There. I said it. I realize that devoting an entire blog posting to my newfound love for a 'club' store in and of itself makes me 'uncool.' Old, even. But, my love for Costco is so great that I would scream it from the rooftops. It was with giddy enthusiasm that I called my mom during my first trip to rave about my new love, just as I had called her after my first date with my now-husband to tell her that I was going to marry that man!
No, I do not purchase industrial size jars of mayonnaise or 10 gallon tubs of laundry detergent. In fact, the only bulk item I regularly purchase is organic milk.
So, what, you ask, is so wonderful about my new love? EVERYTHING, of course! But, I'm happy to provide specifics... As for food, I pick up the freshest, tastiest organic produce, and 3 pound rotisserie chickens that melt in your mouth... double the flavor and half the cost of a Whole Foods chicken!
The book selection is wonderful and offers new release, hard cover books at 1/3 the bookstore price. There is also a wide selection of unique cookbooks which are always fun.
I came across my Flip! video camera at Costco and then went on to "gift it" to two other folks as well. Not only did I purchase our new Lorex video monitor for bambino watching, but I was able to purchase two cameras for the same price other other stores are selling the device with only one! I love being able to see both girlies on the screen, AND the 'talk back' feature is killer.
Santa spent some time at Costco, as well, and found a giant Mister Potato Head which is stuffed with lots of smaller Mister Potato Heads. This was a Christmas morning favorite for sure and is still played with on a daily basis.
Oh, Costco!, though it wasn't love at first sight, you have reminded me that it's truly what's inside that counts. Who knew that behind your plain (even ugly!) exterior would lie gorgeous fresh cut flowers and even nice bottles of wine? I love you, Costo, and I'm not afraid to tell the world!

My Favorite Things

I know it may seem a bit shallow to devote my entire second post to things. Surely I should talk about my non-tangible blessings such as health, happiness, love, peace, joy blah blah blah. There will be plenty of posts on those topics, I'm sure. However, I have to admit, there are many things that actually contribute to my general level of happiness, peace, and joy.

To ring in the New Year, I have decided to list my Ten Favorite Things of 2010.

1. My Fushia Hunter Wellies... purchased at Nordstrom early in the year, these are the perfect boot to throw on over leggings on a snowy Denver day. I love the splash of color since most of what I wear is neutral. www.usa.hunter-boot.com
2. The In-Styler Hair Tool... purchased after watching an infomercial at my in-laws last Christmas. It has revolutionized my hair. Not kidding. www.getinstyler.com
3. Our New (rental) House... for the first three years we were in Denver, we lived in a house with lots of character that was built in the 1800's. While we have many sweet memories of the house, especially having our first child while living there, it was just not ideal for our growing family. The floors were uneven. The homeowner described the steep, narrow stairs leading to our attic master bedroom as a 'deathtrap.' The main level bathroom was IN the kitchen. Our new house is the perfect place for us for the next couple years... 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a playroom for the girls, and, best of all, a fabulous backyard!
4. An Oreck XL Vacuum... my hubby's job involves buying and selling companies. For the first few years, it only involved buying. I always said that what I really wanted when the first company sold was an Oreck! I actually enjoy vacuuming now... sometimes :) www.oreck.com
5. The Sonic Drive-thru Happy Hour... our new house is right around the corner from a Sonic. Pookie and I would hit the drive-thru on our way home from the pool on toasty summer afternoons. There's no better deal than a half price slush or Cherry Coke. *I should add that very late in my pregnancy I began to crave 1/2 sweet 1/2 unsweet iced teas. At that point, the McDonald's drive-thru became one of my favorite things. 
6. My Keurig Single-Cup Coffee Maker... after Little Bit came into our lives, this Mommy started needing LOTS of caffeine. What I hate about making coffee at home, however, is cleaning the coffee pot. The no-maintenance Keurig has been a dream come true! Pookie also likes her individual cups of hot cocoa with 'yots and yots' of marshmallows! www.keurig.com
7. The Baby Bjorn... this is the one item on my list that was not a new purchase this year; I had it when Carter was a bambino, too. However, my appreciation for the Bjorn grew exponentially when my sweet Murphy became colicy. The Bjorn saved my sanity as Murphy spent many, many hours contently strapped to my chest. www.babybjorn.com
8. A Phil & Ted's Explorer Stroller... before Murphy was born, I wasn't sure if I'd need/want a double stroller. Well, after one round of errands with both girls, I decided it was a MUST. I love the fact that it can be used as either a single or double stroller and is super easy to fold/unfold with just one hand. The Phil & Ted's actually makes me excited to go out and about with my girlies! www.philandteds.com
9. Philosophy's Hope in a Jar... Denver is dry. Dry, dry dry. Since moving here, my hands and fingers crack, my legs are totally ashy, and my face peels each winter. Having been disappointed with every moisturizer I'd tried, I decided to give one of Oprah's Favorite Things a try. I am so glad I did! My skin drinks Hope in a Jar like an ice cold glass of water. www.philosophy.com/limitededitionhope
10. The Flip... an early Christmas present for myself. I triple love this nifty gadget! I use it to record random things throughout the day. It's so easy and convenient. *I got my Flip at Costco, which would be next on my list if there were a #11. www.theflip.com

So, is this post a bit trite? Sure. Trivial? You bet. 

But sometimes things are just worth sharing!