Showing posts with label Saturdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saturdays. Show all posts

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Home Sweet Home....

I am so loving this weekend.

I took the tree down this morning and finally got my house back to "normal". (Listen, I've got 2 kids, a husband, a father visiting from out of town, a dog and two cats - define "normal". At least it looks "normal"...) It felt great to put everything away and see my den empty again. Not to say I don't love the Christmas tree and it's glow - because I do; and I miss the pretty lights (we kept them on every night right up until last night....), but it's time.

We had a birthday party down the street for Princess Petunia to attend, and when we came home it was Chinese food on the table - and the Jets/Colts game just about to start. I find it hard to believe I'm sitting here rooting for the Colts. (I actually think I may have thrown up in my mouth a little, just writing the words...!) But listen, the Colts suck because they're a great team -- the Jets, well - they just suck.

Tomorrow, there is nothing going on in this girl's world. I've got a pork roast marinating, and outside of a little laundry - I've got nothing to do but relax! My son is going over a friend's house - and my daughter will I'm sure, keep me quite busy.

So, I'm happy to report on this Saturday night that all is well in my corner of the world. I've got football, kids quiet and sleeping...my Yankee Candle "Christmas Eve" candle glowing - and some fabulously decadent Island Bakery Organic Chocolate Ginger cookies. If I can get a solid night's sleep, that would be a bonus.

If I was a cat, I think I would be purring.....

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Saturday Survey....

It's been some time since I posted a survey on Saturday... so here we go!

1. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have chosen, and why?
Gina. No one messes with Gina.
But other than that, I always liked the name Catherine.

2. If you could relive a year in your life, what age would it be, and why?
I don't know truthfully. They were all great years, with good and bad things alike. I can't answer that one, I can't pick just one.

3. If you could go back and change one friendship in your past, who would it have been, and why?
Now this is a good question. There are a few friendships I'd have liked to have done without.... but the one I'd have changed, probably would've been the one that was the most important to me growing up. It wouldn't have been a change of the friendship per se, but a change of my reaction to the changes that occured in the friendship. I'd have not be so quick to cut every one off and distance myself (Clearly, my feelings had been hurt. Typical defense mechanism, right?) and I'd have been more laid back about it realizing that it wouldn't have stayed that way forever. But, I was young - and these are life lessons we don't always have until we mature, and learn grace.

4. If you could have dated one person in your past that you did not date, who would it be, and why?
Hmmm. I don't know actually. I mean in school, there were boys that I wished liked me - but they didn't. I don't regret not dating them though. (Wait, does Jason Varitek count???)

6. If you had the opportunity to live in another country, which one would it be, and why? If you choose NOT to live in another country, why do you want to stay in your current country?
I would never live in any country other than ours. Never. It does not require an explanation.
I would however, consider dual residency with the following: Italy, France, Grand Cayman Islands.

7. If you could choose your dream job, what would it be, and why?
My dream job has changed so many times over the years. I'd say while I never really knew that it would be this particular field -- running my own store is pretty darn close.

8. If you could wish a wish and it be guaranteed to come true (other than riches) what would it be, and why?
Ah, but if I tell you my wish -- it won't come true......

9. If you could meet two blogger friends (you may choose more, if you wish) who would they be?
Nichole, Suldog, Dawn, Sarah.... and sure, I'd love to meet everyone - that goes without saying.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudel, Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles...

Key Lime Tea Cookies. "To Die For" dips - any variety. A very good and emollient hand cream, just lightly scented. Really good chinese food, like the kind I grew up on. Cinnamon Toast scented candles. A fabulously delicious Zinfandel, say "Sin Zin". The feeling of my floors when they've just been washed. The smell of my daughter's hair after a day outdoors. Seeing, touching, feeling when I shop. A perfectly made Spicy Tuna roll. Feeling proud and accomplished. Anything pumpkin. A dinner made by anyone else but me - for me. Watching home videos of my children. Spending time with my friends who are working with me. Missing yoga and running, but knowing I'll get back to it. A strong, deep tissue massage. Living life, laughing and loving every moment of it -- the good, the bad and everything in between.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Sparse. sporadic.... Saturday

So, while I'm trying to stay diligent on my blogging - with the new store getting ready for opening, I must admit - it's going to be difficult. But I will try to not miss more than a day or so; partly because it's a therapeutic and fun thing for me -- and I don't have much fun these days (only temporarily, I know...) -- and partly because I really want to share the excitement and tribulations of opening the store.

We received our first wine shipment yesterday -- 80 cases. That's alot to receive in one day. But, that was the largest and they'll get smaller each time until we're full - which is great. I placed my first food order yesterday, and this week I'll be pulling the trigger on the other ones I have lined up so that we can start getting the store merchandised - and most importantly, everything into the register properly. My last food shipment will be the fresh cheese and frozen products; they've got a different shelf life so it's important to do them last, and quite honestly - they're a breeze to merchandise.

I do want to share one tip with everyone -- and to no one's surprise, it's a cleaning tip. I bought some of those Mr Clean Magic Erasers; I'd seen them but figured - seriously, what can that do that I can't with a little Fantastic and a nice cloth? Let me tell you -- it's awesome. I went over my walls with it this morning and I was most definitely impressed at how it cleaned without ruining the finish, and with such little effort. When you have tan hallways and little hands in your house, you'd be amazed at how dirty the walls get -- and I was equally amazed at how easily it cleaned and almost made the paint look brighter! Love them - and if you haven't tried them yet yourself, I highly recommend that you do.

So that is my personal endorsement for this rainy and yet very comfortable Saturday afternoon. Our soccer game was cancelled (clearly!) and we have a birthday party to attend today, but it was a last minute invite and truly - this girl doesn't feel up to going to a party at the moment, but who knows - maybe that will change.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Just some thoughts for a gorgeous Saturday....

Open your eyes to the beauty around you; Open your mind to the wonders of life; open your heart to those who love you; and always be true to yourself.


Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving…. creates love.


I would rather be a superb meteor... every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not merely to exist.


Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have -- is when they take a bite out of you.


Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for... Happiness is something you design.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

It's those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer....

And around these parts, it seems like we can't get enough of them. Seriously, I'm so all set with rain. And to emphasize that point, the kiddies and I are spending the afternoon at my girlfriend's pool; my daughter is spending the night with her - which is a fun thing for both her and us! Tonight while she's having a camp out with my girlfriend, we're going to take my son someplace and we'll have a little one and one time with him. My girlfriend says she wants to take my son another weekend, and when she does, we'll have a little one on one time with my daughter. She's really so good to my kiddies.

So, in honor of the lovely leisurely Saturday we're going to have -- I'm kicking it "I'm Just A Girl" old school and posting my Saturday survey.

1. Are you taller than your mom?
No, I'm the shortest in the family at 5'1. (I prefer to say I'm "petite".)

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen?
I love, love, love Sharpies. They make my handwriting look pretty.

3. Look at your planner for October 14, what are you doing?
I'm not booked out that far. Ask me about September 14th and that's a different story.

4. What color are your toenails usually?
"Its a Doozy says Suzi" or "Suzi says Da". Today they're "Midnight in Moscow". Clearly, I love the Russian Collection from OPI

5. What was the last thing you highlighted?
I highlighted some items on an invoice two days ago.

6. What color are the curtains in your bedroom?
I dont have curtains. Sure it's lousy at 6 a.m. but I love a bright room. Throw the blankets over your head, and truly - if I'm that tired, nothing's waking me up.

7. What color are the seats in your car?
Tan leather

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat?
Yes, little Miss Meritage (often called Bordeaux) at the store. She's black and white.

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on?
An envelope

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming?
No, but I wish I did. I always wanted to go on a dude ranch in Jackson Hole.

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time?
I haven't used an ATM in years -- who needs to when you have Debit accessibility.

12. Who is the last baby that you held?
I think it was my nephew Jacob.

13. Can you spell well?
Exceptionally well, truth be told. (though I'm not spell checking, so I hope there aren't typos in this!)

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste?
Eh, it's okay. A little too much sugar to make my mouth feel clean.

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago?
Same one that I'm driving now.

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators?
Seriously?!?! Don't you know I'm from Boston!?!?

17. Last time you went to Six Flags?
Never. I am so not an amusement park kind of girl.

18. Favorite lunching place
Any place that has fantastic sushi.

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow?
A picture my daughter drew with a highlighter this a.m.

20. Last person you gave a business card?
Hmm. I think it might have been the ABCC inspector.

21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to?
My sitter.

22. Closest framed picture to you?
Princess Petunia's Pre-K shot.

23. Last time you had someone cook for you?
My MIL.

24. Have you ever been to the moon?
Seriously?? Seriously.

25. How many emails do you get in your inbox daily (excluding spam)?
Maybe 4-5 legitimate ones on an average day; depends on if I'm working on a particular project though, there could be more.

26. Last time you received flowers?
One of my girlfriends gave me a pretty planted gerber daisy at the brunch I threw this spring.

28. Do you play air guitar?
Nope.

29. Has anyone ever proposed to you?
But of course... G.

30. Do you take anything in your coffee?
If it's at Dunkins - it's a medium hazelnut/coconut, skim milk and 3 splenda. If it's Starbucks, it's a Hazelnut Cafe Americana with room. Or, it's a Clover brew.

31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines?
No, unfortunately. I give them as gifts, but have yet to ever receive one myself.

32. What is/was your high school's mascot
A blue and gold lion.

33. Last person you spoke to from high school?
Jenn

34. Last time you used hand sanitizer?
When don't I use one???

35. Would you like to learn to play the drums?
I don't have a burning desire to do so... but I think I could pick it up easily.

36. what color are the blinds in your living room?
Off white pleated blinds.

38. Last thing you read in the newspaper?
About the Victor Martinez acquisition by the Sox.

39. What was the last pageant you attended?
The one I was in, back in what - 1988.

40. What is the last place you bought pizza from?
The place that brought the 12 pizzas for Princess Petunia's birthday party.

41. Have you ever worn a crown?
Queens don't need crowns to flaunt their royalty.

42. What is the last thing you stapled?
Paperwork for the bank.

43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi?
No, and truly - it sounds disgusting!

44. Are you ticklish?
Absolutely.

45. Last time you saw fireworks?
This past 4th of July

46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut?
My first, last and only was about 6 years ago? I was less than impressed.

47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned?
Nancy

48. Last time you parked under a carport?
Never

49. Do you have a black dog?
No

50. Can you give one reason why David Caruso is allowed to keep acting?
Seriously? I'd rather know why Speidi is such a phenom and why they keep showing up in the magazines.

51. Are you an aunt or uncle?
Yes, I'm an auntie.

52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of?
I think everyone has beautiful eyes. They're the windows to the soul.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Do mosquitos really serve a purpose????

Okay, so I know that all creatures on this Earth serve a purpose. There is a chain of life, natural selection - and the general balance.

But mosquitos? I'm not really feeling the love for them, nor understanding what their purpose in life is.

We had a lovely day today - at the pool with all the cousins and we're all completely sundrenched - but not so much so that we can't enjoy a day at our favorite beach tomorrow. It's unfortunate that we've had so few days like this all summer - it was really, picture perfect. But let me tell you, by 8:45 those little nasty bugs were all over the place, tiki lamps and citronella did nothing.

I literally have mosquito bites on my behind! I swear they were underneath the chair and diving up. It was the craziest thing! And what is their point??? To suck my blood -- there must be some other meaning for mosquitos to be on this earth other than to be food for bats, praying mantis and others. Because truly - that's not a good enough reason for this girl.

Mmmmkay. According to Wiki, Yahoo and other sites - they're also for population control because they carry communicable diseases that are deadly. Well isn't that just a happy little thought?

I'm all for extermination of the buggers. There's plenty of other bugs to go around for the creatures that eat them.
*she says, scratching....*

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Is it wrong...

To have eaten almost a whole bag of Tostitos *with a hint of Jalapeno*, 3/4 of a jar of salsa and a half bottle of wine -- alone?

While watching a fantastic Sox game (thank you Jason & of course - outstanding pitching by the intense "Captain Obvious" Josh Beckett.)

Naaah.
I think not.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Stewie: Yes, I rather like this God fellow. He's very theatrical, you know, a pestilence here, a plague there. Omnipotence. Gotta get me some of that.

1. As I was getting my coffee this a.m. , I saw on the television a story about a bird in San Francisco who is randomly attacking people in front of a building: http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1157040. You have got to see this, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve seen! I wish I could walk by and have that bird do that to me, it would be one of the funniest things, ever. He/She’s this really cute little black bird who is for whatever reason coveting the landing on which he/she perches (I didn’t notice a nest being protected unless the tv cameras weren’t able to get a good shot of it) and he seems to like to snag people on their cell phones in particular. He/She just swoops down, and gives them a little ruffle in the back of their hair. It is hysterical. Our little feathered friend even has a blog dedicated in his/her name: http://www.frontstreetattackbird.blogspot.com/. This story was a great way to start a rainy, dreary Friday morning.

2. Surely we’ve got to see the sun again soon. I’m hoping it’s tomorrow because the poor kids are starting to get cabin fever (as I am, truthfully.) This weekend’s plans are going to be fun, but not hectic which is great. Tonight, one of my girlfriends is coming over and I’m making dinner (though truthfully, I have no idea what I’m making just yet – nothing is appealing to me. Maybe a light pasta tossed with veggies and some salad?) and then we’re going to have our Denise Richards “Its Complicated” viewing. It’s unfortunate there is only one episode right now to watch, but that’s okay. We tend to like to watch HGTV on Demand too, so that might be on deck afterwards. Saturday, I think I’m taking the kids to the Butterfly Place and then Kimballs for ice cream should the sun make its appearance. We haven’t been yet this season, we love it there – and especially since the kids have a collection of about 30 gypsy moth caterpillars that they’ve captured and have spun their cocoons – they’re going to have so much to talk about with the butterfly keepers.

3. How’s about those Sox? I really, really wanted to see us get CC Sabathia. That was a drum I was banging a year before he was even available. Definitely would’ve been a good weapon to have in the arsenal – and he was on his game last night. At the same time, while I don’t follow the Yankees at all – Texeira has been rather unimpressive to me, from what little I have seen of him. So glad we didn’t waste our money. It’s always interesting to see the comparison between the Yankees dugout and the Sox dugout. Joe Gerardi and the rest of the crew always look frustrated and tense….and yet our staff and team tends to look even keeled and laid back. I’ve got to think that goes back to my thinking that there just isn’t a lot of cohesiveness in that organization as a whole.
3a. Brad Penny looked really good last night, no? Despite coming out swinging (come on, who didn’t feel just a smidge of satisfaction when he nailed ARod?) he pitched with a lot of diversity which was great and made for a very interesting game to watch.


4. Who’s got a long weekend? I do! I do! I’m taking Monday off to go do some product line shopping for the new store and I can’t wait! This has been a long and rather stressful week and this girl is long overdue for a little relaxation. Now, don’t get me wrong – it won’t be relaxing at all, but it will be fun.
4a. I have promised myself a day of relaxation on the first day of being self employed. My very first day, I plan on utilizing the gift card for a massage that my girlfriend gave to me a few weeks back, and add a service or two additionally on my own so that I can detox and purge all of the tension I’d been carrying with me to that point. And I can’t wait….!

5. Rediscovering Twitter…. And finally, I’ve re-embraced using Twitter. I still think it sucks for personal use – but it has its place for business use. I’ve found some of my favorite Food Network chefs on there (love my girl Giada, still think she needs bangs though! Just sayin’…), and some great wine resources and vineyards who are now Twittering as well. It’s interesting, when I first started using it two years ago – no one was on there really. Now, though I think the interaction is lousy and it’s still buggy – the user base has improved tremendously -- so for the store, I’ve got some fantastic food/cheese/wine feeds that have been sharing some really useful information.

However you spend your day and your weekend, do it with a smile and those you love - and enjoy!

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Friday's original post....

So my thoughts from yesterday were temporarily interrupted to the song from yesterday's post that I don't dare write or think about because then....I'll be in the same situation as I was in yesterday. "Nuff said.

1. Time to boycott Dunks again. I tried about 2 years ago, and I successfully gave them up for just shy of 2 months. They became the only gig in town for me and I had to begrudgingly go back. Since changing from flavored coffee to flavored shots in very watered down plain coffee - the quality has gone down hill. Whether it tastes burned or soapy, it's never good. The last few days no matter which Dunks I go to -- it tastes like paper. Paper?? What an odd description, I know - but trust me, now that I've mentioned it - you might pick up on it too.

2. Hello Clover! Okay, so I don't often get to go to Starbucks for coffee because it's typically out of the way unless I traipse into Bedford Center, but truthfully - at work for a quick cup - that is a pain to do. However, in Melrose..... there is a Dunkins that has a Clover system; if you've never had it before, it's a reverse French press and let me tell you -- all the acidity and overpowering bitterness that alot of the coffees that the 'Bucks carries is completely gone if you get it from this machine. Sure, my coffee might go up in price, but truly - with the amount of coffee I've thrown away this week alone, the extra 35 cents is worth it.

3. I always thought having a boy and a girl would eliminate alot of fighting of siblings. Boy, was I ever wrong. I swear, the only words I find myself saying to them is "seperate yourselves!" "don't you put your hands on each other", "if you can't get along, go in different rooms", and "stop screaming!!". Why are kids so loud?!?! Do they not hear themselves? My favorite is of course "please stop whining!!!". I can tolerate a lot of things, but whining is not one. Anyway -- sometimes they get along famously but lately it feels like those days are fewer and further between.

4. It's been an emotionally draining couple of weeks. There's been good news, which I've shared on here...not so great news that I havent' shared; work has been irritating and so it's suffice to say my stress level has been a bit higher than normal. It's been an emotional rollercoaster of sorts. I haven't been able to run or go to yoga, and so I'm sorely in need of a little "let down" time to just laugh and have fun.

5. Which will be on Monday... that fundraiser is Monday evening and my girlfriend and I will going and meeting another one of my girlfriends (who I just found out is also going, and I haven't seen her in ages, so I'm looking forward to it!) -- and hopefully we'll get to have a few appetizers, and laughs while admiring the Captain from afar. Last time I was there, it was a lot of fun - and best of all, it's an early night! Who wants to be out late on a work night? Not this girl...

Most importantly -- it's in support of a fantastic cause, and as I mentioned previously -- it's run by two women who are small business owners and entrepreuneurs and how can I not support something like that?

6. And finally.... The kiddies and I are off to go feed my girlfriend's cat and then to soccer for the last game of the season. I'm not sure what the kiddies and I are going to do later, it's weather dependant and truly - I'm good with just hanging out with them at the park.

We've got the rest of the summer to have our Saturday adventures....

Monday, March 23, 2009

"Cheese has always been a food that both sophisticated and simple humans love.”

So the Sushi Soiree weekend didn't come to full fruition.
But my God did I eat. I ate like I'd never seen food before.

Friday night - I was supposed to go for sushi & shoe shopping to celebrate a girlfriend's birthday. But....she had a borderline anaphylactic reaction to some allergy medicine she was on, and the poor thing not only looked awful, but felt even worse. So we rescheduled to this evening, which I inturn, have postponed - due to the fact that I think I have a sinus infection - and feel lousy in the morning, and even worse at night. But I'll get to that in a bit...

Anyway - I stayed home Friday, and G ended up ordering me a prosciutto & roasted pepper sub from AJ's which was okay. Not sure why TV Diner has raved out of their minds about it, I think the subs and calzones are just okay; but then again - Summer Shack is like their "golden child" and I'm rather unimpressed with them as well, so... look at the source, right? I mean, AJ's is good -- but I can think of a few places better. Just sayin'...

Saturday, another girlfriend came over - and we took the kids to Minado in Natick for lunch. She'd never been - and my kids and I love, love, love it there. The best sushi and Japanese cuisine buffet anywhere. She stayed the night, and we watched chick flicks which was a ton of fun. Of course we were stuffed from lunch and didn't feel like eating a big dinner, so me and my brilliant ideas thinks...."what goes best on chick flick movie night? Insane snack food." So I run out, and get all the fixing's for home made guacamole, 7 layer dip, salsa -- oh, and this amazing Pumpkin flavored cheese with wheat crackers. I swear, it was like eating Pumpkin Cheesecake. To die for....

Here's the thing, I can resist peanut butter -- but I have zero tolerance with any cheese products. Needless to say, I was congested and barely able to breathe - with a buzz from some good Sauvignon Blanc, as well as my overdose on sodium.

Sunday afternoon - we took the kids to brunch; hello, banana stuffed French toast (no whipped), homefries, sausage and two eggs over easy. And then I wonder how I put on 7 lbs. since the surgery? Right....

Which brings us back to today, which is the actual birthday of my girlfriend from Friday - whom I've cancelled with for tonight. Well, turns out - her lunch plans cancelled so I said "lets meet quick for lunch at least!". We initially opted for Panera - but then this sign "Sakura" caught her eye. It's a fast food, yet made fresh Japanese restaurant in the Woburn Mall. (I know what you're thinking, "mall sushi?!?!". Trust me, we both thought the same thing; but it was cheap and we were short on time, so mall sushi it was.) We're both pretty picky about sushi, and we were not at all impressed with what we saw (or the rude woman at the counter, but I digress....) but yet we were both very pleasantly surprised at how good the sushi was. It was better than good - it was actually, very good. And exceptionally inexpensive, might I add. Which allowed for a light, healthy and inexpensive lunch.

And even though my eyes hurt, and my sinuses are pounding -- I am going to venture into my first session of jogging tonight. Must get back into the physical routine of life again -- and say goodbye to those extra 7 lbs. which I'm oh-so-aware of. I think my surgery is far enough behind me to slowly get back into the running groove -- and today is the day I am starting. Besides, getting the blood circulating through my system might not hurt this sinus thing I've got going on as well.

Here's hoping, anyway....

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Sometimes the best laid plans...

Often end up with a kink.
So, no sitter available for tonight, and while G would normally be home by 6:30 - he has to work tonight and tomorrow day. And my sitter options are otherwise booked. So clearly - unless something changes, no Trifecta Dinner tonight. I'm holding off on cancelling, just incase...

What I find so frustrating, is that whenever I want or need to go somewhere - I need to have a sitter. G, on the other hand - can come and go as he pleases without ever giving it a second thought. Of course when I mention this, he says "well we have a store - so that comes with the territory." (Excuse of convenience if you ask me.) Yeah, I get that. But every time?!? If you have staff that you cant rely on if someone suddenly takes the weekend off (like this weekend) then you need to get better help. Or if they stand around and watch you lift boxes when you clearly are suffering with a bad back -- they're a waste of time and money. Nuff said.

This led me to think of how else I am to spend the night since I will be home alone. Maybe, I'll bake cookies. I got a great email that has like 100 different cookie recipies, and me with my Kitchen Aid all alone..?

So here's a fun cookie survey I thought I'd post for my Saturday Survey.
If you use it - let me know!

01. What is your favorite store bought cookie? I'd have to say probably Oreos. Mint Oreos are really addictive.
02. What is your favorite home made cookie? Those shortbread thumbprint cookies with jelly in the middle. I remember in Home Ec we made two dozen of them. I ate them all. I LOVE those.
03. What is your favorite Girl Scout cookie? Tagalongs!
04. What is your favorite mini cookie (like animal crackers, teddy grahams, etc.)? Eh, I'm all set with those. Frosted Animal crackers hold my attention for a second and that's about it.
05. Do you consider Fig Newtons a cookie? Absolutely. I love how they get all muddy and stick to the roof of my mouth. It's a cookie you have to work at and you can't rush them.
06. Do you bake cookies often? Not as often as I should.. but pretty regularly.
07. Do you give cookies as gifts? No. I'm not much of a baker...
08. Do you buy cookies at the Mall? No. That never appeals to me. G can't resist them though.
09. Do you dip Oreos in milk? Eww. No. I remember being little and my parents trying to teach me to do it but I never really cared for it.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Happy End of Summer....

Today I took the kids to a really nice craft show at the Topsfield Fair Grounds; it's put on by Castleberry Fairs - and I had taken them last Labor Day, but since we're otherwise obligated this Labor Day, today was the perfect time to go.

We had a great time - it's a dog friendly place so the kids get to pat tons of dogs which they love. We even got to see Brandy the Doberman, who we remembered from last year! She's a totally sweet girl who loves kids.

We also got to see some of our favorite vendors - as well as some new ones! And we bought lots of great things, so I'm going to give a shout out to some of my favorites from today, whom I highly recommend you try. Two of them I wrote about last year as well - with one new one that I am now loving and can't wait to buy more products from.

Support your local small businesses!!

1. Tyler's Sweet Revenge: These are by far the best jams we've ever had. We bought the Jalapeno, Heavenly (pears, strawberry, peach and pineapple....mmmm, heavenly is right!), and our very favorite of all -- Pumpkin Butter. I highly recommend you buy some online - you won't be disappointed. My son of course is just tickled because it's his name on the label.

2. La Diva Bella: Okay, she had me at "hello" with her tagline - "Because inside every woman is a Goddess.." Yes there is, Ms. Diva Bella. So anyway, I went by this booth on my way out when cash was low, so I scored at the clearance rack with yummy home made soaps for $1.00 each. Scents that I highly recommend are: Pumpkin Spice, Lavendar, Cape Ann Cottage (OMG, this one is my very favorite...) and Amber Romance. Yum....

3. Speaking of yumminess, my favorite of the day - is the same one from last year, and I swear I will find the time to have a party this year. Do You Adore Me is all custom handmade candles, creams, lotions, sprays and body butters. You can choose any of their premade scents -- or make your own! She mixes them right there on the spot, and it's custom as to how strong or how much of any scent you want. What a fantastic concept -- and they're so very reasonably priced. Talk about yummy....I bought a Hawaiian Ginger body cream and my hand smells so good even now, three hours later. I'm so having a house party this year, no more putting it off for lack of time!

So this was the beginning of my Labor Day weekend. Tomorrow, it's onto the North End for the Feast of St. Anthony. And then I'll be talking about a whole different kind of yummy....!

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Healthy dose of curiousity...

Today is the last day of soccer, and then for the rest of the summer - Saturdays belong to the kiddies and myself. We've already looked ahead to the Strawberry Festivals over the next few weeks that we're looking forward to, as well as a long overdue trip to the Butterfly Place. So very exciting...

This morning, since its one of the few since September that we haven't had to get ready for dance -- we decided to break out one of my son's birthday presents: Discovery Kids Tornado Maker. We had so much fun! We experimented with different objects in the tornado maker -- as well as different liquids to see how the funnel reacts. It was awesome. Right now, the kids are watching the DVD that came with it, showing how tornados are born and some of the most devastating ones on record.

My son is fascinated with weather - and it's so funny because I said to him, "they're sort of beautiful aren't they?" and he said "no, they're scary...but I'm so curious!". Which is a good thing! He loves science, weather and medicine - I'm hoping to find some sort of science fair we can go to this summer. I know he'd love that.



You Are Rain



You can be warm and sexy. Or cold and unwelcoming.

Either way, you slowly bring out the beauty around you.



You are best known for: your touch



Your dominant state: changing

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Namaste...




Your Dosha is Pitta



You have a quick mind, a gift for persuasion, and a sharp sense of humor.

You have both the drive and people skills to be a very successful leader.

Argumentative and a bit stubborn, you have been known to be a little too set in your ways.

But while you may be biased toward your own point of view, you are always honest, fair, and ethical.



With friends: You are outgoing and open to anyone who might want to talk to you



In love: You are picky but passionate



To achieve more balance: Be less judgmental of those around you, and take cool walks in the moonlight.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Today's post is brought to you by the cold and wet letter "R"...

Here's a shock for you: It's rainy. Again....sigh.

Actually, in my neck of the woods it appears to be clearing up a bit and drying but it's still so cold and raw - totally put a damper on any fun outdoor activity I tried to plan with le kiddies for the afternoon.

So, what are we doing today on the always fun and exciting "Mommy, T & S Day". Well, truthfully - nothing. We just baked a strawberry cake that is cooling so that we can frost it and the kiddies can have a piece before dinner. How cool is Mom? The best, clearly. Well, they had a fantastic lunch of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and corn; they've been playing really well together all day and so you know what -- I'll give them a lighter dinner instead of a big one and they'll have a yummy piece of cake and milk before dinner. I don't bend the rules often for them -- but you know what -- they deserve it sometimes.

Tomorrow, we're going to a brunch in town with the Easter Bunny! And then afterwards we might go on an Easter Egg hunt at this charming farm in NH. So, I suppose a down day isn't such a bad thing. I think it bothers me more than it bothers them. They get to play all day...take hot baths/showers, and watch their favorite movies. I end up feeling lazy, and bored. I just don't do well sitting at home and not doing anything. I'd much rather be out, even just driving around aimlessly in the car burning very expensive gas at 17 mpg.

I'm making a very fun Angel food and fresh fruit layered cake for Easter, and since I'm not hosting dinner this year I'll be making white and green roasted asparagus tossed with vanilla almonds to bring. I'd love to bring devilled eggs; not only are those the perfect snacks for showers and the like, they just sort of scream "Spring" to me. Maybe I will...

And so for now...this is me, signing off.
Until next time....

PS: OK - so, what's the best way to get Mom out of the house AND make the kiddies happy after eating a nice big piece of strawberry cake with milk? Go see "Horton hears a Who"! Woohoo, you hoo! ;) I'm very excited for this - who doesn't love Dr Seuss??