Fifty Shades of Grey Party This Weekend

 

http://www.lollymerchant.com/product/3001

   

Unfortunately the party isn't in Australia...or all of the guests would be leaving with their own whips...Cadbury, of course!

 

I finally finished all three of the Mr. Grey books.  And about 20 women are scheduled to come over Saturday night to discuss the trilogy.  There are door prizes for everyone and other prizes for the best Fifty Shades food/drink contributions. 

 

Boy, oh boy...have I found some interesting party ideas on Pinterest and different blogs.  I cannot wait to see what shows up at my door.  I know a lot of people are combining it with a "romance" party, but not here.  As I mentioned, I got some fun prizes (and you might be surprised at what is at the local drug stores these days...out in the open aisles!), but they are still pretty vanilla.

 

Is your Book Club discussing Fifty Shades? 

 

What fun party things have you seen that are associated with the book?

 

 

Will Henry Survive??

The older Henry gets, the more he'll do anything the girls say.  This weekend's pretend play = "let's go swimming" due to all the recent visits we've had to different pools. 

So, here he is below. 

Princess sleep mask = pretend goggles

Stella's hot pink slippers = pretend snorkel/scuba fins

Add a hot pink basket full of pool toys.

And, of course, the new shag rug in the office is the "pool".

If only I'd gotten a good photo of all of them "swimming" on the rug...

And the Verdict Is...

Kind of in between based upon stylist's recommendation due to my hair type. We are going to wait until the next cut closer to fall to incorporate more bangs due to heat and humidity right now. Hope y'all don't hate it!









- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Haircut Time, But Which One??

Let the votes begin.  You only have about 4 hours, but I am scheduled for a haircut this afternoon. And it's time for a change...but just how much of a change?  You help me decide.

So, here I am today.  In the photo below you will see long, yucky, heavy, no real layers hair.  I haven't had it cut in ages.  It's finally at the best. point. ever. for a pony tail (meaning it all goes up and nicely), but blow-drying it and getting it nice and straight and keep it looking non-yuck all day is not working.  Plus, have you ever tried to photo yourself with an iPad in your cubicle while making sure no one is watching?  Yes, that's why there's the akward face.  But you had to see the "before".

Here are a couple of ideas I got from Pinterest. Please note, I am NOT going blonde.  These just happen to be blonde.  So which of the following two do you like better?  The first or second?  How drastic should I go?  I think my hair will actually do both based upon my cuts in the past.

Source: google.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: best-shag-haircut-and-styles.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

I also think these are cute, but they just look like way too much work...and considering I am usually trying to get ready with 3 kids under-foot, I just don't have that much time to dedicate to my hair each day.

Source: nycityweddings.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: pinteresthunt7010.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

       



Birchbox

 

 

Ever heard of Birchbox?  I hadn't.  Not until I saw that Stephanie from girls, pearls and combat boots had signed up and loved it.  And then another blogger mentioned that her husband loved the fuzzy socks he recently received.  I was intrigued.

 

Here's how it's described on their website:

 

"Birchbox is the best way to discover new grooming, beauty and lifestyle products. Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase."

 

So, did I sign up?  Of course not.  HA!  Honestly, it would overwhelm me.  I am so not good with makeup, etc.  And I know that I would end up with a lot of unopened items shoved in my vanity because I probably wouldn't even know what to do with them.

 

When my girls are the right age to do all of that stuff I'll be calling in the troops to help out...about a handful of friends I have noted in the back of my brain.

 

However, I needed a gift for a couple of those friends and luckily, you can gift Birchbox.  But, beware...there's a waitlist.  Of course there is because then it makes you want it. so. much. more! 

 

It took me about 2 weeks to get the email inviting me to buy-in to the program.  And I didn't have to actually join myself in order to gift two 3-month subscriptions.  I did learn that if you become a member, you can give gifts at any time - the wait is no more. 

 

One of my friends just received her first "birthday" box and LOVES it.  Seriously...great gift idea for that perfect makeup/beauty-product-loving person.  They can even customize their profile which determines what is sent next. 

 

So check it out and get that lucky someone a special delivery in his/her mailbox.  Yes!  Birchbox really is for men also.  It costs a bit more, but they apparently get items like t-shirts, socks, headphones, etc. included as well.  And apparently from what I've read from other bloggers...the men love it more than they would ever admit!

 

Let me know if you've tried it and what you think...

 

 

Who's Been Here?

 

 

I saw this a few weeks ago and had to laugh.  This isn't EXACTLY how it occurs in my house.  Poor Andy usually doesn't even get a chance to ask those questions.  I'm guessing I'm usually barking stating a million orders directions before he even gets a chance to think of anything to ask!

 

My Little Buddy

This little guy is so sweet and just cracks me up. He is also "Buddy" at home. Although, I do think Stella and Charlotte both realize now that his real name is Henry.

The only bummer is that he HATES smiling for the camera. He usually goes all grumpy-face on me. This morning I managed a few quick shots, but they still aren't great since I was using the iPad in low lighting. But here he is!










Will he really be 2 soon? How is that possible!?!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I Love Painter's Tape

Whenever I'm thinking about adding a new piece of furniture to a room or new artwork to a wall my husband hands me two items: a measuring tape and a roll of painter's tape.

I love painter's tape.

It's a great way to outline and visualize something new. Furniture...how much floor space will it really take? Walls...where exactly do I want to hang a picture or new shelves?

These pictures show that painter's tape was a huge part of remodeling our new office space.




Do you use painter's tape or another particular method?
Or do you just stick with a gut feel?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

More Stuff Stella Said

She's back...and funnier than ever.

(Ok, I'm biased.)

On Friday I put a dress on for work.  You would have thought the girls only see me in sweats.  I guess slacks and a top are just too boring for them.  Here's what Stella had to say.  I took notes in the bathroom to make sure I'd get these right...she was cracking me up!

"Wow mom...you're like...on it."

"Seriously mom, you got stylish today."

"You should be Brittany."

I dare ask - "Who??"

"You know, the pretty one.  I'm Jeanettte, the smart one.  Remember?"

Oh!  The Chipettes...her latest obsession.

All this talk due to this simple black dress and hot pink sweater.

Thanks kiddo...made momma's day.

More Hair Bows

I haven't completed very many hair bows lately.
However, I did come across some super cute cowgirl boot ribbon awhile ago.

And I just "found" it again tonight.

A little late for Stella's birthday.

But she'll be surprised in the morning with this bow:

And last month a neighbor needed something patriotic.

I finished this, but never posted a picture:

Trader Joe's Follow-Up: More Things I Love

If you remember back to my first post about Trader Joe's, you will remember that I LOVE the eggplant cutlets.  And I even followed-up later that I still LOVED them after a few more meals.  So those are definitely a freezer staple now and also have been the reason I went back to Trader Joe's sooner rather than later.

Here are a few other finds and whether they were hits or misses.

Holy moly!  I really, really like these Corn Puffs.

I prefer the sour cream and onion,

but Andy and the kids liked them both the same.

Delicious.

Sesame Honey Cashews?  Yes, please!

Another tasty treat.

Y'all know I love my wine.

This was a good find.

Definitely hooked on the Pinot Noirs lately.

This Black Bean Salsa...not so much. 

It was in the refrigerated section. 

I'd skip it next time.

But mainly because I like this Black Bean Dip so much better.

It has a slight kick to it, but not too spicy.

You'll find it on a shelf, not refrigerated.

We had friends over Sunday and none of us could stop eating it!

Channa Masala.

One word.

Yuck.

I heated it and tried to love it.

But I couldn't even get past the smell or the look.

I threw up a bit in my mouth just trying to take the first bite.

Ok, so now I'm exaggerating.

But I did have to open all the windows

and crank on the fans to get rid of the food smell.

Not. my. thing.

 Another huge thanks to Healthy Tipping Point for her great food recommendations(except the Channa Masala...but to each his own). And for my dear Voicemail buddy who always leaves me lists of items to try at Trader Joe's. What do you love at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods or Fresh Market?I'm always trying to discover new things there to add into my Kroger norm.  



Haute Toddy...You Gotta Get One!

My iPad screen is always a mess.  And I have to say that the Toddy Smart Cloth is fabulous and well worth the cost (thank you co-worker). 

 

You can get them online in an awesome variety of styles.  Me?  I picked mine up in a 3-pack at Target (same price), so I've got the one right below.  A bit boring, but grabbed them in Florida back in March and split the pack with Andy and my dad so I couldn't get anything too girly or too pink.  I'm still loving it.  It cleans better than any other cloth.

  

Someday (when I finally start really using my camera again), I'm going to get a couple of these for the camera bag to keep the lenses clean.

 

 

If you're feeling patriotic, they just revealed a limited edition Red, White and Plaid line for summer.  It includes this flag Toddy.

(This is my own personal opinion and is not a sponsored post. 

However, I'd love it if Toddy decided to send me some cute samples!)



She's BACK!

Ok, she's been back a few days now, but I-gotta-admit, I had to see if it would stick.  And so far, so good.   You know you've missed her posts...My BFF is BACK.  And, she's got awesome news on the homefront. Now, mosey on over to her blog and give her some big WELCOME BACK love. She re-entered with her Top 10 Reasons to Blog Again. Then got me all choked up by finally introducing us to her Forever Family...photos and all. Yes, it really happened!! Gave us some gardening tips (ok, not really)...but a good laugh HERE. And finally pulled out the jokes to PUNish us all with her post on Pinterest. So, now that I've done this...she must continue.  Pressure is on.We are all reading!
K2...Great to have you back in the blogosphere.  I've missed ya. 

Stuff Stella Said

Stella just spent a few days with her cousins in Kentucky.  Andy's sister told me about this conversation:

Aunt: Stella, are you ready to go home?

Stella: Not really.  But I guess my mom probably needs me.

Aunt: Why?

Stella: I help her with Charlotte and Henry.  They are a handful.

Cousin: And how do you help?

Stella: You know...I'm the good one.

Magnetic Artwork Boards

I know, I know...some of you have totally given up on me ever showing any photos of the new office.  It's almost complete.  I promise.  Three more items are being delivered very soon and then we'll be reveal-ready.
Part of the new office is the kid table and artwork area.  Andy worked on part of that project for me.  I wanted a way to display the kids' artwork, but without it being too permanent.  In other words, I did not want to have to switch out frames, etc.  So my inspiration were these:

Source: alittleofthis---alittleofthat.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: blog.holamama.es via Tricia on Pinterest

Due to the space we had, Andy decided to get four 36-inch boards and paint them with black magnetic paint.

He set up a painting station in his work area of our basement.  The reviews for the paint were great as long as you stirred it really well before each coat and painted about 6-8 layers.  So for $20 we thought we'd give it a try.

After 8 coats of magnetic paint and 3 coats of black spray paint for a nicer finish, the job was complete.  Now, not all magnets will stick to it.  There are quite a few on our fridge that won't work.  The magnet has to be really strong.  And then you can hang this fabulously colored Barbie up on the wall.