a free choice item.

It doesn't happen often, but when it does....you better believe I am going to celebrate it!  I am talking about a brilliant move in mothering.

Grocery shopping is my least favorite chore (besides toilets!).  I am at the store a minimum of 3 times a week, but that is only if I am prepared.  I have finicky eaters and I have a gluten-free husband.  We can't eat on the run easily, so that means I have to go to the local grocer more than I would like.  In the summer, more often than not,  I have to take both of my monkeys.

It usually goes something like this: "Mom, can we get cinnamon rolls?"  "No."  "Mom, can we get Gatorade?"  "No."  "Mom, can we get ice cream?"  "NO."  "Mom, can we get Swedish Fish?"  "NOOOOO!" 

However, the last time we all went to the store my boys each had a list.  On it were 3 items that we needed and a free choice item.  I told them they were in charge of finding the items on their lists and then the could choose ONE item of their choosing.  Our trip went something like this:  "Mom, can we get cinnamon rolls?"  "Do you want that to be your free choice item?"  "Ummmm, no thanks."  I knew I was on to something by the 3rd time they asked for something and my answer could always be the same. "Would you like that to be your free choice item?"   I was calm, there were no fits (unbelievably!), and everyone got what they needed.

Please note, this is not a usual occurrence for our family....so it is something to write home about.  This is not a spur of the moment activity, so it will take some planning.  But in my opinion, well worth it!

a new habit

While chatting with a friend the other day, she spoke of the greatest thing I had heard of in a long time.  Her knowledge has become a new obsession.  MYHABIT

As described on their website:
MYHABIT is a private fashion sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands. Most of our events start daily at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET and last 72 hours. Most of our events start daily at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET and last 72 hours.

These are a few of the "events" that are going on right now:

Elizabeth and James

Corso Como Shoes

Alpha Industries (kids' wear)

 

Some of the items are as low as $10, but sell out quickly.  But with free shipping and free returns, you can buy without worry.  If it doesn't work or you don't like it....back it goes.  I haven't bought anything yet, but I love how it is a mix of names I have heard and others that are new to me!  

nude, suntan, pearl-no thanks

The fresh faced, totally charismatic Duchess of Cambridge, is a huge, HUGE fan of old school hosiery.  She has been photographed wearing stockings at almost every public engagement. They were on full display on her recent trip to North America.   I have read that it is royal protocol-that along with closed toe shoes.  However, I have also read that it is totally her choice and that the many young European women LOVE them. 

Pantyhose?  Really?  I know everything 80's is hot, so hot......but this-I just can't wrap my head around it!  The last time I can actually remember wearing a pair of these torture devices was at my wedding-10 years ago.  (Now that I think of it- I have not a clue why!)  Never, and I repeat NEVER, have I worn a pair of pantyhose without the crotch hovering around my knees in no time flat.  I am a midget, so there has never been a pair that actually fit me correctly.  And then there is the whole business of picking the right color.  If you are going for skin tone, that is nearly impossible.  It never looks the same once you put them on and if you try to slide it on your forearm to test the color -you are guaranteed to snag it!  They cost a fortune and always, ALWAYS run.  (Pink nail polish, anyone?)

Snags, runs, and low riding crotches.  Who needs it?  Please tell me I am not the only one who (passionately) feels that this piece of the 1980's needs to stay there!

to short lengths and back again

Evan Rachel Wood.  Rhianna. Emma Watson. Ginnifer Goodwin.  Halle Berry.  All with very different ethnic backgrounds, skin tones, hair color, and bone structure.  But all smokin' hot with short hair! I am envious of how their great cuts can look classy, punk, or demure- with the help from "just the right" product. In the midst of growing my hair longer, I often daydream of chopping it all off.  And then I remember.......

Yes, that is me-circa 1992.  Without telling anyone or thinking about it for more than 3 minutes, I cut off all of my hair!  Hair that grown to the middle of my back.  I went, spur of the moment, and transformed myself with this pixie cut.  What was I thinking?  Little did I know, short hair is not easier. (Don't let anyone tell you differently!)  It always has to be styled or you look like a boy.  No pony tails, no fun up-dos.  And don't even get me started on the process of growing this decision out!  Excruciating.  I will not be posting any pictures from that time period.  It goes without saying, I will never, EVER go short again.

Although, those girls do look great........

deux lux

Deux Lux.  I doubly adore my Deux Lux handbag because my husband gave it to me, unexpectedly, for Christmas 2008.  If you lived in the greater Puget Sound area, you know that husbands who put off shopping until the bitter end, did not fare well.  We were all snowed in and everything was literally shut down.  Lucky for me the local boutique, What to Wear, was open and more than willing to help him out!  I totally dig the off-beat pairing of black satin and black leather.  If you see me out and about, you will see me toting it!

Check out these lovely ladies!  New from Deux Lux..... and so darn unforgettable.

Twiggie Wristlet

Fashion and Function. That is a hot bag!

Ipanema Large Duffle (also comes in medium or small!)

A "mom" only get-away bag.  (Don't think my boys would ask to borrow this one.)

I had a really hard time deciding on which color I liked best for the duffle.  Visit the Deux Lux website and let me know which one is your favorite.
http://deuxlux.hostasaurus.com/

(P.S.  I hope you know I don't buy all of what I post on my blog.  I just dream.  Maybe one of you will indulge...)

good bye, my cup of joe

Sadly, I am giving up caffeine. With that, my beloved cup of morning coffee goes with it!  If you are one who looks forward to your first cup of the day, you will understand my trepidation.

I dread the first week's excruciating headache (yes, I have done this before).  It is never quite the same when you meet someone for coffee and sip on an herbal tea.  But mostly, I will truly miss my mug of sanity to sip on as my crazy family comes to life in the morning.  Some days it is my life line as the bustle- preparing breakfast, packing lunches, clearing dishes, signing homework journals, finding glasses and readying two non-compliant boys for the day ahead -hits me like a Peterbilt!  How will I ever do it?

The positive effects better drastically outweigh the significant downside.  All this hype about cutting out caffeine.....better pan out!  Do you know what I am talking about?

first reactions

What is your first reaction to the title of this book?  Without worry of being judged, I literally laughed out loud.  I am sure you can guess that controversy is brewing over this satirical good night story for parents-obviously not intended to be read to children.   

 Who has not thought this exact sentiment in her head while trying to get very young children to bed?  I vividly remember trying to follow some damn method- which name now escapes me- to cure my oldest of his affinity of getting out of his toddler bed....repeatedly.  Simply pick him up, put him back in the bed, and close the door.  No talking, no reasoning, just quiet and simple.  Simple my ass!  Toddlers smell fatigue and will persevere without fail.  We counted 76 "get-ups" in one evening.  The kid was tireless.  One of us would inevitably end up laying on the floor beside the bed and more often than not fall asleep before said child.  Thankfully, he grew out of it and we did survive.

That is why this book title is so stinking funny! We are all just trying to make it to bedtime.  If you can't laugh...parenthood may kill you off!  So I say, kuddos to you-Adam Mansbach.  Thank you for writing a book that every modern day parent can enjoy with a glass of wine after the kids are f*^#ing asleep!

Buy the book at amazon.com OR

download a free audio copy recorded by Samuel L. Jackson at audible.com