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Thursday Ten – Cinco de Taco Edition

May 5, 2011 By sarah 3 Comment

1. Some of you may know that I kinda sorta love tacos a little bit – not just any tacos. I make horrible tacos. It goes along with that not being able to cook thing. So, it’s Cinco de Mayo and I have absolutely zero taco plans. I’m kind of bummed. Also – I think I need chips and salsa. Also, I know there’s a real purpose to Cinco de Mayo but for me, it’s pretty much all about the tacos. I’m sorry.

2. The weather is GORGEOUS today (Yes. I’m talking about the weather again. Shush. You know you like it). It’s in the low 60s, the sun is shining.

3. The downside to this gorgeous weather? Everyone is mowing their lawns. Ugh. And achoo.

4. You know how when you have a great hair stylist and she quits your salon and goes somewhere else and you want to follow that stylist to her new salon and she can’t really give that info out because they’re not technically supposed to poach clients from the old salon and drag them to the new one? (Some of you are shaking your heads at me like, What are you talking about, Sarah? But really. It’s true. That happens.) Well, that same thing applies to guitar teachers I guess – and my awesome teacher is leaving. Boo. And… she’s open to doing private lessons – but… I have to do a few months with a new teacher who is not her so it doesn’t look like, “Hey, she’s stealing clients.” Which sucks. I’m really kind of worried that whoever I end up seeing for lessons for the next few months will not be as much fun. Ugh. Also, whine.

5. Houston, we may have a problem. Check this page from a mother’s day card from Pumpkin. She has since assured me that I do have other redeeming qualities – but I’m sure the teacher got a laugh out of this one.

6. I’m trying to find a new mother’s helper for the summer. It’s not easy – I don’t even know how to FIND a babysitter. And are you allowed to ask them if they have a problem with prescription drug abuse or if they sniff glue? Because I don’t one of those kids watching MY kids.

7. I finally bought a new pair of running shoes the other day. I put them on and my feet felt so happy. I then went through the motions of trying on several other pair, but went back to the first (Adidas, by the way). They are the Adidas Liquid RS – and mine are white with some cute periwinkle/purple laces. They are the most COMFORTABLE shoes. I try not to worry about spending money (to a degree) when it comes to my running/workout shoes because I know that I’ll be sorry if I don’t have happy feet.

8. Speaking of shoes, The Princess wants a pair of Chucks. Far be it from me to have issues with that (since y’all know I love mine) – but the problem is that she’s on this weird cusp of shoe size mess. You see, she’s needing a size 4. That’s at the top of the youth shoe size range and the bottom of the women shoe size range and I’m having a difficult time finding the shoes. Sigh. Guess I’ll order direct from Converse.

9. I have  long been a fan of the yellow rose – they’re my favorite – but I bought myself some gerbera daisies the other day that make me want to rethink my flower philosophy. I just rinsed out a frappuccino bottle for a vase and popped it on my windowsill (next to a rosemary plant and a basil plant). The bit of brightness makes me smile.

10. Some month’s book club choices are just… not good. This month’s selection, The Postmistress, has NOT been an enjoyable read for me so far – and it’s taking me a long time to slog through it. I can’t WAIT to finish it and move on to something else. Anyone reading anything good right now?

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Eats, Mom Shtuff, Thursday Ten

Thursday Ten: Spring Break Broke Me Edition

April 7, 2011 By sarah 1 Comment

1. It’s kind of fun to have spent a week on spring break so far and have my daughters decide that they will either be best friends or they will be snarling at each other throwing ‘bows. Admittedly, when they fight? I really REALLY hate that. The “she said THIS” and “she PUSHED ME” moments make me want to cry. And then… five minutes later they’re BFFs again. It’s really…tiring.

2. Katie’s LOVE DROP may be over, but I am still really loving the group and what they’re doing. This month, they’re helping the Kahlen Family – and to help them out, they’ve opened up a store on Etsy with some cool donated art stuff to help them out. Love it. If you are interested in purchasing some cool stuff, check it out. If you are an artist and want to donate, check out this link.

3. Sometimes I make myself laugh. I have no real NEED for an iPad 2. I have gadgets that do everything that the iPad does and yet… I still lust after technology. Part of me thinks, I can get the OLD iPad for crazy cheap now… I should just do it. I’m just a goof ball. I should probably focus on replacing this laptop first.

4. SPEAKING OF THIS LAPTOP… I finally replaced the battery because it hasn’t been able to hold a charge in like… forever. I’d unplug it to move it from one room to another and in that time, it would just decide, “Nope, that was enough. I’m tired now.” and the computer would shut down. Pffffffft. Fine, fine, fine. Battery replaced. Ouch.

5. I was supposed to do a portrait session for my cousin’s kiddo today. Little dude just turned two, and true to toddler nature, on picture day he bumped into something and goose-egged his forehead. So, I have the afternoon free of photo sessions. Honestly though, I was looking forward to it. Maybe next week.

6. Over the weekend, one of my favorite music-maker-y people, Chris Mann, posted that he had a new song available on iTunes. “Beautiful Life” is classic Chris – his voice gives me goosebumps – the good goosebumps. I have found this song stuck in my head repeatedly over the past week. I love the melody, and this song already has an absurdly high number of plays in my iTunes. Check it out.

7. My kids make lists of songs for me to download and make mix CDs for them with. My most recent list from Pumpkin included several Lady Gaga songs (My library now includes “Born This Way” which makes me want to scream. I do. not. like.) and The Princess just requested some Justin Bieber. Oh so fun.

8. Spring break means no guitar lesson this week. Sad face. You’d think I would practice anyway. Well, then you’d be wrong.

9. Once Pumpkin’s antibiotics were done, her fever and cough immediately rebounded. Would be nice if the doctor had called me back today as promised. *SIGH* Guess I’ll cross my fingers and hope to get a call back tomorrow.

10. I have a cake cooling on the counter. It’s funny how you wouldn’t think cake could talk and yet there it is down there, calling my name so softly, “Sarah… Sarah… You don’t even need to add any icing. Just tear off a piece and tryyyyy meeeeeeeee….” What? Your cakes don’t talk to you?

Filed Under: Eats, Mom Shtuff, music, Photography, Thursday Ten

Thursday Ten: It’s MARCH Edition

March 3, 2011 By sarah 1 Comment

1. Whoohoo! It’s finally March! I was hoping the new month would bring instantaneous warmer weather, but it didn’t. It’s a bummer, but that’s alright. Soon enough… right? What is the weather like where you are? Still cold and wintery or are you seeing signs of spring?

2. You vloggers AMAZE ME. I tried to vlog today and I realized something very important: I say UM a lot. Also? I scratch my forehead when I don’t really have anything to say.

3. New music of the week – Watsky. It came recommended to me by people who like booty-shaking music. It’s rap/hip hop, so if that’s NOT your thing, you probably won’t like it. But I’m enjoying it.

4. This morning, I was thinking about a friendship of mine that is no longer – a friend of mine from high school and college and how you go from being great friends and then you don’t talk anymore. And I was thinking of songs that reminded me of her – so many songs remind me of her – and this one does, so much.

5. I am going to email the friend I referenced in number four because the thing is, when I started thinking of the songs that reminded me of her – I had a lot of great memories and reminders of the fun we had together. And sure, we may never be close again like we were when we were younger – but the memories are so fun.

6. I went to Panera for lunch on Tuesday and was greeted by name. “Hi Sarah!” I actually stopped in my tracks – my Panera habit isn’t as excessive as my Starbucks habit – but i go maybe once a week… So it was kind of surprising that they remember my name. But, I also find it really cool, too. When I was a waitress (BRIEFLY) I was the kind that remembered people’s names and their order – it’s just how my brain works – so I think it’s pretty awesome when people do it.

7. I made my first ETSY purchase the other day! I saw these super cool magnets on Brene’ Brown’s blog and had to go buy one for myself. The artist is Allison Strine – the delivery was speedy, and it came packaged cutely. And I LOVE IT.

8. In guitar lesson, we’re still working on music by Mat Kearney. (I love Mat Kearney). This isn’t actually a difficult song – as far as chords go. Actually, as far as anything goes – for the most part it’s pretty easy. I never thought I’d describe anything relating to the guitar as easy. It’s neat to see progress – I guess it’s been a few years – there SHOULD be progress. I’m never going to be a professional caliber musician – but that’s okay. I don’t need to be. I like finding the joy in doing something that’s for myself.

9. I bought myself some sunflowers the other day to celebrate the first of March. At ninety-nine cents a stem, it was a cheap dose of happiness.

10. Y’all know my love of Greek yogurt and honey – I’ve added a bit of joy to the mix. CRUSHED WALNUTS. Mind blown. It’s amazing. I’m easily amused. Yeah. Yum. Yogurt. Yay. {insert other words that start with Y here}

Filed Under: Eats, Mom Shtuff, music, Thursday Ten

Thursday Ten: There’s a Thaw Outside

February 17, 2011 By sarah 2 Comment

1. Yesterday, I went outside for a walk for the first time in months. Temps reached the mid 40s and I figured, “Why not?” Since many people never shoveled their sidewalks in the past few months (um. like us), I ended up walking in the streets – and the streets were filled with puddles, but even so, it was nice to be outside. This morning, I went for a nice little run. Here’s hoping spring really IS just around the corner.

2. For new music lately, I picked up the new album from The Civil Wars (lovely harmonies and calming melodies — I love it). Also, I preordered the new album from Adele, on the basis of hearing “Someone Like You.”

3. I did a bake sale this week to raise money towards my fundraising goal for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I spent all day Monday baking – cheesecake, cookies, and brownies (OH MY!). I was pleased to raise a few hundred bucks – it makes me happy that I can do something I love to support a cause I believe in. If you feel so inspired and would like to donate, you can click HERE. If you donate and would like me to send you cookies (AND I JUST MIGHT), let me know.

4. I, uh, watched American Idol last night. I like the beginning part when they’re all in Hollywood and they’re doing those group things and they fight and they all hate each other and it’s drama. Also, the group that decided that the show needed to be called “American Lapdance” and awkwardly serenaded Steven Tyler? That wasn’t at all weird to watch. *ahem*

5. This month, our book club is reading The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America. This book came highly recommended by a lot of my favorite people – but it’s off to a slow start. I was told by several different people the other day that they experienced that too – that it even took up to 100 pages to get into it – but I should be patient because it gets really GOOD. So, this is me. Being patient. On page 76.

6. I promised the girls I’d take them out to dinner tonight. Well, I told The Princess via a note in her lunch bag that we were going out to dinner tonight and to let me know when she got home where she picked for dinner. I also told her “NO McDONALDS!” We’ll see what she comes up with. I hope it’s something good. Unfortunately, she’s the kid that doesn’t like Chinese food OR Chipotle.

7. Sometimes I get a very random idea in my head, like, “Hmm, I think I’d like a fun pair of casual orange sneakers.” I really do want some. But I didn’t buy them. Yet. I’m not sure if these are “the ones”.

8. The folks from iRobot sent me a Roomba and let me tell you, you may be hearing more about it in the weeks to come. Or years. I’m kind of obsessed. That I can just push a button and walk away from it while it does the work? Bliss. He (it’s a he. Don’t ask me how I know this) is a source of entertainment for myself and the kids – they even  made my sister and husband come upstairs to look at him when they came over last night – and once I pick enough junk off the floor to do a full vacuum test, I’ll let you know more about it.

9. Sometimes I get ridiculous. I missed posting a FLIP SIDE picture on Tuesday. So I’m posting THREE today. Yeah. I’m sorry. You’re welcome?

10. I made the worst lasagna last night. I knew when I was making it that it wouldn’t be good, despite the fact that my kitchen smelled FANTASTIC. Too much ricotta cheese, not enough sauce. The thing was so dry, it was like I filled it with paste. Thank goodness I can bake otherwise the family would starve.

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Do Good Feel Good, Eats, Mom Shtuff, music, Thursday Ten Tagged With: Adele, iRobot, Roomba, The Civil Wars, The Devil In The White City

Thursday Ten: When It Rains It Pours Edition

January 20, 2011 By sarah 1 Comment

1. Isn’t it funny how you could just be going on about your life and everything is fine and then suddenly there’s this figurative smack in the face and suddenly you’re bombarded with…STUFF?! Whether it’s work projects or life or whatever, seems like the saying, “When it rains, it pours” is definitely true. I’ve gotten a few things going right now – with work and prepping for travel, and it’s a little chaotic up in here. I’m not one hundred percent in my happy space – but I will be soon.

2. And prep for travel, I AM. Just a few more short days til I’ll be heading to Nashville. CANNOT WAIT.

3. I was trying to think, yesterday, of songs that were perky and that cheered me when I was feeling blue. The first song that popped into my head was “Dry County” by the B-52s. I still love this song. My mom and I listened to this album repeatedly as we road tripped from California to Michigan when we moved here in 1990. It still evokes memories of the road (the flat, boring, stupid road). What songs cheer you up?

4. In guitar lesson this week, we started playing Mat Kearney’s “Nothing Left to Lose” because I MAY BE A LITTLE EXCITED about seeing Mat Kearney next week. I love the song too.

5. I got a manicure today – SUPPOSEDLY this type of polish is some newfangled gel stuff from OPI that I should not be able to ding, chip, crack or peel. WE’LL SEE. I’m notoriously bad with manicures.

6. While I was at the salon, there was a horrible talk show on television. The topic today was something about “Men Who Lock Their Wives In Closets”. The salon owner was engrossed. I didn’t say this was a classy place. Also – who takes their man on a talk show about getting locked in the closet? You can call Joe Schmo at a reality show, but not the police? {Skeptical Sarah is skeptical}

7. I have a photo shoot coming up this weekend – I’ll be photographing a very lovely three month old. I’ll consider it a success if she doesn’t puke on me. I’m excited for the opportunity – she’s a pretty baby so it ought to be a cakewalk.

8. I cleaned out the spice rack today (I know, I know. My life has hit heights of fabulousness that you can only aspire to). WHERE DID ALL THOSE DAMN SPICES COME FROM? I’ve never used half of them. Onion powder? It was so old it was hardened in the bottom of the jar. Imitation vanilla extract? I KNOW I didn’t buy that.

9. Gearing up for an upcoming gymnastics competition – knowing what to expect helps a lot. The Princess isn’t nervous – per usual – but this time maybe I’ll keep calm, also.

10. I bought Giada DiLaurentiis pasta from Target the other day. I made it. It was pretty, but plain (hmmm. Gosh. Wonder if that was a coincidence). Long story short – get the cheap grocery store brand. No difference except Giada’s face isn’t on the box.

Filed Under: Eats, Mom Shtuff, music, Photography, Thursday Ten

Thursday Ten: Unintentional Holiday Break Edition

December 30, 2010 By sarah 3 Comment

1. Well, hello there. Guess I took a break. I didn’t mean to. I sure have a lot to talk about – like Christmas, and how I made a cheesecake so good that it could bring a tear to your eye. I’ll do that. Soon. Just as soon as the holiday chaos settles – JUST A LITTLE.
Brownie Mosaic Cheesecake

2. I told y’all last week how I was test driving the amazing Dell Inspiron One 23? Yeah. Dell provided the computer to me for review and we are basically smitten with the thing (Hello? HD screen? Amazing for photos) – and now I’m giving one away over on BD. If you’re a US resident over the age of 18, get thee on over and enter to win it.

3. I’m finding it hard to believe that 2010 is nearly over – whether that’s good or bad, I’m not really sure. I’m excited to see what the new year will bring.

4. It’s currently 38° and rainy. After the brutally cold temps of the past few weeks (brutal is my word – really, I suppose it could have been worse out there), anything over freezing feels like a heatwave.

5. I try to keep the begging to a minimum here, but since it IS the end of the year – tis the season to make last minute charitable contributions to great causes! And in case you needed one to support… I am walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer again this coming summer. 39.3 miles over two days. It’s an amazing experience, and if you would like to support me, and support the cause of kicking breast cancer’s ass, click and donate. (Love y’all. You look pretty today)

6. I need to go and get my hair trimmed but finding the time is so freaking hard. I am really going to be fighting the urge I always get midwinter to chop all my hair off – which is why I have to go SOON so that “hey! Cutting off four inches of hair seems like a good idea” thought doesn’t wander into my brain.

7. I am incapable of typing the word “brain” without typing the word “brian” first. Stupid fingers. And I just typed “weord” instead of “word” and oh my goodness, I think maybe I need a little more sleep.

8. I have been going through an intense perfume smell testing process that evolved from a friend sending me massive quantities of perfume samples from Sephora (I love internet people). After everything I smelled (and there were TONS), I have narrowed it down to Bliss or Philosophy’s Amazing Grace. I loved Versace’s Bright Crystal but think it might be a little TOO MUCH for me. I have such a sensitive sense of smell, I am so easily overwhelmed by fragrance. The lighter the better.

9. I finally bought a Speedlite (well, I got a gift card for Christmas, so I bought nothing). I picked it up the other day and LOVE that I can have some light in my inside pictures without the subject being totally flooded in fake flash. Why did I wait so long?

10. I finally saw Black Swan. Have you seen it? WHOA. I knew it was being billed as a “psychological thriller” but I had expected more ‘psychological’ and less ‘thriller’. I jumped so many times – frankly, it creeped me out a lot. It was one of those movies – I can’t say I enjoyed it – because that would just seem weird. Extremely well done. Extremely thought provoking. Extremely scare the bejeezus out of me.

Filed Under: Do Good Feel Good, Eats, Mom Shtuff, Photography, Thursday Ten Tagged With: Amazing Grace, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Black Swan, Bliss, Canon Speedlite, Christmas, fragrance, perfume, Philosophy, Photography, Sephora

Thursday Ten: Christmas Eve Eve Day Edition

December 23, 2010 By sarah 5 Comment

1. Tomorrow is Christmas eve – I can’t believe how quickly it’s come – and how utterly unprepared I feel, even though I know that I’ve bought every gift I meant to buy (don’t ask me how much of it I’ve wrapped though, because…blergh. I’ll be wrapping presents all night tomorrow). Tomorrow, the girls and I will continue our yearly tradition of making monkey bread. Christmas morning, while we’re opening gifts, we’ll warm the monkey bread in the oven – and once all the gifts are open, we’ll frost and eat monkey bread for breakfast. Yes, most of my holiday traditions revolve around baking. You’re not surprised, right?

2. The awesome folks at Oceanhouse Media have given me some iTunes codes for their apps to share with y’all. Oceanhouse makes some of my favorite iPhone apps to share with my kids – WE LOVE the Dr. Seuss story apps – it allows my kids to either read the story to themselves – or it will autoplay to read the story to them. I have seven codes for seven different apps – and I’ll give ‘em on a first come – first serve basis. If you want one, let me know. Some are holiday related (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph Camera, etc) – some aren’t (Hop on Pop, One Fish Two Fish). They’re awesome though, and they’re yours. Just ask.

3. We’ve nearly made it through the first week of the kids being home on holiday break – we’re finding our groove – which is good. Monday? Was rough. So was Tuesday. Yesterday? A wee bit better. I figure by next Friday we ought to be golden… you know… just in time for them to return to school after the first of the year.

4. This morning over breakfast (everything bagel with REAL butter and a glass of cranberry juice), I allowed myself a few more pages of one of the gifts I purchased for myself for Christmas. Karen Walrond’s The Beauty of Different is beautiful and rich and the essays are meaningful and thought-provoking. I’m just enamored by this book. If I’d read it earlier in the holiday season, it would have been a gift I shared with family and friends for sure. I bet I’ll be gifting it in 2011.

5. Pumpkin has two volumes: Yelling and Sleeping. As I type, she’s sitting on the stairs, yelling at the dog about something (she gives him far too much credit – I’m sure he has no idea what the hell she’s yelling about). Yelling drives me bonkers – so lately, on a mission to curb the volume, I’ve told her that I won’t respond if she’s yelling for no good reason. Biting my tongue is awfully difficult. {“STOP YELLING! STOP YELLING! STOP YELLING! – There. I had to get that out of my system.}

6. If you came over because of my interview with @MeetingBoy this week, I hope you’ll stay and hang out awhile. Delurk, say hello, put up your feet and have a drink (don’t forget to use a coaster).

7. I have been road testing a Dell Inspiron One over at BD – and I have to say, I think I’m in love. The touch screen is pretty awesome – and I’ve had a blast exploring its features. Keep an eye out in the next week or so (don’t worry, I’ll remind you), as we’ll be giving one away on BD. Trust me, you’ll want to win one. I’m pretty amazed by it. As I’ve mentioned over there, I received it for review from Dell – and the opinions are my own and only my own (Well, the girls have an opinion too – their opinion is that I’m the best mom ever because my computer is so cool).

8. Remember when I posted my lovely pictures of holiday lights? I needed some Christmas cheer this year so we got some indoor/outdoor lights and I thought of how much they would uplift me to have these colorful bulbs framing my windows. Yeah, well. Those suckers get hot. No more lights. Also, I may need to work a little upholstery mojo on this chair.

9. Sooooo, that Skype outage yesterday… That sucked, didn’t it? (Raise your hand if it made you even a tiny bit twitchy)

10. Alright, so I’ve shared some of my traditions with you (Sugar. Sugar. More sugar). Do you have any holiday traditions? Tell me about ‘em.

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Eats, Mom Shtuff, Thursday Ten Tagged With: Beauty of Different, Christmas, Dell Inspiron One 23, holiday traditions, Karen Walrond, Skype

Where I Reveal JUST HOW SERIOUSLY I Take My Saltine Crackers

November 12, 2010 By sarah 5 Comment

It’s Friday night, the kids are tucked in. I have a cold that has taken residence in my face and my throat – which is fine because I make that phlegm-rattle sound way cuter than it really is. Desperate for a snack, I go to the cupboard, grab a box of saltines and rip open a sleeve to sit down with a stack of crackers and back-to-back-to-back episodes of 30 Rock on Netflix.

And then I shove a cracker in my mouth.

And it’s not good.

UGH.

Now, I’m not one of those people who merely keeps saltines on hand for when I am sick. I really like saltines. And even though I know that they have High Fructose Corn Syrup (which is evil! Evil, I say!), I just can’t quit the saltines. And yes, I have a preferred brand which you know is the result of extensive saltine research. These things must be taken seriously.

Because I eat so many saltines, I’d like to think my palette is refined enough to detect subtle saltine nuances between one box and another – but that probably isn’t true. It seems that there are two different options for a box of Premiums: REALLY REALLY GOOD and EW WHAT IS THIS AND WHY AM I EATING THIS?

This box? It’s the latter. It’s not horrible. It’s just not great. And I guess – because I am overthinking things AS I DO – I want to know why. Why is one box so good that I can’t stop eating them until the whole box is gone and why another seems destined for a life ground up in soups to hide the flavor?

[Note: You are feeling a little sorry for me already, aren't you, for just how much thought I have devoted to the lowly saltine - but don't feel sorry for me. Oh no.]

Clearly, the next step was to email Nabisco.

I’m sure they will see that email Monday morning and wonder what the hell is wrong with that woman in Michigan who emailed them on a Friday night about the taste of their crackers. It’s a little neurotic, I know. I own it, I’m okay with that.

But, I’m kind of looking forward to their answer. And I’m REALLY REALLY hoping they tell me how to avoid the dud boxes. You won’t be laughing at me then, Internet. Not when I always have a stock of the best saltines EVER in my cupboard and you have the icky ones. I’ll have the last laugh. Just you wait.

Filed Under: Eats

Thursday Ten: Thinking Pink Edition

October 21, 2010 By sarah 1 Comment

1. Today, my girls are dressed in pink from head to toe for a breast cancer awareness day at school – and in that spirit, we made some pink ribbon cookies yesterday (these are some of the prettier ones). In the spirit of all things pink, my goal is to raise $150 towards my Avon Walk goal by the end of the week. It’s a small goal – and any donation helps. If you would like to donate – even a dollar – please click HERE. I may just send you a cookie for donating.

2. While I type this, I have hair dye working its magic to (hopefully) eradicate the gray hairs that have become so obnoxious since all this stressful stuff going on with my stepson. It’s true – in times of stress, the gray hairs really seem to multiply for me. I hate this vanity about gray hair. I really dig my natural hair color – and hate covering it up because I don’t want gray hair.

3. In guitar class this week, my teacher brought up another Kansas song – “Carry On My Wayward Son” because she likes the riffs at the beginning. The last Kansas song she stuck me with was “Dust in the Wind” – and they are harder for me to learn because I’m not TOTALLY familiar with the songs (except the chorus of “Wayward Son” – but I think that’s the only part anyone really knows).

4. Did you wear purple yesterday? I loved the prevalence of purple on Facebook and Twitter – and while I know that there are always going to be bullies, I think a great step we can take, particularly those of us who are parents, is to let our kids know that bullying isn’t okay – and that our differences is what makes the world a pretty freakin’ cool place. I may be an idealistic hippy-dippy idiot (Okay, I probably am) – but I think just embracing those things about us which make us who we are is a great start.

5. In a fit of nostalgia the other day, I picked up a bottle of Mr. Bubble for Pumpkin who loves taking bubble baths. I love the smell of Mr Bubble. I’ve given serious consideration to swiping her bottle and using it for myself!

6. Last week’s Project Runway somewhat boggled my mind – given the direction to find inspiration in NYC, the remaining designers took off. Two sought inspiration from The Brooklyn Bridge, one from the Lower East Side, one from Lady Liberty and one from Central Park. The Central Park design? It was black and edgy and what-the-what? That doesn’t say CENTRAL PARK. Not to me, anyway. CP was my favorite part of my trip to NYC in April and I find it kind of mind boggling that someone spent any time there and came up with … that.

7. I finally finished reading Little Bee. Fabulously crafted, well done. I really enjoyed it… far more than I thought I would. Check it out.

8. This week’s new music…I’ve just added “Gotta Have You” by the Weepies to my music library, as well as that new Cee Lo Green “F*ck You” song (can’t help but love it). I also downloaded “No Love”, the Eminem/Lil Wayne collaboration and realized… I don’t love Lil Wayne.  And the folks at MuseBox have hit me up with a link to some new music to check out. You can give it a listen Here.

9. Finally saw “The Social Network” last weekend. Hm. You know, I have mixed feelings about the movie and haven’t read much of the press to determine how true they were to representing Mark Zuckerberg. Frankly, he was TIRING.  I don’t know how Jesse Eisenberg managed to spit out dialogue like he did – but sheesh.

10. My hair ended up kind of dark (Oh yes. I took a three hour break in writing this post, btw.) It’s alright. It’s darker than I wanted, but… I don’t see any stupid gray hair. Which is good.

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Do Good Feel Good, Eats, Mom Shtuff, music, Thursday Ten Tagged With: breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cee Lo Green, Chris Cleave, Eminem, Facebook, Garnier Herbashine, guitar, Kansas, Little Bee, Mark Zuckerberg, New York City, Project Runway, The Social Network, The Weepies

Thursday Ten: And a Hush Fell Over the House Edition

September 9, 2010 By sarah 6 Comment

1. School’s in session and my house is…quiet? It’s a really odd and yet my productivity has gone up… by a lot. Makes it a little easier to compartmentalize work time and family time. And yeah, the girls are digging being at school and hanging with friends – so it’s just win-win all around.

2. While the pup is starting to really “get it” as far as knowing commands and being a good little puppy-dude, I cannot cannot cannot keep him from jumping on the couch! I say, “Down”  and he jumps off. I praise him and make a big deal and then… right back up he goes. Suggestions?

3. After a brisk walk this morning, my head was POUNDING. I downloaded the free Zyrtec AllergyCast app for my iPhone (no, Zyrtec didn’t sponsor this. I can’t take Zyrtec, it makes me fall asleep – doesn’t matter when I take it, I’m groggy for the full duration). Looks like west Michigan is rating an 8 out of 10 for yucky allergies today. BOO RAGWEED! BOO! Popped an OTC allergy med and some ibuprofen and I feel much better.

4. It’s Project Runway night. I have to say, after last week’s challenge, I was pretty neutral on all the designers (except Gretchen. I just don’t dig her. Sorry). I think the bridesmaid dress challenge was pretty interesting, actually – but ew, the fabrics. I guess I’ve been lucky I’ve never been forced to wear such a hideous bridesmaid gown… though truthfully, without MAJOR revision, there’s probably very few dresses you really will “wear again”.

5. This fall weather we’ve been having has been making me crave cool weather comfort foods. This morning I was en route to an appointment and my brain was making a virtual laundry list of the foods I was looking forward to eating now that summer’s nearly gone… Yummm ropa vieja with rice. That’s what I’m craving most of all. What are your favorite cool weather foods? What are you looking forward to most?

6. I have an appointment to get my hair trimmed this afternoon. I love getting my hair cut – mainly because it never looks as good as it does when I leave the salon. I love to have someone blow out my hair – it gets pin straight. I can’t do that! After a summer of ponytails and humidity, I could use a little hair refresh.

7. I’m still in love with my Sharpie pen. I should point out that the folks at Sharpie didn’t bribe me, give me stuff, pay me or contact me in anyway to make me say nice stuff about their pen. But, hey, Sharpie folks? Call me. I’m here for you. I will totally say more nice stuff if you give me some of these pens – because these pens make my sloppy handwriting look positively lovely and THAT’S HOW I KNOW THEY ARE MAGIC.

8. It’s football season. The only football I watch is Michigan football (GO BLUE) – and they had a phenomenal start to their season last Saturday against UConn. Who are you rooting for?

9. Yesterday, in the midst of a bad morning I practice a philosophy my mother instilled in me at a young age: “When the going gets tough, the tough get shopping.” Actually, I’m not much of a shopper, but I do tend to like to buy things when I’m down. It doesn’t take much – I don’t go Maserati shopping after a bad day – but there’s nothing like a new book and a cup of coffee when you’re feeling glum. I wish it wasn’t so – I think it’s a silly coping mechanism – but it’s a mood lift for about $15, so… I suppose it’s better than a crack habit.

10. My Kindle* arrived!! I have downloaded my first e-book, but I’ve yet to start reading. I think I made this week a little too crazy for myself and spare time is something that I don’t have much of. Unfortunately. I can’t wait to try it and let y’all know how it is.

*affiliate link

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Eats, Mom Shtuff, Thursday Ten Tagged With: AllergyCast, Amazon, Kindle, Project Runway, Sharpie, Zyrtec
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