Scunci's Bendini's Are Changing Our Lives - Review

Goddess and I love wearing our hair down but for school, I try to put her hair into ponytails or make her wear head bands. Goddess doesn't wear head bands the normal way. She wears them right at her hairline like an accessory rather than a way to hold back her hair. Also, her hair is very straight and ponytails never last. Enter Bendini's.

These things stay in and are so easy to use. I have had long hair my whole life but have never been really good about styling or making it look pretty with clips which means I also don't know how to do Goddess' hair.

But with the Scunci Bendini's you simply insert them and flip the decorative part pack. Easy and more importantly, they hold. If a clip can hold my hair back, it can hold anything. Plus, they are really beautiful. Goddess and I want two of each on the market.

T Shirt Printing.Net For Your Custom Printed Hoodies, T-Shirts and More

This month I was offered the opportunity to check out a screen printing company called TShirtPrinting.Net to check out a sample of a graphic t-shirt.

What is great about custom shirts is that you pick the style and color of your shirt, then you add your custom logo, graphic or message to the item, making it 100% yours.

This Is What I Can Tell You:
The shirts are high quality
The graphics are colorful and stay on!
The turn around was super quick. I got the t-shirt in 2 days of requesting it.

Tuesday Takes

Headed to the school today for a Storytelling program. Parents were invited and I am so glad I got to go. The story teller was awesome. She had the kids rivited. Have camera, will travel, so of course snapped some photos for myself and the school. Goddess knows the photographer so, where was she looking? Right at me!

Dialogues With Goddess 3-28-11

This morning as we were driving to school Goddess asked,
"What would happen to us, if something happen to you and Daddy?"

I told her not to worry and that nothing was going to happen to us but if something did,
"your aunt will take care of you."

She said, "I would want you to be there."

"I know, I always wanted my mommy there when I was little too."

"It's sad that your mommy isn't here. You should look in her mirror (now mine) and look for her. Maybe she will be there,"

*insert me freaking out*

"Ahhh, maybe, why have you ever seen anyone in the mirror?"

"No, but since it was her mirror maybe if you told her you want to see her, maybe she will come!"

Well, now, this is not the conversations I want to have with my daughter. You know, any that include me not being there for my kids, but now, the paranormal stuff...this is just too freaky.

Seeing something in a mirror is one of my fears. It is not something I have ever talked about but she totally freaked me out today! I know she is innocent and just almost 6 year old talking but, I was totally freaked out with goose bumps and all.

Handsome's Victory Dance

As parents, it doesn't take much for us to be proud. Sometimes it is the simplest things but when our kids just do something extraordinary pride swells and we are overcome with love for the people they are becoming.

Handsome has come a long way. He is still a little shy, doesn't always know how to make appropriate conversation or how to stay focused on what he is being told but the obstacles he has overcome are often unnoticed by others. But not me, I see everything he does. Hear everything he says and feel everything he feels. There are times my heart aches for the things I see him experience but he is never affected by them. Thankfully his comprehension on a lot of things slips right by, protecting him from meanness or ignorance and I am so thankful.

Friday, I saw him standing in the middle of a circle of boys, his eyes were closed and his fingers were in his mouth. He was swaying and smiling but it was a timid, nervous, uncomfortable smile. He was way outside his comfort zone and I felt it but he really wanted to play. They were playing Zombie Tag whatever that is and he knew the game which I found out when I asked him later. He WAS outside his comfort zone but he really wanted to play with them. I love how brave he was. No one else saw the discomfort but I did and I know what it was for him to stand in the middle of them, vulnerable, with closed eyes. But he did it and had a great time. The sight of him standing there was only about 3 seconds but it is embedded in my mind. I know that he is fine. I know that he was playing. I know that he overcame an obstacle (eyes closed in the middle of a room of people) yet, that little frightened face scorches my soul. It will be there forever.

My fear for him is real. I worry about him in the big, bad world and hope that time, and maturation strengthens him but I worry!

But....the victory dance of his goal last weekend is also in my head! Handsome is a very good soccer player and ended a wash out by the 1st place team but getting a goal for his team. I didn't have my camera, (can you even imagine?) but my girlfriend Sandra (babybindle) did, and got this awesome shot right after he scored!

He is totally doing a dig and often celebrates too much. He has about 8 goals under his belt this season and I couldn't be prouder.

Things Heard From Goddess Today!

"I have butt hands want to smell!?" Ahhh no, thanks honey.
"Yes, you do! You know you do!"

Watching her dad play DS.
"Come on Dad, follow your dreams."

After he lost a game.
'You have to live with it."

Over the past month, after every sentence: "I didn't see that coming."

Over the past year, prior to every logical question: "Let me guess...." i.e. sees her dad getting his work boots on, "let me guess, you are going to work?" or I am standing at the sink and turn on the water and grab the sponge, "let me guess, you are going to wash some dishes" Grr...makes us crazy.

Over the past year after she asks a question: "I know that!" Grr...

But, then there is this face:

How could we stay mad at that?

By the way...bowling with a bunch of boys at a birthday party today! Using the "heavy" ball according to all the boys when she picked it up, got the only Strike of the game!  Woot! Woot! That's my girl! Came in second overall too.

Bausch & Lomb Bio true Vlog

Just got back from the eye doctor extraordinaire and after a lenghtly discussion on life (I am a 9 year patient), kids, husband, business, and eyes he tells me that my eyes are doing great!

As someone who has had her share of eye problems, infections, and more this is very good news.

Nope, you are not looking at a planet, that is the inside of my eye. Check  it out my eye. So cool...he has a camera that he puts up to your eye so he can see the inside on a computer screen.  The bright part is my retina and the dark thing next to it is a nevus that I have to have looked at every year. All looks good!

Thankfully when I got home, I had a box waiting for me containing Bio true a new product from Bausch & Lomb.

Check out my video blog where I mention a million times that Bio true is inspired by the biology of your eye. Sorry about that B & L. Still not used to being on camera after a year! Need to do it more often.

What I Can Tell You:
The most important aspect for me on this solution is that, I didn't have to add drops to the lens before I inserted it into my eye. Dry contacts against my eye make me crazy. There is enough lubrication in the solution for me to take it right out of the case and put it into my eye. That says a lot!

Texas Blue by Jodi Thomas Book Review

 

What I Can Tell You:
Over the past year I have become a huge Jodi Thomas fan and friend. What I think makes my book reviews interesting is that I am not a huge fan of romance novels. They all seem very much the same after a while. Girl needs saving from herself, someone else, or from the eventual hero, they fall in love under distress and live happily ever after. Stale, old, boring.

I don't get that with Jodi's books. Lewt is our hero this time and while the synopsis is very good, that doesn't really describe the story for me. Yes, Lewt is looking to get into a respectable family and will do what he needs to in order to accomplish this, even stealing a ticket and worming his way onto the trip but he doesn't come off as a complete clod!

My favorite character by far was Emily or Em as she goes by. She doesn't want to be married off and has no interest in entertaining a bunch of strangers. She devises a plan to go undermine her cousin Duncan and sit this horse and pony show out. She isn't looking for a husband.

Jodi creates easy tension by creating an innocent friendship between the main characters that sweetly blossoms in a very realistic way.

Once again, Jodi had me reading romance without feeling like a complete fool, my favorite scenes were the sweet moments on the porch swing between Em and Lewt!

52 Weeks of Happiness - Week 3 - The Photoshoot

During another photo shoot for Zbowz (coming soon), Goddess was in rare form, even putting on her heels and strutting in the sunshine.

I had no idea she had this leg talent! What's your talent?

Tuesday Takes -

Goddess was student of the month! Hooray Goddess! My boo-boo was so proud. Hopefully Handsome's day comes soon. He was a tad bit jealous of the award and the pencil they are awarded.

Murder Takes The Cake by Gayle Trent Hits Shelves March 29th

What I can Tell You:
Honestly, I am so not the mystery murder type chick but the last two mystery murder books I have read have been awesome. I think it is because they are chick lit which means for me, no courtroom dialogue that is way above my head and wordy. You guys know that is why I call myself the Amateur Book Reviewer. Reading heavy dialogue just kills me. What I loved about this is that Gayle takes us on a journey with characters that I can relate to. Daphne is just dropping off a cake when she finds herself in the midst of a murder and a potential victim herself.

Although Yodel is literally dead when we first meet her in the book, I loved her! She would have been a wonderful character to get to know. She was a spicy chick.  Reading her diary entries cracked me up.

Daphne is likeable and strong and the story light and bright considering the theme.
 
Murder mystery and cake decorating tips all rolled up into one, how can you go wrong?

Blue Monday - Child Labor

Not only was Goddess modeling a skirt for a review from ZBowz (coming up soon) but she was sweeping the deck as we get ready for Spring. Hey, she has to do something to earn her keep.

Self Portrait Sunday - March 19, 2011

I hope to see your smiling face! This day flew by. Went to Handsome's Soccer Tournament which lasted tooo long but was so worth it because his team came in second!

This was taken on Friday at a friend's house. The weather was gorgeous and the baby was sleeping. Easy 1/2 hour baby sitting gig. So easy, I refused money for it. I just enjoyed the weather and checked the baby.

Nutella Party That Almost Never Happened!

Whhoosshhh..Today I hosted the last of four Nutella parties and I am happy to report that Nutella has some big and some new fans in New York.

I have been a Nutella fan for over 40 years. It was a staple in my house growing up. Who doesn't love chocolate and why not spread it on bread? Oh yeah!

Growing up we used Nutella in the most basic way. Spread it like peanut butter between two pieces of bread and wah la, heaven sandwich!

Over the years I used it on wraps, between cookies, heated up on a waffle, Nutella brownies, pies and more so when I was asked to host a Nutella party, I was thrilled and happy to share with my girlfriends.

The first party was set up for March 7th, we had a half day at school due to the weather. The second was set up for the 11th and had to be canceled because the school was flooded. The weather wasn't cooperating and Mother Nature was giving me a complex. Was I not supposed to have this party? Was it ever going to happen?

March 14th, another party was set and half my guests canceled due to sickness for themselves, their kids or car problem. We had all kids of issues. So, I had the party anyway, supplies had been purchased for the party on the 7th and I was worried about my breads, croissants, yogurt and fruit going bad. It had to happen regardless of the 5 who couldn't come.

So, 6 of us, got together for coffee, tea, smoothies, a collection of breads and enough knives to sample everything. We played Scrabble, passed babies around, and talked, laughed and ate. The best kind of parties! All the ladies have at one time or another had Nutella but had no idea of all the ways to use it. They had never thought of putting it on anything but two slices of bread. They loved the idea of waffle sandwiches or open faced sandwiches with fruit on top. They also were impressed with something that I also learned during the party. Nutella is a great alternative to peanut butter. If someone has a peanut allergy they can eat Nutella. We think peanut allergy means nut allergy but it doesn't.

Goddess loves chocolate but has a peanut allergy. I wanted to test it and she wanted to try it. I gave her the smallest amount of Nutella on my pinky. She loved it but I was still nervous and told her that we would wait an hour. So, there I sat with my Epipen at the ready. Nothing! She was fine and has had a Nutella sandwich for lunch 4 days this week. Which is great because lunch is always stressful and she has never had a sandwich before. Lunch for Goddess, handled! Thanks Nutella.

Today's final party was scheduled for after the school morning meeting. We headed to my house, I started the coffee and tossed a bunch of stuff on the table and walked back to get mugs. When I got back two of the girls who had never tried Nutella were sticking plastic knives into the jar. They LOVED it and wondered what took so long.

Everyone was excited about their gifts from Nutella, a spreader, sample of Nutella, computer mug, coupon and recipe ideas.

Thank you Nutella. I will be a fan for life and you gained two NEW fans. 

Alphabe-Thursday - W

W = Wheel and Waste

Another photo from a fire in my town. These belongs were on the front lawn of a home that burned down. The pictures are sad and disturbing to me. The belongs of a family strewn all over the lawn are heartbreaking.



But this picture below, conveys more sadness than the 50+ I took.


Such a waste.

ABC Wednesday "I"

"I" is always a hard letter for me.
This week, I have been posting some pictures of a home that burned down two weeks ago.

I = Interior
I can see the interior of this home from the street.


This is from the living room window. You can see the remains of a staircase that led to the bedrooms. I find it so sad to see all this stuff hanging from the beams.

52 Weeks of Happiness - Week 2 - The Photoshoot

What makes you happy?

I was taking picture of Goddess in a new skirt for a review when Handsome grabbed a camera and she posed for him....cute!!!

For more of my photo shoot, go here.

Tuesday Takes - The Aftermath

Yesterday I was in town with my camera and captured the remains of a house that had gone up in flames a few weeks ago. The sadness is overpowering as you walk among the families possessions. From my car, it just looked like a burned down house but as I got closer to the front of the house I wondered why their things where littered all over the place. Is this typical of a house fire? Where they going to return and pick through their things or was this what was left after they took what they wanted? So sad!

More photos coming!

Moody Monday - It's Not Easy Being Green

A review of the skirt and hair bows coming up soon! Items from Etsy shop: Z Bowz

Mellow Yellow Monday - Wiggle's Forever!

Today's Mellow Yellow feature is my son's collection of Wiggle merchandise. We have all the VHS and DVD's, shirts, PJ's and books anyone could ever want of The Wiggles. The Wiggles if you are not familiar with them are a group of guys from Australia who were wildly popular. Handsome watched them from 2-5 years old and when he stopped, I missed them dearly. The songs were fun, the dances exciting. I knew each song and dance like I was a Wiggle myself and used to do what I called Wiggle Workouts.

While Handsome would probably be OK with us letting some of these go, I am sooo not ready to do that.

Playing With A Goddess Photo

I love taking photos, especially of my kids. It is hard to take a bad photo of kids. There is something so special about their faces. When I saw this photo of Goddess, I knew I just had to play with it. Which one is your favorite?

Natural - no editing

Changing the Saturation levels

Adding color accents

Changed to black and white

Playing with texture and levels

Sunday Stealing: The Burnt Toast Meme, Part Two

17. Who would you like to show up at your door to say they love you? Ahhhh where do I start? The list is sooo long. Let's just say...they are all hot, rich and hopefully well endowed.

18. Last furry thing you touched? It was soooo soft and furry that it made me sigh. Wish it was something more exciting but it was my daughter's pajamas when I was putting them away this morning. I really wish they had them in my size.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? NONE!

20. Do you miss film or does digital work for you? Digital works for me just fine. I miss my beautiful camera but love the digital the instant view satisfaction it provides.

21. Favorite age you have been so far? 40! I loved 40.

22. Your worst enemy? Do I have enemies? I can't think of any. Maybe the damn spiders that infiltrate my dwelling, causing me to momentarily lose my breath for a second no matter how small they are.

23. What is your current desktop picture? Robert Pattinson!


24. What was the last thing you said that was funny? Nothing. I am not funny.  However, my kids think I am hysterical.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? A million bucks! Right now, I don't know anyone who wouldn't choose a million.

26. Who can't you say “no” to? My kids! They are crazy and I adore them.

27. The last song you bought or downloaded? Pat Benetar - All Fired Up, The Best of Pat Benetar. My MP3 was missing one of the best female voices in Rock n' Roll.

28. What time of day were you born? It was the evening 7:38 pm

29. What’s your favorite number? Why? 5. Before my mom passed away, there were 5 of us. The number 5 reminds me of the fact that I once was a little girl with a mom, dad and sibs, then life came and changed all of that! The innocent girl was lost,  mom was gone, then dad abandoned us and my sisters and I barely have a relationship or see each other.

30. Where did you live in 1987? I was 19, living in State Island taking care of myself.

31. Are you jealous of anyone? Nope! Jealousy is a wasted emotion.

32. Is anyone jealous of you? If they are, they need to get a life.

33. It's been almost a decade. Where were you when 9/11 happened? I was working in an office and every year still write to most of them, to let them know I am thinking of them. I will never forget the people I was with, the moment that changed everything, or how badly, I wanted to see my husband.

Go Ahead And Pop Open A Bag of Sun Chips After The Kids Go To Bed!

We are big Frito Lay fans here. We especially love Sun Chips. While we loved their compostable bag, we couldn't open it after the  kids were in their rooms. It made a LOT of noise. 

This week I received a box containing the original compostable bag and the new, quieter Sun Chips bag. The new bag is still made from a renewable, plant-based material called PLA, or polylactic acid, and is still 100 percent compostable however, there is a noticeable difference in noise level. 

We are hoping that most chip companies will go over to this type of bag. According to Frito Lay the bag will break down in approximately 14 weeks if the compost temperature is maintained above ~130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about as long as it takes to compost an orange peel under the same conditions. 

You'll see the compostable bag on specially marked packages of SunChips Original, which are rolling out to stores now and will be available nationwide this spring.

What I Can Tell You: There were no pained faces as we opened the new Sun Chip bag. In the past we would wince and close our eyes watching for the kids to come out of their respective rooms when we opened the  bags. 

Photo Friday - Ethereal

When I saw this weeks Photo Friday theme, I couldn't resist.

Friday Flashback - My Bridal Shower 1997

My bridal shower was so great. I was totally tricked and had no idea when I arrived the party was for me. It took me completely off guard. My husband and his cousin really played me and I have no idea how my friends and family kept it secret for so long. I do know that my bff didn't call me the day before and it was because she was afraid she was going to slip.

Here we are toward the end of the party flanked by my besties. We had been roommates for 3 years and they were and are still my girls.

It has been a while since I have scrapbooked. These are over 10 years old but I wanted to grab some old photos for this meme.

There are the Teach and I walking in and us sitting at the table for a toast. He then left for a bar. A friend who saw these pictures after the fact stated, "awww you had a stripper at your party!" The guy she was talking about was Teach. She had never met him and thought he looked like a stripper. Must be the long hair and facial fluff.

Light At Winter's End by Julia London - Review

What I Can Tell You:
Have there ever been two sisters more different? Hannah has always been her mother's favorite, especially at the end. She took her mother to her doctor appointments, made funeral arrangements and always did the right thing according to mom. Then there is Holly who plays guitar, never had time to visit mom, struggles as a song writer and works part time to pay the rent.  So it was quite a surprise when Holly was given the "homestead" in her mother's will.

Holly's life is suddenly altered when Hannah knocks on Holly's door, hands her son Mason over to her and says she has to leave but will be back. Holly finds herself instant mom to her nephew and unsure where her sister is or how to take care of a baby.

She heads home to the homestead and meets cowboy Wyatt Clark a weekened father of a little girl. Can Holly be an instant mother? Will Hannah come back? What of Mason's father? Can Holly and Wyatt find their way to each other in the midst of family conflict? All will be revealed my friend.

What I loved about this book is how real the sister's relationship is. As a sister of two I know how very different siblings can be. Do we really know our family as well as we think we do? I also appreciated how Holly handled the "add water instant mother" spin of the book.

The story moves nicely and other than one character, I liked them all. I walked away with two thoughts; What would you do for family? AND You can love children with your whole heart even if you didn't give birth to them.

127 Hours Starring James Franco Review

What I Can Tell You:
Wow! I really wanted to see this movie when it was in the theatre. First, I am a huge James Franco fan. I love him and find him fascinating. Knowing this was a true story made it more interesting.
The screening took place yesterday and included me, Clary and Lor.

If you don't know the story, Aron is a cave jumper who heads out to Blue John Canyon alone. He tells no one where he is headed, meets two female travelers, spends some time taking pictures and video with them and sends them on their way. While passing over a canyon, a rock suddenly gives way and together he and rock fall between on of the narrow canyons, his hand and wrist pinned against the rock and the wall. 

Trying to survive while running out of water, food in desperate conditions, Aron's only friend is his video camera that he uses to document, entertain and leave goodbye messages on.

There was a lot of gasping, hand over mouth moments and Clary was at one point sitting on the edge of her chair with a straight back.

There were some comparissions to Castaway with Tom Hanks without Wilson the soccer ball. We all loved it, in fact Clary asked me to leave it at her house so she can watch it with her husband.

Yesterday I posted on Facebook about the movie being soooo good and how amazing James Franco was.

Here are the comments on that post:


Lauri  - Ditto!!! His acting was so real and it was definitely a thrilling movie.

Maria  - Seriously! Very tense and it takes a great actor to carry a movie alone while keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Lyn  - Daniel saw that movie last weekend. I asked if he was feeling sick when the guy cut his arm off, he said only when there was a long stringy bit... ewwwww lol

Maria - Yes!!! That made my girlfriends squirm a bit.

Clarissa - Great movie. Very suspenseful!

The girls and I joked that we would have been dead in less than 24 hours if we were Aron.

It takes an amazing actor to carry almost an entire movie by themself. James Franco's portrayal of an injured, parched, hungry, resourceful, Aron made me thirsty. I longed for a huge class of water. Franco looked like he spent 3 days in that cave. It is no wonder he was nominated for Best Actor.

This is an inspiring story about perservence and the will to live. 5 out of 5 Stars and a must see.

This is a must see. And...just because I need a Franco fix....

ABC Wednesday - H

H = Hugging? Yes, I am questioning this title because, he was actually "hating" the hug. This was his photo moment and she just jumped right in. Poor kid. I feel bad for both because two seconds later, she was wearing that pout.

H = Hit. Playing in the snow makes some of us sitting ducks for that great, big, flying snow ball. Thankfully, both kids have a sense of humor and snowballs to the head thrown without malice elicit laughter.

Wordless Wednesday - Makes My Heart Smile

There are photos that we remember a moment, photos that capture something forever and then there are just the photos that you smile at every time you see them. I have two of those. Here is one of them.

The Shape Of Mercy by Susan Meissner - Absolute Must Read!

What I Can Tell You:
Wow! I could not put this book down. It was read from cover to cover in two days (with two kids, three blogs, social media responsibilities, house duties, and a baby sitting gig). It called to me and every time I closed it, I felt like I was leaving the characters.

Susan's fictional story of three generations of woman is beautiful woven. When wealthy college student, Lauren decides to strike out on her own and answers an ad for a literature transcriptionist she meets 83 year old Abigail. Abigail has been entrusted with a journal which belonged to one of her ancestors, Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.

 Lauren, Abigail and Mercy have a lot more in common than one would expect.

I cannot say enough about this book! In a 305 page book we see the lives of three woman unfold, between a vast generation gap yet like a zipper, clasp together in the similiarities.

It is a 3 part love story. It is about perceptions, assumptions, friendship, honestly, defending your honor, strength and sacrifice.

While reading it, I felt like Lauren felt every time she finished transcribing for the day. She didn't want to leave Mercy. I didn't want to leave Mercy, Lauren or Abigail. Every time I closed the book, I pictured them waiting for me to reopen and read.

Susan Meissner's take on the Salem Witch Trails by using actual names and history and embellishing was genius. The readers guide at the back of the book, is perfect! The book is deeper than it appears and would make an excellent reading group selection!

Tuesday Takes - The Tree

This morning as I was leaving to drop the kids off at school, I remembered Freda's Tuesday Takes. I grabbed the camera and took a few shots.

Here is the tree that will eventually, drop large amounts of nonsense on my deck and lawn in a few weeks.

At the moment, all is quiet but in a few weeks, the buds will appear at the top and eventually, large pods of some kind will fall to the deck. Then the woodpeckers come and will continue to take more large chunks from the side of it. Eventually the leaves will cascade to the ground, leaving the kids huge piles of leaves to jump in, then all will be quiet again. Isn't life grand?

52 Weeks of Happiness - Week 1

What makes you happy?

This week, I am reminded of how happy I am in my marriage. Getting married to Teach was one of the best things I ever did for myself. He was and is a great "friend" beside being my spouse and in my opinion, friendship is one of the most important things in a relationship. After 19 years of knowing him, I can say, I still want to be with him more than any other person in the world. He still makes me laugh and I have more respect for him than anyone else on earth.

If you know me, you know that I hold my friendships very high! Our wedding invitations stated "Today I will marry my friend" and I am proud to say, that I STILL consider my husband, my friend!

I am also reminded of how happy I was when we purchased our home.  My parents had never owned a house and this was a big deal for me. "Bury me in the backyard" was my saying back then because I had moved over 33 times in my life. Now, if you were to ask me if I consider this my final home town, I will tell you, no. It would be OK to move as long as my family is coming with me, I am happy wherever we go.

This was Teach and my first Christmas at house house. Our living room furniture was the chairs from our deck but we were so happy. Our cat and dog were our children and the fire added to the warmth of our home. My how things have changed but, I will never forget how unbelievably happy I was when I took this picture.

Moody Monday - Costumed

We love Halloween and dressing up here. Seeing my kids in costume, melts my heart.

Photo Time: Artistic Vision

Freda's artistic vision is very unique and my submission pales in comparison but, here we go....

Goddess was handing me flowers (yes, we consider these flowers!) and I took a shot of our shadows. I then took a shot of my gift! Presents from wee ones are some of the sweetest you will ever get even if they are to some considered weeds.

Remember this Post?

So, on Sunday 1:30 p.m. a movie crew showed up to my door and for the next hour and a half, I was interviewed for a Twilight documentary. While I cannot go into the specifics, I can tell you that it was thrilling and a bit odd to sit there discussing a Young Adult book while my husband took the kids out for the day.

My Twilight alter was the end of the interview and the most humiliating part. To stand there saying, here is my Twilight ornament or here is my Move Companion book was just odd.

There will be a follow up interview very soon and when I hear more information about where your friendly blogger can be viewed, I will let you know.

Thanks for listening.

Blue Monday & Mellow Yellow Monday - Perfect Together-Loving Sibs!

It doesn't get any cuter than this picture. Can't you just squeal at her little bitty hand on his cheek? Love it!

On her head? A pom-pom. The best part was Handsome dressed up and prancing around as a cheerleader. Don't have any of those photos online. Those are the kind that go into the drawer for blackmail when he is a teenager.

Outtake - That is Goddess under that pom-pom. Love the handle sticking up at the top.

Handsome wanted his picture taken with the pom-pom on his head so bad. How could I not?!

Children's Book Review - Be Careful What You Wish For by D.L. Cocchio

What I Can Tell You:

I know D.L. personally and I read the book Be Careful What You Wish For back in 2003 when she first released it. Last week D.L. and I spoke on the phone and I remembered this book was on my shelf. As I hung up, I grabbed the book and read it again.  It was fun to remember the last time D.L. and I had spent time together we were at the Reinneisance Faire in Tuxedo, NY and I was unknowingly pregnant with Handsome. It was a fabulous day and I must have eaten 3 huge pickles from the pickle guy who walked around with a big barrel selling them for $1.00 each.  She joked that I might be pregnant and I said, "Nah, I really love pickles." 

Emily and Megan are BFF's and spend all their time together. They are almost like sisters and love being together like most girls their age.  While at the Medieval Fair in Sterling Forest they encounter a gypsy who sells them a beautiful gem hanging on a thin, gold chain. The Gypsy explains to them that it was her Aunt Ramiza's and it is an amulet. She gives it to Emily for $5.00 because Em reminds her of herself. She wraps it up and tells the girls she hopes their wishes come true and to "be careful what you wish for."

When the girls get home the girls head upstairs to act out one of their made up plays. They dress up in 15th Century clothing and adding the amulet to the costume, say "I wish were really were in the 15th Century."
Suddenly, they are.

D.L. takes the reader on a journey as the girls get to really see what life was like in the 15th Century. The book spans multiple genres as it is part adventure, mystery, historical fantasy, science fiction and mystical, all wrapped in a pretty children's book ribbon for ages 8-12.

Photos By Goddess

When I finally got around to downloaded Goddess' camera onto the computer, there were some pleasant surprises.

Me...and I didn't have to take it as a self portrait.

Falling Apart In One Piece by Stacy Morrison

What I Can Tell You: 
I read this book last night in just a few hours. Stacy has lived through one of my biggest fears. Being married is hard work. There are plenty of ups and downs in all relationships but when Stacy's husband tells her he's done you immediately want to hate him. How could anyone just decide one day they are "done"? All parties of a relationship have their own reality and it may not be the mirror image of yours. What Stacy does with dignity, humor and wisdom is see her role as her marriage dissolves around her and comes out better on the other side.

Stacy, isn't most of us. She has a nanny for her child, a good paying job, an ex-husband who wants to see his son and shares parenting responsibilities with her. While I believe most woman in the same situation will not be able to relate to Stacy because of those things, what we do get out of this story is that, regardless of lifestyle, divorce is hard. It is devastating to all parties involved and the raw emotion of the journey from marriage to single again, can and will knock you on your ass!

Alphabe-Thursday - U

U is unsuspecting -


Being pelted with a snowball is never fun for the person being hit, but it is so much fun for everyone else.