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Thursday Ten: Thinking Pink Edition

October 21, 2010 by 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday Ten: The Acoustics Are Best In the Bathroom Edition

September 16, 2010 by 4 Comments

1. I sing in the shower. I sing LOUDLY in the shower. I’m not a fabulous singer. I’m passable. And I only do it when no one is home (see: singer, not a fabulous). But the acoustics in most bathrooms are pretty freaking amazing and it all but dares you to belt something out. My repertoire varies from the ridiculous (Christmas carols in May) to mainstream pop music, but I can’t help it.

2. Since we’re talking music, lately, I’m listening to Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are” – which I hadn’t really heard until I saw it on someone’s blog yesterday. Clearly, I live under a rock because it’s on iTunes’ Top 10 most downloaded singles — not sure how I avoided it so far – must be because our local radio station is busy playing Ke$ha’s “Take It Off” on repeat. I also downloaded “The Story” from Brandi Carlile – because it reminds me of my friends – and I needed a nice reminder of my girlfriends.

3. And continuing along the music vein (BECAUSE WHY NOT)… In guitar class, we’re working on open seventh chords. They are ugly and discordant and I hate them. And I have yet to find a song to learn with these stupid chords that I dig. I think we might have found one – we may start learning Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” next week.

4. The girls are doing well in school so far. Pumpkin brought home her first homework on Tuesday. The Princess? She’s bored. I hope her teacher gets busy challenging her soon or we’re going to lose enthusiasm quickly.

5. With the start of school begins the flood of notices getting sent from school for variances organizations and groups and school related activities. They are ALL in Comic Sans. PEOPLE: DO NOT DO THIS. Just because it’s child related, doesn’t mean the use of Comic Sans is appropriate. Yes. I’m a font-snob.

6. I don’t know why I had no idea before we got our pup that puppies have baby teeth and grown up teeth. Our pup is teething. He lost several teeth last week and new ones are already starting to peek through. Thank DOG there’s not a puppy tooth fairy.

7. Dealing with issues with my stepson the past week has reminded me that perhaps my coping mechanisms are less than stellar (Eating your feelings will eventually catch up with you). How do you deal with stressful times?

8. I’m SO loving my Kindle already. I didn’t think I’d love it quite this much – but frankly? It’s pretty handy. Will I ditch “the real thing”? No. I really love paper books — and I don’t see that changing – but the Kindle is easy, so portable, and the screen really does mimic words on a page.

9. PROJECT RUNWAY NIGHT. Buh-bye Casanova. I couldn’t believe he was the one to go last week and that wretched Ivy gets another week. We’re getting to the point where the cast is narrowed down enough that I start developing opinions besides just really hating Gretchen.

10. One month from today is my birthday. I will be almost old enough to run for the Presidency of the United States. Don’t worry. I won’t. I wouldn’t mind getting older if I had an unlimited wrinkle cream fund. Alas, I don’t… so I just keep reapplying that sunscreen.

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Thursday Ten: And a Hush Fell Over the House Edition

September 9, 2010 by 6 Comments

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

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Thursday Ten: Confessing My Love for Sharpies Edition

September 2, 2010 by 6 Comments

1. I had to go to a meeting the other day. One that might possibly require me to take notes. I decided to stop at Target on my way – pick up a cute notebook and some pens. I snagged a pack of black Sharpie pens. I have a love of Sharpie markers. I have a cup on my desk that is packed to the gills (if cups HAD gills) with markers. Unfortunately, the fine tip Sharpie markers still bleed through paper. THESE PENS DON’T. I’m in love. Next? Sharpie pencils. I’ll have to come up with an excuse to buy those. Anyone need me to take some notes?

2. Do you ever have one of those days where all you want to do is pull your hair out and wonder if you are speaking some nonsensical language because it seems no one seems to hear or understand you and instead does the opposite of what you are trying to say? Yeah. On THOSE days, the answer is to meet a friend for dinner at a Mexican restaurant – eat many chips with lots of salsa, maybe gorge on enchiladas, and indulge in conversation that has nothing to do with whether or not someone is hogging the couch.

3. While we were out of town over the weekend, we had the dog groomed. To account for the splint that matted all the fur on his leg for the past month… they shaved him down pretty close. It’s… not cute. We know it will grow back – but our furry fluffy pup? Gone.

4. Also gone is our pup who was starting to learn and obey commands and he was replaced by a dog who is seemingly on an invisible pixi stick drip. That is one ACTIVE puppy. He’s learning to fetch, though. A way to have fun and burn off some of the sillies… but whoa.

5. Tuesday was Day 365 of my 365 Project. And yeah, I just started all over again yesterday.

6. Upon completing the 365, I decided to set the whole shebang to music so I needed some new tunes. Recommended to me? “Happiness” by the Weepies and “We Are Okay” by Joshua Radin. Both very welcome happy additions to my iTunes playlist.

7. Speaking of iTunes… Ping. Are you in or are you out? I love me some social media but I buy a lot of music. I don’t know that I want everyone to know when the spirit moves me and I’m downloading something from the soundtrack to the musical “Oklahoma!”.

8. Last week’s Project Runway auf’ing… Okay – I saw that coming. I knew there was no way they would send Gretchen and her giant bag of crazy home just yet, but WHOA NELLY. What was that? And I realize it’s just a television show but I sat on my couch wanting to throw stuff at her. I’m mature like that.

9. The temperatures are supposed to drop to the 70s this weekend. I AM SO EXCITED. The summer humidity isn’t a friend of mine (my hair doesn’t like it either). When I woke up this morning and saw that the leaves had started to fall from our little tree in the front yard I may have gotten a little giddy. Okay. A LOT giddy.

10. Random question: If money was no object and you could go ANYWHERE on a dream vacation, where would you go?

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Thursday Ten: Am I A Mother or a Cabbie Edition

July 22, 2010 by 1 Comment

1. With The Princess pretty much occupied with gymnastics and gymnastics practices, we figured it might be a good time to re-enroll Pumpkin in swimming classes. This means running one kid to one class, killing a bit of time before running the other kid to the other class. I hang out at the pool during lessons – and it’s painfully warm by the pool. Get done with swimming to kill a smidge more time before picking up the second kid. Far too much time in my car and it shows – it’s filthy. And when I opened the door this morning, it smelled like yesterday’s cheeseburgers. Not sure which kid left her Happy Meal in there, but… ew.

2. Before heading to swim lessons today, I picked up a copy of US Weekly at the grocery store. I know, I know – it’s hardly rocket surgery, but it’s too hard to read “real” books by the pool because the noise makes it hard for me to focus (Also: bleacher butt pain). I’d rather flip through a magazine. Well… speaking of “rocket surgery” – I forgot to bag said trashy magazine. Fail. Total and complete fail (I ended up reading an issue of Wired. I’d rather have read the trash).

3. Last week, I won a necklace from Studio Jewel, and it arrived yesterday. It’s gorgeous. You’ll want to check Lisa’s stuff out – I think it’s fabulous. I’m eye-ing these stacking rings next. I love silver jewelry.

4. New music, new music. Well, I’ve been listening to some acoustic Jason Mraz (nah, it’s not new, but I finally picked up a few downloads because I love), and Chris Mann’s newest EP, several mixes of a cover of George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” and a song called “Phone Phone”.  All good stuff, and worthy of a listen.

5. Yeah, I  am giving even further serious thought to picking up an e-reader. I jokingly said something a few weeks ago and now they are ON MY BRAIN. I still love books – can’t replace the paper and the smell and the whole sensory experience of reading an ACTUAL book. However? Shelf space is limited, and unless a book is really rotten, I don’t get rid of books. So, Kindle versus Nook is the question, I suppose.

6. We finally signed up for Netflix. I realize, everyone else in the planet has already been using Netflix for the last eighty years, but yeah. Anyway. The Princess is IN LOVE with it though: “Hey mom! Did you know that Cake Boss is on streaming Netflix?” Our queue is filled with multiple episodes of Cake Boss.

7. I expressed last week that I was iffy on the “200 Situp” app – it was being glitchy then. Since I wrote about it in last week’s Thursday Ten, I’ve gotten it to work. It’s still a tiny bit on the glitchy side – but the program is a good one. If you aren’t ready to invest in the app, I believe they have a website as well.

8. ONE MORE WEEK until the new season of PROJECT RUNWAY starts on Lifetime. But, y’know… who’s counting?

9. I’m tremendously conflicted about the “Beezus and Ramona” movie. In a sense, I kind of feel my childhood is getting squashed all over – Selena Gomez as Beezus? That’s not really how I pictured her. I pictured Beezus as kind of plain jane, pales in comparison next to her whacky little sister. The previews seem to focus more on Beezus than Ramona, and seriously? I don’t think so. Will you go see this movie?

10. I need a photo project. This crazy schedule of mine has made me so much less likely to pick up my camera. I don’t know what to take pictures of. I feel like taking pictures but feel like there are only so many pictures of my steering wheel I could take. Shall we do a photo project?

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Mom Shtuff, music, Photography, Thursday Ten Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday Ten: Only a TINY bit about puppies edition

July 15, 2010 by 5 Comments

1. It only took about 8 days but yeah, baby, that puppy of ours is house trained. This is so supremely awesome – because every knows that a puppy that doesn’t pee on the floor is much more awesome than say… one that does. Also, are all vets completely deprived of people skills or just our doggy’s doc?

2. Did you know that we’re just a few weeks away from the next season of Project Runway?  Season Eight kicks off on July 29 on Lifetime and I’m so stoked.  No, this isn’t a paid promotion – I’m just that big of a dork for all things PR. Especially Tim Gunn.

Yeah, this never gets old. I think I'll probably keep posting it over and over.

3. Target has back-to-school supplies on display already! I couldn’t believe it when I saw them the other day – of course, the girls and I have already snagged their backpacks for this coming school year. They were VERY opinionated and VERY sure of what they wanted. Made it easy to shop, and I’m glad to have it out of the way.

4. Guitar lesson went well again this week – still working on the Joshua Radin song and actually pleased with how I’m more instinctively picking things up. Turns out you CAN grow some musical instinct. After nearly two years of lessons.

5. After reading about it in Redbook magazine, this morning I downloaded the free Cause World app. It appears to be a bit like FourSquare (which I don’t use because it kind of creeps me out) – you check into certain locations – and each time you do, you earn a given number of “karmas”. You can later use those karmas for carbon offsets, fighting cancer, helping save the arts in schools or many other causes. So, I’ll try it for awhile. Without sending my check-ins to my Facebook. I kind of don’t like when people do that.

6. So, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Old Spice commercials that have been ALL OVER THE INTERNET. Seriously – fabulous campaign, just so well done. I particularly like this one for his kiddo. (And the zeppelin over the bacon factory one cracked me up also).

7. Last night, I was channel surfing looking for Top Chef. I never found it, but instead stumbled over “Toddlers & Tiaras“. Lucky me (Um, that’s sarcasm, dipped in sarcasm, covered in a sarcasm-infused sauce). This show is a train wreck full of cray-cray stage mothers (mostly mothers, most of the fathers seem kind of resigned and underwhelmed with the whole deal). Spraying your children with tans so they look like oompa loompas while curling, spraying, and teasing their hair like minature Dolly Partons just seems like a less than fabulous way of life. But what do I know?

8. I was all set to brag on how I was so inspired by Lotus to take on the 200 Situp program that I downloaded the app yesterday and how I’m on day two today. But then the app crashed on me. Three times. So, I’ll keep you posted.

9. I just finished the second book of the Millenium Trilogy* (why, YES, that’s an affiliate link, what of it?). I’m ready to read number three. I’m surprised how much I’m enjoying this series. I’m kind of bummed to think that when the next one’s done, it’s all done. So sad.

10. Where is the world’s best hamburger? I haven’t had a burger in a lot of years – and now I’m kinda sorta tempted – I feel like I should have one. I know, it’s a ridiculous thing – I never consciously decided to not have burgers – I just never crave them, so it’s just been a long time since I’ve had one. But, if I’m going to have one, it better be REALLY GOOD.

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Do Good Feel Good, Eats, Mom Shtuff, music, Thursday Ten Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Making it work at Fabric Care University

June 11, 2010 by 3 Comments

This Monday, I had the opportunity to fly to Cincinnati to attend the Tide/Downy Fabric Care University and visit some friends and make some new ones as part of an event sponsored by Proctor & Gamble. Over the course of the two days in Cincinnati, we got to see the Proctor & Gamble archives (including John Wayne’s HAIR, y’all!), and learn about the history of many of the P&G brands.

One of the things I had been looking forward to with the event Monday evening – and when we arrived, we were assigned to teams and challenged to take a plain white tee-shirt and a bag of extra doodads (think: paint, zippers, glue, buttons, and the like) and create an “innvative design”  a la Project Runway. Oh, and uh… Tim Gunn was one of the judges.

Challenging us and encouraging us to “make it work” as we scrambled for a half hour, he provided feedback just as he does on the show (including tell our group at one point, “You don’t HAVE to use everything in the bag!” Okay, guess we’ll edit!). In the end we didn’t win, but our shirt exhibited our style philosophy of “Playground Elegance”. This challenge was definitely a difficult one – though I’m in love with Project Runway, I’m sort of not very fashionable.

That shirt features a lovely zippered v-neck which allows you to take the shirt from day to night with just a swipe of your zipper, revealing an elegant peek of lace just beneath. Gosh. I don’t know why we didn’t win (Except the winning team’s shirt? WAY awesome).

We then got to mingle with each other and with Mr Gunn (or TG, as Jenny calls him) – including getting our picture snapped with him.

I, of course, am NOT looking in the right direction, which I assure you is totally par for the course with me. Oh well! This event was amazingly well thought-out, the space was gorgeous (it took place in a downtown Cinci art gallery), the hors d’oeuvres were fab (BTW – I spelled “hors d’oeuvres” right on the first try – can I get a whoohoo?!), and the desserts were phenomenal. I had a lot of dessert. Lots. Yum.

After an evening I can only describe as surreal (in the BEST possible way), we returned to our hotel.

The next day? Fabric Care University!

The Proctor & Gamble peeps are awesome and taught us a lot of amazing things – mostly that I have been doing laundry ALL WRONG for the past 15 years or so.  Whoopsie? Also interesting to note is that while I felt like I was one of the last people on the planet with one of those archaic top loading washing machines… I’M NOT! (Brief survey – what kind do you have? Please don’t tell me that you all have those fancy front loading machines that I want so badly!).

I finally learned what the difference is between all those different bottles of Tide on the shelf are. I’ll be checking out the Tide with Bleach alternative – my current laundry pet peeve is whites that look yucky. “Yucky” is not the technical term, mind you. Also hadn’t realized that there are formulations for the special materials used in modern day workout clothes especially tailored for those special designed fibers.

We were all shocked to learn about all the… uh… “matter” that remains on your clothes after a day of wear (and be oh so grateful that I’m leaving it as matter, because the actual terminology of all that stuff your body produces that ends up on your clothes is enough to turn almost anyone into a germophobe!). I’m going to blame that “matter” for why I weigh so much more when the day is over. I’m not heavy, I’m just carrying around dead skin cells.

It was an incredibly informative AND FUN event, and I look forward to sharing more of what I learned in the future. Yeah! I’m gonna talk laundry with you. And maybe I’ll try doing my wash the right way and see how it works. And, I may just go to the store and do a Tide smell test (yes, I pick detergent based largely on its scent. I’m weird).

Disclosure: I was provided with airfare and hotel accomodation for this trip, but the opinions expressed are my 0wn, as always.

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Thursday Ten: The Taylor Swift Earworm Edition

April 29, 2010 by 2 Comments

1. Last week, I had to provide my guitar teacher with another CD of songs I wanted to learn and I decided to finally cave to my daughters’ requests that I learn some Taylor Swift. So, this week…. we started the first one and now I’m of the firm belief that if you are just starting to play guitar, you should probably start with Taylor because basically it’s all open chord downstrokes and so minus any really difficult chords or strumming patterns, it’s pretty easy to pick up. I’m working on “Change”, per The Princess’s request. Here it is. You can get it stuck in your head too.

2. I have spent all week not having a clue what day of the week it is. Apparently today is Thursday, though. Feels like a Tuesday/Wednesday hybrid, but I’m glad tomorrow’s Friday even if it doesn’t feel anything like Friday.

3. I finally downloaded “The Weary Kind” from that movie with the guy who was The Dude. Figured it was an award winner, why not? It’s pretty decent. Also added “Don’t” from Casey James on American Idol. I’m not a huge Shania Twain fan, but I liked what he did with the song.

4. Mother’s Day is coming up – is it a big deal in your house? Breakfast in bed, flowers, gifts? Or… just like any other day? We’re a combination of the two in our house – the kids like to make breakfast in bed for me – peanut butter toast is their specialty.

5. Speaking of toast. I’m curious if there’s a toaster that can have programmable settings for multiple people in the house. I wish my toaster would somehow sense, “This bagel is for Sarah – she likes a golden brown toasted bagel” versus “This is for The Princess. She basically just likes warm bread.” Boy howdy, when I put in bread and don’t realize my kid has turned the toaster down to “mushy warm bread” versus my “so toasted it crunches”, it’s one of those minor grumble, grumble moments. Oh? I can check the dial on the toaster first? Why didn’t I think of that! I know that I can totally check it out first – but I don’t. I apparently just want technology to compensate for my laziness.

6. I picked up this month’s book club selection from the library. Um, yeah. Cough, cough. I think I’m coming down with something in two weeks. Let me just sit here with my brainless beach fluff instead.

7. I MISSED THE SEASON FINALE OF PROJECT RUNWAY. Yes, I’m shouting. Originally the plan was to hit the road for NYC after the finale — well, we left two hours early. Fortunately, people responded for my desperate pleas for an update via Twitter at 11 p.m. Thursday night, but man… I’ll be looking for a rerun of that soon. I’m glad that my favorite designer of the bunch won, though.

8. And if I was anyone else on the planet, I’d just kick back on the sofa, feet up and watch Project Runway on DVR… but we don’t have it. I can’t think of a compelling enough argument for it (though having Glee and the RedWings playoff game on at the same time the other night was a clear instance of when DVR would be appreciated). Sigh. I kick it old school – waiting for reruns, watching commercials.

9. I enrolled Pumpkin in kindergarten. I know, I know – this should have been the FIRST order of business, instead of the whole Taylor Swift deal. It probably also warrants its own post. It’s kind of a big deal. But, yeah. Last week, I turned in forty reams of paper, an eye of newt, and a paint sample from my hallway (okay – that’s only partially true) and ENROLLED MY KID IN KINDERGARTEN. Where’d time go?

10. I am hoping to officially catch up with life by tomorrow. That whole “needing a vacation from your vacation” thing? It’s totally real.

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Thursday Ten: The Happy EarthDay To You Edition

April 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

1. It’s Earth Day. Whether it’s a day you acknowledge or it isn’t, in our house we TRY to act as if it’s Earth Day every day. In the past few years, we’ve stepped up our recycling efforts considerably and what a MAJOR difference that has made in the amount of trash we set to the curb each week – our garbage can used to be overflowing and now it’s typically maybe half full (or is it… half empty?). But, the funny thing is, Pumpkin and I went to my guitar lesson today and I came home to realize that she’d left a light on in an empty house for two hours. Earth Day, fail. But, we do the best we can.

2. I am now totally and madly in love with Fage 0% Greek yogurt topped with honey. You would think fat free yogurt would have a puny consistency – but seriously? So rich and creamy and totally awesome. (And no, no one paid me to say that, but if they did? I’d say it again. Louder. YUM)

3. Guitar lesson went well this week. Last week was a Grade A fiasco – Pumpkin just did NOT want to be there. This week, I hooked her up with my iPhone and some headphones and the Dr. Seuss apps, and she listened to The Lorax for 20 minutes. PURE awesomeness.

4. So, apparently, there’s a girly-bidness-cycle-tracking app for men. It’s called Code Red. Ladies – do you wish the men in your life had an app like this or does it just seem weird? Men, do you wish you had the opportunity to track it and stock up on Hershey bars in advance? I’m curious.

5. I am LOVING my new camera. LOVE LOVE LOVE. The downside? Do you know how many amazing things you can buy for a camera? How many amazing lenses? The adorable camera bags (I’m lusting after that Belle bag – y’know, in case you wanted to buy me a present for… uh… May Day. Yeah. May Day)? I don’t wish I picked a cheaper hobby – I LOVE photography. But whoa.

6. I saw a snippet of “Food Inc” this morning and I’m definitely going to have to watch the whole thing. Between Food Inc and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, I’m definitely doing a lot of thinking lately about the food supply and what we as a nation are feeding our families. Have you seen Food Inc.? Has it changed the way you shop and prepare meals for your family?

7. This morning, we dropped by the store before taking the kids to school. Had to dash in and get coffee — on the way out, the girls said they wanted a cantaloupe. I didn’t have time to stop and buy one then… but I did this afternoon. Any time the girls have wanted to try a fruit or veggie, I’ve made a point to do it. Even the mango that they took one bite of and decided they didn’t like it (I’m pretty sure it was out of season – that was NOT a good mango). I loved going back for a fruit run this afternoon. And, yeah, I love cantaloupe too. So having one in the house feels very springlike for me.

8. Last night, I finished reading Anna Quindlen’s Every Last One (affiliate link). I have loved Anna Quindlen’s stories since I read Black and Blue several years ago. I love the way she weaves a story, and Every Last One was gripping and unexpected and heart wrenching… and very well-told. Loved it.

9. Project Runway tonight! I was bummed, actually, when Mila won that third slot to show at Bryant Park. I’m not really a fan – but I had a hunch that she’d be the one to get the opportunity.

10. Since getting a new camera, I’ve handed one of my older digitals to The Princess. Holy moley. That girl loves to take pictures. Over 100 pictures in a day. She’s definitely thinking some of her shots through. It’s interesting to see what she sees and how she sees it.

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Mom Shtuff, music, Photography, Thursday Ten Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Thursday Ten: Did You PhotoHunt YET? Edition

April 15, 2010 by 1 Comment

1. You probably know that TODAY is the deadline for the photoscavenger hunt to raise moohlah for fighting breast cancer and kicking it in the bootay. Have you entered yet? No? Why not? Read more about it HERE.

2. New music for the week: Um, stuff from Glee. Yeah. I’m unashamed of my love for this show. I am also not at all embarassed that I now have at least three different versions of “Hello” in iTunes – including Lionel Richie’s original. I love that song and remember vaguely the video from way back when – wasn’t he blind in that video? Or the girl was? Whatever, I was too busy singing along.

3. The Princess lost another tooth over spring break. These two teeth falling out have left her with that adorable gap in the front of her mouth. I love it. I wonder if her dentist will give me a discount at her cleaning in a few weeks – clearly she has less teeth for him to check.

4. Project Runway night TONIGHT. I’m kinda curious which of the two-tied-designers ends up going to Bryant Park (I hope it’s not Mila). Oh, the suspense. Also, I’m pretty pleased with the other two who are definitely heading to Fashion Week – I’ve been pretty impressed with them all season. While this season is better than last season, I think Lifetime still has a way to go until it’s up to par with what the show was on Bravo.

5. Today is tax day. Are your taxes all done? Were you pulling your hair out getting things wrapped up last night so you could get ’em in today?

6. Today was my first guitar lesson in two weeks (due to spring break and what not). Admittedly, I have hardly picked up my guitar in that span of time and was more than a little concerned how badly it would go today. BUT… it didn’t! In fact, it went pretty well and I somehow managed to have made some progress. Things were fine til Pumpkin decided to smack my (very surprised) guitar teacher on the butt on the way out of the studio. Whoops.

7. My guitar teacher also let me know it was about time to pick more songs I wanted to learn to play – so if you have any ideas (NOT Freebird), drop me a comment. The request line is now open.

8. It’s 80 degrees in Michigan today. The sun is shining. The flowers are blooming. The air outside smells like cow manure. Michigan spring in full effect.

9. I went to book club last night and we had a pretty decent discussion stemming from the reading of Irreplaceable* – mostly regarding the topic of organ donation which was a primary theme in this novel. Then we chose next month’s selection out of the jar, and, DANG. It sounds like not my cup of tea. A non-fiction book about the oppression of women. GRANTED – I know the topic is important, and it actually has excellent reviews on both Amazon and Good Reads – but heavy lifting is not why I’m in a book club. I’m more than a little “meh” about that selection.

10. And in what is my most exciting news of the week: I finally got a big girl camera. I’ve been drooling over the Canon DSLRs for a long time and finally took the leap and got one. I’m kind of excited. I love it and I think it needs a name so that I can pat my camera lovingly and murmur sweet nothings to it. And if you’re gonna murmur sweet nothings to your camera it should totally have a name.

*affiliate link like whoa

Filed Under: Books and Stuff, Do Good Feel Good, Photography, Thursday Ten Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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