NEXT STOP......2012

I had to take Lulu to the vet this morning. Homegirl had a nasty case of eye gunk. There was technical term for it...acute-convi-somethingorother.  But it is best described as "eye gunk."  Thankfully, the prognosis is good. Eye drops four times a day until it clears. Lovely.  Our little mother/daughter bonding day wasn't cheap either.  Which got me thinking........

Someday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have a fun weekend planned with lots of basketball friends.  Really I am most excited to sport my neon green, light up, 2012 glasses! They are totally fab.  Thanks Auntie Chris!

Talk to y'all in 2012!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

CHRISTMAS ON CRACK........

I'm back in Kansas after a pretty much perfect Christmas back home. Mom does it up big every year and this year was no exception. Eventhough it was a "low-key Christmas" (her words, not mine) it was still Christmas on crack a wonderful week.  I don't think that woman knows how to do ANYTHING low-key....let alone a major holiday.

It would be pretty impossible to write all of the details of the week, so I will just post pics and let those tell the stories.....

The house:

Home for the holidays!!!

This house still believes.......

The family room tree with all of our family ornaments.

Stockings...Notice that Crystal's is front and center.  Whatev.

You can never have too many Santa hats!

Entry hall table. Leopard print Santa is my favorite!!!!!!

Another entry hall table.

All of Dad's "sporty Santas" that keep him company in his home office.

Formal living room bar complete with Christmas carol clock. Yes, it is as annoying as it sounds.

Butler's pantry bar. We have several bars in our house! HA!

Don't worry...The Santas are safe. This stove has never been turned on! HA!

The Fun:

I made hanging out with my favorite girl a priority . Obvi.

Mom made festive Christmas Eve drinks.

Mrs. Claus at the bar in her kitchen.

Uncle Ed...being a good sport.

Dad and I also went and volunteered at the soup kitchen on Christmas Eve morning. I didn't get a picture of that because they made me wear a hair net and it was NOT CUTE.  We had so much fun and hopefully something we will make a tradition (the volunteering, not the hair net).  Let's see...what else....

The Prezies:

As usual, I cleaned up this Christmas. My new hardwood floors were supposed to be my official Christmas gift and I had been warned SEVERAL times that there would only be a few things underneath the tree this year for me.  And I was ok with that as long as those few things were fabulous.....

And, yes, I know I am a spoiled brat.......

Hard to tell in the pic...but they are the Chanel Bow sunnies. Complete with quilted case. DIE.

Pink Beats by Dr. Dre.  Love. Love. Love. Sported them in the airport on the way home and got three compliments....and we all know how much I love compliments. HA!

Tory Burch bracelet from the bestie. Perfection.

Steve Madden Rhinestone Loafers. Have you ever seen a more "Amanda shoe"?!?!

On top of all the "big" presents I got a ton of little things that I love just as much including candles, rhinestone scissors, Nordy's gift certificates, perfume, a mesh bracelet, Punch Boxing Gym membership, a spa gift certificate, hearts to add to my collection, 2 bottles of wine, a darling diva ornament, plus about a zillion other things. Gheesh....I'm kinda embarassed when I read it all back to myself. I know what you are thinking...I totally deserve it all.  HA!

Anyways, I had the best time at home and can't wait for my Mom to come out in February. She has already made her flight reservations so I know she is coming for sure. YEAH!  I was sad to leave Cali, but happy to come home and see Lulu and the bestie.  Conference play starts next week and I am super nervous. That Christmas wine is going to come in MIGHTY handy!

Smooches, 

THE DARLING DIVA 

THREE HIGHS...AND A LOW

HO HO HO.....Three more work days 'till Christmas break makes this girl one happy camper!!!!  I have a lot going on here at work and home. Hudy is traveling with MBB for the next few days so I am, once again, a single mom to 3 dogs that don't rest....EVER. I don't have time for a super long blog but I didn't want to leave everyone hanging on my weekend.....so here is a quick recap. I have to say, besides one major minor incident, I had a pretty fabulous couple of days. STANDARD.

I got my hair done.........

Eat your hearts out, Real Houswives. HA!

My favorite girls won on Saturday night.........

9-1, BABY!!!! One more game before the holiday break....Let's finish strong!!!

I attempted to run some Christmas errands with the bestie........

We weren't very productive. We never are.

But my weekend was far from perfect. My foot had a major run-in with the vacum on Saturday morning and the outcome wasn't pretty.  This pic is about 45 seconds post incident.  Yes, it hurts as bad as it looks. Probably worse.

Please excuse the lack of pedi. Gross. Thank goodnesss that the trainer and team doc are good friends of mine. HA!  Rest assured,  I have plans to get these knarly tootsies fixed with my Mom immediately when I land on Thursday. 

Luckily, the prognoses is good.  I can continue to workout as my pain tollerance will allow. Being the tough chick I am, I was back on the treadmill this morning. I have NO TIME for injuries when I am surrounded by holiday treats all day long at work.

So the moral of the story from the weekend?  I should probably never vacum again. HA!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA 

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

I baked brownies last night. And they actually tasted good.

Yesterday I got back to my office after a long day of driving Ms.Daisy Bonnie around to find this adorable little holiday prezie on my desk.  My friend Patricia left it for me and it's one of those ready made cookie mix things.  I made the brownies last night and they were delish.

"Frosting Santa" getting ready to help.

The instruction card.

After the hard part....adding eggs, vanilla, and butter.

The finished product....Frosting Santa approves!!!!

Thanks, Patty D., for the fun little suprise. It truly made my day and gave me some confidence in the kitchen. I think I will attempt something really challenging next.  Maybe pudding. HA!

Last night was a tough night for me and my fur-baby. Lulu had a little episode of crummy tummy and I ended up having to give her a bath at 2 a.m....poor thing.  Since I have never given her a bath at home before, it was definetly an experience for both of us.  I didn't have any doggy shampoo so I had to use a smidge of my Bumble and Bumble.  Only the best for my DIVA DOG!!! HA!!  Then I had to use the blow dryer on her and she actually enjoyed that. She is for sure my daughter! HA! 

Anyhoo, the early a.m. doggy drama has left this momma extremely tired.  But I HAD to get up and workout this morning because I ended up eating half the "miracle brownies" while I played nurse to my pup!

That is exactly why I don't keep sweets in my house:) 

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

TIS THE SEASON.........

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

KANSAS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Check out our darling holiday card....Leave it to Cappie to get creative..................

Things are plugging along here.  We don't have another game until Saturday so this week is full with finals for the players and recruiting and speaking engagements for Bonnie.  I just got back from a luncheon in Topeka with her and Coach Self. I don't really care for the city of Topeka but our fans there are AWESOME. They sure love their JAYHAWKS! Tomorrow is another lunch in KC, filming her TV show, practice, followed by her radio show. Gotta love finals week!

I have a ton of work left before Christmas break, including two games,  but there are rewards waiting for me at the end of the road.  So when things get hectic like they did today, I find a little peace in remembering the exciting things I have coming up. What are those exciting things? Well, I'm so glad you asked......

1. Katie O. coming home.  She was home this past weekend and it wasn't a great visit so I am excited to pick her up at the airport and love on her a little. Believe me, she deserves it. Bonnie gave me most of that day off to spend with her so we are going to do tons of "girly things."  There is nobody I would rather shop and hang out with. I miss her so much.

2. Going home to Stockton for the holidays. I can't wait to hold Emma and hang out with the 'rents.  Mom set Dad and I up to volunteer at a homeless shelter on Christmas Eve morning.  I am looking forward to spending some quality time with him and hopefully making someone else's holiday a little brighter. 


So anyhoo, things here are cray cray but I'm not complaining.  I have a lot to look forward to and a lot to be thankful for, especially those girlies at the top of the page. 

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

SANTA, I GOT YOUR BACK........

Hey everyone!! Lulu here!!!!

So I'm WAY annoyed at my Momma for her post yesterday. I, too, am on the nice list this year so I can't figure out why she wouldn't put my Christmas list out there for Santa to see too. You see, unlike her, I still believe in Santa.  I believe Santa lives in a huge brick house, on a corner lot, in a magical city named Stockton, CA.  Santa's house has a pool, a fenced in back yard, and two white sleighs.  I even picture Santa having a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel just like me, only a lot older and more chunky. Momma said she got a hostile phone call from Mrs.Claus yesterday. Apparently she wasn't thrilled with the price of those head phones on her list. The words "spoiled brat" may have been (unfairly) thrown around.  But I happen to know Santa like the back of my paw. That guy LOVES three things......charity, the Pacific Tigers, and snacks. So I decided that, in order to get on his good side, I would request only a few things under the tree this year .....WORLD PEACE, a Tigers conference championship, and a big bag of cheetos.


...along with the following toys.........



                                

I'm gonna need one of these if I have to continue to watch stressful Jayhawk games on TV.

Essential for my morning walks and potty breaks in the SNOW.

Looks like all of the necessities in one package. 

I don't think this one needs an explanation....................

So Santa, you can forget Momma's list from yesterday. She truly does have everything she needs. And, now that I think about it, you can forget my list too. I really don't need any of those chew toys....I prefer to chew up all of my Momma's REAL LIFE things anyways.

World Peace would be cool though.

Smooches and Licks,

THE DARLING DIVA LULU

HE'S MAKING HIS LIST.....

........and so am I!

It's that time of year again, and since I am most certainly going to end up on the "nice list," it's time for The Darling Diva's Christmas Wish List.  I'll admit, I'm a "wanter." I want a lot of things. So I figure there is no better time than Christmas to lay out a couple of my requests. The following aren't listed in any particular order and I don't necessarily need them all as Christmas gifts. This is more of a list for family and friends to pull off of year round! HA! I'm laughing because I know my Mom wants to KILL me right now:)

Warning: There will be lots of pink and sparkles on this list....as if you expected any different.

#1. Beats By Dr. Dre in PINK....Our players all have these head phones and they are amazeballs.  They aren't for working out but more for the plane, train, and automobile rides we take to away games or the LONG trips home to Cali to see Emma (is the guilt trip workin', Momma?!?!) . They are totes practical too because I can use them with my iPad, iPhone, or iPod.  Love. 

Sidenote: I'm not trying to copy our players! Although they all have them, I am willing to bet NONE of them have the pink ones:)

#2. Sparkly UGGS.  Ok, I know I did a post earlier about how I bought this "great pair of sparkly fuggs" from TJ's and how proud of myself I was for not being a brand snob and splurging on real Uggs. Well, said fuggs have been worn exactly three times and already FALLEN APART. Seriously, we haven't even gotten a snow day yet!  I know authentic Uggs are 'spensive, but I think they might be necessary if I want boots that make it through the winter.  Size 10...if you were wondering:)

Now I realize that the above items are a lettle pricey, so I have also decided to iclude a more reasonable gift. I would consider it a stocking stuffer:) I included the link, just in case you all were feeling generous. HA!

Gap scarf. KU blue with just a hint of pink. Perf.

So...that is my "want list" for this holiday season.  In all honesty, I don't really need any of these things.  I already have all of the blessings that any girl could WANT.  My family and friends, including a beautiful baby neice, are healthy and happy and that is the best Christmas present EVER.....along with the Chanel sunnies that Santa is supposed to be bringing me:)

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

THE LITTLEST JAYHAWK........

I need to fill y'all in about the best date I had over the weekend. Coach Bonnie had some extra tickets to the KU men's game on Saturday so I invited my main man, Hudson, to come with me.   Hudson has been talking a lot about "shooting with the big boys" so I thought I would work on my Auntie of the Year nomination and hooked him and his Dad up with some tickets. Our Jayhawks didn't play that great in the begining,  but pulled it together in the second half for the win!  Hudson lasted till the second half and was such a good boy!

Watching the "big boys" while sitting like a big boy!

We enjoyed all of the popular game foods...popcorn, ice cream, and soda!

Have you ever tried to get a two year old to take a picture during a basketball game?!?!?!

Tricked him!. CUTEST. JAYHAWK. EVER.

This kid is constantly talking about basketball, watching basketball, and playing basketball on his little hoop in the living room so I know that he was in his element.  Eventhough this wasn't his first ever KU game (Lora has brought him to several women's games....bless her heart!) I hope he always remembers his first men's game. I can't wait to take Emma to a game some day and even my own kids (fingers crossed!). Who knows, maybe one day he will be playing for the Jayhawks. He is shooting better than most of them right now! HA!

Thanks Bonnie for the tickets. Trully one of my favorite Jayhawks memories!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA



THANKFUL.

I had a very busy holiday weekend.  But that's ok, I like busy.  My weekend started out with Bonnie's radio show at Henry T's. We celebrated Bonnie's Dad's birthday with the fans and I got a huge cake to share with the restaurant. Everyone teased me for the size of the cake I ordered but every last piece was taken.  When will these people realize that I am an EXPERT on cake?!?!?! HA! Afterwards Lora, Shane, ET and a bunch of my college friends came and met me and we watched the Jayhawks play Duke in MBB.  The game didn't really go our way (we were robbed) but it was fun catching up with everyone who was home for Thanksgiving. Amanda Grant stopped by with her hubby so it was fun seeing her. I am so THANKFUL that my college friends are still so close. Even though we don't live in the same place anymore, we never miss a beat when we get back together.

I spent Thanksgiving at Grandpa Harwood's house and had a really good time.  I am so THANKFUL that I have a family away from my real family. I made my Mom's shrimp dish and a homemade (wink wink) apple pie. Both were huge hits :)  Of course I would have prefered to be in Cali with Emma and the rest of my family but Lora's family is a great second option. My Mom sent along this pic of her with my darling diva neice. She is so tiny! Love her.

We hosted a Thanksgiving tournament here in Allen Fieldhouse, went undefeated,  and won the whole dang thing.  I'm so proud of the girls and THANKFUL that we had such a successful weekend. Winning makes everything better. HA!  Angel, Aishah and Carolyn all got tournament awards. It was a great weekend to be a lady Jayhawk!

Hudy made it home safe from Hawaii.  I was so glad to have the bestie back and I'm THANKFUL that the trip went smoothly. With the tragedy that happened at Oklahoma State I don't take that kind of stuff for granted anymore.  My heart was heavy while the Jayhawks were traveling and waited with my phone until I got the "we landed" text.  She brought me back a t-shirt and a couple of fun shell bracelets. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when she said she got me presents, but she did good. HA!

It's weeks like this past one that make me realize how blessed I am.  I have a happy and healthy family, loving and supportive friends, a job that keeps me busy, and a roof over my head. Plus the greatest dog EVER.

I really do have so much to be THANKFUL for. 

Christmas decoration pics soon!  Ho Ho Ho!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

THE DARLING DIVA AUNTIE

My apologies for the entirely too long pause in posting.  I have finally gotten a grip on my "in-season schedule" and I THINK I have found some time to start blogging again (Puh-lease don't hold me to it. Some days I'm just lucky to make it out alive).  I know, you are all thrilled I'm back. The truth is, I kinda missed my little bloggin' family.  Reading about everyone else's lives makes me feel like I'm not alone in this cray-cray world. So much has a been going on and I certainly don't have time to go into everything in detail but I will try and recap a little. Let's see here.......KU WBB is undefeated. 3-0 baby!!! Whoot Whoot! Seriously, I don't know if anyone realizes how much easier my life is when we win.  HA! I have bumped up my cardio to 70 mins a day....and it has been paying off.  But it consumes a huge part of my day. If I'm not at my desk you can find me on a treadmil.  I have been cheating on my blog with Pinterest. If you haven't signed up, DON'T.  You won't be able to stop. Kim and Kris were married and divorced in 72 days.  I'm bummed. I really thought this one was going to last.

But all of that stuff takes a back seat to the most exciting thing to happen......Bo and Robin had their baby girl!!!  Emma has arrived and my family is thrilled.  I just went home this past weekend to meet her in person and I am obsessed with the little peanut.  She is, of course, adorbs. I was a rookie auntie though and didn't take many pictures but I made sure to get at least one perf one so I could show it to everyone, put it on my Facebook, make it my screensaver, and frame it on my desk at work and mantle at home.  So now, without further adoo, I present to the blogging world:

 Miss Emeline (Emma) Kathryn Leland

It was love at first sight.

Glad to be back.

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA AUNTIE

YEP, STILL HERE.........

Hollaaaaaaa!!! Just wanted to check in and let you all know that I am still alive.  Things in my life have been kinda cray cray so I have had to take a tiny pause from blogging. But I promise to be back soon!   I just need to get myself right, ya know?!?!?!?!? Anyhoo,  I found this little funny this morning and decided I had to share it.....

EXACTLY. I GOT THIS. 

Talk to you all soon!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

KEEP CALM.......

Today is Late Night in the Phog and the official start to the 2011/12 season.  Late Night always brings mixed emotions....mainly excitement and dread. HA! But, like always, I have faith....And if all else fails, I just have to remember....

Blurry pics on Monday! It's gonna be a great show...........

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

AND SO IT BEGINS.........

Sorry I have been so M.I.A. lately. The season "officially" starts in T-4 days...but it has pretty much already started, ya dig??? Yesterday was KU Media Day and all the girls (including the big girl, Bonnie) did fab. They put a really cute pic in the paper this morning with a really positive article so that is exciting. Late Night in the Phog is Friday night and the anxiety is thick around here. But we are prepared. The coaches have their skits down, the girls have their dances memorized, and Brooke and I have our flasks filled. HA! Just kidding.....but not really. It is a HUGE recruiting weekend so I am ready to smile, smile, smile the whole time. Good thing I invested in those Crest Whitening Strips. HA!.  Long story short...I would like to fast forward to Sunday:) 

I don't really have that much more to report. My little blog will probably be dominated with basketball talk from here on out but if you bare with me, there will probably be some pretty entertaining stories. And I apologize in advance if I go M.I.A. again. But ya'll will have to give me the benefit of the doubt. This is what I'm dealing with here.........

Peace, Love, and JAYHAWKS!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA

SHOW US YOUR LIFE- SHOW US YOUR PET

I decided to link up with Kelly's Korner for her Show Us Your Life- Show Us Your Pets.  I don't normally do these linky things but I thought this one would be fun. I mean, Lulu is totes worth showing off! HA! For those of you who read my blog everyday, y'all know how I feel about this dog. She is more to me than just a pet. She is my baby. My comfort. My responsibility.  I love her with all my heart. So, without further adoo:

Here is Lulu "The Diva Dog" Leland:

The day I got her. Look how scared she looked! HA!

    Glamour Shot (Please ignore the bandana. The groomer put it on her. YUCK.)

Snuggling on "her spot."

Diva Dog.

Trying to cheer me up the night before the big 3-0!

I got Lulu from a rescue farm in Missouri.  I know it sounds cliche but I took one look at her and knew we would be soul mates.  I "saved" her that day and she has since saved me right back!

I love you Lulu! Best. Dog. Ever.

Now please stop eating Momma's jewelry!

Smooches,

THE DARLING DIVA