Mom Jeans

I recently posted about my distaste of shopping for jeans! I even admitted that I like the high-waisted (a.k.a. "mom") jeans.

I came across this video clip courtesy of VERY MOM.

Check it out, have a laugh and have a great weekend!

The tote bag to end all tote bags!

I am a tote bag freak! I love tote bags, all kinds of tote bags and can't seem to stop myself when it comes to tote bags.

I truly have enough bags, but can never seem to convince myself of such.

I have tote bags for all occassions, but I never found a tote bag that was large enough or sturdy enough to carry all of my stuff. I needed a tote to carry my totes. Crazy, huh?

Well, I finally found one and I LOVE it!

This tote is made by the company Reisenthel. It is a German company and this "Carrybag" tote is designed to act as shopping basket type tote. It's very lightweight and mega-durable.

(Sidebar: This would have been awesome for us in Denmark! I don't know how I survived without it. Especially since you had to buy your grocery sacks at the store, if you wanted to -gasp- carry your groceries out of the store!)

Anyway, I bought mine at The Container Store for $30.00. They also had a very pretty floral version too, but I didn't want to get something too flashy, since I'm not a flashy person, but these are really cute too! The Reisenthel website has a really great selection of patterns, etc., but too bad, they are not offered in the U.S.

So, put this on your Christmas list. I know you will not be disappointed.

I'm a Rice Crispy Treat Drop-Out

I'm not trying to brag, but I consider myself a pretty good cook. I can cook just about anything and I'm not afraid to try new stuff. I love to cook and I find great satisfaction in a well-cooked meal.

My mom even comments that I've become a better cook than she is.

So, why is it that I am not successful at making rice crispy treats? Is there some cosmic secret to making them?

I've NEVER been successful at making them. They fall apart, don't hold their shape and are gooey. What gives?

I follow all of the steps according to the directions, and yet... disaster prevails, yet again.

Yesterday, I made a batch for Elisan because she had one of those store-bought varieties and raved at how much she loved it. I thought I would "wow" her by whipping up our very own treats at home.

I was half-way through the process when I remembered how I seem ruin every batch of rice crispy treats I've ever made. But, I pressed on, thinking that maybe this time would be different.

It wasn't.

So, we have a pan of icky, gooey rice crispy treats that can be eaten with a spoon.

Want some?

What's your luxury?

From Angie of ANGIE & ALLEN:

On Survivor, you are allowed to take with you one luxury item of choice. The luxury item may not be any type of survival item, such as a Swiss Army knife, tent, or matches. What would your luxury item be and why?

My luxury item would be Mary Kay Timewise Cleanser.
I love that stuff!

(Yes Kim, I really do!)




Show us yours!

Gecko

Must be something about this time of the year, but we've had our fair share of geckos recently.

The funny thing about geckos is that they're really not that bad. I mean, they eat on the insects in the house and pretty much only come out at night... so, we leave them alone.

I know what you're thinking... yes, it's kind of weird, especially if you know me personally, but eh... I'm getting a little more relaxed in my old age.

The girls, however, kind of freak out when they see them. Elisan not so much, anymore, but KM will release that sheer terror scream that I'm oh so familiar with.

For example, KM was going up the stairs and saw a gecko resting on one of the steps. She freaked out. Randy checked it out, and told her it was okay, because it was only a gecko.

Elisan's fear of geckos was relinquished when she had a friend over who tried to pick up the gecko. She wasn't able to, because it's tail broke off. From what I've read, that's pretty common. Yes, weird, but common.

On Monday, I went to get KM up from her nap and discovered her on the floor between her opened closet door and bookcase. It looked like she barracaded herself between the two 'walls'.

I woke her up and asked her what she was doing on the floor. She said, "Mommy! Gecko in my bed!"

I said, "What?"

She said, "Gecko! In my bed!"

Okay, so she says...

I rummage around the bed covers and lo and behold, there was a gecko, resting underneathe the pillow.

No need to keep that presumptious gecko around! He was captured and flushed.

I tend to draw the line at bed bugs - er, um... lizards.

Money down the toliet

KM had stuffed a bunch of coins in her overall pockets yesterday and while she was using the potty some of her coins fell into the toliet.

She started yelling for me, "Mommy, my money! In potty!"

Then what happened next, I'll never know why... but, she flushed the potty and some of her coins were swept away!

Screams of terror filled the house.

I ran into the bathroom and saw her standing there with her arm wet up to her shoulder with a handful of pennies in her hand, screaming.

I tell you, it never gets boring around here.

Blog Photo Assignment - Week #4

 

What's your favorite piece of furniture?

My favorite piece of furniture is this antique pie shelf. This belonged to Randy's grandmother and grandfather. We inherited it when his grandparents moved in with his mother and father because of their failing health.

I love this pie shelf because it's just practical, functional and quaint.

What's behind the door? No...no, pies in there! It's filled with the girls' arts and crafts supplies. Maybe one day I'll get to use it for myself! 

Show us yours!

New Phenomenon

Have you seen people walking around with these in their ears?

Am I the only one that thinks people look absolutely ridiculous wearing them?

Has someone told these people they look absolutely ridiculous?

If you are reading my blog, and currently own one of these... oops!

Girl, Interrupted

ha‧rass [huh-ras, har-uhs]
1. to disturb persistently; torment; bother continually; pester.
2. to trouble by repeated attacks.

KM, at her young age, as learned the intricacies of harassment. It's quite comical to see her in action, however, I'm not usually the brunt of her harassment.

Unfortunately, the person for whom she is pestering is none other than her sister. I always figured that because they were sisters and so close in age, that they would have their fair-share of arguements, etc.

However, I'm truly astounded that KM, at two, has already begun harassing Elisan -- and with such vigor!

If I haven't mentioned already... oh, who am I kidding, I've mentioned it here and here the fact that Elisan loves to talk incessantly and this is particularly true when it comes to the drive home from school. From the moment Elisan enters the vehicle, she begins talking. That's when KM begins her reign of terror.

As soon as Elisan starts a sentence, KM will say, "Sissy? Sissy. Sissy?" in attempt to be the center of attention. Elisan will quiet her down and begin her sentence again, only to have KM interrupt her again.

At first, I didn't realize that KM was intentional in her acts, until I saw her sneaky little grin, when Elisan would get beyond annoyed at her.

I always knew KM was a little stinker, but I didn't realize how much trouble she's going to cause for Elisan until we realized her torturing capabilities.

I'm sure my brother will tell you, that she learned this trait from me.

Blog Photo Assignment - Week #3

What's on your 'fridge?


What's in your 'fridge?

September 11th, 2001

I will not forget.

It's been an exciting day!

Today, Elisan's teacher informed me that Elisan's name was drawn as the GRAND PRIZE winner of their school's fundraiser. The kid won an MP3 player! What luck!

Then as we were pulling into the garage this afternoon, I noticed a snake in the garage. So, what'd I do? I killed it with a shovel!

I did take a picture of it, but since it's head is, well... annihilated, I'll spare you.

I think that's all for today!
Have a great weekend!
E

Do something creative everyday

In honor of my friend, Leigh Ann, here's my creative expression for today. This is for a friend's birthday party this weekend.

A good buy!

All of my friends know that I LOVE H-E-B. And if you are not a Texas resident, you have no idea what you are missing, so move along please!

Nonetheless, last year one of my friends introduced me to H-E-B's Raspberry Chipotle Cream Cheese and I've not been the same since.

Another good buy from H-E-B is their flavored water. You cannot go wrong with any of the flavors, although one of my friends said the peach is only so-so.

Anyway, so there ya have it. Put these two on your grocery list this week and try it out and let me know what you think.

One final plug for H-E-B and no...I'm not being paid for this glowing endorsement... is their Points Club Reward Program at the H-E-B Plus! Store. If you swipe your points card everytime you make a purchase, you earn points. But, rather than getting the store's reduced price for "member's only" - which is phooey, anyway... you earn CASH! Well, it's cash that can be used in the store. So, yesterday, I got my "reward" in the mail and it was $40.00! That so totally rocks! (Which by the way... the H-E-B Plus! has cool stuff like electronics, furniture, housewares, etc.)

I love free money!

Okay, so this is what my blog has become... a big ol' advertisement for a grocery store. I'll admit it, I'm a housewife and proud of it!

Have a great weekend!
Later,
E

The Jeans!

As as I mentioned yesterday, I'm in the market for some really great jeans.

I hate trying on jeans. Low-waist, no-waist, ultra-low-waist. They need jeans that are made for hips that have birthed two kids. I've looked... they ain't out there! Until...

I was at one of my favorite stores and I came across these jeans.

I noticed the waistline was high (or "classic" or even "natural", which let's be honest... it's the same waistline we've all worn until the the low-rider jeans became popular) and the legs were roomy, but not baggy. The bottoms were boot cut, which I like, because I've said it once, and I'll say it again...I will not wear peg-leg jeans.

Side bar: I'm sure next we'll see those same skinny tapered leg jeans with zippers on the backs, circa '86 which will gag me with a spoon, but I digress...

But, anyway, I was intrigued with these jeans, so I tried them on and HOLY COW... I loved them! So, I bought them!

I've had a shopping victory today!

Thursday's Laugh

This morning KM was in her chair eating breakfast. Randy comes into the kitchen to gather his stuff before he leaves for work. Here's the conversation:

KM says, "Hi Daddy."
Daddy says, "Hi Kyla Mae."
KM, "Daddy, work?"
Daddy, "Yep, I'm going to work."
KM, "Got shoes on right feet?"

A whole lotta nuthin'

I'm updating for the sake of... well...updating.

Currently, the house is quiet except for a few giggles coming from the kitchen table. KM is playing play-doh, so I have a few minutes to spare.

Speaking of KM, she's potty training, or rather, trained. I began yesterday - full throttle - and she's got it. Yes, she is almost three... yes, I coulda/shoulda done it sooner, but you know what? I'm lazy like that and hated the idea of asking, "You gotta go pee-pee?" a hundred zillion times a day. My method? Bare bottom training. Works every time... well, at least it's been proven to work twice with me.

So, the very same day I posted Fashion Frump someone complimented me on my hair! I about died! So, maybe I'm not as bad as I imagine myself to be?

I'm so ready for Fall I can't hardly stand it anymore. I've resorted to buying Apple Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice candles because that's about as Fall as it's gettin' around here. And now that Summer is unofficially ended now with Labor Day behind us, I'm really ready to get this Fall show on the road.



Speaking of Labor Day? Does anyone still follow the fashion rules of Labor Day - no white shoes, white pants, white accessories? Or is that a thing of the past? I know that my good friend Angie still acknowledges it, and truthfully, I do too... but just wondering if we're the only fashion fogies around. (Sorry, Ang!)

Later,
E

Blog Photo Assignment - Week #2

Blog Photo Assignment - Week #2
Where are you most likely to be in your house?

My Kitchen!

Fashion Frump

For the first time in a long time, I'm feeling like a fashion frump.

I don't like my clothes, I don't like my hair and I hate almost every pair of shoes in my closet.

By the end of the day my make-up looks dreadful and my hair is completely un-done from the morning. I can't even put it into a pony-tail because it is still growing out from the hair cut mistake I made back in February!

Why am I in such a rut, you ask?

Probably because I loathe shopping these days. Gone are the days of shopping for sheer enjoyment. It's now about schlepping the kids, stroller, lunch, snacks, various drinks and diapers and wipes - just to go out on a 2-3 hour excursion.

Now, with Elisan in school I know I'll have more time to try to do a little shopping here and there, because it is a lot easier shopping with one kid.

The other reason I am in a fashion rut is because of the styles the stores are touting this season!

Um, hello? But, did I fall asleep and wake up in 1986? I bought the recent People Magazine Fall Fashion preview and apparently it is 1986. They (whoever "they" are) are bringing back skinny jeans, bulky sweaters, flat shoes, big ol' belts (to help fluff out your bulky sweater) and baby doll dresses w/leggings. Ick!

It's hard enough finding clothes that I like now, but to bring back the 80's is just terribly dreadful.

Finally, I'm in a clothes funk because I'm thrifty. Okay, I'll admit it...I'm cheap! There, I said it. But, I can't see spending $45.00 on a shirt and $80.00 on a pair of jeans. I don't care if they are the best fitting jeans ev-ah! I just can't do it. Also, what if, I do spend $80.00 on a pair of jeans, only to find out the my cute little boot cut jeans are no longer "in"! Oh, the horror!

I look at the other moms at Elisan's school and they don't look much better than me. Most of them are in t-shirts and capri pants--which I am beginning to loathe. Only a few of them would I consider "fashion conscious" individuals - and by that, I mean, no t-shirts or capris. (Is this what I've become - a t-shirt and capri wearing mama?)

I want...no, scratch that... I NEED a wardrobe over-haul. I'm about to the point of forking over major dinero so I don't look like a frumpy mid-30's SAHM - you know, the image that most people have when "they" (there's that word again) envision a SAHM.

I am not hip and I am not cool, and I don't pretend to be. But at some point I stopped caring. It's time to start caring again.

Off with the old, and on with the new...

Now, hun? I just need to the credit card and a day's worth of shopping - sans kids. You think you can handle that, for the sake and sanity of your lovely wife?