J's Crew

Technology Sux!

2008-02-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted but my computer has once again bitten the bullet! My DH says this time is for good. My DH also offered to buy me a new one for my upcoming birthday, but I was so frustrated I told him not to! I said I don't NEED one, and he said, yes you do, I don't want to share mine!!! So, I will again become absent until the situation is resolved. Sorry. Hope to see you soon. PS if anyone knows Coterie's e-mail, I would love to have it. I want to be invited to her blog now that she's gone private!

Design Dreamin'

2008-02-01T05:36:00.000-08:00

How fun would it be to design a room with these swanky items from 1st Dibs?
PS I am going away for the weekend so no more posts til Sunday night or Mon.

Picture This

2008-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

I've decided that all my tabletop picture frames should be silver or have silver in them. So, on that note, here are some great frames all under $50. The first ones are enamel from PotteryBarn running from $24-$29. The second is from Mariposa,a mere $25. The next are again PotteryBarn, a bamboo design ranging in price from $19-$34. And the last one is a classic from Reed and Barton for $42.50. I think picture frames make a great gift, especially monogramed with a picture of a special event.

Well I Declare!

2008-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

These items are all from Ida Claire, Monogramed Gifts and Accessories. They are all under $50 and they are all acrylic, which is key for outdoor entertaining, especially if one has small children. Personally, I would love to recieve any of these items. I could actually use the salad bowl and the chip and dip set. The prices respectively are $34, $32, $46, and $32. All well under $50 and great gift ideas.

I'm back with more 50 under 50

2008-01-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the slack, I can't name just one reason, but I thought I should finish what I started. Now, on with 50 gift ideas under $50. Hable Construction. I found some cute ideas. The first image is a bragbook. In what they call clementine bead. You gotta love orange! Bragbooks are good for grandmothers and women who you don't know all that well. The price is $35. Then there are garden gloves-adorable. Obviously, a great gift for a garden person or maybe as a housewarming gift, (if the house has a garden.) These are $25.You could get two! Then you have the 2008 pocket calendar. A great christmas gift. Just $30.And last but not least, coasters! They are fun for anyone or any occasion. A set of 6 for $45. I'll be back tomorrow I promise!

More 50 under 50

2007-11-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

A beautiful fruit urn from Ballard Design
A nautical doorstop from Beach Dwelling Home
A Shell book from Room Service Home

50 under 50

2007-11-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a few gift ideas that I wouldn't mind receiving myself. They are all under $50. The coasters and first address labels are from IOMoi. The second address labels are from Boatman Gellar. Ofcourse the boat coaster would be personalized with the name of our new boat, Aeolus. My parents are visitting for a couple days to help me out. I just had minor surgery, but can't lift anything heavier then a gallon of milk for 4 weeks...I have two toddlers???? Anyway, we are taking them to see the new boat tomorrow! It is so exciting!

Dibbs

2007-11-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

These are just a couple of things I am currently drooling over at 1st Dibbs.com.

Boats

2007-11-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

This boat in the water is our Sirena, we, by we I mean McDada, has been working like mad all summer to fix her up. I think the deck was finished, but the interior still needs much work! The other boat is our boat to be,(fingers crossed for luck). This is the boat we will live aboard while cruising for a year! We would take the next two years to fix her up and outfit her for cruising. And in those two years, our kids would learn to swim, and I will learn to sail!!! And overcome my shark-phobia! It is all very exciting!!!
We are off to the playground now with friends! Have a great day!

A Modern Twist on an Old Classic!

2007-11-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is the coolest thing ever! Check it out. http://www.atelier-rbernier.fr/coll_silhouette.shtml It has given me a great decorating idea for my livingroom! We have needed just the right thing for the wall above the couch. There is a thermastat in an awkward spot, that has made the placement of artwork challenging. But we could just paint over it! By this I mean, paint the family in silouette, our family!!!! So cool!!!!!

Sorry, only 60 days away...

2007-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

More gift ideas for the boys. These are from Creative Educational Toys at Young Explorers. The first is a giant road carpet for $29.95. The other is action city set, fire and police stations, also $29.95.

Christmas

2007-10-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Aren't these fabulous? They are afordable too. I think we have to get these for the boys. They are from Babystyle.

Hello Old Friend

2007-10-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I was thinking the other day about my friends, some of which I've known since 3rd grade, some from school, some from work. The point being that these are people I know and know well, I know their personal histories, their families, their test scores, their pets, their crushes, their phone numbers better than my own. I lived their lives, growing up with them, going to school with them, working with them, living with them. Then we get married and life changes. I know their maiden names, I know some of them go back to school, some work corporate jobs, some are stay at home moms. Well, I am a stay at home mom, myself so I probably know more about the other SAHMs, but the other's daily lives are a mystery. Life just starts going a million miles an hour and all of a sudden, it's been a year since we've talked. What time did you wake up this morning? What did you have for breakfast? Are the kids up yet? Have you read the newspaper? Do you french kiss your husband goodbye every morning? Do you want to crawl back into bed? Do you listen to music in the car as you drive. Is it your music or your kids music? Do you workout? Are you financially secure? Do you dress your kids or do they dress themselves? How did you pick their names? Do you have fast food for lunch? Do you shop for pleasure? Do you talk to your husband during the workday? Who cooks dinner? Do you all eat together? Did you get down on the floor and play cars or blocks or dolls with your kids today. Did you clean the toilet today? Did you wash your hair today? Are you on any committees? Do you give to charity? How many "time outs" did you give today? What did you do after the kids went to bed? Did you read to them? Do you have a nanny, cleaning person, or a personal trainer? What did you do to relax today? How many times did you swear today? What are some of the little things you love? Where would you rather be right now? How many people did you talk to on the phone today? Do you like your in-laws? Did you spend more then $1000 today? Did you do everything on your "To Do" list? Are you going to have sex tonight? Did you today? Did you laugh or cry today? Did you watch TV tonight? What did you have for dinner? Are you seeing a specialist doctor? Are you on medication? When was the last time you danced? When was the last time you got drunk? Where do you shop? Do you talk politics with your husband? When was the last time you threw a party? What was the last book you read? Outside your immediate family, who do you talk to on a daily basis? Do you go to church? What was your biggest stress today? I am tired and full from eating too much chicken and bread, we didn't have a vegetable tonight. I have to take my meds, restart the laundry, check my schedule for tomorrow and go up to bed and try to read more of The Time Traveler's Wife, bookclub meets Nov 2nd. These are the things we used to know about eachother? Why not now?

Gold Digger

2007-10-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Yum, yum, yum! I want these, please. A.G.A Correa & Son. That's what I call nautical chic!

Before & After

2007-10-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry, this took so long. But this is it. The bed isn't dressed and there are more pics to be hung on the pic wall, and the curtains aren't hung, but you get the picture. I feel organized (when I am in this room, at least) It kind of makes it hard to leave this room and face the rest of the house...well I must go to the gym now. More later, I promise. PS. Check out the curvature of the ceiling in the second to last photo!! That's what you get with a 200 year old house!!! That and the low ceiling kind of drive me crazy, I'm not complaining though!!!!

Cleaning House

2007-10-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

I did it, (my office that is). I am on my way to a more manageable lifestyle. In one of my sort piles I came across these Thermal Totes in the Lillian Vernon catalog, I may have posted about them before, but wanted to make sure they were on here for reference. I love them. And I think my S-I-L might have been talking about something like this. Tis almost the season...
I shall post pictures of my office tomorrow.

Damage Control

2007-09-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

I love Damages!!! We tivo it, and whatched the episode last night, "She spat on me". Afterwards we talked about it for about 45 minutes. I don't want it to be over! It is soooo good!
So, yesterday was a dreary day, very fitting, but so depressing. I have to say that every year that goes by I am relieved that nothing as horrid has occured. Thank God, and God bless the USA!
On yet another note, I am following a meal plan this week. So far so good. And I ran my second mile yesterday on the treadmill. It is a huge accomplishment for me as I haven't worked out since highschool. And I was NEVER a runner!. So far I have lost 5 lbs. I am on my way. Today I am doing strength training. It is a beautiful day to also go for a walk with the kids, perhaps to the playground.
Speaking of kids, is anyone familiar with Montessouri? From what I have read it sounds fabulous!
Time to get outside, the kids are melting down!!!!

My Room

2007-09-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

So, that's basically it. There would be a pair of the "Brooks" Chair from Pottery Barn,around the Area & Co, "Agnes" Table, over the William Sonoma "Iron Gate" Rug, with draperies from Sumptuous Silk, and to top it off this chandelier from Ballard Designs, (with silk shades ofcourse). And last but not least, a framed plasma, by Frame My TV that will probably sit above the electric firplace flanked by beautiful built in bookcases.

Room For Change

2007-09-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

So, in case you didn't know, I have a backround in Interior Design. You wouldn't know it by looking at that last post. As an excuse I will say designing for yourself is the hardest, especially with caviar taste, a beer budget, two kids and no time. Anyway after reading a post on Exotic Fabrics by Jennifer over at The Peak Of Chic, I was inspired, or should I say, I became obsessed! I decided to design a room around this fabric, "Kipling" by Lee Jofa. So, I decided to put it on this "Presidio" couch by William Sonoma. My next post will include the basics in the room, more seating, coffee table, media storage, and bookcases, ect. Then rug, curtains and lighting. Finally, accesories.

Progress, Not Perfection

2007-09-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

So, this is where I am at. It doesn't look like much but it is serious progress. I need to put the boxes under the bed, hang the pictures, and find storage for the rest of the stuff. I hung the shelf all by myself! Does anyone else save boxes to wrap gifts in? I think I save too many. Where am I supposed to keep them? I almost forgot, we are pulling the stuff out of the closet and filling it with shelves, so that's where they will go. I think if I want that project done I will have to do it myself. Ugh. Can I build it? Yes I can!

More XMas Gifts

2007-08-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my gift ideas for my parents for Christmas. I love the cooper hose pot! Both are from Frontgate! They are so hard to buy for. They don't need anything. I think next time I am there I will pay more attention and see what things they already own that can be updated, towels, sheets, tablelinens, ect...
BTW My parents chose the big round showerheads for ALL their showers, inside and out!!!
PS sorry about the last post, you really didn't need that kind of info!!

Time of Month

2007-08-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Yup, it is that time of month. No wonder i've had the urge to eat and clean lately. Well today I have terrible cramps and therefore have decided to do nothing!!!! I am catching up on my blog reads, sitting on the couch, laptop in hand , two boys climbing all over me who are supposed to be watching the stupid TV which I said we were cutting back on. Don't you hate that? I need me time. Last night I was able to get out, I offered to go get the ingredients for the dinner I was craving-Chicken Ceasar. Ariving you nutsnyway, I have a whopping six things on my list and the grocery store is a whopping 7 minutes away... I was gone an hour! I just wandered, cause it was so nice to be alone!!! Is that awful?
A direct quote..."Monks, You are driving me CRAZY!"
And the reply..."No Mom, I'm driving you NUTS!"

I leave you with this, hope your day is better then mine.

Outdoor Shower

2007-08-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

OK people, which showerhead would be better in an outdoor shower? By the way they are both from Fontgate.

Monkey's X-Mas List 2007

2007-08-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's way to early to be thinking Christmas but I want to be ready when people ask what to get Monkey for X-Mas. Now I will be prepared. By the way, Monkey is three.

More Books

2007-08-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

Clothes for Monkey ( X-mas 2007 cont.)

2007-08-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

Underwear! How cute is this 3 pack from Mini Boden? A this A. Tierney bely with the jolly roger is tooo cute. And ofcourse in my personal opinion, every little boy should own a pair of camo pants (these are from Walmart). It's how you wear them that counts. I would put him in a cool stiped oxford and a vest. This Ralph Lauren Fair Isle sweater is beautiful no matter how old you are. One for McDada and one for my Dad please. And then the staples, Ralph Lauren cords in lots of colors. That should do it in the clothing catagory.

Toys, glorious toys ( x-mas list continued )

2007-08-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

So, first we have the most playful croquet set ever. By the way these are all from a catalog called Toys To Grow On. (www.ttgo.com) Then we have a set of books, Good Behavior Books, essential for any three year old. Then we have a hundred piece food set, that's to go with the kitchen playset we gave the Monkey for his third birthday (which was a blast by the way ) Then there is the Jump Smart Bouncer, an indoor energy outlet. And last but certainly not least the super cool ride on cars, a Fire Engine and a Hotrod. That should be sufficient.

Dedicated to the world's most dedicated dog

2007-08-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our oldest dog Boone was laid to rest yesterday morning. He was 12 and had Kidney Failure. I still can't believe he is gone. He was such a presence in our lives. It is unbearable for McDada. He has had him since he was a pup and went through alot of hard times together. In the last four years since I've known him, he's become more my dog. We had a "love at first sight" experience. And he has been my protector ever since. He follows me wherever I go, even when he was so sick and had lost over 20 lbshe would still follow me right up the stairs even if I was just going to get something from my room. I felt guilty ofcours, but he wanted to be with me, so I let him. He slept on our bed every night and lay on the couch with us as we watched TV. He was the most beautiful Chesapeake Bay Retriever in the world. He was quite regal, he carried himself like a king. He was very fierce and was an amazing watchdog, but when he loved you he was just a big baby. I will miss him every minute until the day we meet again in Heaven. I loved him and he loved me. Here's to you Boone!!!!

Gorgeous

2007-08-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

This photo I found on a newly discovered blog called perfectbound. Check it out! Anyway, isn't this a dreamy room for a soiree? What if the floor was painted white? It would be so ethereal! The only thing that would beat this for me would be if it were outside on a cliff by the ocean.

Progress

2007-08-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

I am thinking I may be done by Sept 1st! I hung some art, cleared of my desk and did some organizing. Now I need some storage, ie shelves, McDada is working on getting that for me!!!

WTF????

2007-08-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's 12:45 AM and I just finished cleaning the INSIDE of the refridgerater! First of all, what is wrong with me, and second of all, I am discusted enough to never eat again!!!! DOGHAIR in the bottom of the INSIDE of the fridge!!!! SO GROSS! I swear one night I'm just going to die chocking on it!!!! It repulses me! Anyway...I am also wrapping the monkey's gifts for his 3rd birthday! I am psyched for the party although I have to admit his first was the best, we had a theme, we even had T-shirts made! "Do You Remember Your First?" was writted on the front, and on the back was "I had fun when______ turned one!" Obviously it was all about firsts, we had pictures with captions, it was pretty cute. For his second, we gave out gifts of photo magnets (with his face ofcourse) and a mix CD of all his favorite music" And a video showing made by my partner in my company "Moving Pictures". These were all cookouts with lots of kids and adults and music and bubbles, and balloons, ect...
This year will be a bit more low key, we are just doing cake and ice cream and a Trivia Game all about the Boy Of The Hour! That part should be fun, either the questions will be totally easy or we talk about our kids so much that people have stopped listening... We shall see. Hope y'all have a grand weekend! Come back soon, ya hear?

Coral me Happy

2007-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these melamine plates by Thomas Paul available at Velocity. I wonder if I will ever get over my coral obsession???

Wish List

2007-07-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

So, home improvements happen very slowly around here. But there are so many projects, I just wanted to write them down. We did finally paint the livingroom, but there is still the spot behind the Plasma, I haven't gotten to. I think it was two Christmas' ago, McDada made me a bookcase! A gorgeous mahogany bookcase! Ofcourse we then decided that we needed something for under the Plasma to hold (more like guard) the components. So, that hasn't happened yet... Then there is the chair we bought when we lived in Md, that needed a slipcover and never got one. It looks ok, it just doesn't match. Now as for the couch, I love it, but it is now in desperate need of a slipcover. Then there are the curtains, I have the fabric, I just have to do some light sewing. And last but not least the corner floor lamp was brass then was painted white to go in the Monkey's room when he was a baby, so now it has to be repainted, or we need another floorlamp. Well, that covers the livingroom. By the way, the color scheme is pink and green!!
There is a hallway between the livingroom and kitchen that has two walls I want to wallpaper. I haven't found the right paper yet. i want something bold in the brown tones (I think). Then we move onto the harbor room, which is now the dinning room. It had horrible dated wallpaper, so we tore it down. We haven't done anything since! I think we are going to paint it pale turquoisey blue color. It has a bit of an ocean theme. I also am dying for new dinning chairs, I hate ours. So, as you can see there is much to be done. I am ready willing and able, but right now the focus is on Serena, our sailboat! You know what BOAT stands for don't you? Break Out Another Thousand!!!! Oh so true!

Nesting 101

2007-07-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

My Monkey is turning 3 in two weeks.People keep asking me what he wants for his birthday... How about new chairs for the dinningroom table??? I know he would love these! Chairs from Crate and Barrel, PotteryBarn and Ballard Designs.

Seriously though, more toys just means more mess. As for ride on toys, our backyard is not very level, and I don't want him riding in the street and I don't want him to have any motorized vehicles. As for big playset things, like a kitchen setup, I know he would love it for a while, but 1. he'd probably get tired of it and 2. we don't have the room!
Does this make me a bad mom?

Good Mail

2007-07-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

What we have here are some goodies from Nordstrom and Bloomingdales delivered straight to my mailbox.
First, we see a fire engine red trench by Guess from the Nordstrom catalog. It has a feminine shape and a beautiful wide round collar. I am a big fan of 3/4 length. For shame, it was the only thing in the catalog that caught my eye.
As for the Bloomies catalog, now there were some goodies in there.... Now I picked out this long black taffeta skirt as an example. Once upon a time I needed something to wear to a black tie affaire. I searched and searched to no avail. So, I designed something myself. I picked out a stunning pink and green (naturally) plaid in silk from my secret fabric source on the internet, then took it to my favorite tailor and came up with a skirt with a similar shape , but in a fun fabric. Then all you need is a freshly pressed white oxford, with feminine buttons and french cuffs, of course! Voila, a no fuss, custom, black tie ensemble! As for the other pics, who says you can't wear fabulous footwear in the rain? Kate Spade says you can!!!! Bring on the rain!!!!!

The Sea Horse

2007-07-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

My dad just bought me this bag cause I said I loved it! Isn't that so cute. Isn't the bag cute? It may be a bit young but it's cute and casual, perfect for summer!!! Yay Dad!

Cute Pieces

2007-07-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

I love these two pieces! The top is from Bloomingdales and the skirt, I'm sure you all know is from JCrew. They may look cute together if the tie on the blouse was pink!!!

Calgon, take me away!

2007-07-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't been around much, then I pop up with a post about stress, then another week passes and I post about the beach, well... this (see pictures) is the reason for the stress and it's why we spend so much time at the beach. Avoidance! Yeah, that'll work!
So, this is my guestroom/office. It was beautiful at one point. This is where all the stuff I "inherited " from my parent's move ended up. There are old files from my past, almost every letter I've ever recieved, old pictures that need to be scanned, artwork to be hung up, my crafting supplies, my wrapping supplies, a large glass milkcan of shells, our dvd collection, my stationary, and desk accesories, and my gift grab( a collection of gifts for different occasions that I have bought throughout the year) I know I could organize it, I just don't want to do it alone. And I would have to do it with no kiddos around. So, I think I should give myself a deadline, OK, by August 1st this will be clean and organized! So, stay tuned, i will post pics August 1st.!!!!!

Life's a beach

2007-07-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

STRESSSSSSS

2007-06-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Healthy ways of dealing with stress:
crossword puzzles or soduko
housework
playing with kids
shower

I need to remember these instead of the "other" things I do to cope! I have had an eye twitch for two weeks now!!!!

what do we think?

2007-06-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Are these totally cheesy or kinda cute??? I can not decide! Obviously, I would put a pic of each of my boys in them.

Sorry I haven't been around, I have been over on a site for dieters, called Spark People. So far it is amazing, but it is taking up all my free time. I'll try to check in at least once a week, I promise!

I'm in Love

2007-06-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

These three dresses are from the Meringue Boutique, the middle one, I'd wear as a beach cover up. And the bag is from Love, Me. Two great sites, check them out.

FOUL MOOD

2007-06-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am in a foul mood. Why, you ask? Well I will tell you why! I hate the fact that I have to diet, I am uncomfortable in my own skin, I have to take this seriously, and I got the gym membership, which is great news, but right now all it means is that I HAVE to committ now and I am not happy about it!!!! It is going to be a long hard road and I am going to be cranky. Get used to it! Just kidding, I will try to stay as possitive as possible. Thanks to Jilly, I have just started the Spark Diet, I will fill you in later on that. In the mean time, three things that I have to do today and three things I love.
To Do:
1) pick up scripts at Wallyworld
2) call re ins. send forms
3) vacuum kitchen

3 Things I love:
1) painted floors
2) Fred & Ginger
3) Weeping Willow trees

Style Me This...

2007-06-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, we were going to go to this Gala tonight, but the poor babysitter had a seizure. I feel awful for her, but I am glad it didn't happen here! Anyway, The cool part was that this event was Creative Black Tie and the name of the event or theme was Underwater Odyssey. I came up with some thing pretty fun. I was wondering what you all could come up with. It's like a game, come on try it! I'll let you in on what McDada was going to wear... his dive suit and a tuxedo jacket with mask and snorkle, of course!!!!!

Still A Computer Moron

2007-06-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

Can someone design a header for me, I know what I want, I just can't figure out how to do it. There are people out there who do that, right? I am feeling very creative, but very stuck! Ugh, I hate being a computer moron!!! I'm sure McDada could teach me... I don't know about you but, having your own husband teach you something just doesn't ever go very well. Not to mention he doesn't have time. Maybe I should take a class, in fact that is what i am going to look up right now. In the mean time any help for a complete idiot would be great, thanx!!!
PS did I mention I never learned to type right? I use my two pointers!

Ah Nap Time!

2007-06-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

The kiddos are sleeping and I would rather be outside as it is a glorious day. I haven't started excersizing YET, but I did call about the gym membership(waiting to hear back). I have been better about eating and got some good feedback about some of my stubborn ways. I don't know if I can go all the way to skim milk, is 1% ok? And I will go back to using Splenda, I used to and I guess I just got lazy. I resisted twice today going to get icecream!!!! That is a major accomplishment. I am about to have a grapefruit as a snack now. And I should drink some water. MMM, ice water with lime!!! I have been doing some surfing lately and found some great resources for cool stuff. I would like to make a banner? or header? on my page, but don't know how. I am a computer moran remember! And in other news, The Fox had his 15 month check up today, all is well. 50% for height and weight. he did have three shots though and he was such a trooper. We went and met some friends at the beach after his appointment, he slept in the car, poor guy. So, here's something weird: my fingers and toes are burning in the sun now, is that a sign of old age or is it just because I forget to put sunscreen there? I know this is a random entry, but that is my current mindset. Now please excuse me while I indulge in grapefruit and sunshine!

Going For It

2007-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

OK girls, you know who you are, let's do it! E-mail me. Total disclosure
2 cups coffee with fat free cream and sugar
1 1/2 bowls of Oat squares with whole milk, we were out of 1%
Kiddie cup of coffee icecream plus the sprinkles off of the monkey's (he didn't like them!??)
3 beef Burritos & lots of seltzer water
Not exactly a great start, but I'm not snacking. I was thinking of going for a walk when McDada got home from work, yes he works all the time, but lost my motivation. SHOCKING!!! Tomorrow, I have a call to make, to a gym where my great friend, Sarah and my step mother -in-law go(everyday). They have a thing where if you babysit a couple hours a week you get a free membership. Sounds like motivation to me. McDada won't pay for a membership until I prove that I am serious, either by walking or working out on my own. He does have a point, I could easily get my butt walking when he comes home or even in the AM before he goes to work. Alas, I don't. He has even bribed me with money! I need Cortney back! She was my personal trainer way back in the day. She would drive 40 minutes to my apt 4 days a week at 6am to work out with me!!! She was an angel. That is what I need now. I need someone to kick my *ss! But, WHY can't I do it myself? Why can't I do sit ups while watching TV or stop after 1 burrito??? WHY??? OK, enough talk a little more action!! Off to do sit ups!

Big Night Out

2007-06-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Guess what we did last night???? We went to a benefit and danced to BBVD live!!! It was so great. I was shocked by the amount of people we talked to last night who hadn't seen the movie Swingers. It was an amazing movie and BBVD was feartured in it. If you don't know who BBVD is they are Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and they are an amazing swing band that appeals to ALL ages. They rock! And they rocked last night. McDada has a bum foot so he couldn't do much dancing, but he got out there with me for the slow tunes! The benefit was for High Hopes, " premier therapeutic riding center and international instructor training facility in Old Lyme, Connecticut, serving people with physical, psychological and emotional disabilities for more than a quarter of a century". An amazing program. There was an annonymous quote on a large poster photograph of a smiling child hugging the horse she was riding on, that said, "the best way to the inside of a person is the outside of a horse" Isn't that true? Horses are increadible animals...
Speaking of...Anyone see the Belmont? I missed it. But read the article in the paper and was excited for the first filly in a long time to win. You go girl!

Anyway, the couples therapy is really helping. McDada and I are not only doing more together, but communicating and not fighting as much. We had a great time last night. As we were dancing, McDada joked that he could cross off lots of things from my "I'd like to do more of list" , Charity, dinner out, and a concert all in one night! That ought to hold me ...for a while...

Biggest Innermost Secrets of my "picture Perfect life"

2007-06-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here it goes...this is me, yup, I am FAT. I have gone from a 6 to a 16 since I quit drinking, drugs, cigarettes too. Oh yeah, BTW, I've been sober for 8 years. So, to sum up, I am fat AND borring!!! Just kidding, I'm NOT boring, I'm just fat. From my first chin to mid thigh has got to go! Mid thigh down is pretty nice, if I do say so myself. I just miss being in shape. I prided myself on my athletisism. I was never "skinny" nor have I had an hourglass shape, but I was happy with my flat stomach and no hips, thighs that didn't touch and big boobs. I had a pretty great bod. What the hell happened? I have got to get it back. And I am going to. With your help hopefully, I need all the support I can get. Basically I need to drop 55lbs! Let's do this thing. I owe it to myself and I want to do it for my kids. When the Monkey says, "mama, let's run!" I want to say, "ok, let's go!" not, "sorry, bud, mama's too tired to run" How pathetic! My husband has been so great, telling me he loves me and wants me just as I am, but I WANT to blow his mind, I WANT him to WANT me. I just can't seem to muster up the juice on this one. Why is this so hard. I have no excuse, none.

Beach Chic

2007-06-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

These are a summer picnic essential. It is a thermal tote, keeping cold cold and hot hot. Well, off to the beach!

Worm, Worm, Go Away!

2007-06-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, first of all, I HATE worms. When I come across them, I jump and scream like a baby. I'm sure this is pretty amusing to the occasional onlooker, but to me...NOT FUNNY. Yuk, slimmy, wiggley things! Then ofcouse there are their distant cousins...SNAKES. I would probably pass out from the fear if I ever did come across one. This is why gardening has never appealed to me. But I am an adult now(have been for quite some time) and I live in a beautiful house with what could be beautiful gardens. Time to suck it up! So, my latest achievement, the Iris beds. These are the before and after shots.
7 worms
0 snakes
1 dog poo
Not bad, eh?
Ofcourse I will have to do the whole thing over again when we actually get the mulch!
Headed to the library this am to pick up our latest book club read, The Rice Mother. Anyone read it? And I get to catch up on my magazine reading while the kids play. If it actually gets nicer we will head to the beach this afternoon. I feel my tan fading! Have a great day everyone!

Best Friends Til The End

2007-06-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, where was I? Oh yes, I was trying to find a picture of my best friends, but I am so unbelievably unorganized right now that I couldn't find it, sorry. Anyway, I will describe them to you. First of all we made up a club, mind you this is third grade, we called ourselves The Bubba Frubbas. BF= best friend First there was Luba, a firey redhead, smart, adventurous, responsible, and focused. She is currently the godmother to my Monkey. She is fulfilling "our" third grade dream of becoming an Architect. Then, there is Saba. She's the one I mentioned who almost died of skin cancer. She married her high school sweetheart and has two kiddos. For a couple of summers, Saba and I partied like rockstars! Freba, godmother to my Fox, has been married the longest (to her carpenter). She is the one I can tell my deepest darkest secrets to, and she won't judge me. We live very different lifestyles but it has never come between us. I am the only one in the Bubbas who she stays in touch with. Then there is Paba, she just had her first baby, a girl. We lived together in Boston for a couple years. We also went on an amazing Spring break trip to Puerto Vallerta back in the college days. So, Luba, Saba, Freba and Paba and I all travelled in Europe together on a school trip when we were way tooo young. I think we went to 5 different countries, but we were drunk the whole time so I don't even remember. Pretty bad, but not entirely my fault, who takes a bunch of eighth graders from an all girls school on a coed trip to Europe with 70 year old chaparones and allows them to drink???? Let's just say the school deceided not to offer that trip again! Finally there is Porba, she is a bit out of touch, we talk about every other year. Last I heard she was in film school in Salt Lake City and had bought herself a house. She was always the independent one. She travelled the world by herself. Her stories are amazing. But these ladies have been a constant in my life for over twenty years. I love them like sisters. I am a very loyal friend.

"Summer's here..

2007-05-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm for that, got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat, got my cold beer, I'm just glad that it's here!" - James Taylor
Such a great song! That says it, huh? So, my weekend was quiet but nice, lots of BBQ!!! And even some beach time!!! I have a nice tan on my upper half. I even started my seaglass collection. I still haven't found that elusive cobolt blue piece yet. It makes my day when I find one! So, back to what I was saying, my legs don't seem to get tan anymore, why is that? Is it cause I'm not lying out like I used to? I am too busy running around with the kids or mowing or weeding. Ever since one of my childhood friends got skin cancer and almost died, I just can't justify "lying out" Isn't it crazy how things used to be? Growing up I hosted many parties durring the summers. We would drink all night and pass out by the pool and not move from there all day, we'd litterally just bake in the sun. We even used cooking oil!!! Wow! But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to irresponsible behavior on my part (growing up). Don't worry, that is on my list!!! I feel like Earl, from MY Name Is Earl, telling you about my "list". As for #5 on my list...
#5 I am Episcapalian but only go to church on special occasions
I pretty much covered that issue on one of my last posts. So I will move on to #6, but need to dig out a pic to do it justice. I'll be back....

Color me happy

2007-05-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love the stationary!!!! Boatman Gellar rocks. I do need more I do, I do. I don't know how to measure the amount I already own, but I can tell you it is a lot! But I do write many letters because I love to brighten peoples day when they go to the mailbox, I know it makes my day when I recieve a letter. And for the most part I save them all.
So, I thought I'd talk a bit about color. My favorite color is green, I love all shades of green for different things. The walls of my livingroom are an olive green. I love wearing kelly green. I think it looks good on me because I have a lot of red in my hair. And my favorite classic car color is forest green-very classy. As for color combos, my favs are: pink & green, pink & orange, blue and brown, and hot pink & light pink. What are your favorite color combos?

Clothes Shopping

2007-05-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

So, I just ordered this Skort from Lands end and will be getting the baby cableknit cardigan from llbean in navy and if I love it, green tea and black. And on my wish list are these two dresses from Bloomingdales! Happy Memorial Day, off to a parade!!!

Sunday, Sunday

2007-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well, another Sunday has come and gone and I did not make it to Church. I've been wanting to go for the past two years actually, but can't seem to get there. Anyway, that is my segway into interesting fact...
#4 I sang in the church coir when I was young.
My best friend and I were probably in 4th or 5th grade when we were both confirmed in the Episcipal Church and sang together in the choir. I don't think what we did was actual singing, mostly it was gigling and peeing in our pants (or choir robes). We had too much fun. She is now the godmother of my older son. Anyway, religion is a tough one. I believe in God and Heaven and that is pretty much all. I have a hard time hearing people tell me what to believe and how to go about it. I am fine doing things my wasy, but a tiny bit of me gets caught up in the point that maybe doing it my way is selfish and the point of believing in something else is to not be so selfish??????? Does that make any sense????
Alrighty then, on to a much lighter subject... Why doesn't Melly M do pants in their great prints? My bottom half is smaller then my top half so I like to wear solids on top and prints on bottom. How do I find new designers? Please forgive me for saying this, but I am bored with Lilly. I adore them and they are classics and I will always own and wear them but give me something new to be excited about!!! Who's with me???? Anyone??

Who wears the pants?

2007-05-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

First of all I have to say that yes there are many classic pants in classic styles and classic colors, yet there hasn't been anything that took my breath away. Could anyone stear me towards a fabulous pair of printed pants? These are my picks of the slim pickins. The first are from Anthropology, the second by Brooks Brothers, the third by CK Bradley, the fourth by J McL and the last and my personal fav, Jennifer Reale.

What a bunch of Skirts!

2007-05-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

I love skirts in the summer, although with having kiddos, I should really wear skorts. I am a hands on, down and dirty Mom.
So, tomorrow I will do pants and shorts along with my boring fact about me. Hope everyone enjoys their Mem Day weekend!

Oh Brother

2007-05-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

3. I have an older brother
Yes, just me and my older bro. He is three years older and was adopted too. Growing up, he was pretty awful to me, typical older brother stuff. I was always tagging around cause he was so cool. He still is cool, and smart and handsome and hardworking and a great father. He is married with three kids. We went to the same boarding school, he was a senior when I was a freshman. He was very protective of me, but very popular which helped me out as a new girl. So, that is yet another exciting fact about me.

More info you don't need

2007-05-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

2. My parents are still married
I mention this because it is so rare these days. I can't imagine growing up in a split family. I feel for the people who have. McDada's parents are divorced and it just makes things complicated, especially on the holidays. It is also awful if the marriage did not end amicably. McDada is divorced as well. His ex-wife lives in our town. People think this is weird and must be awful for me. It is NOT. Of course I was nervous to meet her, but when I did I saw that she was great. As McDada says, "of course she is, I did marry her once upon a time" And he's right, I have no reason to feel jealous or threatened. They were married once, just turns out they weren't right for eachother. I am the one for him, that is all I need to remember.

I'm back...

2007-05-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so here is my new idea, I am going to discuss my 100 things about moi. So, without further ado.
1. I was adopted as a baby
I was adopted from an organization in Evanston, Ill, called The Cradle. Apparently, it is where all of Bob Hopes children were adopted from. I think that all adopted children are left with a "something's missing" feeling deep down inside whether they choose to address it or not. Personally, I feel lucky. I was adopted by two amazing human beings and was blessed with an older brother, also adopted. I feel as if I am where I was meant to be, in terms of family. Growing up, when I would tell my friends, they wouldn't believe me because they said that we all looked alike. The agency does a good job matching, I guess. Of course I always wished I did have the slenderness that runs in my Dad's family and the good looks that run in my mom's. My grandmother was on the cover of Redbook, and my grandfather is the most dashing man I have ever laid my eyes on. I'll have to look for a good pic and post it later. The problem with being adopted is not knowing your own history. A long while ago, when i was struggling with life, I wrote the agency and asked about my background. What I learned was very interesting. The story is a bit like Romeo and Juliett, ie: catholic and protestant scots madley in love against the odds... Anyway My birthmother was a partime butcher, part time bartender, and my birthfather was a painter and decorator. There is decorating in my blood!!!! Speaking of blood, a very cool thought is that when my first child, The Monkey, was born, he was the only blood relative I knew!!!
Who knows, maybe thats why I have always felt so strongly about having children. OK, now it is time for this little chick to get to bed!!!!

Hello again

2007-05-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am back. So sorry I never finished "fashion week", I will finish it tomorow. Of course I had a great idea for today that I have already forgotten!!! WTF??? Is it age or mommy-brain??? Whatever, it just stinks! I am just going to write until I remember it. Does anyone else suffer from allergies? Mine are from the pollen, or as McDada puts it, " the trees having sex " Those horny bastards are making me miserable!! Itchy throat, eyes, and sniffles. OK well, i am going to have to continue this later, my Monkey needs assistance. I promise to be back. Please stay posted.

Hump Day cont.

2007-05-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here we have: Anthropology, Joyous and Free, Laundry, and Juicy Couture.

Now on to the laughs....
Quote from McDada on his 36th birthday: While kissing the head of his beautiful wife, (me) he looked down and exclaimed, "Oh my God, I am getting old, my wife has grey hair!!!"
Quote from the Monkey durring a diaper change, "Mama, I has a booboo up my butt!" Now, just so you understand, 1. he will be 3 in August 2. We don't say "butt" in our house, we say "bum, bummy, or bumski. (We do say penis though) 3. There was nothing "up his butt", it was a bug bite on the cheek of his bumski!

Happy Hump Day from J's Crew!

Hump Day

2007-05-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my picks for dresses. The first is a Diane von Furstenberg, second: Ann Taylor, third: Tibi
There are more but they won't fit, I need to figure that one out, but for now I will just put them in a new post.

Top Tuesday

2007-05-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

These are my pics from Theory, Ralph lauren and Boden.
Tomorrow is hump day and everyone needs a little laugh in the middle of the week so I will be sharring some funny quotes from my JHF Crew. Stay tuned.

Shoe Shiners

2007-05-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Fashion Week

2007-05-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided to show my picks from head to toe all week.
Monday = Shoes
Tuesday = Bottoms
Wednesday = Dresses
Thursday = Tops
Friday = Accesories
Yay!!!

Romantic, huh?

2007-05-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Don't you wish you lived here?

Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

2007-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures from my Mother's Day Present

2007-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

McDada

2007-05-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here is something funny about McDada:
When he gets me a gift for a holiday, and it comes early...He CAN'T wait to give it to me.
It is cute that he is excited, but...
1. There is no wrapping, no card
2. When the actual holiday comes, there is no gift, no hoopla.

Do I sound ungrateful? I'm not!!! McDada is VERY generous. But sometimes, I would like the thought and not the gift. Does that make any sense? I have told him this over and over, but he just can't help himself I guess.
So, that said, Tuesday I recieved my big gift, a Nikon D40. It is great so far, it shoots very fast, which you need when photographing kiddos! Wed, another gift came from Shutterfly, I chose not to open it although he wanted me too. So it sat in the livingroom on a chair until this morning when he said if you open it now, I'll be forced to get you something else for tomorrow. Very Compelling Argument!
It was a photobook of the boys, sooooooo adorable! I will post some of my fav pics from the book later.
PS tomorrow is also my M-I-L's birthday and the next day is McDada's birthday.
Pics coming later....

A New Attitude

2007-05-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yup, I just read CBM's post over on All That's Pink and Green and Inbetween, and I would like to jot down five things for me to be happy about today.

1. I took a two hour nap today
2. My boys are so happy and smart and cute (& well dressed: Monkey is wearing nantucket red shorts and a bright blue polo, Fox is wearing a green check short sleeve oxford and worn jeans)
3. I had a coffee milkshake for lunch.
4. It is a GORGEOUS day
5. I just took some pictures with my Mother's Day gift (Nikon D40)

I feel so much better now! Thanks CBM!

New Day

2007-05-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

Things to do today:
1. Correspondence (thank yous, mothers day cards)
2. Laundry
3. Change bed sheets on all beds
4. Post office
5. Bring in trash can
6. Vacuum again and again and again...

OK, so I have two BIG Chesapeak Bay Retrievers, I love them, I really do, but I look forward to a day when I only have to vacuum once a day. I do love them, but they make my life very challenging. They beg for people food, to the point where if you take your eye off them they will take something right out of your hand or off your plate, not good for kiddos, lots of tears. Then there is the barking...shut up already!!! Then there is the basic always in your (MY) way. Then there are the three "D's" Dirt, Drool and Dog hair!!! My house will never be clean. Ugh!

Still Overwhelmed

2007-05-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a nightmare trip to the grocery store!!! I hate myself for losing patience with my kids! But having the Monkey run wild in the store just isn't safe! And the Fox is in the front of the cart and if the Monkey was in the body of the cart there wouldn't be room for any food!!!! And the carts with the little cars attached, are impossible to manoever and don't fit through any of the checkout lanes! Plus they know how to get in and out, not the Fox, but the Monkey can unbuckle faster then you can say Animal Cracker. Anyway, we are home now and the Fox is sleeping on the sofa, dog #1 is sleeping on the sofa too, dog #2 is begging at the door, and the Monkey is on the swingset asking to be pushed. Oh yeah, somewhere in the grocery store there is an opened bag of pretzels that was half eaten and never paid for, oops. Seriously, this bothers me, but I had to get home before I realy freaked out! So, I did get the dishes done but haven't put away the clean ones yet. The laundry is a mess, half done and none folded with really irks me. The kitchen floor needs to be washed, as well as the whole house vacuumed, the cat litter has to be changed, the lawn needs to be watered, the flowers need to be watered, The books put back on the shelf, toys put away, ect.. But it is a beautiful day and I do not want to spend it inside cleaning. By the way, I think I was supposed to work today, but my other friend who is friends with my partner suggested going to the beach, now when I saw my partner last night she said nothing about the beach nor work...so, screw it, I am so done with that business! That is a whole other saga! Too much to get into now, Monkey NEEDS another push!!!! I'll be back for part three later!!!

Overwhelmed

2007-05-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

I hate feeling this way. The Fox is whinning for my attention and I just want a few minutes of peace to sort out my thoughts. Is that awful??
I had a great night of talking with McDada last night
(The Fox is dumping the dog water over right now and I don't care...I do care but just want to have some ME time)
As I was saying, we had therapy last night then had a good conversation, without turning on the tv all night, and of course that led to "more" because nothing turns me on more then feeling connected and understood.
More later, Fox is crying now....

NYC!!!

2007-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want this coral bag from Snappy Turtle!!! I love coral!!!
Now onto my trip. I went to the Big Apple on Thursday with my Step Mother-in-law. We took the train from New Haven into Grand Central. I love Grand Central, it's like a small city itself! Then on our way to the Sheraton, we stopped at Daffy's, I'd never heard of it, but what a place, I got an adorable plaid skirt for... $9 ! Can you believe it? I am wearing it now! I actually wore it out to dinner last night too!!! Anyway, the opening was interesting. Not what I expected, not well thought out at all. The paintings of course were amazing but, an art show opening at an art gallery in NYC with paintings priced between 20-$25,000...there was no champagne, no flowers, just fruit in plastic containers from a supermarket and donut holes from dunkin donuts, a few bottles of wine, diet coke and 7-up...What the F*ck???? The crowd was interesting and fun though, and loved the art. After the opening a group of us went out to the BEST mexican restaurant. The food was excelent and we just had a ball!!! After dinner we were going to go to a club to go Salsa dancing, but we were too tired, so we just had a walk around Times Square then went to bed. I slept so well. I felt so free. Of course the next morning we had a nice breakfast in the VIP room at the Hotel then took the train home. It is so nice to get away from time to time. I am glad I went.

Picture Perfect Life - Secret #1

2007-05-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

I've been doing this blog for a while now and I am ready to reveal the first secret of my "picture perfect life". McDada and I are in couples counseling. Things were pretty bad for a while and of course I suggested or should I say softly demanded that we do this. We've gone twice already, last night being the second meeting, and it went VERY well. I achieved my goal for last week, which was to not blow up at McDada. I have been blowing up on a regular basis, I'm afraid to say. If McDada happened to point out something that I had forgotten to do or done the wrong way, I took it as personal criticism and as McDada says would go from "0 to Bitch in 6 seconds". So, it was my goal not to react that way, I suceeded for the week and must keep it up, but it took a lot of effort! We have more goals for this week. One is to compliment each other and make sure the person "hears" it, and the second thing is to do something that I view as romantic. Now let me assure you this is not hard to achieve. This does not require a lot of time or effort, or even money, just thoughtfulness. A simple stroll on the beach. Dinner with candlelight and music, even if the dinner is a TV dinner as long as it's not eaten in front of the TV. Even a family, as in us and the kiddos, dancing together in the livingroom.

Easy, right?

You know, I have heard that if you can make it through the first three years of having kids, then you know you will make it. I don't know about that, maybe that applies if your kids are difficult, luckily my kids are not so difficult. And McDada, to his credit is very good at giving me my time out with the girls. I have bookclub once a month, and occasional movie nights, and various events, baby showers, bridal showers, ect where children aren't included and McDada will often change his work schedule to let me go, sometimes even for the weekend. And in the past he would take over when I had to work on my business.

So, hopefully the counseling will help us.
Now you know that even though things look perfect they are often...NOT.

I love Jmac

2007-04-28T07:37:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

The Race Is On

2007-04-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

What a day it will be...Cinco De Mayo and the Derby on the same day! I've always wanted to throw a party but it always sneaks up on me too fast. This year would've been good too; I could've decorated with hats, derbies, top hats, frilly hats, silly hats...sometimes I hate not being organized. I finally have a desk but since we decided to move my "home office" into the guestroom I have been shoving things in there,taking up every free inch, and now it is unuseable. Speaking of my "home office", I just found out today from my husband that my best friend and business partner may be moving away. I was going to shamelessly advertise my business on my blog, but now that I am unsure of it's future I think I ought to hold off. I hate being in limbo. Nice of her to tell me, huh? Well at least I have some fun events coming up. Incase you couldn't tell, all of the paintings I've posted are done by none other than John Gwinn, yes, the same John Gwinn who is having a show in NYC next week!!!! Please visit the website for more info.www.johngwinn.com. If any of you can make it to the opening Thursday the 3rd, I will be there. I think I am wearing my TS Dixon black and pink tunic with black pants. That reminds me I need to get a sitter!!!! OK, I am starting to lose focus now so i think I should get some sleep. Bon nuit!

Pictures

2007-04-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

So, this is my newly acquired art. The Saratoga hangs in our garage, as it did in my Grandfathers garage forever. The abstract painting hangs horizontally over our bed. It looks fabulous.

Pics

2007-04-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hair, Hair Everywhere

2007-04-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

Please help, I need advice. I have an unbelievable amount of thick wavy long hair. Yeah, yeah, people would pay millions for what I have. I hear it all the time. But it is also crazy frizzy and I know it sounds weird but it is HOT as in it's like wearing a winter hat all the time. Since McDada only likes long hair I have grown it out and now only wear it up. It seems ok when I am at the beach, I agree it can almost look sexy. But when I am dressed for an event I can never get it to look polished. I have tried straightening irons and every product imaginable. A friend from NYC who has similar hair had that Japanese Straightening done and she looks incredible. My hair dresser says it will be too flat and my husband says I will still wear it up so what is the point. It is pretty expensive, not to mention the trip into NYC to get it done and the babysitter for the kids. It will turn into a $600 day. What do you all think? Here is another issue I almost forgot about, I have a lot of grey that will just become more prominent. Yeah, I could have it colored after the treatment but that adds another $200 at least!

To Save Or Spend?

2007-04-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

That is the question! The moving sale was a success this weekend! Now I have a pile of money! Oh, what ever should I do???? I have to start by saying that I am trying to lose the baby weight for good! I have vowed not to buy any new clothes until I go down a size. But that doesn't include accessories...I do need me some new sunglasses! My little monkey lost mine this weekend, luckily not until Sunday. Speaking of sunglasses, oh what a glorious weekend!!!!!! My parents live on a river that because of the flooding appeared to be a lake. It was so sparkly! And sooo close. I joked that we could do swan dives off the roof. Anyway, we arrived late Thursday and of course got no work done, then Friday I tried to get some work done but my boys were running and crawling in opposite directions. Everything for the moving sale was in the basement of my parents house and needed to be brought to the garage. So many breakable items!!! Not safe for kiddos to be around not to mention the river, the stairs, and the road. So, I didn't get much done because although they tried, my parents weren't the most reliable babysitters. It was frustrating to say the least! So, I finally got some work done but never had the walk through with my parents to gather more things for the sale, ie: furniture! So, we sold a lot of china, crystal, silver and art. The ad in the paper said: Sat 9-2 no early birds! I had a couple show up Friday night! I did let them in though, I am a pushover. But i made a good sale! My husband arrived late Friday night with a truckload of furniture and stuff from our house, that pretty much all was sold. Yay, less junk to clean! I got what I wanted to, a beautiful 8' x2' abstract paintingof my Uncle's, An antique wall mural of Saratoga Springs, an antique desk and a desk chair. Those were the main things, lots of small things too. All in all a great weekend. So, I hope you all had a great weekend too!!!

Spring Summer Must Haves

2007-04-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

OK, I am leaving shortly to go back to my parents house for the weekend. Mcdada and I are running their moving sale Saturday and Sunday. So I won't be posting until Sunday night. I thought I would leave you with some v cute items I spotted whilst surfing... The tote is Rita Wilcox, the sandals are Tori Burch, the skirt is Talbots and the earings are Tina Tang! Enjoy! Have a good weekend.

Check me out!

2007-04-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

I am totally learning! I am so proud of myself! I added a playlist! And now it's 3am! Oh how time flies when you are having fun! I love music. All I was planning on doing was writting a few notes on how great the Monkey and the Fox are. The Fox is learning to walk and is quite a show-off. He says two words besides mama and dada, Yoohoo, and gooddog! It is pretty darn cute.

Five Words

2007-04-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am following instructions from Ms Landcruiser and given five friends a homework assignment. They each must describe me in ONE word! All words are in...

Warm
Sweet
Dependable
Laid-back
Thoughtful

The other words I got were: Fabulous, Witty and Multitalented!

Thank you to my wonderful friends.
Back when I was single I used to think of myself as "32 flavors"
Now, I'm not sure. I am a good mom, a horrible wife, and a great friend. Those are just the facts.
I still have a wild side, it's just that there are so few appropriate situations in which to unleash it. Besides, after having two kids, my wild side isn't as sexy as it used to be. But I am working on it. Ok I have to go to bed, I am exhausted!

Speaking of Art...

2007-04-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Any art lovers out there? Anyone from the NYC area? My uncle, John Gwinn is having a show at the Caelum Gallery in Chelsea. The show starts May 1st-May 19th. The opening is May 3rd from 6-8. I can't wait!!!! Ahh, a bit of culture, a nice diversion from my current Curious George, Bob The Builder life. Check out his site, www.johngwinn.com. He is very talented. He does have some stuff that is out there, but as with all art, keep an open mind and keep looking, you may find something you love. I am lucky enough to have a couple pieces in my house.If you are a fan of horses and riding, there are some beauties.

Speaking of horses, anyone having or going to a Derby party? I was thinking of it, mostly because I love hats!!! Alright, I am starting to babble because I am sooooo tired. I'll post some pics tomorrow!

Fun

2007-04-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I tag myself

2007-04-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Three things...

Three things that scare me
1) Anything bad happening to my kiddos
2) Losing my parents, brother and or friends
3) Sharks

Three people who make me laugh
1) Myself
2) My Monkey (my 21/2 year old)
3) My Fox (my 1 year old)

Three things I hate
1) Doghair!
2) Politics
3) Evil

Three things on my desk
1) Family pictures
2) Stationary
3) Skiing trophy

Three things I am doing right now
1) Blogging
2) Emailing
3) Whatching Tivo'd Oprah

Three things I want to do before I die
1) Run my own business
2) Waterski
3) Play with my grandchildren

Three things I can do
1) Sing kareokee SOBER
2) Parallel park
3) Write good thank you notes

Three things to listen to
1) Yourself
2) Your parents
3) Your children

Three things I'd like to learn
1) To sew
2) Photoshop
3) The secret to motivate to excersize

Three favorite foods
1) Bread pudding
2) Sushi
3) Grapefruit

Three shows I watched as a kid
1) Silver Spoons
2) Three's Company
3) Chip and Dale cartoons

Three things I regret
1) Not believing in myself more
2) Not graduating from College
3) Not financially supporting myself while I was single

2007-04-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Anthropology

2007-04-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

So, I finally checked out the Anthropology site. I haven't been to the store or looked at the site for probably a couple years. They just weren't preppy enough. Well they do have a few cute things now, but when did they get so expensive??

Easter Pictures

2007-04-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Monkey and the red egg.
McDada and the Fox.

Weekend Wrap-Up

2007-04-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

So, we drove to my parents house for Easter Sunday. My brother and his family were there. We had an easter egg hunt for the boys, my two and my brother's three. My boys are still a bit young, but next year will be perfect. I love easter. Mostly the egg decorating part. I say egg decorating, because I usually paint elaborate designs on my eggs. Very Martha Stewart if you ask me. I wish I had pics, but alas I don't. We did basic egg coloring here, and only five eggs, five different colors, it was Monkey's first time. I will post pics later. Anyway, it was a very short visit. Short but sweet.

Contest

2007-04-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the Crane Stationary contest. I am a letter writer. I am also a stationary fanatic! But I am also a sentimental sap, I keep every letter ever written to me. I do. Believe me, I just had to go through them all when I had to get them out of my parents house (they are moving) I can't wait to go through them all again to find the perfect one to send in for the contest. I wonder if I should use the eight page letter my now husband wrote to my parents basically asking permission to marry me. That's a good one. He asked in person too! But in his fashion, it was written on a yellow legal pad. Do you think the entry has to be on good stationary, or crane stationary? I have to go to bed now. I wish I had more time. I did get the laundry done today, but not put away. I did not paint or even get the last bag out of my car from last weekend!!! I took a very long rewarding nap today. But, ugh now I feel behind. OK, off to bed!

Update Already

2007-04-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Does anybody else hate it when you find a cute new designer and then they never update their site? Case in point, Stephen Stolman. I love his clothes and want to see more!!!! These items are to die for, they are also from the summer '06 collection. Anyone know if he has anything more recent???

The Mall

2007-04-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

I went to the mall today. I had to get some new jeans.I had a credit at Lord & Taylor, so I went, it's about an hour away. So, when I gotr there I realized that I had forgotten the credit!!!! Ugh, I hate that!!!! On a lighter note, I also picked up this super cute skirt. It was on sale. I bought it in white. I want to wear lots of skirts this summer, but I really should think about skorts cause I am very active chasing around two kiddos. Anyway, now I have two very cute skirts, the other one is a red and white paisley one I got at a boutique in Florida. Anyway, I am trying to post a pic for the first time, so we'll see how it goes, bear with me.

Morning Pain

2007-04-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to get out of the house? I guess it doesn't help that it's a cold grey day. I just finished making two mix CD's for friends, but I have lost my glue stick. I don't know if I can live without my trusty glue stick. I will check one more place-the tool box in the supply closet. Nope, not there. Ugh, now I have to go buy a new one. Maybe I will just use tape for now. Atleast it will be done and I will be able to get going. So, if you are wondering why I need a glue stick I will explain. I make a mix on Itunes, then print out the song list: plain black and white then I choose a cover. I have collected over time pictures, cards, quotes, wallpaper and wrapping paper scraps in the shape of a jewel case. Then I afix the song list to the picture and Voila, a unique custom mix CD. One of my current covers I cut out of an old Barney's catalog. It says: " picture yourself learning latin and greek from a professor named igor who's name should be adonis" Isn't that cool? Would you like to know what is on the mix too? OK
Days Like These - Janis Ian
She's Only Happy In The Sun - Ben Harper
It Feels Like Home To Me - Chantal Kreviasik
All The Ways I Want You - Bruce Cockburn
Butterfly - Corrine Bailey Rae
Never Gonna Leave Your Side - Daniel Beddingfield
Songbird - Eva Cassidy
All the Right Reasons - The Jayhawks
Fireflies - Faith Hill
All At Sea - Jaime Cullen
It Looks Like Love - Josh Rouse
I Want You - Alana Davis
Today - Joshua Radin
Thinkin' About You - Norah Jones
I Melt With You - Nouvelle Vague
Please - Ray LaMontagne
Dream Big - Ryan Shupe
Paperweight - Schuyler Fisk
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
That's it.
The other mix is better, but I have to go now, have to get out of the house.

What's In A Name?

2007-04-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with names. I used to go through the social registar and write down all the names I liked. Girls names and boys names. I filled up notebook after notebook, list, list, list. I would do it for pet names, house names, business names, boat names. Maybe it was because when I was younger i didn't like my name. Who knows, I just love names. I have the pleasure of suggesting boys names for my best friend's unborn child. Dutch names, because she is Dutch. It's funny because both my boys ended up with Dutch names. One of which was the name of her grandfather which I didn't know at the time, and now she is thinking of using the name but is a bit dissapointed that I used it first. I totally did not steal it. I had no idea when we came up with it that it was dutch or that it happened to be the name of her grandfather. Growing up I only knew him as Opa. Who calls their grandfather by his first name? I never would have known. So anyway, I told her to still use it. I don't have a problem with that. We do live in different states. And who knows, she could have a girl. Anyway, I am only to the "p"'s in my list, so I really ought to get back to it.

Spinning Brain

2007-04-02T10:54:00.001-07:00

Well the kiddos are supposed to be sleeping and I can hear them playing. I am back home from my weekend at my parents house. My husband, McDada is home from his trip. I feel overwhelmed. I am in the process of starting my own company, (more on that later), helping my parents move, which includes inheriting lots of stuff, (they are downsizing), and working on being a better wife, or should I say having a better marriage. So, I am home, trying to get back in the swing of things, cleaning, doing laundry up the wazoo and I have friends coming for dinner tonight!!! Plus I just got off the phone with a new client, who's job sounds a bit daunting. Now that I have written it out i am seeing that it doesn't look or sound all that overwhelming, so why am I freaking out? I guess it's also the fact that I have now taken on this responsibility of blogging, which is really just an outlet for me, but when do people find time? Hey other mothers, are you out there? when am I supposed to do this? I also forgot to mention a couple more things. One, I am painting the two front rooms in the house and two, I am moving my office from the kitchen to the guest room for more privacy, but I don't have a desk yet!!!! UGH! It's as if i go through my life on autopilot and then all of a sudden I just short circuit. So, I am thinking my posts are going to be short for a while, atleast until the painting is done. Well thanks for letting me vent. Off to continue cleaning.

Single Mom

2007-03-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

That title is misleading, McDada is just away on a job. He was supposed to be gone for three weeks. He's only been gone a week and he may be coming home Sunday. I do love him but I was expecting three weeks...three weeks alone, well not alone, I have the boys, but alone as in not with him. I like the freedom. I like being able to vacuum at midnight, or eat cereal for dinner at 9pm standing in the kitchen. It's not that I can't do these things when he is home, it's just...I don't know. I just watched a movie, The Holiday. Loved it. I was so caught up in it that for a minute I felt like oh look at those people falling in love while poor pathetic me sits on the couch (eating cookies) and cries.????? WTF???? I slowly looked around the room and saw the beautiful phots of my boys on the wall and realized that I have the life I always wanted. I have a cute house with a waterview, a nice car in the garage, actual art hanging on the newly painted walls, a BIG flatscreen plasma, two dogs, a cat, a husband and two of the most amazing children in the world. ...huh...

On a very different note, I am trying to teach/train my son to say, "May I please have _____" instead of, "I want", or "I need". Now he'll say "Mamma, I want a hotdog" And I'll say, "Escuse me, I don't think that was the polite way to ask" and he'll say...
ready for this....He'll say, "Say may I" and give the most charming smile!!!!!!! Ahh! I love him so much. If it is something he can't have or do, he'll beg by saying, "Mamma, peas, OH peas!" How cute is that????

Well gotta go pack for tomorrow, going to visit my parents with the boys.