The Centennial State

One of the first highlights of this year, and a fun step for me professionally was my first real-live, on my own business trip! I got to venture out to Boulder, Colorado for 2 days while participating in "CampMinder Camp". More on what we did at "Camp" later, but for now a bit about the place! 

This beautiful spot on the map, affectionately and appropriately called "Colorful Colorado" is one of my new favorites. The weather was stunning and warm, the mountains clear and beautiful! I had so much fun even just looking out the window each day.

Here is a view of Boulder from above.

And the Flatirons - These were amazing to look at each morning!

...and here's the cute little hotel ("Golden Buff") where I stayed.

 

You might think it was "just" a best-western, but I had a great time. They had a hot tub and spa, a little putt-putt area, and the staff were so nice there. Now if only they would provide heated blankets in the rooms...!

 *Disclaimer - I forgot my camera, so none of these pics are mine. Had to resort to Google images :) Better pictures next time!* 

So, the idea of CampMinder camp is to gather as many of the camps who use CampMinder as their main registration and tracking system and 1) teach the ins and outs of the system so we can better utilize it as a resource, and 2) brainstorm for a few days on how to improve the system as a whole. As far as learning the system, the time this week confirmed again for me that I know it well and helped me feel confident in that. The brainstorming was encouraging, as many of the things that camps need and want are already becoming available this year, or soon after. But by far my favorite part of the two days had to be meeting other camp professionals, being able to "talk shop", and meeting the great CampMinder staff who have helped us to much this year already. It was so fun and encouraging to realize that YSSC is part of a much bigger community, and we all share many of the same struggles and successes! I hope that not only I get to go next year, but that others will be able to join me! 

All in all, a great event to attend, and I plan on visiting Colorful Colorado on my own again soon!

Shine and Glow

I took advantage of a little whim while shopping today and decided to pamper myself a bit, with two of my favorite products. Maybe it's the fact that Valentine's Day is soon, or just a need after having been inside with all the rain this season, but whatever it is, I expect I'll look a tad more "radiant" soon!

First, one of my all-time favorite hair-care products: 

Shine Happy is so easy to use, and I really do notice a difference in my hair's health after I use it! It feels stronger, looks healthy, and smells great! I love this stuff!  It's great when you need a good pick me up, or personal reward :)

Second, something that is both familiar and new to me...

I've used Jergen's Natural Glow lotion before, but never the express brand. I do love the idea of a good "quick fix", but I'm curious to see if it really shows results. With some upcoming events where I want to look my best, and not a lot of Sunshine Time that I can see, this is going to be a great addition to my beauty routine!

Why I love Thursday the Thirteenth

Brett's Coming today! He's flying in, and I've been counting down the hours until I get to see this fantastic, funny, handsome, wonderful man of mine. I get so antsy before it's time to leave for the airport. I hope I can find enough to do so I don't drive myself crazy :) 

And for those who like pictures more than words...here's one more reason why I love Brett so much:

Didn't I tell you he's handsome?

Fun Fun Fun!

What a fun weekend! Got to spend last night at Disneyland with two great gals, then today in Old Town Pasadena shopping and filling up on FroYo at the delicious 21 Choices.

My friend Lily introduced me today to what might be my new favorite "steals" store - Crossroads. This is the king of buy-sell-trade stores, and I could have spent lots of hours (and $$...) in that fantastic place. I limited myself to two for today, but plan on going back just as soon as I can. Here's what I ran off with!

 Cute, swanky dress for an upcoming formal dinner!

Everyday, strapless beachy dress - and so soft! 

All in all, a fabulous weekend so far. I love being with friends who make me better and are easy to share life with. Now it's time for some good old pre-spring cleaning and maybe a movie! :)

Success!

I have a heated blanket! I cannot wait to go to bed tonight! Boy, that sounds lame, doesn't it? But you know what? I just don't care - I am going to be toasty warm all night! Turns out the are fairly cheap, and available all over the place. All I had to choose was my preferred color. 

I chose Olive Green :)

What I wouldn't do...

For one of these....

 

I am so cold when I go to bed at night - what am I ever going to do if I live in the mountains? I think I'm in about as temperate of a climate at anyone could ask for. But still, there's always a bit of a chill - especially when my toes first touch the bottom of my blankets. Here goes another cold night...!