Archives for February 2009

Blogversations:

February 28, 2009

Hey guys!

You want to know dedication? Dedication is coming home late from Date Night to make a video, even though all I really wanted to do was scrub off the makeup and put on clothes that have elastic around the waist.

But, I plan on sleeping in Saturday morning while my dear husband wakes up at the crack of dawn to care for the kids, so suffer for my people (you…yes, you’ve become my people), I must.

A few things to keep in mind. It is really late. I ramble anyway, but I really ramble when I’m overtired. In fact I say often that I will be quick, but I don’t know quick. (Notice how often Jimmy yawns during my video. Rude!) Especially at midnight. Love me anyway.

Now, that I’ve seen it….let me change a few things in writing. This was already my second take, as Jimmy announced. In my defense, I had to redo it in hopes that I could make it shorter, but in fact, it ended up longer. So, I called it a night.

Plus, in the first video, his three things to describe me were, “Funny, Loving, Fun.”

What the heck? He didn’t say beautiful?!?

Funny, Loving, Fun?!?

Geez, he may as well have said, “You have a great personality.”

Okay, so first for some of the questions I didn’t get to:

If I had a million dollars what would I do with it? Thanks Sera! I would buy a house, then hire a nanny, housecleaner and a personal chef. And they’d all be full time, live in pals. Jimmy says a million dollars doesn’t go that far, but I don’t believe him. Anyway, it’s my dream.

What is my favorite pampering treatment? Again, thanks Sera. Okay, so with the rest of the million dollars I have left, I would love to have weekly (or daily) massages. I. Love. Them. Also, no matter what our financial state, I cannot live without my hair appointments. They are incredibly sacred. So much in fact that I had a sit down talk with Jimmy before we got married, to let him know that my hair appointments were non negotiable. No Matter What. He agreed, so we we got married. Simple as that.

Lastly, I want to change one answer. If I had to work outside the home, (which is sounding better and better these days) I’d want to host The Soup with Joel McHale. With him, not in place of.

OR, I could be a Karaoke Host. Then when I hog the m-i-c all night, I won’t get dirty looks from the peeps in the audience. You know, because I’m getting paid the big bucks to keep the party rolling.

Okay then…enough about me. What’s up with you? (And by you, I mean, all three of you….unless, there just so happens to be more brave souls who want to join in!)

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Don’t catch on fire:

February 28, 2009

We’ve all heard the story about the child in the emergency room because she had licked her hands that had hand sanitizer with alcohol in it. Right? Even if it’s not true, there is some truth in that alcohol is not good to be putting on our kids let alone our own hands. Did you know that alcohol dries out your hands? That it makes you skin age? Do you really think we need that?!?

Do I hear a resounding NO?!?

As if those reasons aren’t enough, let me just scare you by saying that alcohol can catch fire when exposed to flames. Now, did you know that?!?

Okay, so to be honest. Even knowing what I know, I’ve still been using the stuff. I just get too grossed out by public bathroom germs and such. And especially with a newborn and a toddler, I keep that stuff glued to my 3 years old hands much too often.

I was so relieved when Mom Fuse allowed me the opportunity to try Remi-D.

Remi-D is an all-natural hand sanitizing product BUT without the Alcohol, Triclosan and Parabens. (I actually don’t really know what that means, I’m just guessing by the sound of it, they aren’t good!) The only thing Remi-D does to your hands is clean them. Cool huh? And instead of it being a liquid goop that comes out, it’s a spray. You just spritz spritz, and off you go. And you know I’m all about making you people smell better, so of course, it has a light subtle cucumber-y smell.

As always, let me share with you where to find this awesome product:

Remi-D hand sanitizing products are available at fine drug and food stores. Including:
A&P
Pathmark
Waldbaums
The Food Emporium
Food Basics
Super Fresh
Hannaford
ShopRite
Market Basket
P&C
Quality Markets
Big Y
Kinney Drug
CVS.com

Cheers to not catching on fire and toddlers not getting sick.

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too legit – it’s how i roll

February 27, 2009

When I started my blog, I had no idea that I would ever have people who would read it. I mean, I thought those near and dear to me might peek in once in awhile, but I never imagined it would become what it is now. In fact, only a small few of the people I know actually read this, while most of my readers are complete strangers. (By strangers I mean, I’ve never met you, though a lot of you I feel I know well.)

Anyway, my goal in starting Le Musings was to get back into my love of writing. I wanted to gain experience, to challenge myself to be creative, and to do something that was just for me that made me feel complete. (writing, you complete me.)

Along the way, I picked up readers. And I was so excited. Then I started getting followers which makes my days brighter when I get a new one, and sadder when one goes away. Oh, the roller coaster of the blogging life.

As life goes on, things change, and I have to learn how to change with them. There is a little struggle now, a delicate balance I am learning. My goal for this blog is and will always remain the same, so how do I adjust to continue to make it work for everyone?

Now that I have readers, it’s no longer just about me. Rather than simply writing for my own personal growth, I have this increasing desire to help others grow as well. (Or to help them learn, or laugh, or decorate, or shop, or dress, or especially to help you all smell better….) The point is, I’m no longer alone on this journey. And I love that. Bring it on.

So, now that we’ve had that moment together and all good feelings are established, I just wanted to be clear about something.

As many bloggers are, I’ve been contacted by numerous PR reps asking me to review their products. I was quite excited, because it not only gave me a chance to try or read new things, but more importantly, it was a welcomed challenge that stretched my comfort zone of writing.

Suddenly, big dreams of become an ad writer filled my head. (Picture Lynette Scavo from Desperate Housewives…but longer hair and less kids. And not nearly as skinny…and of course a whole lot funnier.)

I guess I want to be clear that I am not selling out. My standards are high, and I would never accept any review assignment that wasn’t something I found relevant to either my life or to the lives of my readers. Another thing I want to be clear on, is that you have my word that I will always be honest. If I don’t like something, you will know. If it’s, “eh,” you will know. If I love it, then I will file it among the posts I did long before PR reps, posts titled: “Things I Love.” (*edited to add* And by the way, I only plan on doing one review a week, two at most.)

I’m not even sure any of you care, but I felt it on my heart to be honest.

When it all comes down to it, my love is writing. And it has always been my dream to be able to explore many different avenues of that passion. But, as with all things in my life, I will always do so with the utmost integrity and honesty.

Because that is just how I roll.

Enough said.

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an angel on earth

February 26, 2009

When I read the option from Mama Kat to write about what made your childhood bearable, my eyes immediately welled up with tears.

What made my childhood bearable could only be Norma and her home. (In the picture above: Me, Norma, and my little sister Brittany on Mother’s Day at her house.)

I honestly cannot imagine my childhood without her. I cannot even begin to imagine the kind of person I would be today had she not been in my life.

Norma was our neighbor who lived across the alley. She was married to the sweetest man, Mr. H, as she called him. They are absolutely the most incredible people I have ever known, and what they added to my life, I will never really be able to put into words. I will never be able to completely honor them the way they deserve.

When I was little I would go over to her house several times a week. She would always welcome me in, no matter what she was doing. If she was was busy with laundry, I’d want to help clean the vent. If she was working, she’d let me pretend to be her secretary. She was never too busy for me, and I always knew it was her home I could go to when I needed to feel wanted.

My favorite memories were the times she would invite her friends over from church. She would pull out the Skip Bo cards, Hostess Ding Dongs, and soda. Then, we’d all sit around her kitchen table and I’d get to play cards with the ladies. It was always fun, always full of lightness and laughter. The best part was that the winner would get an extra treat, so it became my mission to win every time. (And I did most of the time too! What I’ll do for chocolate, even back then.)

But, what really made me feel special, was the fact that they treated me like I was one of them.

Going to her house was the highlight of my days.

In fact, Norma became like another mom to me. Her home was my safe place, especially during the times when my family life began to fall apart.

When my sister and I would get into a punch out/drag out fight, (we’re hard core I tell you), I would run over to Norma’s.

And when I would lose the fight (which was often) and I’d find myself locked out of my house in the rain wearing only socks, it was Norma’s house I padded over to. (Okay, so to be fair, this only happened once. The socks part, not the losing the fight part.)

When I was listening to my parents fight, and I was sobbing tears from a broken heart, Norma’s door was open. There was always a Skip-Bo game, a soda, and a ding dong waiting for me. More importantly, she always had a warm hug, a meaningful word, and the perfect prayer to offer to God on my behalf.

I had grown up going to church, but when my parents divorced, my mom was really hurt. So, we stopped going together as a family. Norma stepped in, and every Wednesday and Sunday she would pick me up and take me to church with her.

When I became a teenager and I was fighting with my mom over phone time and boys, I would run to Norma. She always listened, always cared. She didn’t always take my side, but she definitely had a way about her that would help me to see it from another perspective. So many times, she was the mediator between my mom and I, and I can only thank her for helping to bridge that gap I felt with my mom over the years.

When I graduated High School and moved to Idaho for a boy only to get there and be cheated on, it was Norma who sent me a 5 page letter giving me hope and encouragement in order to help me through the pain.

When I went on mission trips to Mexico & The Dominican Republic, Norma and Jay (Mr. H) were the first to offer financial assistance.

I went through a lot in all the years I lived in Bremerton, and I honestly believe I wouldn’t have made it through if I hadn’t had her love, her devotion, her wisdom, her guidance, and most importantly her prayers in my life.

She saved me from myself. And I’m a much better person because of her.

My greatest hope is that I can be to just one person what she was to me.

Selfless, loving, giving, caring, open, honest, generous, patient, kind…

These words are Norma.

And Norma is what made my childhood bearable.

(I know this is long for a blog post, but I couldn’t skimp on words for her!)

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details, details (contest & blogversations)

February 25, 2009

Okay guys, here’s the deal. I’ve made the executive decision that Blogversations will be a Free Day on the last Saturday of the month. Basically, talk (or show pictures) of whatever you so desire. (Mama Kat & Kimmy, I’m talking to you.) 😉 Yaya, you in? Katie? Come on girls! Show us you in all your glorious glory.

I was actually thinking of doing a Q&A for my video Saturday…so if you guys have anything you’ve been dying to know, leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them Saturday. And if I don’t get any questions, then I will simply assume that I’ve been divulging much to much information about myself on here, and then I’ll be forced to tone it down a notch.

Also, I just added into the Care Package Giveaway a Gift Certificate for Chili’s. Yum yum. They have this new Guiltless Grill menu thats healthy and delicious, that I LOVE, so now you get the chance to try it out too!

So, now with clean skin, you can wear your new lip gloss, with your new jewelry, and beautifully painted nails, and head out for dinner on the town. Could this giveaway get any better?!?

Coming up in March I have some more awesome giveaways! In fact it looks like I may have one every week for the whole month. We’re talking skin care, foot care, books, and more!

And I didn’t think I was the giveaway kind of girl. Ha!

In other important fashion news, I saw these on Cupcakes & Cashmere today, and I decided I need them.

Okay, so excuse me while I drool over these for a bit.

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what I learned from the real housewives of the o.c.

February 25, 2009

The last episode was too much.

And since I wasted many hours of my life watching it, I feel as though there should be a lesson in there somewhere. Here’s what I took away from the series.

*If you get your day in the spotlight, i.e. reality t.v., suddenly you are qualified to create a skin care line, become a singer even though you can’t sing, or design jewelry for Saks.

*Every thing you see is fake, unless it’s something that isn’t a body part.

*Husband’s purchase big pricey items, and then only choose to give that present conveniently when the cameras are around.

*You can’t be sweet and give thoughtful (expensive) Coach wristlets without nasty ladies thinking there is something backstabbing behind it.

*Vickie is awful. I hate when people on T.V. claim they are christians and then act as she does. It gives Christians a really bad rap. She is flirting with other men IN FRONT OF HER HUSBAND, talking mean in front of and behind the backs of the other girls, degrating her husband in front of others. Cussing, drinking, being awful….and yet she doesn’t believe in pre marital sex.

Huh?!?

And did anybody almost roll their eye balls out of their sockets when she put Gretchen down for being an attention stealer, yet proceeded to show every person near her the new Rolex she bought herself? Not only did she have to actually say, “I bought this for myself.” But she had to say it, again, in front of her husband.

Honey, let me tell you why your “love tank” aint full….

*Anyway, I decided that Jeana is sad, but the most with it of all the ladies. And I really like Laurie. Despite her plasticy-ness.

*And what was up with Jo’s hair? She really did look like she was 12.

My goodness, I’m realizing just how sad this post is. I guess if that’s all I learned from the show, then maybe I shouldn’t be watching it. Good thing it was the last season.

Time to see what the NY ladies are up to.

Can I just say I’m glad I’m not a part of “upper class” society? I don’t think I’d fit in very well with my certain small natural body parts, and my fake MJ bag.

Just a thought.

P.S. Jay & Dan – Hope you enjoyed the pictures. They were especially for you.

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chloe hope

February 24, 2009

I feel it’s only fair, since my first Tuesday Tribute was to Taylor, that I should also acknowledge the girl in my life as well.

And let me just preface this by saying that my experience with Tay was the direct opposite of my experience with Chloe. You know, I just honestly believe, God is fair.

So, don’t hate me. I deserved this.

Let me be clear that I DID NOT want to have a girl. Even with Taylor being as “energetic” (read: incredibly hard) as he is, it still seemed better than having a little high maitenance “me” running around.

But then I had Chloe. And instantly Chloe gave me hope. So we named her, Chloe Hope.

From the moment she was placed on my chest, she was calm and serene. She simply stared into my eyes, and from that moment she immediately stole my heart.

But then, it only got better. Incredible, magical things began to happen. All of which, I promise, were beyond my control.

The first night in the hospital she went 4 hours between feedings! We never heard her cry. She just opened her eyes, made a noise, and we would know it was time to feed her.

Oh, how I loved her.

So, we brought her home and she continued to sleep 4 hours, sometimes 5.

Incredibly, that feeling of love grew even more!

At one month, she was smiling. At a month a half, she was laughing. And all the while, the sleeping continued.

Deep deep love.

Two months came, and don’t throw eggs at my house, but she was sleeping 12 hours every night!

It was then that her name came to fruition. It was especially then that I knew I was meant to have a girl.

It was then that I was so in love that I knew nothing would ever change the way I felt for her.

Now, I know, that come 10 years things will most likely change and the pain and suffering I caused my mom, will turn around and bite me in my butt. But, (no pun intended), I feel that this is a good beginning.

God gave me me this incredible beginning, so that we could establish such an incredible bond, such a deep love, that it would survive even the teenager years.

(Does this mean that Taylor will be an angel once puberty hits? Awesome!)

Anyway, I adore Chloe. She has such a sweet smile, such a sweet face, and such a sweet spirit. I’m honored to be her mom.

And I thought I didn’t want a girl. I guess this proves, that while MOST of the time (especially when it comes to my husband) I am right, when it comes to gifts from God, He really does know best.

She has completed our family in such a perfect way.

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breastfeeding & resolutions

February 23, 2009

Okay, so every once in awhile I get a wild hair up my butt to write an article for Associated Content.

Here are two I wanted to share with you guys…

And of course I’d love to hear your feedback! (the good stuff of course!)

This one is one I wrote with a neighbor friend of mine. Our goal is to meet once a week so we can write more. Here’s our first attempt.

Why Breastfeeding Can Just Suck It

And then here’s one that I wrote myself about keeping your New Years Resolutions:

Tips to Keep Your New Years Resolutions

So there ya go. Check em out and have a Happy Monday!

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blogversations

February 21, 2009

Hey guys!

Okay, so I’m not feeling all that great. My throat hurts from all the yelling I did at my HurryDate event that I hosted last night. So, I’m not too fun much this week. In fact, I couldn’t even bear to watch the video back to make sure it looked ok. So, I hope it’s not too bad.

Anyway, this week, it’s all about the discipline. For yourself, your child/ren, your husband, your pets…whatever. Just give us the low down on what’s been working for ya.

Also, I’d love to hear your ideas for future Blogversations. I am going to start a list so any ideas or suggestions you have would be just awesome.

And now without further audieu:

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never say never

February 19, 2009

Bear with me, I’m about to go deep. (It happens from time to time…gotta mix it up!)

But, I have just really been struck by the fact that so many of us think certain things will “never” happen to us.

We’ll never lose a baby.

We’ll never lose our home.

We’ll never do what “that” mom/dad does. Or what “that” wife/husband did.

We’ll never be married to “that” kind of a husband/wife.

It goes on and on and on.

And so we take life for granted, we judge, and we point fingers.

And yet, it is quite likely that the very thing we’re saying never about, may just touch our lives at some point. We may actually one day be that mom, wife, husband, dad….and not even realize how we got there.

Things happen. They just do. Bad things happen to good people. Good people make bad mistakes. It’s life. And not one of us is exempt from “it” happening.

Basically I’ve learned to never say never.

I guess the lesson I’m learning is that rather than being naive to it, I should instead always be on guard, always be aware, and always love like today’s my last chance to do so.

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