Freaky in that I'm going to do blog list for the first time in, uh, a year. What can I say, I'm all about building anticipation among my readership of three (HI MOM!).
1. I really want to get rid of cable. Really a lot, because our bill is topping $170/mo. And daycare is going up $80/mo starting next week. I don't know about you, but we have yet to find a house with a money tree out back. WHERE IS ALL THE MONEY? Not at our house, that's where. Cutting cable seems like such an easy money saver, especially with all the streaming options out there. Except...cable. What about the final season of Mad Men? What about Top Chef? What about the babysitt...I mean, Disney Channel?
Life is full of tough choices and I think our tough choice is going to be what flavor of Hamburger Helper to buy next (with a coupon) so we can afford to keep cable.
2. Speaking of coupons...I am dangerously close to becoming a crazy coupon lady. Ok, not really. But I do love saving money and have recently begun challenging myself to get the best deals possible at Target. Between the coupons from the paper, the coupons I get at checkout, my Target Cartwheel app (which is a little creepy but quite handy), Target promotions (get a $5 gift card if you buy three, yada yada), and my Target RedCard, I'm doing alright. A few weeks ago I saved almost $30 off my $100 grocery bill. I WIN!
Couponing is essentially sports for uncoordinated moms who love shopping. And we all know I excel at shopping.
3. Whatever happened to Supermarket Sweep? I would totally win that, too.
4. You'll be delighted to hear that I finally found a mascara I truly love. Bobbi Brown No-Smudge. Stays on, doesn't flake, and – as promised – doesn't smudge. You may not believe me on that last point because I currently have mascara smudged under both eyes, but that's only because I was too lazy to remove yesterday's.
I've also branched out and fallen in love with a few other cosmetic items. Urban Decay's Primer Potion stays on, isn't too thick, and so far doesn't get crusty and hard in the tube (my only real complaint about the MAC paints). Eyeliner has long been a source of frustration for me and I've been using shadow with a liner brush but decided to give Stila's Smudge Stick a go and I really like it. Goes on easily, stays on all day.
Now that my eyes are smudge-proof, I might have to dedicate an evening to watching/sobbing my way through some classics like Love Story or The Way We Were. Or The Notebook. Hey girl.
5. Back to TV. Nate and I recently started watching two shows which are kind of the same (cop dramas investigating murders) and totally different (Mexican border town, British coastal town). The Bridge is really good but makes me never want to set foot in Mexico again despite my deep deep love for beaches and guacamole. Broadchurch is creepy and sad but has significantly improved my ability to decipher the words of a brooding, mumbling Brit. Both are highly recommended.
6. I just finished Mindy Kaling's book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) after a two-evening reading marathon. She's so funny and I'm pretty sure that book plus a beach and guacamole (somewhere other than Juarez, Mexico) would have put me in a state of euphoria. Do you guys have any favorites in a similar vein (besides Tina Fey's Bossypants, because obviously I bought that the day it came out and finished it two hours later)?
7. Right now I really don't have the energy or mental capacity to process anything heavier than a Mindy Kaling book (I know this for sure because I spelled three words wrong in this sentence and then spelled sentence wrong, too), so I've been relying heavily on Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum audiobooks. These might require even less brainpower than Mindy's book, but they make my commute fly by and probably offer neighboring drivers a good show since I spend a lot of time laughing out loud. Something to consider if you have a long drive to work or want to drown out the sounds of your children. If your kids are anything like mine they'll either be talking too much or screaming too loud to notice the sexual innuendos and swear words. (Just kidding, I would never listen to it with them in the car. I don't need Calvin asking me why Stephanie feels all tingly when Ranger walks in. Besides, that's a ridiculous question. Obviously any woman with a pulse would feel similarly.)
8. This is so good.
9. Now that summer's winding down, I think I can safely say what worked and what didn't in the garden. Basil, rosemary, and chives grew easily. Our little strawberry plant produced all summer long and Calvin ate them all. The cherry tomatoes turned out super sweet and yummy and Audra ate them all. Zucchini doesn't like pots. Lettuce does, but I don't like lettuce from pots. The first round of roma tomatoes suffered from blossom end rot, but there is another crop ripening now and they look perfect. Our tiny green pepper plant refused to grow all summer but now there are two little green peppers hanging from it and I'm excited. Our cilantro was great but then I cut it back too much and it didn't come back. Same with the dill, but I only cut that back because we didn't really use much and it was taking over. The kids ate a snap pea every time they saw one, and scarfed down the carrots, too. The green beans were the first to arrive and the first to go, but they were abundant while they lasted.
The plan for next year is to build two raised beds on the plot of grass behind our fence. We get a ton of sun and we'll be able to plan more. We'll definitely keep the herbs in pots on the patio, but I hope to plant a larger variety of tomatoes along with more peas, carrots, beans, green peppers, strawberries, and zucchini out back. I'd like to try onions and leeks next year, too. Maybe even a watermelon? We also planted three raspberry bushes alongside our garage this year, so hopefully that will save us the big bucks next summer because my kids are bottomless berry dumpsters.
10. We're headed to the Minnesota State Fair tomorrow morning, and yes there will be corn dogs and deep fried something-or-another at 8am. When I reminded Calvin of our plan to visit the fair tomorrow, he said "Is that where we go to eat a lot of junk for breakfast?"
Sounds like he's got the plan down pat.
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday, September 7, 2012
Back at it.
Happy fall, friends!
Okay, fine. I know it's not officially fall. But the kids are back to school, my commute is back to being annoyingly long, and the pumpkin spice latte is back at Starbucks.
It's fall. At least in my head. And I would suggest you get on board with that or find yourself another blog to read because it's about to get all boot shopping and tv watching and comfort food eating up in here.
1. So, Tuesday was the first day of school in Minnesota and many other places. I know this because everyone on Facebook posted adorable pictures of their children with backpacks and cute little "first day of" signs. Everyone, that is, but me. Because it never once crossed my mind that it might be Calvin's first day of preschool. Even though he moved into a new class in a new building with a new teacher. For preschool.
I don't know if I'm sadder that I missed taking a picture of Calvin on his first day or that I missed out on cute sign making. Probably the latter. Especially since he needs a bath and has been sporting some seriously bad hair for the last week.
Will someone please send me an email or something next year so I don't forget to bathe/photograph him on his first day of pre-k?
Much appreciated.
2. In August, I told Nate I was going to do another September cooking challenge on the blog. Now that we're seven days into September, I think it's pretty clear that won't be happening. We'll shoot for October instead. Until then, here's something I made recently that was super easy and quite good.
Baked Chicken Fajitas
Courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff via Pinterest
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 medium onion, sliced
1 large green pepper, seeded and sliced
2 T vegetable oil
2 t chili powder
2 t cumin
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t dried oregano
1/4 t salt
Serve with:
Flour tortillas
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Lettuce
Avocado
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together chicken, tomatoes, chilies, green peppers and onions and spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Combine the oil and spices in a small bowl, drizzle over the chicken and veggies, and toss to coat. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. I am on the prowl for cognac boots. I think I mentioned this earlier. This falls into the stuff-I-want-but-can't-stand-to-shop-for category. Very few things fall into that category. Very few. Because I love to shop. I even love a good shopping challenge. But boots. Ugh. There are too many factors to consider: color, height, circumference, width, style, heel. I want something I can wear casually with jeans but still dress up with skirts and tights. I want something I can walk in while holding 50lbs of children. I want something that's close to my knee but not over it. I want real leather. I don't want to pay a zillion dollars.
I'm never going to find them, am I?
4. Well, if I can't have perfect boots, I guess I'll have to settle for perfect flats. Like these metallic Tory Burch ones I've always wanted that only cost $195.
Hahahaha.
5. Have I mentioned my addiction to Downton Abbey? I am hopelessly obsessed with that show. Like, going through withdrawal obsessed. Luckily, the season three trailer came out this week. It's not enough to keep me satisfied, not even close, but I'll take what I can get.
Please listen to me. If someone suggested you watch Downton Abbey and your response was "Ew. A PBS Masterpiece Theatre period drama? Not a chance" then you need to shut your mouth and get yourself to the nearest streaming video service. While you're there, just go ahead and block out the next 15 hours of your life. You'll thank me later.
6. I am working on my fall must-haves clothing list. So far it includes the aforementioned boots. I know I need more than that, seeing as I spent last fall/winter in maternity clothes and most of what I wore the year before is now probably out of style or ill-fitting. Postpartum dressing really is the pits. Because even if you lose all the baby weight, nothing fits like it did and you pretty much have to start over or get real creative with your styling. Sad to say, styling is not my strong suit. Or even my mediocre suit. I so wish I could be one of those girls with perfectly tousled hair and a casually draped scarf that looks amazing over the most basic but well-fitting tshirt and jeans, but mostly I am just awkward and frizzy and wearing Gap jeans that stretched out five seconds after I put them on.
7. Seriously, what is the deal with Gap jeans? They used to be my go-to, now they are my run-from. This blog post is kind of hilarious and awful and while I don't really like any of the jeans she's hocking on the positive side (not a fan of pocket adornment myself, I'm a 33-year-old mother and marketing professional after all, not a teenager looking to score some beer and a new lower back tat), I can't argue with the fact that those Gap jeans are frump city. If you have recommendations for non-mom jeans with a 34 or 35 inch inseam that are appropriate for the workplace and won't break the bank or stretch out beyond recognition within minutes, by all means — send them my way. I'm getting desperate.
8. My kid wants to be Super Why for Halloween. My mother-in-law has kindly agreed to make the cape, but I'm at a loss on where to find a solid green outfit and blue mini shorts. I'm thinking it might be easier to find a pair of blue track pants and a blue t-shirt and accent with a green mask and cape. He probably won't even notice. Although he's remarkably observant at the most inopportune times, like when I mutter "what is your DEAL?" to a frustrating driver or someone says "stupid" within an 800-mile radius.
And yes, I realize there is a Super Why costume available for purchase, but I am one of those snobby moms who prefers homemade costumes. And by homemade I mean purchased at several different locations instead of in a single bag.
Snobby AND efficient.
9. There is nothing in the new fall lineup that interests me besides The Mindy Project. And maybe Nashville, since I looove Connie Britton (it's all the Friday Night Lights we've been watching. She's so good.). How disappointing. Although I guess that will help with our who-gets-to-watch-what-now-that-we're-both-home conundrum.
10. I have a long-awaited movie date with Christian Bale tonight. Sigh of happiness.
Don't worry, Nate will be there, too. Probably wishing he wasn't after two hours of me saying "Wow. He's so hot. Isn't he hot? Wow."
Okay, fine. I know it's not officially fall. But the kids are back to school, my commute is back to being annoyingly long, and the pumpkin spice latte is back at Starbucks.
It's fall. At least in my head. And I would suggest you get on board with that or find yourself another blog to read because it's about to get all boot shopping and tv watching and comfort food eating up in here.
1. So, Tuesday was the first day of school in Minnesota and many other places. I know this because everyone on Facebook posted adorable pictures of their children with backpacks and cute little "first day of" signs. Everyone, that is, but me. Because it never once crossed my mind that it might be Calvin's first day of preschool. Even though he moved into a new class in a new building with a new teacher. For preschool.
I don't know if I'm sadder that I missed taking a picture of Calvin on his first day or that I missed out on cute sign making. Probably the latter. Especially since he needs a bath and has been sporting some seriously bad hair for the last week.
Will someone please send me an email or something next year so I don't forget to bathe/photograph him on his first day of pre-k?
Much appreciated.
2. In August, I told Nate I was going to do another September cooking challenge on the blog. Now that we're seven days into September, I think it's pretty clear that won't be happening. We'll shoot for October instead. Until then, here's something I made recently that was super easy and quite good.
Baked Chicken Fajitas
Courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff via Pinterest
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 medium onion, sliced
1 large green pepper, seeded and sliced
2 T vegetable oil
2 t chili powder
2 t cumin
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t dried oregano
1/4 t salt
Serve with:
Flour tortillas
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Lettuce
Avocado
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together chicken, tomatoes, chilies, green peppers and onions and spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Combine the oil and spices in a small bowl, drizzle over the chicken and veggies, and toss to coat. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. I am on the prowl for cognac boots. I think I mentioned this earlier. This falls into the stuff-I-want-but-can't-stand-to-shop-for category. Very few things fall into that category. Very few. Because I love to shop. I even love a good shopping challenge. But boots. Ugh. There are too many factors to consider: color, height, circumference, width, style, heel. I want something I can wear casually with jeans but still dress up with skirts and tights. I want something I can walk in while holding 50lbs of children. I want something that's close to my knee but not over it. I want real leather. I don't want to pay a zillion dollars.
I'm never going to find them, am I?
4. Well, if I can't have perfect boots, I guess I'll have to settle for perfect flats. Like these metallic Tory Burch ones I've always wanted that only cost $195.
Hahahaha.
5. Have I mentioned my addiction to Downton Abbey? I am hopelessly obsessed with that show. Like, going through withdrawal obsessed. Luckily, the season three trailer came out this week. It's not enough to keep me satisfied, not even close, but I'll take what I can get.
Please listen to me. If someone suggested you watch Downton Abbey and your response was "Ew. A PBS Masterpiece Theatre period drama? Not a chance" then you need to shut your mouth and get yourself to the nearest streaming video service. While you're there, just go ahead and block out the next 15 hours of your life. You'll thank me later.
6. I am working on my fall must-haves clothing list. So far it includes the aforementioned boots. I know I need more than that, seeing as I spent last fall/winter in maternity clothes and most of what I wore the year before is now probably out of style or ill-fitting. Postpartum dressing really is the pits. Because even if you lose all the baby weight, nothing fits like it did and you pretty much have to start over or get real creative with your styling. Sad to say, styling is not my strong suit. Or even my mediocre suit. I so wish I could be one of those girls with perfectly tousled hair and a casually draped scarf that looks amazing over the most basic but well-fitting tshirt and jeans, but mostly I am just awkward and frizzy and wearing Gap jeans that stretched out five seconds after I put them on.
7. Seriously, what is the deal with Gap jeans? They used to be my go-to, now they are my run-from. This blog post is kind of hilarious and awful and while I don't really like any of the jeans she's hocking on the positive side (not a fan of pocket adornment myself, I'm a 33-year-old mother and marketing professional after all, not a teenager looking to score some beer and a new lower back tat), I can't argue with the fact that those Gap jeans are frump city. If you have recommendations for non-mom jeans with a 34 or 35 inch inseam that are appropriate for the workplace and won't break the bank or stretch out beyond recognition within minutes, by all means — send them my way. I'm getting desperate.
8. My kid wants to be Super Why for Halloween. My mother-in-law has kindly agreed to make the cape, but I'm at a loss on where to find a solid green outfit and blue mini shorts. I'm thinking it might be easier to find a pair of blue track pants and a blue t-shirt and accent with a green mask and cape. He probably won't even notice. Although he's remarkably observant at the most inopportune times, like when I mutter "what is your DEAL?" to a frustrating driver or someone says "stupid" within an 800-mile radius.
And yes, I realize there is a Super Why costume available for purchase, but I am one of those snobby moms who prefers homemade costumes. And by homemade I mean purchased at several different locations instead of in a single bag.
Snobby AND efficient.
9. There is nothing in the new fall lineup that interests me besides The Mindy Project. And maybe Nashville, since I looove Connie Britton (it's all the Friday Night Lights we've been watching. She's so good.). How disappointing. Although I guess that will help with our who-gets-to-watch-what-now-that-we're-both-home conundrum.
10. I have a long-awaited movie date with Christian Bale tonight. Sigh of happiness.
Don't worry, Nate will be there, too. Probably wishing he wasn't after two hours of me saying "Wow. He's so hot. Isn't he hot? Wow."
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Brain dump.
After having taken most of the summer off from blogging — excluding some lazy posts consisting solely of cute pictures of my kids — you'd better believe I have a few things to throw your way.
It's list time, yo.
(Anyone else follow that up with some sort of 90s "doot doot doot doot, doot doot doot" beat? No? Yeah, me neither.)
1. I've found the perfect shoe. Made by Aerosoles. I don't know if this makes me an old lady or if this makes me brilliant because it is both perfect AND comfortable, but I don't really care. It took me a couple of years, but I am finally wearing an inexpensive wedge sandal that fits my wide foot and goes with everything.
I really I hope I have the same luck when I begin my upcoming search for tall, flat, cognac leather boots. The mere thought of this search stresses me out. Darn you, bunions.*
2. One of the downfalls to our new schedule is going to be TV. In that neither of us will be able to watch whatever we want on it. I've only had to share the remote 1-2 evenings a week for the past decade, so this every night business is going to take some getting used to. Nate is currently engrossed in Breaking Bad; I am obsessed with Downton Abbey. Neither of us has interest in the other. Luckily, we share an affinity for Friday Night Lights, which we've just gotten back into after kind of forgetting about it. But what are we going to do this fall? Nate doesn't want to watch Law & Order: SVU or Grey's Anatomy (oh, Lexie!) and I don't want to watch Monday Night Football or Hell's Kitchen. I suppose we could create some sort of TV watching schedule. Or, you know, turn off the tv and talk to each other.
Eh. Probably the schedule.
3. You should make this salad. It appears to make a TON (truly, I wasn't sure how I was going to mix it, even in my enormous mixing bowl) but turns out after you go back for seconds, thirds, and sevenths, there's really not that much left.
4. I have an odd fascination with colored pants right now. I feel like I want some, but I also feel like they would look horrible on me. And that I'd never wear them because of the horribleness. I am typically pretty willing to take a chance on new trends (see: capri pants, spring 1999), yet I am waffling a bit on this one. But how cute would a pair of pink or red cropped pants be with a jean jacket and black flats? HMMM.
Stay tuned. And if I do show up anywhere wearing pink or red pants, please be kind despite the almost certain horribleness. Points should always be given for fashion bravery, friends. Always. Unless we're talking Chloe Sevigny, who is not so much brave as she is blind. At least I assume that's the case, as there's really no other explanation.
5. Guess who's coming back to town? Guess who has tickets to see him? And guess who didn't have to call her husband to see if he could request time off work so she could go because starting Monday he will be home in the evening?!
I feel like that wasn't a very difficult quiz, but the answers are 1) Joshua Radin 2) Me (and my friend Barbara) and 2) Me
What are the odds I'll have pinkeye again? (Probably pretty good seeing as I'll soon have two germy daycare kids.)
6. I ordered a headband from this Etsy shop for Audra. It. Is. ADORABLE. Moms of girls, take note.
7. You may or may not know this about me, but I hate the Olympics. I have always hated the Olympics. The Olympics get in the way of regular television programming and I am a creature of habit so that annoys me.** Also, I don't like sports. But I've found myself somewhat fascinated by them this year. Either Nate has them on or I put them on for Calvin (because I feel marginally better about him watching people achieve athletic glory over yet another episode of Jake and the Neverland Pirates), and then I walk by just as someone sticks a perfect landing or does 8,000 summersaults into a pool and then I kind of can't stop watching. Plus, those female gymnasts are incredible. So incredible that I may have cried a little bit watching them.
I guess maybe I don't really hate the Olympics. Which is a pretty major revelation after 33 years of thinking I do.
8. Nate and I cleaned out our basement two weekends ago in anticipation of our upcoming garage sale. Not entirely sure how we could possibly have enough stuff crammed into our meager 1,200 square feet to warrant an annual garage sale, but we do. I guess it could be all the shopping? Or all the kids? Anyway, if you need random unused baby crap (bottle warmer), picture frames of various shapes and sizes, copious amounts of toddler boys clothing, three martini glasses, nursing textbooks, a grandma-esque glider, a bag full of miscellaneous chargers, a camera that requires film, my 15-year-old college TV set, or really cute Pottery Barn Kids circus crib bedding, let me know. Also, our basement is now really organized and significantly closer to being bug free. I won't tell you how many times I screamed and yelled for Nate (or, more pathetically, Calvin) to squish something, but it was an embarrassing amount. Hundred-year-old houses have waaaay too many basement nooks and crannies and I'm pretty sure some of the insects we found down there were big enough to eat my baby.
I feel itchy.
9. This will surprise no one, I'm sure, but I've already started thinking about Audra's birthday party. First of all, I am a spaz. Second of all, there is no reasonable explanation for her being closer to one than she is to birth. None. Except some sort of time travel. Because I just had her. Like last week or something. Despite the fact that she is eating crackers and babbling and scooting backwards under things. Which I'm choosing to ignore for the moment because it makes me want to cry.
So, her birthday party. I have a few ideas in mind. And just enough time to be dangerous. Now that I have two kids and two parties to throw, I may as well make Etsy my homepage...
10. I finally signed up for Spotify. Why I didn't do this sooner, I do not know. Especially when Facebook has made it pretty clear that everyone but me is using it. And you know Facebook wouldn't lie. In fact, Facebook is dedicated to publicly exposing every little idiotic thing you do...like listen to the Dawson's Creek soundtrack on Spotify. Thank heavens for the "private session" option, which I have only recently discovered.
Now, off to see if the Felicity soundtrack is available. My friend Gordon assures me it is.
*Aerosoles alone probably don't make me an old lady. Aerosoles and bunions, however, probably do.
**Just in case you couldn't tell from item #2 that I have a slight tv addiction.
It's list time, yo.
(Anyone else follow that up with some sort of 90s "doot doot doot doot, doot doot doot" beat? No? Yeah, me neither.)
1. I've found the perfect shoe. Made by Aerosoles. I don't know if this makes me an old lady or if this makes me brilliant because it is both perfect AND comfortable, but I don't really care. It took me a couple of years, but I am finally wearing an inexpensive wedge sandal that fits my wide foot and goes with everything.
I really I hope I have the same luck when I begin my upcoming search for tall, flat, cognac leather boots. The mere thought of this search stresses me out. Darn you, bunions.*
2. One of the downfalls to our new schedule is going to be TV. In that neither of us will be able to watch whatever we want on it. I've only had to share the remote 1-2 evenings a week for the past decade, so this every night business is going to take some getting used to. Nate is currently engrossed in Breaking Bad; I am obsessed with Downton Abbey. Neither of us has interest in the other. Luckily, we share an affinity for Friday Night Lights, which we've just gotten back into after kind of forgetting about it. But what are we going to do this fall? Nate doesn't want to watch Law & Order: SVU or Grey's Anatomy (oh, Lexie!) and I don't want to watch Monday Night Football or Hell's Kitchen. I suppose we could create some sort of TV watching schedule. Or, you know, turn off the tv and talk to each other.
Eh. Probably the schedule.
3. You should make this salad. It appears to make a TON (truly, I wasn't sure how I was going to mix it, even in my enormous mixing bowl) but turns out after you go back for seconds, thirds, and sevenths, there's really not that much left.
4. I have an odd fascination with colored pants right now. I feel like I want some, but I also feel like they would look horrible on me. And that I'd never wear them because of the horribleness. I am typically pretty willing to take a chance on new trends (see: capri pants, spring 1999), yet I am waffling a bit on this one. But how cute would a pair of pink or red cropped pants be with a jean jacket and black flats? HMMM.
Stay tuned. And if I do show up anywhere wearing pink or red pants, please be kind despite the almost certain horribleness. Points should always be given for fashion bravery, friends. Always. Unless we're talking Chloe Sevigny, who is not so much brave as she is blind. At least I assume that's the case, as there's really no other explanation.
5. Guess who's coming back to town? Guess who has tickets to see him? And guess who didn't have to call her husband to see if he could request time off work so she could go because starting Monday he will be home in the evening?!
I feel like that wasn't a very difficult quiz, but the answers are 1) Joshua Radin 2) Me (and my friend Barbara) and 2) Me
What are the odds I'll have pinkeye again? (Probably pretty good seeing as I'll soon have two germy daycare kids.)
6. I ordered a headband from this Etsy shop for Audra. It. Is. ADORABLE. Moms of girls, take note.
7. You may or may not know this about me, but I hate the Olympics. I have always hated the Olympics. The Olympics get in the way of regular television programming and I am a creature of habit so that annoys me.** Also, I don't like sports. But I've found myself somewhat fascinated by them this year. Either Nate has them on or I put them on for Calvin (because I feel marginally better about him watching people achieve athletic glory over yet another episode of Jake and the Neverland Pirates), and then I walk by just as someone sticks a perfect landing or does 8,000 summersaults into a pool and then I kind of can't stop watching. Plus, those female gymnasts are incredible. So incredible that I may have cried a little bit watching them.
I guess maybe I don't really hate the Olympics. Which is a pretty major revelation after 33 years of thinking I do.
8. Nate and I cleaned out our basement two weekends ago in anticipation of our upcoming garage sale. Not entirely sure how we could possibly have enough stuff crammed into our meager 1,200 square feet to warrant an annual garage sale, but we do. I guess it could be all the shopping? Or all the kids? Anyway, if you need random unused baby crap (bottle warmer), picture frames of various shapes and sizes, copious amounts of toddler boys clothing, three martini glasses, nursing textbooks, a grandma-esque glider, a bag full of miscellaneous chargers, a camera that requires film, my 15-year-old college TV set, or really cute Pottery Barn Kids circus crib bedding, let me know. Also, our basement is now really organized and significantly closer to being bug free. I won't tell you how many times I screamed and yelled for Nate (or, more pathetically, Calvin) to squish something, but it was an embarrassing amount. Hundred-year-old houses have waaaay too many basement nooks and crannies and I'm pretty sure some of the insects we found down there were big enough to eat my baby.
I feel itchy.
9. This will surprise no one, I'm sure, but I've already started thinking about Audra's birthday party. First of all, I am a spaz. Second of all, there is no reasonable explanation for her being closer to one than she is to birth. None. Except some sort of time travel. Because I just had her. Like last week or something. Despite the fact that she is eating crackers and babbling and scooting backwards under things. Which I'm choosing to ignore for the moment because it makes me want to cry.
So, her birthday party. I have a few ideas in mind. And just enough time to be dangerous. Now that I have two kids and two parties to throw, I may as well make Etsy my homepage...
10. I finally signed up for Spotify. Why I didn't do this sooner, I do not know. Especially when Facebook has made it pretty clear that everyone but me is using it. And you know Facebook wouldn't lie. In fact, Facebook is dedicated to publicly exposing every little idiotic thing you do...like listen to the Dawson's Creek soundtrack on Spotify. Thank heavens for the "private session" option, which I have only recently discovered.
Now, off to see if the Felicity soundtrack is available. My friend Gordon assures me it is.
*Aerosoles alone probably don't make me an old lady. Aerosoles and bunions, however, probably do.
**Just in case you couldn't tell from item #2 that I have a slight tv addiction.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Talky Tuesday.
1. You guys. I have some issues when it comes to throwing birthday parties for my kids. BIG ISSUES. Just ask the pile of party stuff sitting in the corner of my office. Amazon loves me. So does Etsy.
The mailman, probably not so much.
2. I made some new Pinterest recipes this weekend. Three were successful. One bombed. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And I mean that literally. I should probably stop venturing with things that require lots of butter and sweetened condensed milk. Especially since I'm on Weight Watchers.
3. Speaking of Weight Watchers, I have an announcement. I've been working out. Regularly. For over two months.
I'll give you a second to climb back on your chair.
4. Nate and I have decided to paint and redecorate our bedroom. And by Nate and I, I mean I. Nate couldn't care less about the color of our room, but I am tired of brown. I am not a brown kinda gal. (Really, it's not even brown, it's a lovely golden tan color. But, still. Not me.) Still playing around with color palettes in my head, but whatever it is will likely involve a cheerful pop of yellow.
5. I love pops of yellow. In fact, I am lusting after some pops of yellow for myself as we speak. Now, if only I could find a yellow and white striped t-shirt...
6. You know what used to be good, then wasn't, then kind of is again? Grey's Anatomy. I know this because I have been simultaneously watching old and new episodes. I got hooked on reruns while I was on maternity leave, and now I'm re-watching the entire series on my Kindle while I pump at work. There have been some serious highs and lows to that show (read: seasons 4-5), but when it's good it's really good. And even the bad episodes beat staring at a blank wall for 20 minutes every three hours.
7. Keeping a clean house with two kids is a losing battle. Every night after dinner I clean up the kitchen, hand wash what seems like an endless amount of bottles and pump parts and pacifiers, and then walk around the first floor picking stuff up. I don't even know what all this stuff is, but it's everywhere. Cars, burp cloths, diapers, wipes, cups, bowls, papers, shoes, snacks, rattles, socks, blankets, bears, sweatshirts, action figures...arghhhh. I spend so much time picking up my house that I have no time to clean it. So I finally hired someone to come do it for me. But she doesn't start until May 11, which seems like an eternity when you're living with dust bunnies comparable in size to your 50lb dog. So I guess I'll just keep picking stuff up. Or maybe I won't. Maybe I'll just leave it on the floor in an attempt to cover up (or, at the very least, distract from) the dust bunnies.
8. New music obsession: James Morrison. Yum. Good writing music.
9. New food obsession: Honey goat cheese. And Litehouse Pear Gorgonzola salad dressing. Slap both of those things on a pile of spinach, add some walnuts, craisins, and sliced pears, and you've got yourself a darned good salad. You're welcome.
10. New TV obsession: Friday Night Lights. I got a text from Heidi a few weeks ago saying she was obsessed with it (I believe the direct quote was "I really, really want it to be real."). Coincidentally, I had the first disc on hand from Netflix, so Nate and I started watching it that night. It's good. Really good. And I hate football, so when I recommend a show about football you should probably watch it.
11. New restaurant obsession: Butcher and the Boar. We went out last Friday night with the Vuongs and ate ourselves into food comas. All you need to know is this: They have lobster grilled cheese. Oh, and wood grilled oysters. And double cut berkshire pork chops with maple, blueberry and pecan relish. And smoked beef long ribs. And gingersnap banana pudding.
And that's only half of what we ordered. Like I said: food coma.
12. Thankfully, we made a full recovery and I was able to work off about 1/100th of what we ate at the gym the next day.
I do that now, you know.
The mailman, probably not so much.
2. I made some new Pinterest recipes this weekend. Three were successful. One bombed. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And I mean that literally. I should probably stop venturing with things that require lots of butter and sweetened condensed milk. Especially since I'm on Weight Watchers.
3. Speaking of Weight Watchers, I have an announcement. I've been working out. Regularly. For over two months.
I'll give you a second to climb back on your chair.
4. Nate and I have decided to paint and redecorate our bedroom. And by Nate and I, I mean I. Nate couldn't care less about the color of our room, but I am tired of brown. I am not a brown kinda gal. (Really, it's not even brown, it's a lovely golden tan color. But, still. Not me.) Still playing around with color palettes in my head, but whatever it is will likely involve a cheerful pop of yellow.
5. I love pops of yellow. In fact, I am lusting after some pops of yellow for myself as we speak. Now, if only I could find a yellow and white striped t-shirt...
6. You know what used to be good, then wasn't, then kind of is again? Grey's Anatomy. I know this because I have been simultaneously watching old and new episodes. I got hooked on reruns while I was on maternity leave, and now I'm re-watching the entire series on my Kindle while I pump at work. There have been some serious highs and lows to that show (read: seasons 4-5), but when it's good it's really good. And even the bad episodes beat staring at a blank wall for 20 minutes every three hours.
7. Keeping a clean house with two kids is a losing battle. Every night after dinner I clean up the kitchen, hand wash what seems like an endless amount of bottles and pump parts and pacifiers, and then walk around the first floor picking stuff up. I don't even know what all this stuff is, but it's everywhere. Cars, burp cloths, diapers, wipes, cups, bowls, papers, shoes, snacks, rattles, socks, blankets, bears, sweatshirts, action figures...arghhhh. I spend so much time picking up my house that I have no time to clean it. So I finally hired someone to come do it for me. But she doesn't start until May 11, which seems like an eternity when you're living with dust bunnies comparable in size to your 50lb dog. So I guess I'll just keep picking stuff up. Or maybe I won't. Maybe I'll just leave it on the floor in an attempt to cover up (or, at the very least, distract from) the dust bunnies.
8. New music obsession: James Morrison. Yum. Good writing music.
9. New food obsession: Honey goat cheese. And Litehouse Pear Gorgonzola salad dressing. Slap both of those things on a pile of spinach, add some walnuts, craisins, and sliced pears, and you've got yourself a darned good salad. You're welcome.
10. New TV obsession: Friday Night Lights. I got a text from Heidi a few weeks ago saying she was obsessed with it (I believe the direct quote was "I really, really want it to be real."). Coincidentally, I had the first disc on hand from Netflix, so Nate and I started watching it that night. It's good. Really good. And I hate football, so when I recommend a show about football you should probably watch it.
11. New restaurant obsession: Butcher and the Boar. We went out last Friday night with the Vuongs and ate ourselves into food comas. All you need to know is this: They have lobster grilled cheese. Oh, and wood grilled oysters. And double cut berkshire pork chops with maple, blueberry and pecan relish. And smoked beef long ribs. And gingersnap banana pudding.
And that's only half of what we ordered. Like I said: food coma.
12. Thankfully, we made a full recovery and I was able to work off about 1/100th of what we ate at the gym the next day.
I do that now, you know.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Inevitable.
Well, I knew it was coming. At some point. Seems no parent can escape it.
I just can't believe all it took was one time, one silly lapse in judgement while my hands were full with Audra.
Friends warned me about its addictive nature, but I didn't listen. And given the number of requests I've been fielding since then, I have a feeling I will come to regret that deeply.
At least it's not Barney.
I guess.
I just can't believe all it took was one time, one silly lapse in judgement while my hands were full with Audra.
Friends warned me about its addictive nature, but I didn't listen. And given the number of requests I've been fielding since then, I have a feeling I will come to regret that deeply.
At least it's not Barney.
I guess.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Random tidbits from the homefront.
Hi there. Remember me? The one who likes to pop in occasionally with photos and a list of crazy and nothing of real substance?
More of the same to follow. Get excited.
1. I love being home. There, I said it. It goes against everything I've ever thought/said about myself and I'm putting it out there anyway. If I could stay home indefinitely, I would. I would wear yoga pants and sweatshirts and go without makeup and load and unload the dishwasher and washing machine thirty times a day and drive my son to and from school and snuggle my daughter all day long every day if I could.
But, I cannot. So that's depressing. Three and a half weeks to go...I am going to cry. A lot.
2. I have a feeling once I get back to work I will be totally fine, though. Especially if I'm able to implement my Yoga Pants in the Workplace Wednesday idea.
Shouldn't be a problem.
3. So far during my maternity leave I have finished Mad Men (I can't wait for March 25. Can't. Wait.), gotten hooked on The Voice (Adam Levine, you are so fine), found myself simultaneously amused and annoyed by Portlandia, and caught up on a number of girly movies I wanted to see (The Help, I Don't Know How She Does It, Life as We Know It).
4. I also read two books. Yes, two. I really thought I'd do more reading because I spent many a sleepless night plowing through a long list of books while I was home with Calvin, but Audra? She sleeps all night. At eight weeks.
Best. Baby. Ever.
Also, I spend what little time I am up with her at night on Pinterest. Which is probably just as enriching as reading, if you really think about it.
(Please don't.)
5. While on the subject of Pinterest, I'm already thinking ahead to Calvin's third birthday party. Which is either going to be a Toy Story 3 party or an Up party. I am not-so-secretly hoping for Up, as that seems far simpler than Toy Story 3 (i.e. lots of balloons vs. some sort of space ranger/cowboy/daycare center/landfill scenario). I mean, it's Calvin's birthday so he can pick whichever one he prefers, but don't be surprised to find me slipping Up into the DVD player a little more frequently in the months to come.
6. Are movie and tv show titles supposed to be italicized? I've been looking at that the entire time I've been writing this and I still have no idea.
7. Yep, I have a degree in journalism and should know that.
8. Nope, I don't plan to look it up.
9. Do you think it would be worth buying a plane ticket to somewhere cheap so I can eat at the Chick-fil-A going into the Minneapolis St. Paul airport? Cause I kind of do.
10. Two weeks from Saturday Nate and I are going out to celebrate our birthdays. And not just anywhere, but to our favorite restaurant of all time: the 112 Eatery. Heaven on a plate, folks. Or multiple plates, I guess, since we have no self control when we're there. Anyway, we were discussing our mutual excitement last night and I said "Remember how they used to know us because we went there so often?" and Nate said "Well, that will never happen again" and I said "Sure it will...at Panera." And then we both cried a little for all we've lost in having kids.
11. Just kidding.
12. Kind of.
Ugh. See what happens when I'm cooped up in my house all winter long? I start talking crazy about loving food more than my kids. It's probably a good thing I'm going back to work soon.
But no. It's not. Because then I have to leave these sweet faces...and how terrible will that be?
Very, very terrible.
Turns out I love them way more than the 112's stringozzi with lamb sugo. Or steak tartar. Or scallops with oyster mushrooms.
But maybe about the same as the tres leche cake. It's really good.
More of the same to follow. Get excited.
1. I love being home. There, I said it. It goes against everything I've ever thought/said about myself and I'm putting it out there anyway. If I could stay home indefinitely, I would. I would wear yoga pants and sweatshirts and go without makeup and load and unload the dishwasher and washing machine thirty times a day and drive my son to and from school and snuggle my daughter all day long every day if I could.
But, I cannot. So that's depressing. Three and a half weeks to go...I am going to cry. A lot.
2. I have a feeling once I get back to work I will be totally fine, though. Especially if I'm able to implement my Yoga Pants in the Workplace Wednesday idea.
Shouldn't be a problem.
3. So far during my maternity leave I have finished Mad Men (I can't wait for March 25. Can't. Wait.), gotten hooked on The Voice (Adam Levine, you are so fine), found myself simultaneously amused and annoyed by Portlandia, and caught up on a number of girly movies I wanted to see (The Help, I Don't Know How She Does It, Life as We Know It).
4. I also read two books. Yes, two. I really thought I'd do more reading because I spent many a sleepless night plowing through a long list of books while I was home with Calvin, but Audra? She sleeps all night. At eight weeks.
Best. Baby. Ever.
Also, I spend what little time I am up with her at night on Pinterest. Which is probably just as enriching as reading, if you really think about it.
(Please don't.)
5. While on the subject of Pinterest, I'm already thinking ahead to Calvin's third birthday party. Which is either going to be a Toy Story 3 party or an Up party. I am not-so-secretly hoping for Up, as that seems far simpler than Toy Story 3 (i.e. lots of balloons vs. some sort of space ranger/cowboy/daycare center/landfill scenario). I mean, it's Calvin's birthday so he can pick whichever one he prefers, but don't be surprised to find me slipping Up into the DVD player a little more frequently in the months to come.
6. Are movie and tv show titles supposed to be italicized? I've been looking at that the entire time I've been writing this and I still have no idea.
7. Yep, I have a degree in journalism and should know that.
8. Nope, I don't plan to look it up.
9. Do you think it would be worth buying a plane ticket to somewhere cheap so I can eat at the Chick-fil-A going into the Minneapolis St. Paul airport? Cause I kind of do.
10. Two weeks from Saturday Nate and I are going out to celebrate our birthdays. And not just anywhere, but to our favorite restaurant of all time: the 112 Eatery. Heaven on a plate, folks. Or multiple plates, I guess, since we have no self control when we're there. Anyway, we were discussing our mutual excitement last night and I said "Remember how they used to know us because we went there so often?" and Nate said "Well, that will never happen again" and I said "Sure it will...at Panera." And then we both cried a little for all we've lost in having kids.
11. Just kidding.
12. Kind of.
Ugh. See what happens when I'm cooped up in my house all winter long? I start talking crazy about loving food more than my kids. It's probably a good thing I'm going back to work soon.
But no. It's not. Because then I have to leave these sweet faces...and how terrible will that be?
Very, very terrible.
Turns out I love them way more than the 112's stringozzi with lamb sugo. Or steak tartar. Or scallops with oyster mushrooms.
But maybe about the same as the tres leche cake. It's really good.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Rumble and ramble.
1. Yesterday I wore maternity pants and a tank top with an open, flowy non-maternity cardigan. As I stood in line for my decaf pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks, I wondered whether anyone could even tell I was pregnant because of the flowiness of my sweater (these are the self-absorbed thoughts running through my mind at 8am). About an hour later I caught sight of my profile as I walked by a wall of windows at work and nearly passed out. Yes, I do believe they can tell. Pretty sure a five person tent couldn't conceal what I'm carrying around right now. Turns out my view from the top is somewhat different than everyone else's view. Which I've recently learned is also the case with my boobs. What I believe to be a modest neckline often turns into a pornographic one at work, because when I sit down my belly hoists my boobs up and right out the top of my shirt. This is, of course, something I never notice until I go to the bathroom. And then I have to make the difficult decision whether to cover my chest or my stomach. Because, let's face it. If a five person tent can't cover both, neither can a Liz Lange tank top.
2. It was supposed to snow today. I still don't own boots. I feel like this is something I should probably address in the near future before it actually does snow. What I want are cute, expensive boots. What I need are utilitarian, moderately-priced boots that will hold up to a Minnesota winter. Recommendations?
3. I love the show New Girl. A lot of people find Zooey Deschanel annoying. A lot of people find that show downright unfunny. But Nate and I find it charming and hilarious. I choose to believe this says something about everyone else and not us.
4. Nine days until Breaking Dawn. In case you don't have an internal clock set for that sort of thing. Or haven't been listening to "It Will Rain" on repeat.
5. Speaking of Twilight, the first movie was on FX recently, so I watched it while Nate futzed around on the computer. At one point he asked me what was going on, and so I started rambling "well, see, he's a vampire but his family doesn't eat people they just eat animals but he still wants to eat people so that other vampire who does eat people just bit Bella and now he has to suck out the venom but it's so hard because once he tastes her blood he has a hard time stopping but he loves her and he doesn't want to change her into a vampire but if he doesn't stop she'll die." And then I realized how enormously stupid that sounded and shut up. Some things are best enjoyed without discussion.
6. We looked at TVs for our bedroom last night. Nate wants a 37" plasma, and I think my 20" Toshiba from 1998 still works just fine. So I agreed to meet in the middle and suggested a 15" plasma retailing for $109. Surprisingly, he did not jump at this opportunity. My question is this: How much clarity and size do you really need to watch a 30-minute rerun of Friends before bed?
7. I decorated for fall last weekend. Two months late, with only two weeks to spare. Whew. Close one. Super glad I spent time on that, especially when no one else will see it and we haven't done anything to prepare for the impending arrival of our child next month. Never mind the fact that Nate is only off three (THREE!) weekends between now and Christmas. And will be out of town for one of them. Or that I'm under the constant threat of bed rest due to my blood pressure. So not worried. I'm sure I'll find more than enough time to get everything painted, decorated, purchased, cleaned, washed, folded, and organized between those three weekends, two major holidays, a toddler, and a full-time job.
And now you know why I have blood pressure issues.
8. Would it be cheating to listen to one Christmas song today? Just one? Or maybe two? I downloaded the She & Him Christmas album and I'm getting antsy.
9. This came in the mail the other day. When presented to Nate along with the two (exact same) shirts I got for Calvin, he said "This is what it's going to be like now, isn't it? She gets a cute pink hat and Calvin gets two plain white shirts?" Hey, at least I got him something. And we all know no child of mine will ever hurt for clothing.
10. Just realized I referenced Twilight and Zooey Deschanel twice each in this post. Yep, I'm a twelve year old fan girl. Gotta go find some Bubble Yum and get cracking on my diorama before Saved By The Bell comes on.
2. It was supposed to snow today. I still don't own boots. I feel like this is something I should probably address in the near future before it actually does snow. What I want are cute, expensive boots. What I need are utilitarian, moderately-priced boots that will hold up to a Minnesota winter. Recommendations?
3. I love the show New Girl. A lot of people find Zooey Deschanel annoying. A lot of people find that show downright unfunny. But Nate and I find it charming and hilarious. I choose to believe this says something about everyone else and not us.
4. Nine days until Breaking Dawn. In case you don't have an internal clock set for that sort of thing. Or haven't been listening to "It Will Rain" on repeat.
5. Speaking of Twilight, the first movie was on FX recently, so I watched it while Nate futzed around on the computer. At one point he asked me what was going on, and so I started rambling "well, see, he's a vampire but his family doesn't eat people they just eat animals but he still wants to eat people so that other vampire who does eat people just bit Bella and now he has to suck out the venom but it's so hard because once he tastes her blood he has a hard time stopping but he loves her and he doesn't want to change her into a vampire but if he doesn't stop she'll die." And then I realized how enormously stupid that sounded and shut up. Some things are best enjoyed without discussion.
6. We looked at TVs for our bedroom last night. Nate wants a 37" plasma, and I think my 20" Toshiba from 1998 still works just fine. So I agreed to meet in the middle and suggested a 15" plasma retailing for $109. Surprisingly, he did not jump at this opportunity. My question is this: How much clarity and size do you really need to watch a 30-minute rerun of Friends before bed?
7. I decorated for fall last weekend. Two months late, with only two weeks to spare. Whew. Close one. Super glad I spent time on that, especially when no one else will see it and we haven't done anything to prepare for the impending arrival of our child next month. Never mind the fact that Nate is only off three (THREE!) weekends between now and Christmas. And will be out of town for one of them. Or that I'm under the constant threat of bed rest due to my blood pressure. So not worried. I'm sure I'll find more than enough time to get everything painted, decorated, purchased, cleaned, washed, folded, and organized between those three weekends, two major holidays, a toddler, and a full-time job.
And now you know why I have blood pressure issues.
8. Would it be cheating to listen to one Christmas song today? Just one? Or maybe two? I downloaded the She & Him Christmas album and I'm getting antsy.
9. This came in the mail the other day. When presented to Nate along with the two (exact same) shirts I got for Calvin, he said "This is what it's going to be like now, isn't it? She gets a cute pink hat and Calvin gets two plain white shirts?" Hey, at least I got him something. And we all know no child of mine will ever hurt for clothing.
10. Just realized I referenced Twilight and Zooey Deschanel twice each in this post. Yep, I'm a twelve year old fan girl. Gotta go find some Bubble Yum and get cracking on my diorama before Saved By The Bell comes on.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, Friday, Friday, OHHHHH.
For some reason I always sing Rebecca Black's Friday to the tune of Justin Beiber's Baby.
And this concludes the portion of today's blog post where I embarrass myself.
I hope.
Things I love today:
1. Amy Grant's Better Than a Hallelujah.
2. The Band Perry's If I Die Young.
Note: I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks in my car lately (I'm on the 10th Janet Evanovich book) so I rarely have the radio on. Maybe the rest of you have been aware of those two songs for months (years?), I have no idea. I may be horribly dated, but at least I finally got the the part of the Stephanie Plum series where she gets it on with Ranger,* and that's been a long time coming. And since most of you have no idea what I'm talking about, I will just say that he is HOT and and leave it at that.
3. Leftover coffee in the coffee pot at home. I never used to drink coffee, but right now I need it to survive. And I am so happy when there's some leftover from the day before because I don't have to chill it — it can go right into my ice-filled reusable tumbler. Obviously I don't have any sort of trained coffee-drinking palate, and I'm guessing that is a completely gross and unacceptable practice. But that's okay. I'll drink mine and you'll drink yours and we'll all be happy and caffeinated and productive.
4. Rio. Nate and I watched this movie with Calvin last night and we were totally and completely delighted by it. So cute. I laughed a lot. Especially at all the Minnesota references, none of which hold weight ("cheese and sprinkles" is not really a thing, sorry). Highly recommended for the little ones. Or the big ones, if you're immature like we are.
Things I never thought I'd want to buy but do:
1. A minivan. Apologies to all my friends who have not yet gotten on board with the swagger wagon, but it's going to happen. Soon. Being cool** is just not as important to me as storage space and doors that open on their own. I understand if you're no longer willing to ride with me, but just know that I'm going to be mighty annoyed if I have to open my own door when getting in your car.
2. Uggs. (Ughs.) Last year, out of desperation and due to copious amounts of snow, I bought a pair of Target knock offs. And oh my heavens were they ever comfy and warm. They were also a cheap piece of crap and fell apart about a month in. In preparation for another long Minnesota winter (and the very real possibility none of my shoes will fit me in the last month of pregnancy), I am going to start scoping out real ones. I still think they're ugly as sin, but let's all reference the footnote from my #1 and remember that I don't care about shallow things like looks.***
3. Jeggings. I've succumbed. To maternity jeggings, no less. There's really nothing more to say except I probably look like a lumpy carrot and, well, so be it.
Things I always knew I wanted to buy and still want to:
1. Baby girl clothing. You guys, I have a problem. A big one. And that problem is my income to spending ratio when it comes to tiny dresses and striped leggings. Is there a 529 savings account for clothing? There should be. I'd max that sucker out.
Things I should probably stop doing:
1. Eating for two.
2. Shopping for baby girl clothing.
3. Watching Toddlers and Tiaras when Nate's not home. And probably TLC in general. Train. Wreck. However, if you haven't seen this parody with Tom Hanks, it's worth a watch.
Have a great weekend, lovelies!
*Don't worry, my mom already knows I listen to smut in the car. And she agrees with me...Ranger is HOT.
**Who am I kidding? Being cool has never been top priority for me. Lazy ALWAYS wins.
***Okay, fine. I do. Stop picking apart my blog post.
And this concludes the portion of today's blog post where I embarrass myself.
I hope.
Things I love today:
1. Amy Grant's Better Than a Hallelujah.
2. The Band Perry's If I Die Young.
Note: I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks in my car lately (I'm on the 10th Janet Evanovich book) so I rarely have the radio on. Maybe the rest of you have been aware of those two songs for months (years?), I have no idea. I may be horribly dated, but at least I finally got the the part of the Stephanie Plum series where she gets it on with Ranger,* and that's been a long time coming. And since most of you have no idea what I'm talking about, I will just say that he is HOT and and leave it at that.
3. Leftover coffee in the coffee pot at home. I never used to drink coffee, but right now I need it to survive. And I am so happy when there's some leftover from the day before because I don't have to chill it — it can go right into my ice-filled reusable tumbler. Obviously I don't have any sort of trained coffee-drinking palate, and I'm guessing that is a completely gross and unacceptable practice. But that's okay. I'll drink mine and you'll drink yours and we'll all be happy and caffeinated and productive.
4. Rio. Nate and I watched this movie with Calvin last night and we were totally and completely delighted by it. So cute. I laughed a lot. Especially at all the Minnesota references, none of which hold weight ("cheese and sprinkles" is not really a thing, sorry). Highly recommended for the little ones. Or the big ones, if you're immature like we are.
Things I never thought I'd want to buy but do:
1. A minivan. Apologies to all my friends who have not yet gotten on board with the swagger wagon, but it's going to happen. Soon. Being cool** is just not as important to me as storage space and doors that open on their own. I understand if you're no longer willing to ride with me, but just know that I'm going to be mighty annoyed if I have to open my own door when getting in your car.
2. Uggs. (Ughs.) Last year, out of desperation and due to copious amounts of snow, I bought a pair of Target knock offs. And oh my heavens were they ever comfy and warm. They were also a cheap piece of crap and fell apart about a month in. In preparation for another long Minnesota winter (and the very real possibility none of my shoes will fit me in the last month of pregnancy), I am going to start scoping out real ones. I still think they're ugly as sin, but let's all reference the footnote from my #1 and remember that I don't care about shallow things like looks.***
3. Jeggings. I've succumbed. To maternity jeggings, no less. There's really nothing more to say except I probably look like a lumpy carrot and, well, so be it.
Things I always knew I wanted to buy and still want to:
1. Baby girl clothing. You guys, I have a problem. A big one. And that problem is my income to spending ratio when it comes to tiny dresses and striped leggings. Is there a 529 savings account for clothing? There should be. I'd max that sucker out.
Things I should probably stop doing:
1. Eating for two.
2. Shopping for baby girl clothing.
3. Watching Toddlers and Tiaras when Nate's not home. And probably TLC in general. Train. Wreck. However, if you haven't seen this parody with Tom Hanks, it's worth a watch.
Have a great weekend, lovelies!
*Don't worry, my mom already knows I listen to smut in the car. And she agrees with me...Ranger is HOT.
**Who am I kidding? Being cool has never been top priority for me. Lazy ALWAYS wins.
***Okay, fine. I do. Stop picking apart my blog post.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Golf widow.
1. I'm on my own for the first half of the week. Nate's on his annual golf trip — aka four days of golf, sun, beer, steak, gambling and general male debauchery with a group of really good, decent, trustworthy, attractive and well-behaved guys who likely don't read my blog so I should probably quit threatening them via thinly veiled compliments.
Y'all better behave yourselves. And wear sunblock.
2. I made chocolate chip cookies last night with Crisco because I was out of butter (When do I ever run out of butter? Never, that's when.). I tell you what — Crisco is about to become a cookie making staple in our house. Soft, chewy perfection. I don't think I've ever made a thing with Crisco in my life, and I wouldn't have even had it on hand except I was making a recipe a while back that called for Oleo and I had no idea what that was so I bought Crisco. Turns out everyone but me knows about Oleo. How?
3. I started playing Words With Friends at the urging of my friend Lisa, who was in town visiting for the weekend. Two days in, and I'm just a little obsessed. I'm also playing two games with people I thought were my mother and aren't, which makes the messages I sent them a little awkward. Look me up if you're playing (Katie, Emily): absadabs79. I'm not very good.
4. Things that also happened during Lisa's visit: a pedicure, dinner, and a trip to Crate and Barrel. I got a cute dishtowel (A dishtowel? Me? Weird, I know. One of these days I'll have to do a post dedicated to my dishtowel collection.) and a set of popsicle molds. Apparently the molds were selling like crazy all day on Saturday. I'm not sure whether it was the nostalgia factor (didn't everyone have the Tupperware set growing up?) or the 100+ temps, but I just had to have them. And at $12.95, they were quite the deal. I threw some strawberry yogurt and raspberries in one yesterday afternoon and gave it to Calvin after dinner. Genius, really. He thinks something we would have given him for dinner anyways is dessert. Haha! This must be how people who cook out of that Jessica Seinfeld book feel. I actually have that cookbook, but I can't even find the time to make regular non-deceptive recipes for my family right now, so...eh.
5. Nate told me the other day that things are about to get funny at our house. And he was right.
"Where are the dirty diapers? Where are they?" "They're in the garbage, Cal." "No, they're not! They're right here, on my body!" (Pats rear end) "I've got a dirty diaper right here!"
"Where's my Lightning McQueen? I need it, please! It's in the car. You will have to go get it outside in the car. And you will have to go downstairs and put your shoes on and go get it in the car."
"That was a big yawn. A real big yawn. Where'd it go, Mama?" "What, your yawn? I don't know, Calvin." "I do! It ran away in my mouth!"
6. Sad news: Hot Mama is phasing out their maternity line. Lucky for me this is my last (planned) pregnancy, and I've been able to get some really cute things for some very good deals. Of course I use the phrase "good deals" loosely, as the first time I shopped at Hot Mama (back when I was pregnant with Calvin) I went in with a $100 gift card and came out with three shirts and a receipt for $250. Yikes. The damage was nowhere near that bad this time (thanks to another $100 giftcard from Nate), but it easily could have been. My self control continues to get better with time...kind of.
7. Also on the maternity shopping front: Motherhood's selection has improved significantly. Just in case you were wondering.
8. We find out the sex of this baby on August 19. I can't wait. Mainly because I'm pretty sure it's a boy and yet I can't stop looking at girl bedding, girl names, girl clothes. I need someone to snap me out of this dreamy phase and bring me back down to earth because I soooo doubt that's going to happen and I need to get serious about decorating and naming this more than likely male child. Naming the second kid is going to be much harder, I think. We may have to go with my mom's suggestion of Hobbes.
9. Rizzoli and Isles is back on. Or Fazoli and Breadstick, as Nate calls it. I love that show. Actually, I think I just love Angie Harmon. Either way, add that to my list of mindless summer entertainment along with SYTYCD and Project Runway (Thursday, hooray!). We're also watching Mad Men, which is not at all mindless but is very very entertaining. Especially if you, like me, work in the advertising industry, wax romantic about eras gone by, and have the major hots for Jon Hamm. And, less obviously, John Slattery.
10. Speaking of eras gone by: Midnight in Paris. Loved it. And now I'm thinking I need to have myself a little Woody Allen movie marathon.
11. Also, I'm mad that I haven't gotten to Harry Potter yet. This is the first time I have ever wanted to go to a midnight premiere and I'm too old, too pregnant, and too employed to stay up that late on a weeknight. Boo. Nate and I have an AMC giftcard burning a hole in our pockets and that sucker is getting used up. SOON.
12. Finally, I am 16 weeks today. Time for a belly picture. Since Nate's away and the first belly shot I posted of me pregnant with Calvin was also at 16 weeks, I slipped into the supply closet at work and took this beauty in the full-length mirror. They aren't kidding about that whole showing a lot earlier with the second baby business. Which probably explains my boss' reaction to the news: "Yeah, I thought so."
See what happens when Nate's away, even for a night? I have a lot to say and no one to listen and so I write really random and long-winded blog posts. Lucky you. :)
Y'all better behave yourselves. And wear sunblock.
2. I made chocolate chip cookies last night with Crisco because I was out of butter (When do I ever run out of butter? Never, that's when.). I tell you what — Crisco is about to become a cookie making staple in our house. Soft, chewy perfection. I don't think I've ever made a thing with Crisco in my life, and I wouldn't have even had it on hand except I was making a recipe a while back that called for Oleo and I had no idea what that was so I bought Crisco. Turns out everyone but me knows about Oleo. How?
3. I started playing Words With Friends at the urging of my friend Lisa, who was in town visiting for the weekend. Two days in, and I'm just a little obsessed. I'm also playing two games with people I thought were my mother and aren't, which makes the messages I sent them a little awkward. Look me up if you're playing (Katie, Emily): absadabs79. I'm not very good.
4. Things that also happened during Lisa's visit: a pedicure, dinner, and a trip to Crate and Barrel. I got a cute dishtowel (A dishtowel? Me? Weird, I know. One of these days I'll have to do a post dedicated to my dishtowel collection.) and a set of popsicle molds. Apparently the molds were selling like crazy all day on Saturday. I'm not sure whether it was the nostalgia factor (didn't everyone have the Tupperware set growing up?) or the 100+ temps, but I just had to have them. And at $12.95, they were quite the deal. I threw some strawberry yogurt and raspberries in one yesterday afternoon and gave it to Calvin after dinner. Genius, really. He thinks something we would have given him for dinner anyways is dessert. Haha! This must be how people who cook out of that Jessica Seinfeld book feel. I actually have that cookbook, but I can't even find the time to make regular non-deceptive recipes for my family right now, so...eh.
5. Nate told me the other day that things are about to get funny at our house. And he was right.
"Where are the dirty diapers? Where are they?" "They're in the garbage, Cal." "No, they're not! They're right here, on my body!" (Pats rear end) "I've got a dirty diaper right here!"
"Where's my Lightning McQueen? I need it, please! It's in the car. You will have to go get it outside in the car. And you will have to go downstairs and put your shoes on and go get it in the car."
"That was a big yawn. A real big yawn. Where'd it go, Mama?" "What, your yawn? I don't know, Calvin." "I do! It ran away in my mouth!"
6. Sad news: Hot Mama is phasing out their maternity line. Lucky for me this is my last (planned) pregnancy, and I've been able to get some really cute things for some very good deals. Of course I use the phrase "good deals" loosely, as the first time I shopped at Hot Mama (back when I was pregnant with Calvin) I went in with a $100 gift card and came out with three shirts and a receipt for $250. Yikes. The damage was nowhere near that bad this time (thanks to another $100 giftcard from Nate), but it easily could have been. My self control continues to get better with time...kind of.
7. Also on the maternity shopping front: Motherhood's selection has improved significantly. Just in case you were wondering.
8. We find out the sex of this baby on August 19. I can't wait. Mainly because I'm pretty sure it's a boy and yet I can't stop looking at girl bedding, girl names, girl clothes. I need someone to snap me out of this dreamy phase and bring me back down to earth because I soooo doubt that's going to happen and I need to get serious about decorating and naming this more than likely male child. Naming the second kid is going to be much harder, I think. We may have to go with my mom's suggestion of Hobbes.
9. Rizzoli and Isles is back on. Or Fazoli and Breadstick, as Nate calls it. I love that show. Actually, I think I just love Angie Harmon. Either way, add that to my list of mindless summer entertainment along with SYTYCD and Project Runway (Thursday, hooray!). We're also watching Mad Men, which is not at all mindless but is very very entertaining. Especially if you, like me, work in the advertising industry, wax romantic about eras gone by, and have the major hots for Jon Hamm. And, less obviously, John Slattery.
10. Speaking of eras gone by: Midnight in Paris. Loved it. And now I'm thinking I need to have myself a little Woody Allen movie marathon.
11. Also, I'm mad that I haven't gotten to Harry Potter yet. This is the first time I have ever wanted to go to a midnight premiere and I'm too old, too pregnant, and too employed to stay up that late on a weeknight. Boo. Nate and I have an AMC giftcard burning a hole in our pockets and that sucker is getting used up. SOON.
12. Finally, I am 16 weeks today. Time for a belly picture. Since Nate's away and the first belly shot I posted of me pregnant with Calvin was also at 16 weeks, I slipped into the supply closet at work and took this beauty in the full-length mirror. They aren't kidding about that whole showing a lot earlier with the second baby business. Which probably explains my boss' reaction to the news: "Yeah, I thought so."
See what happens when Nate's away, even for a night? I have a lot to say and no one to listen and so I write really random and long-winded blog posts. Lucky you. :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
It's Thursday.
I started the day with shampoo in my eyes, which was unpleasant enough. But that was followed closely by a startlingly large spider waiting for me outside the shower, and then by me somehow running straight into the toilet, which I'm pretty has always been in that same exact spot. The highlight of my morning was managing to successfully hide in Calvin's room with a bowl of cereal. I had to hide my cereal consumption because we didn't have time for both of us to have a bowl of cereal and I really needed one because I felt like I was going to pass out from low blood sugar. And if that had happened, well, we would have been even later than we already were.
One irritated eye, dead spider, stubbed toe, banged-up shin, bowl of cereal, and late daycare drop off later, I made it to work. But not without a quick stop at Target first, where I purchased a new cardigan. The one I chose to wear over my tank this morning didn't even remotely cover my bra straps, which I didn't notice until I was almost to work. While I occasionally lack modesty, I don't usually show up to work with lacy bra straps a blazin'. I blame my shampoo eyes for that oversight.
It's been a day. I'm really tired. I'm a little grouchy. My toe is kind of sore. But, gosh darnit, I am going to write a Thankful Thursday post. It's been a while, and I've got some thankful to share. But none from this morning, of course. This morning sucked.
Without further ado, today's list of things that have nothing to do with today but I'm thankful for nonetheless:
1. Cloud 9 by Tresics t-shirts. Never heard of that brand? Me neither. Until I went to Marshall's and found this super soft cute grey t-shirt for $5.99. I think I've had it for maybe two months and it's already been worn more than most items of clothing I own, even the two t-shirts I still wear from my junior year of high school. After unsuccessfully scouring the internet for more Cloud 9 t-shirts, I finally went back to Marshall's, where I found three more. If you live near a Marshall's, go. Now. Best t-shirts ever.
2. I have an office! We're talking four walls, a big window, and — most importantly — a DOOR. When I was hired seven years ago, there were four of us in marketing, I was at the bottom of the food chain, and I shared a cubicle with all of the marketing samples. Two years later there were four of us in marketing, I was second from the bottom, my intern got to sit with the samples, and I got to move into a slightly larger cubicle without a window. A year after that everyone in my department left, two new people were added, and I was back at the bottom of the (slightly smaller) food chain. However, I got a promotion and was moved into a cubicle with three walls and a big window. And now there are only two of us in marketing, we work as partners, and I have my own office. The office my boss had when I first started here. I've successfully made my way from minion to manager. While my job hasn't changed much — in fact, I now just do the work of all three people without oversight — there's something very satisfying about looking back at my past from the comfort of my new office.
3. Windows are Rolled Down by Amos Lee. That song is on repeat. Like, all the time.
4. I am head-over-heels in love with So You Think You Can Dance this season. I feel like everyone is really talented, and so far there have been some pretty decent routines. I am such a sucker for the contemporary pieces. Like this one, for example. Or this one. Sigh. Such a guilty summer pleasure.
5. I've started listening to audio books on the way to and from work. I don't know why this never struck me as a good idea before, because I love to read and I don't have time to read and I spend a solid hour blankly staring out the window of my car every day. My friend Jennifer loaned me Janet Evanovich's Two for the Dough, the second book in a series I've tried to read based on a number of recommendations, but could never get into. And I loved it. I mean, the Evanovich books are kind of a cheap thrill and by no means literary masterpieces, but who wants to think while driving? It took me about a week to get through that book, and now I'm onto the next one. My commute has improved tenfold.
6. Tomorrow's blog post, which I've been working on for a few months. Good things take time, you know.
Happy Thursday!
One irritated eye, dead spider, stubbed toe, banged-up shin, bowl of cereal, and late daycare drop off later, I made it to work. But not without a quick stop at Target first, where I purchased a new cardigan. The one I chose to wear over my tank this morning didn't even remotely cover my bra straps, which I didn't notice until I was almost to work. While I occasionally lack modesty, I don't usually show up to work with lacy bra straps a blazin'. I blame my shampoo eyes for that oversight.
It's been a day. I'm really tired. I'm a little grouchy. My toe is kind of sore. But, gosh darnit, I am going to write a Thankful Thursday post. It's been a while, and I've got some thankful to share. But none from this morning, of course. This morning sucked.
Without further ado, today's list of things that have nothing to do with today but I'm thankful for nonetheless:
1. Cloud 9 by Tresics t-shirts. Never heard of that brand? Me neither. Until I went to Marshall's and found this super soft cute grey t-shirt for $5.99. I think I've had it for maybe two months and it's already been worn more than most items of clothing I own, even the two t-shirts I still wear from my junior year of high school. After unsuccessfully scouring the internet for more Cloud 9 t-shirts, I finally went back to Marshall's, where I found three more. If you live near a Marshall's, go. Now. Best t-shirts ever.
2. I have an office! We're talking four walls, a big window, and — most importantly — a DOOR. When I was hired seven years ago, there were four of us in marketing, I was at the bottom of the food chain, and I shared a cubicle with all of the marketing samples. Two years later there were four of us in marketing, I was second from the bottom, my intern got to sit with the samples, and I got to move into a slightly larger cubicle without a window. A year after that everyone in my department left, two new people were added, and I was back at the bottom of the (slightly smaller) food chain. However, I got a promotion and was moved into a cubicle with three walls and a big window. And now there are only two of us in marketing, we work as partners, and I have my own office. The office my boss had when I first started here. I've successfully made my way from minion to manager. While my job hasn't changed much — in fact, I now just do the work of all three people without oversight — there's something very satisfying about looking back at my past from the comfort of my new office.
3. Windows are Rolled Down by Amos Lee. That song is on repeat. Like, all the time.
4. I am head-over-heels in love with So You Think You Can Dance this season. I feel like everyone is really talented, and so far there have been some pretty decent routines. I am such a sucker for the contemporary pieces. Like this one, for example. Or this one. Sigh. Such a guilty summer pleasure.
5. I've started listening to audio books on the way to and from work. I don't know why this never struck me as a good idea before, because I love to read and I don't have time to read and I spend a solid hour blankly staring out the window of my car every day. My friend Jennifer loaned me Janet Evanovich's Two for the Dough, the second book in a series I've tried to read based on a number of recommendations, but could never get into. And I loved it. I mean, the Evanovich books are kind of a cheap thrill and by no means literary masterpieces, but who wants to think while driving? It took me about a week to get through that book, and now I'm onto the next one. My commute has improved tenfold.
6. Tomorrow's blog post, which I've been working on for a few months. Good things take time, you know.
Happy Thursday!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Random Rhursday.
I never understood why Thursday was represented on the calendar by the letter R. Why? WHY? I think, had they just repeated the T, we would have gotten it. I assume most of us would be able to determine that the T after M is Tuesday and the T after W is Thursday...right? I mean, somehow we're all able to distinguish the S for Saturday from the S for Sunday.
These are the kinds of things that go through my head, friends. Which you know, because you read my blog.
Why do you read my blog?
Is my mom paying you to read my blog?
I can't think of any other reason for any of you to read this drivel, so she must be. And if that's the case, I guess I'd better give you her money's worth. Let's see....
1) I've become quite fond of Jessica Simpson over the past year. While she's not all that successful on the romance front — or the choosing appropriate-length shorts front — the girl makes a darned cute shoe. Or so I thought. Last fall I bought two pairs of her wedges and I loooove them. My favorites are made of soft gray leather and seriously go with everything. I thought after stumbling across these cute and also very neutral shoes online this morning she might be my one true shoe designer match, but then I clicked over to her entire collection and saw these. Since I am neither stripper nor dominatrix, I guess I will have to keep looking for my shoe designing soul mate. (Answer me this: How can those two shoes come from the same person?)
2) I lost 7lbs in February. Turns out not eating mac and cheese from a box every other night (or at all) can lead to smaller jeans. Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?
3) I am going to be 32 next week. I think I will prefer 32 over 31, only because I think even numbers sound younger than odd ones. Abby at thirty one = Frumpy, cardigan-clad librarian. Abby at thirty two! = Young, perky, fashionable mom. Even numbers have a nice lilt to them, don't you think?
4) Ironically, I am cardigan-clad today. I am cardigan-clad often, in fact. I wonder if that will change when I'm thirty two! (?) I tried to pep up the cardigan with my new (wide leg) jeans, and a floral blouse underneath (sleeves rolled up). Also, I belted both the cardigan and blouse. I don't know what it is about belting things that makes them look more put together, but I like it (on the rare occasion I can swing it).
5) Have you watched Perfect Couples yet? NBC, Thursday nights. If not, you should tonight. I watched the first episode and thought it was really weird, then Nate and I watched the second episode and laughed really hard, and now we look forward to it every week. It seems like most shows we like get canceled, perhaps due to our weird sense of humor, so thought I'd try to rally some support for this one before it bites the dust.
6) Also TV-related and generally overlooked by our generation: The Middle. It's on before Modern Family (actually, it's on before Better With You, which is on before Modern Family) and it's hilarious. I wrote it off as falling into the Everybody Loves Raymond category (sorry for pigeonholing you, Patricia Heaton) but my mom told me to watch it and now I'm hooked. It's the sort of cute, wholesome, relatable family comedy that's been lacking since...uh, Everybody Loves Raymond.
7) I will now admit to becoming sort of addicted to Everybody Loves Raymond reruns while on maternity leave. Moving on...
8) I really want this Bobbi Brown eye palette. Adorable case, pretty smokey eye colors, and...oh, the tiny brushes. To be honest, I really just want the tiny brushes (and the case). I actually had them in another eye palette, but then I got the first of many cases of pinkeye from my darling son and had to toss it. Stupidly, I tossed the eyeshadow AND the brushes. Why did I do that? I must have forgotten about the magical tiny brush cleansing powers of soap and water.
9) I have an Anthropologie gift card to spend from Valentine's Day. Any suggestions? I'm thinking these, because I am a huge nerd and even though I love clothes...I love books more.
10) I would prefer to have a nice even ten things on this list, but I've only got nine today. So instead I'll just cleverly label this sentence about not having a number ten as the number ten. And I just blew your mind with my genius...
Happy R, my friends!
These are the kinds of things that go through my head, friends. Which you know, because you read my blog.
Why do you read my blog?
Is my mom paying you to read my blog?
I can't think of any other reason for any of you to read this drivel, so she must be. And if that's the case, I guess I'd better give you her money's worth. Let's see....
1) I've become quite fond of Jessica Simpson over the past year. While she's not all that successful on the romance front — or the choosing appropriate-length shorts front — the girl makes a darned cute shoe. Or so I thought. Last fall I bought two pairs of her wedges and I loooove them. My favorites are made of soft gray leather and seriously go with everything. I thought after stumbling across these cute and also very neutral shoes online this morning she might be my one true shoe designer match, but then I clicked over to her entire collection and saw these. Since I am neither stripper nor dominatrix, I guess I will have to keep looking for my shoe designing soul mate. (Answer me this: How can those two shoes come from the same person?)
2) I lost 7lbs in February. Turns out not eating mac and cheese from a box every other night (or at all) can lead to smaller jeans. Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?
3) I am going to be 32 next week. I think I will prefer 32 over 31, only because I think even numbers sound younger than odd ones. Abby at thirty one = Frumpy, cardigan-clad librarian. Abby at thirty two! = Young, perky, fashionable mom. Even numbers have a nice lilt to them, don't you think?
4) Ironically, I am cardigan-clad today. I am cardigan-clad often, in fact. I wonder if that will change when I'm thirty two! (?) I tried to pep up the cardigan with my new (wide leg) jeans, and a floral blouse underneath (sleeves rolled up). Also, I belted both the cardigan and blouse. I don't know what it is about belting things that makes them look more put together, but I like it (on the rare occasion I can swing it).
5) Have you watched Perfect Couples yet? NBC, Thursday nights. If not, you should tonight. I watched the first episode and thought it was really weird, then Nate and I watched the second episode and laughed really hard, and now we look forward to it every week. It seems like most shows we like get canceled, perhaps due to our weird sense of humor, so thought I'd try to rally some support for this one before it bites the dust.
6) Also TV-related and generally overlooked by our generation: The Middle. It's on before Modern Family (actually, it's on before Better With You, which is on before Modern Family) and it's hilarious. I wrote it off as falling into the Everybody Loves Raymond category (sorry for pigeonholing you, Patricia Heaton) but my mom told me to watch it and now I'm hooked. It's the sort of cute, wholesome, relatable family comedy that's been lacking since...uh, Everybody Loves Raymond.
7) I will now admit to becoming sort of addicted to Everybody Loves Raymond reruns while on maternity leave. Moving on...
8) I really want this Bobbi Brown eye palette. Adorable case, pretty smokey eye colors, and...oh, the tiny brushes. To be honest, I really just want the tiny brushes (and the case). I actually had them in another eye palette, but then I got the first of many cases of pinkeye from my darling son and had to toss it. Stupidly, I tossed the eyeshadow AND the brushes. Why did I do that? I must have forgotten about the magical tiny brush cleansing powers of soap and water.
9) I have an Anthropologie gift card to spend from Valentine's Day. Any suggestions? I'm thinking these, because I am a huge nerd and even though I love clothes...I love books more.
10) I would prefer to have a nice even ten things on this list, but I've only got nine today. So instead I'll just cleverly label this sentence about not having a number ten as the number ten. And I just blew your mind with my genius...
Happy R, my friends!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Variety pack.
1) I need mascara recommendations. I have tried just about every kind out there to no avail — from CoverGirl to Dior Show. In fact, I may have tried some of them more than once, because they all sound the same. Lash Blaster! Blast Lashter! Megablaster Lashtastic! How's a girl to choose when they are ALL lashtastic and offer me XXL Extreme Lash Volume!?
I am not opposed to paying exorbitant amounts of money for the perfect mascara,* though I'd kind of like to know for sure it's the perfect mascara before doing so. Help a sister out!
*I don't really mean that, Nate. Truly, I never pay more than um, well...you're in two fantasy football leagues! Stop asking questions!
2) I'm really annoyed with the Gap. I ordered two pairs of jeans online last week, including one pair of Long and Leans (my trusty and reliable old friend). They are awful. AWFUL. I may as well have purchased skinny jeans. They make me look neither long nor lean (not that I was looking for a miracle fix on that second one, but for real - don't name your pants something hopeful if they only provide the opposite effect). I can't imagine anyone over the age of 30 or weight of 130 would be interested in wearing these pants. Ugh. From the looks of things (i.e. skinny jeans as far as the eye can see) I may be stuck wearing skirts all winter. Which might be tolerable, provided I am able to purchase this.
3) Project Runway has been extremely stupid this season. The only redeeming moment so far? Last night when Tim Gunn called Gretchen manipulative right to her face. Oh, how I love that man.
4) On the subject of TV, I miss Ugly Betty. The TV Guide channel has been running reruns of that show, and I'm falling in love with it all over again. Why do shows I love get canceled?
5) On the subject of Ugly Betty, I am desperate to own the song played during Hilda's wedding — "Be My Only" by Tim Myers and Schuyler Fisk. I don't know who Tim Myers is, but I love Schuyler Fisk ("Paperweight" is one of my all-time favorite songs) and I'm mad that it's not available anywhere for purchase. The only way to hear it right now is on You Tube, where you have a few lovely viewing options. I think my favorite is the one accompanied by a still photo of a squirrel.
6) Fun fact: Schuyler Fisk played Kristy in The Babysitter's Club Movie.
7) This has turned into one seriously weird post. I'm going to stop now.
8) Happy Friday!
I am not opposed to paying exorbitant amounts of money for the perfect mascara,* though I'd kind of like to know for sure it's the perfect mascara before doing so. Help a sister out!
*I don't really mean that, Nate. Truly, I never pay more than um, well...you're in two fantasy football leagues! Stop asking questions!
2) I'm really annoyed with the Gap. I ordered two pairs of jeans online last week, including one pair of Long and Leans (my trusty and reliable old friend). They are awful. AWFUL. I may as well have purchased skinny jeans. They make me look neither long nor lean (not that I was looking for a miracle fix on that second one, but for real - don't name your pants something hopeful if they only provide the opposite effect). I can't imagine anyone over the age of 30 or weight of 130 would be interested in wearing these pants. Ugh. From the looks of things (i.e. skinny jeans as far as the eye can see) I may be stuck wearing skirts all winter. Which might be tolerable, provided I am able to purchase this.
3) Project Runway has been extremely stupid this season. The only redeeming moment so far? Last night when Tim Gunn called Gretchen manipulative right to her face. Oh, how I love that man.
4) On the subject of TV, I miss Ugly Betty. The TV Guide channel has been running reruns of that show, and I'm falling in love with it all over again. Why do shows I love get canceled?
5) On the subject of Ugly Betty, I am desperate to own the song played during Hilda's wedding — "Be My Only" by Tim Myers and Schuyler Fisk. I don't know who Tim Myers is, but I love Schuyler Fisk ("Paperweight" is one of my all-time favorite songs) and I'm mad that it's not available anywhere for purchase. The only way to hear it right now is on You Tube, where you have a few lovely viewing options. I think my favorite is the one accompanied by a still photo of a squirrel.
6) Fun fact: Schuyler Fisk played Kristy in The Babysitter's Club Movie.
7) This has turned into one seriously weird post. I'm going to stop now.
8) Happy Friday!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Break-Up.
Much like Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn in that slightly annoying movie where he gets her three lemons (baby wanted 12), I am going through a break up.
It's difficult for me to talk about, but if I've learned anything from The Biggest Loser (other than Tuesday nights are a great time to eat ice cream while watching tv), it's that talking through your pain shows strength.
So, here goes.
American Idol and I have called it quits.
It was amicable. I simply told American Idol that while I have enjoyed our time together, I didn't see a future for us and felt that I needed to move on. And then I waited for American Idol to cry, to protest, to beg me to watch again this season.
You guys, American Idol DIDN'T EVEN CARE. After five years together, American Idol didn't shed a single tear for the end of our relationship. In fact, American Idol didn't do anything except move on to its first round of televised auditions.
Are you kidding me? Even when the worst relationships end there's a mourning period — especially for the dumpee! Unless, of course, the dumpee knows the dumper is just being silly and trying to leave even though there's no possible way the dumper is actually going to be strong enough to do it because the dumpee is totally irresistible and the dumper has no willpower when it comes to the charms of the dumpee. Which is obviously not the case here, because I have absolutely no intention of going back to American Idol.
Yes, I did turn it on for a few minutes last week to see Posh Spice judge. But it's POSH - I couldn't possibly pass up the chance to see her cut some poor fool to shreds. Or smile on camera.
And I may have switched to Fox for a few minutes last night, but only because there was nothing else on. Really, nothing. Slim pickings.
But that doesn't mean anything. I am done with American Idol. D-O-N-E. It's a stupid time suck and I don't care about those people or their indulgent performances and poor song choices. I'd rather spend my valuable time watching something truly awesome, like Modern Family or Glee.
Although it took me about a week to figure out what the heck pants on the ground was. I guess if I'd watched American Idol I would have been part of the nationwide joke instead of a social misfit.
Plus I really really love Ellen DeGeneres, so I will probably have to tune in occasionally to see what she has to say.
And Glee isn't on again until April...
Oh, crap.
We are so not over.
It's difficult for me to talk about, but if I've learned anything from The Biggest Loser (other than Tuesday nights are a great time to eat ice cream while watching tv), it's that talking through your pain shows strength.
So, here goes.
American Idol and I have called it quits.
It was amicable. I simply told American Idol that while I have enjoyed our time together, I didn't see a future for us and felt that I needed to move on. And then I waited for American Idol to cry, to protest, to beg me to watch again this season.
You guys, American Idol DIDN'T EVEN CARE. After five years together, American Idol didn't shed a single tear for the end of our relationship. In fact, American Idol didn't do anything except move on to its first round of televised auditions.
Are you kidding me? Even when the worst relationships end there's a mourning period — especially for the dumpee! Unless, of course, the dumpee knows the dumper is just being silly and trying to leave even though there's no possible way the dumper is actually going to be strong enough to do it because the dumpee is totally irresistible and the dumper has no willpower when it comes to the charms of the dumpee. Which is obviously not the case here, because I have absolutely no intention of going back to American Idol.
Yes, I did turn it on for a few minutes last week to see Posh Spice judge. But it's POSH - I couldn't possibly pass up the chance to see her cut some poor fool to shreds. Or smile on camera.
And I may have switched to Fox for a few minutes last night, but only because there was nothing else on. Really, nothing. Slim pickings.
But that doesn't mean anything. I am done with American Idol. D-O-N-E. It's a stupid time suck and I don't care about those people or their indulgent performances and poor song choices. I'd rather spend my valuable time watching something truly awesome, like Modern Family or Glee.
Although it took me about a week to figure out what the heck pants on the ground was. I guess if I'd watched American Idol I would have been part of the nationwide joke instead of a social misfit.
Plus I really really love Ellen DeGeneres, so I will probably have to tune in occasionally to see what she has to say.
And Glee isn't on again until April...
Oh, crap.
We are so not over.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Drop the Barbie.
While most people relate just about any situation in life to an episode of Seinfeld, I do the same with Friends. I've seen them all, I know them all by heart.
While I was in IL visiting my parents, my mom pulled out this little Beanie Baby-style teddy bear for Calvin to play with. It's the girliest thing ever — a bright pink swimsuit, a cluster of flowers on her ear, a pink and yellow beach ball, and huge platform sandals. I started laughing and asked if there was maybe a boy bear for him to play with. There was, and we gave him both.
He LOVES the girly bear, and wants nothing to do with the boy bear. He cuddles with her all the time...it's the first stuffed toy he's latched on to, and we've tried a few. I'm beginning to think this little lady might become his security blanket. Or his first girlfriend.
This reminds me of the Friends episode where Ross' ex-wife and her lesbian partner let his son, Ben, pick out a toy from the toy store — and he chooses a Barbie with a "kicky beret." Ross totally freaks out and, during his weekend with Ben, attempts to swap it for a G.I. Joe:
While I'm sure Nate has considered purchasing Calvin a G.I. Joe (or whatever the baby equivalent might be), for now we're just giggling at our cute little boy and his pretty pink friend. Worst case scenario, he'll turn out like my brother, who, when forced to play Barbies with his two sisters, dressed them up like hookers.
For future reference: Canadian Mountie Barbie's tall boots + Barbie and the Rockers' white "leather" miniskirt = hot stuff.
While I was in IL visiting my parents, my mom pulled out this little Beanie Baby-style teddy bear for Calvin to play with. It's the girliest thing ever — a bright pink swimsuit, a cluster of flowers on her ear, a pink and yellow beach ball, and huge platform sandals. I started laughing and asked if there was maybe a boy bear for him to play with. There was, and we gave him both.
He LOVES the girly bear, and wants nothing to do with the boy bear. He cuddles with her all the time...it's the first stuffed toy he's latched on to, and we've tried a few. I'm beginning to think this little lady might become his security blanket. Or his first girlfriend.
This reminds me of the Friends episode where Ross' ex-wife and her lesbian partner let his son, Ben, pick out a toy from the toy store — and he chooses a Barbie with a "kicky beret." Ross totally freaks out and, during his weekend with Ben, attempts to swap it for a G.I. Joe:
While I'm sure Nate has considered purchasing Calvin a G.I. Joe (or whatever the baby equivalent might be), for now we're just giggling at our cute little boy and his pretty pink friend. Worst case scenario, he'll turn out like my brother, who, when forced to play Barbies with his two sisters, dressed them up like hookers.
For future reference: Canadian Mountie Barbie's tall boots + Barbie and the Rockers' white "leather" miniskirt = hot stuff.
Monday, May 4, 2009
WordGirl.
Has anyone with kids heard of this show on PBS?
I just ran across it (and of course I was curious, it's called WordGirl! Could anything be more perfect for me?) and here's the episode description offered by my cable provider:
"Lady Redundant Woman Copies WordGirl by Duplicating Her; Answer All My Questions and Win Stuff: Lady Redundant Woman creates a nefarious copy of WordGirl in an attempt to ruin her do-gooder reputation; WordGirl is on the case when a new game show turns out to be a plot to steal money from the contestants."
I had no idea what I'd find when I flipped to this show based on the episode description, but I certainly didn't expect to find a cartoon. For children.
According to Wikipedia, this is a cartoon for kids ages six and up that teaches the "expansive English language." Are you kidding me? It took me about 10 minutes to understand that episode description (two episode names separated by a semicolon, aha!), but six-year-old kids are supposed to get it?
I might be too dumb to be a parent.
(But I'm not too dumb to know my kid is totally watching this show.)
I just ran across it (and of course I was curious, it's called WordGirl! Could anything be more perfect for me?) and here's the episode description offered by my cable provider:
"Lady Redundant Woman Copies WordGirl by Duplicating Her; Answer All My Questions and Win Stuff: Lady Redundant Woman creates a nefarious copy of WordGirl in an attempt to ruin her do-gooder reputation; WordGirl is on the case when a new game show turns out to be a plot to steal money from the contestants."
I had no idea what I'd find when I flipped to this show based on the episode description, but I certainly didn't expect to find a cartoon. For children.
According to Wikipedia, this is a cartoon for kids ages six and up that teaches the "expansive English language." Are you kidding me? It took me about 10 minutes to understand that episode description (two episode names separated by a semicolon, aha!), but six-year-old kids are supposed to get it?
I might be too dumb to be a parent.
(But I'm not too dumb to know my kid is totally watching this show.)
Friday, June 13, 2008
My summer back-up plan.
So, as I said earlier, it's been pretty crappy outside, and my dog keeps giving me the staredown because she wants to go outside to play. But I'm sorry, I am not going to run around the yard when tornado sirens are going off and Sven Sundgaard is threatening me with quarter size hail.
Which is just about every other day lately.
When you can't go outside to play, there are really only two other options: go shopping or watch tv. Shopping is by far my favorite pastime, but it's expensive. TV is free. Well, practically free. Actually, not even close to free. We pay Comcast a whole bunch of money every month. But that bill is kind of like student loans — a fact of life. Maybe that's not the case for everyone, but definitely for us. Especially now that Nate's pursuing another degree at another private school.
Moving on...
While I am still doing my fair share to stimulate the economy, times are tough and it's important to consider less costly entertainment options. Which leads us back to television. No doubt there are fewer shows to watch during the summer months (and historically the quality of these shows has been questionable). But things are improving. For example, last summer Nate and I were completely enthralled by a show called Damages — an exceptionally good, very creepy series on FX starring Glenn Close. Unfortunately Damages won't be back until 2009. But still — an excellent example of top-notch summer programming.
On the flip side, mindless entertainment is entirely acceptable during the summer months. Enter the TBS series My Boys — 30 minutes of light, breezy television once a week. No thinking required. I feel like So You Think You Can Dance might also fit into that category. No thinking, just really, really good dancing.
Another form of viewing I look forward to in the summer is reruns. I rarely miss an episode of anything (thanks, DVR!), but the summer is a great time to catch up on really amazing shows you may have missed during the regular season. It's also a good time to plow through a television series on DVD. Right now Nate and I are watching Six Feet Under. I love it. And thankfully we don't have to wait a week for the next episode.
Here's a list of what I'll be watching this summer:
TV on TV
My Boys: Thursdays at 8:30pm on TBS
So You Think You Can Dance: Wednesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 8pm on FOX
Psych: Season 3 begins July 18 at 9pm on USA
Burn Notice: Season 2 begins July 10 at 9pm on USA
Swingtown: Thursdays at 9pm on CBS (Warning: trashy subject matter.)
Project Runway: Season 5 begins July 16 on Bravo
TV on DVD
Six Feet Under, Complete Series
My So-Called Life, Complete Series
Dexter, Season 2
Mad Men, Season 1
I know, seems like a fairly extensive lineup. But if the weather doesn't improve, I may be forced to expand this list...
Which is just about every other day lately.
When you can't go outside to play, there are really only two other options: go shopping or watch tv. Shopping is by far my favorite pastime, but it's expensive. TV is free. Well, practically free. Actually, not even close to free. We pay Comcast a whole bunch of money every month. But that bill is kind of like student loans — a fact of life. Maybe that's not the case for everyone, but definitely for us. Especially now that Nate's pursuing another degree at another private school.
Moving on...
While I am still doing my fair share to stimulate the economy, times are tough and it's important to consider less costly entertainment options. Which leads us back to television. No doubt there are fewer shows to watch during the summer months (and historically the quality of these shows has been questionable). But things are improving. For example, last summer Nate and I were completely enthralled by a show called Damages — an exceptionally good, very creepy series on FX starring Glenn Close. Unfortunately Damages won't be back until 2009. But still — an excellent example of top-notch summer programming.
On the flip side, mindless entertainment is entirely acceptable during the summer months. Enter the TBS series My Boys — 30 minutes of light, breezy television once a week. No thinking required. I feel like So You Think You Can Dance might also fit into that category. No thinking, just really, really good dancing.
Another form of viewing I look forward to in the summer is reruns. I rarely miss an episode of anything (thanks, DVR!), but the summer is a great time to catch up on really amazing shows you may have missed during the regular season. It's also a good time to plow through a television series on DVD. Right now Nate and I are watching Six Feet Under. I love it. And thankfully we don't have to wait a week for the next episode.
Here's a list of what I'll be watching this summer:
TV on TV
My Boys: Thursdays at 8:30pm on TBS
So You Think You Can Dance: Wednesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 8pm on FOX
Psych: Season 3 begins July 18 at 9pm on USA
Burn Notice: Season 2 begins July 10 at 9pm on USA
Swingtown: Thursdays at 9pm on CBS (Warning: trashy subject matter.)
Project Runway: Season 5 begins July 16 on Bravo
TV on DVD
Six Feet Under, Complete Series
My So-Called Life, Complete Series
Dexter, Season 2
Mad Men, Season 1
I know, seems like a fairly extensive lineup. But if the weather doesn't improve, I may be forced to expand this list...
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
American Idle.
Yawn.
This season of American Idol is putting me to sleep.
I have been a die-hard fan for three seasons. I missed the Kelly/Fantasia/Rueben years, but fell hard for Carrie Underwood (her performance of "Alone" is still one of my very favorites on the show), Elliot Yamin, Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks. These four (and their mostly talented competitors) made the show worth watching.
I even went to the concert last summer with my friend Carrie. It was fun. The drink lines were short. Sanjaya wasn't as appalling as I'd feared. And (bonus!) they handed out free Pop-Tarts.
But this year has been boring from the start. There were tiny glimmers of hope here and there — and I still think David Archuleta is very cute — but I am just not invested in this season. And I'm not the only one who feels this way: last week's episode had the lowest number of votes since 2003. Everyone knew Jason would get kicked off last week. And no one will be surprised by Syesha's elimination tonight. So, why bother voting? Or watching?
I'm not sure what went wrong this year. Is the concept just getting old? Or is the talent lacking? My guess is that it's a combination of both. But the one thing that's really been bothering me is that none of the contestants seem to care either. They can't even be bothered to learn all the lyrics to their songs. Last night David Archuleta flubbed the lyrics for the second time this season — and he's in the top three (and will probably win). There have been more ho-hum performances and missed lyrics and poor song choices this season than I care to count.
Even writing this is kind of boring me.
I will dutifully watch tonight's elimination and next week's finale, but unlike years past, I will probably breathe a sigh of relief when it's over.
And I am definitely not going to the concert this year. I can buy my own friggin' Pop-Tarts.
This season of American Idol is putting me to sleep.
I have been a die-hard fan for three seasons. I missed the Kelly/Fantasia/Rueben years, but fell hard for Carrie Underwood (her performance of "Alone" is still one of my very favorites on the show), Elliot Yamin, Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks. These four (and their mostly talented competitors) made the show worth watching.
I even went to the concert last summer with my friend Carrie. It was fun. The drink lines were short. Sanjaya wasn't as appalling as I'd feared. And (bonus!) they handed out free Pop-Tarts.
But this year has been boring from the start. There were tiny glimmers of hope here and there — and I still think David Archuleta is very cute — but I am just not invested in this season. And I'm not the only one who feels this way: last week's episode had the lowest number of votes since 2003. Everyone knew Jason would get kicked off last week. And no one will be surprised by Syesha's elimination tonight. So, why bother voting? Or watching?
I'm not sure what went wrong this year. Is the concept just getting old? Or is the talent lacking? My guess is that it's a combination of both. But the one thing that's really been bothering me is that none of the contestants seem to care either. They can't even be bothered to learn all the lyrics to their songs. Last night David Archuleta flubbed the lyrics for the second time this season — and he's in the top three (and will probably win). There have been more ho-hum performances and missed lyrics and poor song choices this season than I care to count.
Even writing this is kind of boring me.
I will dutifully watch tonight's elimination and next week's finale, but unlike years past, I will probably breathe a sigh of relief when it's over.
And I am definitely not going to the concert this year. I can buy my own friggin' Pop-Tarts.
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