Bad Day

Braden's just not having such a good day today.

After falling asleep in his highchair at lunch













Then repeatedly having to 'assume the position' as he had the unwanted runs that he was not fond of at all. -which just had to wait till I came home from work...all the timing. I'm beginning to think he saves all of this just for me!


















No bad day is complete without spewing the contents of your stomach on all over the place. And then spewing specifically on your mother! Thank you Braden! I really did need to stop eyeing my boyfriends (see prior post). -no worries I did not take a picture of that!

But alas, things do turn around. After showering and feeling better one plays dress up! -At 4 in the morning.


















And ones with crazy mothers blog about it because once again I am procrastinating packing...or sleeping apparently.

Anticipation Rising

Because I mother a serious Twi-Hard fan that yes still suffers from OCD (Obsessive Cullin Disorder), but of course we are talking about Felisha here, I am always up to date on all the latest Twilight happenings. I must say after getting my daily dirt from Yahoo's OMG I'm really looking forward to the new movie coming out!

Need an explanation? I think not!

-really liking the one on the far left! Not crazy about the tattoo but hey!

I'm thinking this movie will appeal to not only to the tween/teen girls, you know because of my famous cardboard boyfriend and all,

but also somehow spark an interest with the tween/teen girls mothers. I just wouldn't have any clues as to why! I mean we all know I'm a fan! At this rate I'm thinking they may as well hand out drool catchers at the door to the theaters!

Home

Home is where I sleep. People always ask where 'home' is as I'm not from the area. In my line of work I'm referred to as a 'transplant'. Yes I voluntarily chose to transfer and move north again and have to deal with the cold and snow and wind and crazy weather but aside from the absurd weather (I prefer the warmer climates) I like it here so far. I have a tendency to move around a bit and have fond memories from every place I've ever lived but to refer to one as 'home' I can't do. Most people tend to think the place you grew up or where most of your family resides is 'home' but I disagree because well quite frankly I don't live there or feel that its my home anymore. Its just a place I used to live.

I've lived way up north in the land of cheese otherwise known as Wisconsin, the land of basketball and cornfields they call Indiana, picked up a bit of a southern accent in Kentucky, refined it a tad in Texas and now back north I go. Along the way I have found I will always have a special place in my heart for cheese curds, fresh sweet corn, sweet tea (I mean sweet southern sweet good stuff), and meat pies. When visiting my old stomping grounds I always have to stop in at certain restaurants I frequented during my stays. Just thinking about my fave restaurants Royal Thai comes to mind. While in Bowling Green, KY or Nashville (although I only visited the BG location a lotta lot) one must make this their stop. I ate there all the time and the waiters knew us well and our usual! Best food eva! The 101 and 501 with chicken and make it Thai! Yummmm! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I know I turned a lot of people onto that small restaurant and should totally be receiving commission any day now but I won't hold my breath over it!

The hardest part of moving is leaving your friends. This is really starting to take a toll on Felisha as shes getting older. That poor girl has been to 7 different schools (unless I'm forgetting any) and shes only in the 4th grade. Usually its from moving state to state due to work as I 'Follow the Money' as I call it. But this time I'm choosing to pull her from her school to be closer to work and the city. Lucky for her one of her best gals mother does my hair and as I'm forever changing my 'do' she doesn't have to worry about losing contact with her! One cannot trust just anyone with their hair! I do love my girls at the salon tho. They give the lowdown on everything and I value their opinion as they know all (locally speaking).

While I procrastinate packing this house (by blogging obviously)

I get to move into this

ok so maybe its a little bigger than the picture lets on....but not by much!

For the Love of Pillows

One really has to admire a child's determination, creativity and success! Braden pushed an ottoman from the living room into my bedroom (no big feat for him as he's always redecorating for me) and set things up for his own 'pillow pit' (I'm thinking one of those ball pits would be like heaven for him)! He repeatedly climbed onto the ottoman to climb onto the bed to jump over a small hurdle of pillows to jump into the pit of pillows! He did this for quite some time just laughing and having a blast! That's my Braden! Always wild and fun loving!





















This last picture cracks me up of him 'soaring in the air'.

On another note, I think Braden may be a decorating genius. Note how the ottoman tends to match the bedding. I never would have thought of that. Two year olds can be so smart!

She Got Skillz!

My sister has some mad sewing skillz that I simply do not possess. I love and envy my sister for her talented sewing abilities but wonder where in the heck my sewing skills are! In order to bring our love of handmade and uniquely different things a bit closer I purchased a sewing machine last summer and it just simply hasn't had much action. As much as I enjoy tinkering with it (when I actually get a chance to pull it out and play) nothing much has come from it. I've made some very simple, plain curtains and that's about it.














-Please don't look too closely at them either for they are flawed for sure! My pillow making attempt is pretty bad-hence the solo pillow! Poor things they are! I really do love this window seat as its me and Braden's favorite reading spot!

Beings as I love to shop and find fun new things and dream of taking them home and wearing them out and being stopped every ten minutes cause I look so stinkin' haute........reality kicks in when I see the price tag and have to suck it up and walk away. Sometimes I get this crazy notion to try to recreate things I've seen...or better yet snap a picture and email it to my sister with a pleasey please I'm your favorite sister (and only but that's besides the point) request for her to make me one (only cuter of course) with her much more accomplished sewing abilities.

Prime example:

















Ginnifer Goodwin's red and white dress is simple but cute. I saw this picture and thought of my sister right away. I mean this really doesn't look tooooooo terribly hard to sew right? I think I may have to get a cutesy mannequin to play around with things, or just sit to around looking pretty like my sewing machine! Although I may have already done one better...I emailed this picture to my sis explaining how it looks fairly simple and she could add this to her summer line and make it for all ages!

As far as I know my sister actually reads my blog (and should totally be getting busy with this project! ha ha). If there are others out there that do...thank you as I'm impressed anyone would want to read what I have to say! And if you can sew I'm a size small!

Posting Via Email

My Little Princess....I mean Prince! -trying out blogging via email from my phone! (I realize now that my phone has been rather neglected from taking pictures) This may just change that!



Sent from my iPhone

-Update....not so happy with my lack of picture:( It shows up sent with a picture but its not showing up per blog which bums me out a bit. I'll mess around later...I really need my beauty sleep now.

Text a Post

Trying something new...posting via text! Yes, I saw this new (unless I've been really blind all this time and never saw it) option. This could be really fun! Now I really wish I could text pictures like regular phones cause what's a post without some kind of picture??? But then again...I can email posts too which I shall try next!

No More Hannah Please!

So I moved here a year ago and am just now aware of a great babysitting service. People simply pull up, hand their kids some cash and kick them out of the car at the local movie theater. Why was I not informed of this sooner? I mean gosh can I drop Braden off on one of his bad days so I can go shopping or get some cleaning done or catch a nap or better yet go out and party it up? He's quite cute and I'm sure he could work his magic and share some cute girls popcorn. Seriously tho, I've never been to this particular theater before which happens to be closer and smaller than my usual stop and I easily see why. I'm not between the ages of 12 and 16 and looking somewhat like a parental figure I stood out a bit. Lets put it this way, I think the theater patrol/security man a.k.a head babysitter/disciplinarian was relieved to see another adult in the sea of raging hormonal teenagers. I asked him if he felt like a babysitter and he claims that's all he is. On the plus side of his babysitting career he doesn't have to change stinky diapers and wash poo off their feet (read previous post).

So what movie review do I have for you today? Hannah Montana. Please don't get all excited and jump up and down for joy like I did (or didn't). I was honestly shocked my daughter and her girlfriend wanted to see this movie. Didn't take me long to catch on why...boys! Apparently Miley's childhood friend is cute. I just wasn't seeing it, I mean he's no Robert Pattinson/hot vampire so no lusting for me! The movie wasn't all that great but then again this is my review of the movie and sadly I'm no longer a preteen that finds young guys under 17 hot. I wasn't impressed with the movie or the story or really any of it. Hannah Montana is sooo over in my book.









I have to laugh at myself though as 2 years ago or so I remember getting up bright and early and driving over to Centurytel to purchase Hannah Montana concert tickets only to have them sell out online and only 5 people were actually able to purchase tickets at the window out of a few hundred (myself included) causing the rest of us to be sent home empty handed. I laugh because I actually considered paying the ridiculous couple hundred bucks (via scalper) to take her to the sold out concert. So glad I was such a tightwad and didn't make it to see her lip sync.

Being Confined Stinks and Vice Versa

One can't help but wonder what goes through a two year old's head. While I was at work tonight (thank goodness) I was informed that Braden felt rather 'confined' by his diaper and pulled it off and then proceeded to #2 on the floor! If you thought the fun stopped there you are so mistaken as he apparently thought he was at some sort of grape stomping festivity (think I Love Lucy) as he proceeded to stomp the snot out of his poo! Why Braden why? Beings as though I was no where in sight and didn't have to smell or witness such an occasion I can't help but laugh my butt off picturing Braden in his poo and others having to clean it all up! Ahhh the joys of being a working mother!

Unexplainable Bling

One must consider mysterious light images appearing from nowhere when wearing some bling-age. As I was driving to work today I kept seeing these small little light reflections and thought I was losing my mind. I look over to my passenger seat, back seat, hood of my car, behind my car, on the floor of my car, cars behind me, everywhere. I really thought I was losing it for awhile as it was driving me nuts not knowing where they were coming from. I safely make it to work and hours pass and it finally dawns on me that my shirt be 'blinging it' so to speak and that's what was making me go silly and not some creature from nowhere trying to whisk me away to some foreign land of Ecstasy. All my luck!

Frugal Beauty

As I'm about to devulge my most frugal beauty secrets you're probably gonna think I'm a bit nutso! I'm the kind of person that will try just about anything once. So when someone told me to use baking soda as a facial scrub....I did! And I've used it ever since! Just pour a little bit into the palm of your hand add some water and gently scrub your face and neck all over. Get under your nose and above your lips and all over that face of yours. Rinse off and pat dry. I've even read about this being compared to microdermabrasion and we all know thats a bit pricey and time consuming compared to a few minutes and a box of Arm & Hammer. My girlfriend that told me about this noticed a difference in my skin a few weeks later and was all 'see I told ya so!' My skin and wallet have been thanking her ever since!













I tried the whole Vaseline over problem areas on my skin and it worked for awhile but like most everything else I've tried this too stopped working so well for me. I do continue to use it on my lips from time to time. I like to put something on my lips before bed so they don't dry out. I was told to apply Vaseline to dry spots and blemishes before makeup and bed so you can try this method also and see if it you have any luck.

















Prepare yourself for this trick....I hope you're sitting down and don't die of laughter reading this but I swear by it! I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil on my face. Yes, I have a bit of a mini kitchen going on in my bathroom cabinet but I'm telling ya it works for me! Here's the link I read that actually suckered me into trying this. I have combination, oily, dry, acne prone, in other words pathetic skin. I've never used the suggested sunflower oil but I have mixed my olive oil with castor oil when my acne wants to flare up and it nips it in the bud so to speak. If I was any good at taking care of my skin I would do this faithfully every single day because when I do my skin truely behaves. Another perk with the oil is that I find I don't even need to mess with eye makeup remover most days because it removes that for me too! Again, frugality at its best! A way to save a bit of time and water is to go to the kitchen and wet your washcloth and then pop it in the microwave to get it all 'spa steamy' before applying to your face. I do this a few times and then wipe any remaining eye makeup off when I'm done.

So on a typical day I never use any soap on my face. I either cleanse with oil or use baking soda as my scrub but I always apply a little bit of olive oil all over my face, even on my eyelids because they tend to dry out, as a moisturizer before applying makeup and before bed. I rub this in really good and give it time to really soak in. My skin tends to feel dry without it and my little lines that come with age are less visible keeping me looking like I'm in my early 20's! Thank you olives!! The olive oil is great on your lips too as it makes them super shiney and sooo soft.

I've tried so many products out there but these simple things from our kitchens have worked like no others. You have to give them time though. Its not an over night thing however the scrub I noticed right away especially under my eyes. As for the olive oil, it has sooo many other uses as its packed full of vitamins. Look it up if you have time, you'll be amazed! I like that they are natural ingredients cause I feel so 'green' using them and I'm saving a ton of money that can be spent on other little luxuries like Bare Escentuals Dolly lip gloss! This color looks good on any skin type and has that lip plumpin' cooling tingly feel so we can all look a bit Hollywood!

I've been working on easier, healthier, safer alternatives to the harsh chemicals we so easily use day in and day out. Some safer alternatives we already have and just need to look at in different ways. Crazy as some may seem...you may be surprised at what they can do for you too.

Awakenings

After hitting up good ole' McDonalds for their awesomely sweet Sweet Tea one has to check out whats playing in their Redbox as you get a free DVD rental with your large drink. So what does this mean for my 'blog stalkers' as I like to refer to anyone (if there is anyone) that reads my blog? Movie Reviews of course!!!



















Awakenings, beings as though it has Robert De Niro and Robin Williams you can rest assured its a good flick. Its about a super compassionate caring doctor that seeks to find change in chronically ill patients. I found myself smiling a lot throughout the movie just because it makes you feel good watching someone that actually cares about helping others. A very sweet movie based on true events. It had me smiling and laughing.

Many many years ago (yes, I know I'm making myself sound soooo old but my late teen years was so long ago) I worked in a nursing home so this movie brought back a lot of memories. Caring for the elderly can be a bit challenging yet very rewarding at the same time. I remember when I first started and was touring the facility going into the Alzheimer's Unit I definitely did not want to end up on that wing! Patients were yelling 'help me' and were just well, very different from what I was expecting. After a few shifts on that 'dreaded wing' of the building I had a change of heart. I got to know who these people were and just really felt for them as they couldn't communicate in the ways we so easily do. You really have to take the time to listen and try to understand where they are coming from. One lady was on a puree diet and getting her to eat was a struggle but if you gave her some 'real' food she would eat it all up, such a simple change ended up being made and she was able to enjoy food again. Telling one you were their mother (obviously I am no where near being close to that) and loved them and wanted them to get some rest would ease some to fall asleep peacefully. Changing little things and making them feel loved made a world of difference. I'd freak out when someone would ask if I took care of so and so the other day only to learn that they loved the fact that I took the time to put their lotion on them or spent a little extra time making sure they were comfortable and had everything the way they liked. I was surprised I was being requested upon as I felt everyone should be taking the time to do such little things but weren't. I couldn't help but care for them all like they were my own grandparents. I have such a weak spot for others. Especially ones that need caring for.

Years after working there and moving states away my own grandmother was placed in that very nursing home so going to visit her there was hard. I remember visiting her while she was eating dinner and she looked up at me and appeared to know who I was instantly. Now, I honestly doubt she knew it was me per say but just the look in her eyes made my heart melt. So many people in nursing homes never have any visitors. I guess its because their family doesn't think they will realize they are there or will even remember who you are and that's just sad. I don't know if my grandmother ever remembered our visits or really acknowledged who I was but I know she was there and I know who I was visiting and I will always cherish those times.

Safetysuit Rockin' The House

I'm totally lovin' the band Safetysuit right now! Safetysuit is a fairly new band and they are totally rockin' it for me! The sound of the music, their voices, the whole flow and that all put together....well....I totally dig!

Curious as to who exactly is rockin' those tunes I looked them up and hey...not bad lookin' guys if I do say so myself!










Back in the day I was a total Nirvana lovin' kinda girl so the cover of their album I just get a kick out of!












I've added quite a bit of Safetysuit on my playlist right now but I was kind enough to space them out ever so strategically! Ok, I just threw them in here and there but either way...Love 'em!!

Career Change?

I've been told its cute, funky, stylish, wild and full of sass! I like to change it up all the time and keep it a bit different. I'm always game for something new and enjoy tinkering around with it. It grows entirely too fast and has its days. But its part of me and I suppose I do as well! I'm not perfect so I don't expect it to be either as its more of a reflection of my inside funky, creative, sassy self as to what it is in the mirror. I like it a bit messy and fuss free cause I'd rather not spend too much time on it...although some may disagree on this!

Its my hair! I've had so many compliments its crazy! Literally! I haven't done anything too drastic to it but all week I've been hounded by women all over about it. People I've never seen or spoken to are coming up and complimenting it. Kinda blows one away cause its the same hairs on my head as always. They just got a fresh coat of spring color last Saturday and maybe that alone just puts everyone in their chipper chatty ways! Either way it can make one feel good. And also put the pressure on one to make sure its at its sassyness everyday!

This is it! Nothing too exciting! I simply run the trusty Chi through it to smooth it out and bend the ends a bit to girl it up cause I'm not into spikey hair on myself as I feel it makes one (or maybe just me) look kinda butch-ish if ya know what I'm sayin'!














-I did say I don't like to spend too much time on it right! Pic was taken before work so don't expect too much!

I keep the back super short (so misleading from the front! Ha!) so I really just have to mess with the top and front of my hair.

I should totally give up my day(night) job and become a hair model eh! Ha!