Baby, It's Cold Outside

Folks, Thanksgiving is behind us. My ass is a bit fuller thanks to the load of carbs I demolished for four days straight. It was wonderful having a stretch of days off. I was able to clean, decorate the house to look like a Christmas Pottery Barn catalogue (well, attempted to) and got a nice start with my Christmas shopping. I said "f- the crowds! I take my my money online!". I finally ordered my holiday cards from Shutterfly after taking about two weeks to finally decide on a design. Now, I sit here second guessing the picture I chose. Ah well.

Aside from the lounging and visiting with family, Miss S took a nice tumble off the back of the couch while I was in another room. She followed that off by barfing all over the couch, not sure if it was the crab she had tasted for the first time, or the fall. Needless to say our couch cushions are still in disarray in the garage as they air out from the stench of puke. We might need to get them cleaned.... To top off the week, she took a nice header into the sidewalk yesterday evening as we gathered in the front yard to admire the lights that Hubbs so happily put up on the house, a la Clark W. Griswold. She had a nice pink scrape on her forehead this morning as she greeted her friends in preschool.

Oh... and it's been frigid. Well, frigid for the Bay Area. Here are some pics to prove my point.

Close to taking ski's out and trying some tricks.

This picture taken from my Blackberry Bold, really doesn't depict the amount of ice. Not frost, ICE.

When it's 28 degrees outside, I decide to wear a dress. Because nothing goes better than peanut butter and chocolate, like freezing weather and dresses.

Charcoal Cardigan: The LOFT
Silk Black & White Dress: Banana Republic
Tights: Hue
Faux Crocodile Black heels: Alfani
Necklace: J.Jill
Belt: Forever 21

Ten on Tuesday

Got these questions from one of the new blogs I am reading, Roots & Rings.

1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
Both Hubbs' and my families are local. So we typically don't go anywhere. Sometimes I wish we actually had far off destinations that we would be visiting, relatives to travel across country to see.  I like when the News shows the airports at Thanksgiving & Christmas with all of the travelers frantically trying to get to their loved ones. Reminds me of Love Actually.


2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
Having family close does make the Holidays tricky because its always a matter of trying to make everyone happy while spending equal time with all parties. We usually juggle a couple visits into one day which usually leads to me stressed out and  and me mumbling at various times... "we need to go, Grandma and Grandpa are waiting, the prime rib is almost done at their house! Wait, one more cocktail. Did you get the gifts? Don't forget the artichoke dip, okay, another glass of Pinot won't hurt..."

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
Who eats at Lunch?  So I will be in bed at 3? If we are eating at my parents, we start at about 4-5. If it's at the Hubbs' side, we're not sitting down until at least 6:30 I prefer the 4-5 range so that I am passed out on the couch by 6:30.  It prevents me from filling up on four pounds of brie and crackers and allows me to fully partake in true Thanksgiving gluttony.

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
I usually say I am excited to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade each year, but when I finally sit down to watch it I realize that I really don't prefer seeing floats with Soap Opera stars waving. I also like to scour the ads and map out my shopping plan of attack for Black Friday.

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
I usually end up plopping my ass on the couch, but now that we have a little spunky toddler to chase I am able to get exercise in.

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
Depends on what is on my list. This year I plan on going out on Midnight before the craziness. We'll see if I actually do that. If I am not out of the house by the early morning, then I won't go out. I might just sit in and shop online instead.

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
Probably about 2 weeks before. I really like to enjoy those last weekends before Christmas and not rush around. Plus it seems like we have more engagements so it gets hard to squeeze in shopping.

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
We do exchange gifts. I usually point out exactly what I want to Hubbs: sparkles, cashmere, etc. He usually points out electronics or um... more electronics. We always set a budget so that neither of us is not surprised or feels like a moron for not throwing down enough for their gift.

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
This weekend I will be decorating the house. However, we won't get our tree until the first weekend in December so that it is nice and fresh. I have already seen houses in our neighborhood with their lights up on their houses. Can you say Clark W. Griswold?


10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
I would say I am go in between. Our house is typically a cross between a Pottery Barn catalogue depicting a nice mantel with fresh greenery and a Gingerbread house.

Winterizing

I have been inspired by many blogs out there focusing on using clothing they wore through the spring and summer and working them into their fall/winter wardrobes. Today I decided to Winterize this cotton GAP skirt that I wore throughout the warmer months with wedges and flats and breezy tops.

A closer shot of my argyle socks. I like argyle.



What do you think? Am I pulling it off?
Blazer: Express
White Tee: GAP
Necklace: GAP
Skirt: GAP
Tights: Hue
Socks: GAP
Boots: Nine West
Belt: Alfani?

Conceal It

In the last year I have realized the importance of spending a bit more sweet moola on certain beauty products. The latest item for me to switch from Drug Store to Department Store? Concealer. I did so with Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic.  I had been using Cover Girl or Revlon, etc. for my under eye area. But by lunch time my the dark shadows are back and I am not happy. I started researching and heard that Benefit had really good concealers, actually so many that I didn't know which one(s) to choose. I purchased this kit so that I could get an idea of what worked, what I really needed, etc.

So far I love the Erase Paste for my under eye region. I look awake all day, which is nice and maybe a bit shocking to my coworkers.

The other products are nice too, however, I know I will continue to purchase the Paste.

Take it Back Tuesday

The other day I remembered back to a pair of shoes I purchased during one of my first visits to New York City. I had some time to kill by Rockefeller Center, and I wandered into the Nine West store. They were running some sort of "Buy One Get Second Pair 50%" deal. I quickly found one cute pair of black patent driving mocs, and for some reason I was drawn to another slightly different pair. Maybe it was being in the Fashion Capital of the World that made me go for them, but I did. They were white, patent leather, point toe shoes with KITTEN HEELS! Now separatetly, those are not bad, but when combined....not so good.   However, I purchased them anyways, traveled back home and tried them on with some of my clothes and to my horror realized I looked like Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Vacation. Remember these bad boys?

Yep, I was pretty much wearing the same exact thing. I was too embarassed to even show Hubb's so I made a bee line to the nearest Nine West store and quickly returned them. I don't know what triggered that thought. Have you ever had horrible judment when making purchases? You get caught up in the moment and later wonder what the heck you were thinking?

Stylish reading

I have been considering the Kindle, Reader, Nook, etc. until I saw that these existed. Now I am convinced that reading has never looked so good.

Happy Holidays Cards!

I am pretty proud of myself. It is November 10th and we have already completed our family holiday pictures that will be showcased in our annual Holiday Cards. I decided this year I wanted to have plenty of time to mull over the designs so I could pick "THE PERFECT" card. This year I am going to be getting my cards from Shutterfly. Holiday cards really are that one chance to show your family's personality without being in the same room, and that is why I get so into them, and also why I got the photography taken care of so early this year.  Shutterfly not only is great spot for cards, but also for photo books and calendars. Last year I made calendars for my parents and in-laws showcasing some of Miss S's cutest pics. They loved them and it is always fun to see them hung up on the wall at all of their houses. I definitely will be doing the same this year.

Shutterfly has so many great designs. Designs that are classic, vintage, contemporary and whimsical. How will I be able to pick out just one? However, it just so happens that I have narrowed my selections down to these three... can you help me pick one? Remember, I like classic and preppy things with a vintage edge. Got that?

Another cool thing about Shutterfly is this great promotion they are offering Bloggers right now. You can get 50 cards free! Check it out here. Now that is what I am talking about. We all know the lists of gifts you will be shopping for this holiday season, so get a little help from Shutterfly and get 50 free cards and better yet.... you know they will look great.

Why I Love this Time of Year

Halloween kicks off my three month period of gluttony. What with the leftover candy at home and at the office, it is amazing I am not 400 lbs. heavier. Then we launch right into Miss S's birthday, followed by Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving leftovers, holiday parties, holiday cookie baking, Christmas and New Year's.  I have to say though, so far I've been pretty good about not eating too much candy, so hopefully that parlays into the rest of the season. But besides the mashed potatoes and gravy, the artichoke dip, stuffed mushrooms, cheese balls, truffles, glasses of bubbly, fondue, prime rib and other treats, there are many reasons why I love this time of year.

1) I have a lot days off in a short period of time. From Thanksgiving to New Years I get a total of 3 weeks off (including weekend days) which is pretty frickin' awesome.
2) The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A Charlie Brown Christmas
3) Uggs
4) Plaid Flannel Shirts
5) Hot Cider
6) Dean Martin Christmas classics
7) Hot cider
8) The smell of a fresh cut Costco Christmas tree, no plastic one in this house!
9) The smell of fires burning in chimneys
10) Brisk walks around the neighborhood
11) Need I even say the awesome colors on all of the leaves?
12) Love Actually
13) Pot Roast
14) Monday Night Football
15) Pea Coats
16) Online Shopping deals
17) Christmas lights
18) Holiday Cards
19) Peppermint Ice Cream
20) The red cups

Fall Fashion Week: Weekend Ware

So I took Friday off which meant I wore sweats, etc. and not exactly worthy of pictures. On Saturday, we hosted Miss S's 2nd Birthday party for family and I forgot to take a picture of my outfit until about 8 that night when I was wrinkled, tired and tipsy. Here you are:

Dark Gray Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT

Silk Top: GAP

Skinny Cropped Black Jeans: GAP (my new favorite clothing item)

Silver Sequin Ballet Flats: American Eagle from TJ Maxx

Today I was lazy again due to gloomy and wet weather, but decided I needed to post something even if I was wearing comfy clothes. All we did today was lounge, go to In & Out Burger and run an errand at the mall but not in that order...

Navy Tee Shirt Dress: GAP

Charcoal Tights: Old Navy

Cream Cashmere Scarf: Charter Club

Boots: Uggs

Plaid Jacket: GAP

Fall Fashion Week: Black & White

Keeping it simple again today in Black & White. On the agenda today: Meetings.

Black Blazer: Express
Black & White Striped Tee: GAP
Jeans: Paige
Faux Crocodile Black Heels: Alfani
Gold Bracelet: Some place cheesy
White Bracelet: Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Gold Earrings: Banana Republic
Scarf: GAP

Fall Fashion Week: Preppy Office

So this Fall Fashion week isn't exactly going as planned. This is because the weather has turned Spring-like. Therefore, my plans for wearing tights went out the door. Also, my sweaters seem a bit too bulky for these 75 degree temps so I have had to wear layers. Today, I kept it simple. Because, that is what I do, when all else fails. If you need sunglasses  because my legs are too white, I completely understand...

White Blouse: GAP Outlet

Dark Denim Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic

Belt: GAP

Tweed Blazer: GAP (we all know my love for Preppy Tweed Blazers)

Faux Crocodile Brown Pumps: Style & Co.

Necklace: Banana Republic

Fall Fashion Week: City Chic

Okay, I named this post City Chic because a co-worker just called me that. In store for me today are back to back meetings followed by a work lunch, thus I needed to be comfortable.

Dark Blue/Purple Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Grey Tee: GAP
Black Skinny Cropped Jeans: GAP
Ballet Flats: GAP
Silver Belt: GAP
Hair: Crazy

Fall Fashion Week: All Greyed Out

It's typical for me to get on the Fashion Week bandwagon about a week late. But, better late than never, right? I seem to be having some flash difficulties. I was using our small digital camera this morning and couldn't figure out how to turn the flash off so I have a huge glare in the mirror. As it's just me and the almost 2 year old in the morning, I have to rely on my awful self portrait skills rather than rely on Miss S to take pics that probably would be of my knees.

So here we are. All in grey today. I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't accessorize much.

Wow, how awake do I look in that last shot? Must be to red wine consumed last night while trick or treating....Also, love the comb over. Not a good hair day.

Dark Gray Corduroy Boot Cut Pants: GAP
Striped Charcoal Top with Stitched Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT
Gray Blazer: Banana Republic
Gray Suede Heels: Marc Fisher

P.S. That IS a huge bottle of LA Looks in the background. It's Hubbs', don't judge. I am working on graduating him to Pantene, or heck maybe even Herbal Essences...

A little bit Martha

Each evening is a mad dash to get dinner on the table by 6.   I have been churning out average meal after average meal night after night. Mind you, I am a good cook. Since I was in such a hurry  I would forget to season the dishes that well or I would take things out of the oven prematurely. I know, all bad moves.

On Saturday I sat down with my cookbooks and went through and wrote down a bunch of recipes that I want to make because I usually will see a recipe some place and forget to make it and end up preparing something boring.

Then I picked three recipes from that list to make this week. I only picked three because I knew they would have leftovers. I wrote out my shopping list like I usually do to include things for the recipes, but I made sure to include EVERY ingredient for each recipe. I have found that if I say I will go back later in the week for an ingredient or two, I don't end up making that dish and resort to grilled cheese.

One of my recipes was a Vegetarian Minestrone. I bought some extra BPA free storage containers and made the soup on Sunday night after Miss S was in bed. I doubled the batch and put both containers in the freezer. Last night we ate the soup for dinner and we still have some for another weeknight in a the freezer.

Besides the soup I have made a good meal each night this week because I have had all of my ingredients ready to go. On Monday night I made Paula Deen's "Quick Pot Pie". Instead of cooking chicken and cutting them up, I ended up using two packages of Foster Farm's Chicken Breast Strips which made things that much quicker, and that chicken really is tasty, take it from me, someone who usually doesn't like chicken, unless it is fried.

So now the plan is that on each Sunday night I will cook one meal but double the batch and freeze one for a later time and eat the other that week. I know all of this is not rocket science. And I know probably majority of people are already doing this. It has just taken me awhile to realize that I don't like bland food.

Mom of the Fricking Year

Since Miss S started walking a solid year ago, I must of acquired about 500 gray hairs. However, I hi-lite my hair so you would never know. She is a wild girl. We have had our share of falls, scrapes, scratches, nose dives, face plants, etc. Good thing she is so tough or else we would of have had endless days of tears. However, since she is so tough, it is sometimes hard to distinguish when she really does hurt herself. Case in point Sunday.

I was fixing dinner (pulled pork sandwiches to be exact) when I heard her run full speed into the living and fall. Hard. So hard that she immediately started screaming but then wound up so hard that she let out no noise for a couple seconds then started wailing again. I asked her where her "boo boo" was but she couldn't tell me. She calmed down in a few minutes and acted like nothing happened. About an hour later in the bath a red line started appearing over the bridge of her nose indicating that it was the thing that took the brunt of her fall. I also noticed a little swelling. I immediately began to worry because I broke my nose in junior high and since then have a bump on it. Here she had a perfect nose and I didn't want her nose to be funky like mine. I know, such a shallow thought.

Hubbs assured me she was fine and that the doctor wouldn't be able to do anything anyways. Fast forward the next day and it was more blue. Yesterday it was really blue. Today it is better. However, taking her out in public is pretty embarrassing. People eye us up suspiciously. But I am used to that, she always has something on her. Come to think of it, this post seems very familiar. Seems like I just wrote a similar one a couple months back when she busted her lip open (which did leave a scar). I tell ya, just when I thought she was mellowing down, she starts falling again!

I definitely do not feel like the Mom of the Year.

Five Things

Okay, I am stealing this from Just Jiff and participating in the Five Things You Don't Know About Me. Because, I need some blog fodder as well, nothing is that exciting these days.

1) My thumbs are double jointed. I bust out this skill when I meet new people hoping to impress them but basically it typically just grosses them out.

2) I'm 5'4 and a half! This makes shopping for pants difficult. I am just about a half inch too tall for regular length pants, talls are too long so I have to get them hemmed or short length are just too short to wear with flats. Lately I have wearing more skirts and dresses.

3) I have recently discovered 6pm.com. A great online shopping site to score name brands way cheaper. And when I say "name brands" I mean good name brands. I have found my designer jeans there for 50% off. No joke. They have really cute and cheap shoes too.

4) Growing up we didn't have a lot of money, so I wore hand-me-downs from the really rich girl across the street. I think doing that until I was in high school and got a job at the GAP, made me now obsessed with always looking my best. You don't need to spend a crap load, your just need to be smart at the way you put outfits together. My motto at work is, "don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want". You never know when you have to have an impromptu meeting and those worn out jeans with the stretched out turtleneck, will definitely be something that people might be focusing on.

5) Lately I have been eating frozen pineapple chunks every night for dessert. I discovered this healthy treat at the beginning of summer. Between the three different grocery stores I shop at, Trader Joe's has the best kind. The chunks are smaller and the bag they are packaged in I believe prevents freezer burn. When I go shopping there, I load up on it. I will buy at least three bags at a time and will eat half a bag in one sitting.

Toddler Throwdown

My toddler tends to pull her diaper off when she is in bed. She likes to get undressed then redress herself. Even if it means two legs are in one pant leg or her head doesn't make it through it's hole but her arms do. She likes to put each leg through a swim diaper and keep them on her ankles so they look like leg warmers, or leg flotation devices. She spreads out her blankets, random rugs, towels and napkins on the ground and then places her dolls there for them to "shhh....sleeping" or she will simply lie down for a quick 2 second nap. When she sees her Play Dough she says "I make!!!, I make!!!". She dances with great rythm to California Gurls. She calls Grover, Groger and sings the Caillou tune over and over. When people start singing Happy Birthday, she blurts out "Happy Birthday Cupcake!" because she automatically assumes cupcakes will soon arrive when we sing that song. She plays dress up with my high heels. And prances around in front of our full length mirror showing off her new assecories. She bursts into tantrum with no warning from the weather center, but with great flourish and drama. Somehow, she can quickly forget what upset her with any slight ounce of distraction. She is the sweetest thing and she is so right about her love for cupcakes. She is my cupcake and I am so happy that she is my girl.

Let's Catch Up....

Folks, I am frickin’ tired. I am burnt from my ongoing lists of chores. House cleaning, cooking, driving, laundry, grocery shopping… I wish I could just outsource all of those to someone else, like celebrities, but that is not the reality.

The reality is that it is Mid September and we are headed into the busy season. It’s birthdays and holidays back to back so I refuse to be a slacker this year. I want to get gifts ahead of time instead of scrambling last minute. I want to bake goodies more regularily just because I feel good when I do that. Not necessarily my gut, but you know what I am saying.

Tonight I plan on heading to Target to load up on supplies for organizing my madness going into the holidays. I have bags of clothes that just need to be taken to Goodwill. While I am at it, I might as well clean out our pantry so I can make room for all of the baking ingredients. I also want to get some better Fall décor. Maybe a wreath for our front door to take me through Thanksgiving. Especially since our plants are about done for the summer, the front is looking boring.

What does everyone do with all of those crafts their kids make? Miss S has already been bringing home so many cute things and she isn’t even 2! Where do I store them? Some of them are really freaking cute where I think I want to put them in nice frames.

Maybe if I stop being tired, I might actually have things to talk about on this blog.

Flat Out

I have found a new obsession. Flats. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love my pumps, particularly my BCBG peep toes, however, with the new skinny jean styles, flats couldn't look cuter with them. Adding more fuel to the fire is that it always seems like they are in the cuter colors and patterns than pumps. When I wear flats, I walk quicker (burning more calories), feel a bit more sturdy on my feet, and just have a spring to my step. With this new obsession, I definitely plan on working flats into more wardrobe so that they aren't just for weekends anymore, but for the week too. I have recently loaded up with a couple of pairs from Target to add to my slim inventory.

Here are my top picks for cutest and most versatile season after season.

Tory Burch Reva Metallic Flat- A bit out of my price range, but some day I will own a pair, dammit. I love the gold, but I also really like the black. Nothing says "chic" more than these. To me that gold icon at the toe is like the Burberry plaid. It makes a statement.

Report Lem- A great classic black flat with some bling. I've always been a sucker for some shoes with a little Bedazzle. I picture wearing these with cropped black pants or skirts and dresses with tights this Fall and Winter.

Kate Spade Abbie- Another pricey one, but do these make me giddy. Basically, I have a larger obsession with Kate Spade, but that is a whole other post. How cute would these be with a black dress?


J.Crew Driving Moc- I always love driving mocs. Maybe it's the preppy in me, but they just scream Fall and sweaters and scarves. All my favorites. Plus, you can't beat J.Crew's quality.

Ourtsource my Party!

On Saturday I am having a 30th Birthday for Hubbs. It's a Fiesta theme, complete with margaritas, Modelo and some Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, because nothing makes you think "It's Fiesta Time!" more than Sauv Blanc! Who is with me? Is it weird that I will be barely making anything for this party? My mom is bringing dessert, mother in law bringing salad, father in law bringing salad, I am picking up the rice/beans/carnitas for the taco bar I will be assembling from a local Mexican market/restaurant. I must be just really good at pawning off cooking. Or just lazy. Maybe both. Per my last post, it is already back into the mid 70's so we are looking at a nice mild birthday party.

Oh, and the Dollar Store is the place to get party utensils, paper plates, napkins and streamers! What a deal! I don't go into that store enough! I saw all kinds of wrapping paper, etc that I plan on loading up on at Christmas time. And the best part? It's a buck!

Speaking of Thursdays... we were, right? It's time for Real Housewives of DC, so Missy Marshmallow is out!

Summer, Or So It's Called....

So apparently this thing we call Summer finally decided to show it's face to those of us in the Bay Area. After two months of October like weather with a ridge of cool air on top of us, the temps climbed to 108 today. That is not a typo, nor do I live in Dallas. It was THAT hot. Maybe even hotter, but when I was driving home at 5, that is the temperature  the car was reading. But don't worry, temps will be back to their cool self of 72 degrees by Saturday.

It was just Saturday that I was wandering through the outlet mall loading Miss S up on fall clothes, shivering in my jeans and plaid shirt. It is been so chilly, Miss S has worn her summer dresses, maybe one time. Two times, max. Her sun suits? Forgetaboutit.

Because of the random weather this summer, I have been pining for fall clothes even more than normal. Here are a couple of the items on my wish list.

These Franco Sarto boots look perfect for weekends, running errands with Miss S in tow or more casual days at the office with skinny jeans tucked in.

I love a nice trench coat. The fact that this one from GAP is cropped, makes it even that much more chic and gives it a more casual spin.

I pretty much want everything from The Loft right now. And I plan on this cardigan being my staple. In the dark charcoal (shown) or the chocolate, mustard and plum, they will look ultra cute over a profesional blouse or a more casual flowy top either with skirts, dresses or jeans.

Nothing says "It's Fall" more than Tweed, especially in the blazer form. I am always a sucker for blazers, especially when tweed. In a tweed blazer I feel like I should be kicking the leaves down a path at Yale. I wonder if this one has elbow patches? This olive version from J. Crew will look cute with jeans and pencil skirts.

So that sums it up my shopping list for Fall.

P.S. In high school I wanted to be a meteorologist, hence my minor obsession with the local weather and extreme weather conditions in various parts of the country.

Happy Birthday Hubbs!

Today is my main man's 30th birthday! I am so in love with this guy. Can't believe that I started dating him when he was 19! He is still the same dark Italian stud I met when I was a senior in high school. I don't give enough shout outs to the guy. He has been working like crazy lately and I am so proud of everything he is doing. He has accomplished so much already and I know he has yet to do so much more.

We had a nice date together at a local casual pizza spot tonight. The guy doesn't cook, but recently he has taken up the art of making Deep Dish Chicago style pizza, with homemade dough and everything. He seriously almost has it perfected. I know that one day he will open the restaurant he is scheming of now but until then I am completely enjoying this new cooking hobby. Especially since before, his specialties were fried eggs and grilled cheese.

Happy Birthday Hubbs. You are amazing.

Life in the Fast Lane

Check out new daycares, pack, go on vacation for week with entire family, get back and go right into week long meeting where I presented and kicked ass, finalize new daycare situation, go to fair, wonder where the heck summer has gone, take Miss S to her first day of her new school today and finally feel like I am back in the swing of things.

This summer has been so cool. Seriously, I believe we only had one week of temperatures above 90 degrees! Each morning is foggy and gray and we have run the heater more than the AC!

Okay, so now that I am back in the thick of it, I look forward to following my blog friends more closely.

Keep On Truckin'

So my second job this week has been finding a new daycare/preschool for Miss S. So stressful, I tell yah. Despite the stress, I am actually excited for this next chapter in her life. The options I have been looking at are with more kids her age. She is so active and smart that I want her to be constantly learning new things and not be bored. So I think things will be okay.

In other exciting news, Miss S has pee peed on the potty! The first was on Wednesday night and the second tonight! I am so excited, I really think we are on the right path!

Deep Thoughts

Why are some weeks just easy and some weeks suck?

How come first thing on Monday I have to find out my daycare provider is picking up her family and moving out of state?

Why can't it be on a Friday so I can drink away my misery with Chardonnay?

Ok, I would just have a glass...

Why is it that I can't seem to find 2T sweatshirts anywhere? It's Nor Cal! We get fog in the a.m. and p.m. even in the summer, so can someone alert the stores that not everyone is hotter than Dallas?

Who decided that acid wash denim leggings were back in style because I sure as heck didn't!

Blue Steel a.k. Monday Evening Frustration

Elmo's Potty Time

Half assed attempts at Potty Training have been taking place for about two months now. By half assed, I mean putting Miss S on the toilet right before bath time and more frequently during the day on the weekends. I also bought her "Elmo's Potty Time" DVD since really, Elmo is like her hero. So I figured as soon as she watched it the first time she would race to the toilet, pee, wipe and flush and we were trained! Not so much.

While she will sit on the toilet at night, she is more interested in playing with the toilet paper roll and tossing the paper into the toilet. If I take it away she practically tries to yank the toilet roll holder off the wall and loses focus. Needless to say, no actual pee pee on the potty yet.

Miss S has accomplished most milestones early. I guess I figured I wouldn't need to do much and she would just get it. Granted, since this process began, she has learned to announce when she is going pee pee, just not before she actually goes. My goal is to have her trained by the time she is 2, which is four months away. I know she can do it, I just need to know of a better strategy, and I guess be better at making it a habit as something to work on harder. I don't want force her, but I just know she can do it and I know I can do it.

Any tried and true suggestions? I haven't really done too much research on this topic yet, but as of now I realize that four months away is really right around the corner.

Book Worm

So at the beginning of summer I said that I wanted to read four books. The first one up is The Girls from Ames.




I originally had seen this and passed over it because it is written by a guy and I figured what the heck does a guy know about girl friendships. Then I came upon it again and realized that the guy writing it actually interviewed the women for the book and that it was actually nonfiction. Plus the fact that both of my parents hail from the midwest (one from North Dakota, one from Iowa), I thought it would be interesting to tap into where they came from.


I started reading on Sunday and I am hooked. I thought I was hooked when I read The Help, but this one just is so good. Maybe because these women really are real. Each night this week, as soon as the dishes are done, the kitchen cleaned up and the house somewhat orderly, I plop down on the couch and stick my nose into the book.


The other night Hubbs was sitting next to me watching TV and made a funny comment. "I wish I had a good book to read, all I have is my stupid iPhone 4". Which on another note, he is obsessed with.

I'll be Around

Snooze button, snooze button, snooze button, okay I'm up, get ready, Miss S ready, pack lunch(s), Elmo time, load up, forget something, try it again, daycare drop off, highway to the danger zone to work, early morning meetings, more meetings, plow through work, eat lunch at desk, projects, meetings, pack up, drive home listening to California Gurls, dinner, playtime, bathtime, snuggle time, bed time, me time, lazy time, bed time. Rinse and repeat.

That's where I have been. Oh, and at the pool on the weekends. You would never know because I am still white as hell.