something special for your someone special, they’ll listen to your needs and help you come up with the perfect piece.

Check them out at SimoneandSon.com.

If I wasn’t so busy with everyday life (read: working from home full-time, taking care of a six year old daughter and an autistic four year old), then you better believe that I would spend more time scouring thrift stores and the like for treasure. Even the local Goodwill has some nice stuff to offer, if my own donations (brand new clothes with tags attached, high quality toys, recently published books in excellent condition, etc.) are any indication. While I may not be able to find wedding rings Orange county in a Goodwill or Salvation Army store, I can find plenty of high quality and usable childrens clothes.

My husband’s grandmother was a very big fan of thrift stores, and some of her finds, including a pretty white wicker bassinet and a brand new crib frame (with mattress!) even benefited us.

Even though May is just two weeks away, you can still come down with the flu. And if you haven’t received a flu vaccination from a professional in a lab coat, then you’re definitely at risk. Have kids in school, or work around others? Then you’re doubly at risk. (As for me, I’m a work-at-home mom, but having two kids attending three different schools + a husband who works with the public means lots and lots of germs that I’m being exposed to all of the time)

I received a vaccination last fall, so fortunately I’m covered. How about you?

If you live in the California area, why not check out Cloud Mover? The Huntington Beach area spa specializes in spas and facials and manicures and pedicures and all sorts of awesome indulgent services. I know if I lived anywhere near the area I’d be all for massages in Huntington Beach. Massages are nice because they force you to lay there and do absolutely nothing, rather than try to fill all of your time with something. Plus your sorely abused and stressed out muscles get the chance to be massaged into a nice relaxing state, whoo hoo!

It may be a little early to be thinking about the holidays, but since Easter is only a few weeks away, I am definitely giving some thought to dinner plans and such. We’re off the hook for Easter, since my husband’s aunt has invited us for dinner, but there’s the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas to think about! I have pretty Corelle dishes, but I think I might want to upgrade to the GG collection from The Lamp Stand.

Of course, the prettiest plates in the world won’t disguise horrible food. I need to go brush up on my cooking skills!