Funkidivagirl.com

A Girl Walks Into Target….

funkidivagirl — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:49:18 +0000

….for lotion. And walks out with a porch make-over.

My porch before the trip to Target. I had scrubbed it free of pollen that morning.

My porch after the trip to Target (for lotion!).

The lights are on a timer and will look so festive come nightfall.

Even though this porch make-over wasn’t planned, it looks so much better than before!

Oh yeah, and I bought the lotion too.

How To Make A Time Capsule For Your Baby

funkidivagirl — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:43:28 +0000

My son just turned 18 (I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it!) and because his birthday was on a Monday, with school and an orchestra performance in the evening, we started celebrating the weekend before. One of the things we did to kick off his birthday weekend was to open the time capsule that I created for him the year that he was born. I can not tell you how much fun this was for all of us! He really got a kick out of how much time had changed in 18 years and I really loved the walk down memory lane.

This project was so much fun that I think that anyone who is pregnant now or just had a baby should really do this for your future adult child. It would make an awesome baby shower gift or activity – each guest can bring something to add to the time capsule. I bought this time capsule kit over 18 years ago and I’m not sure if this company is still in business, but this is a similar product and the one that I have put away for my daughter. You can also just buy a can with a lid at The Container Store.

My kit came with a booklet that the parents filled out about current prices of houses, cars, food, etc and our predictions about what those prices would be in the future. We also gave a snap shot of our life back then: where we worked, where we lived, how we spent our time. The most fun read was our predictions about future inventions and technological advancements: we were wrong about the flying cars, but right about most other things like “Pocket-size cellular telephones will become a staple item for all Americans – youth and adult” and ”We will be able to buy almost everything on the computer.” That seems like a “well yeah, duh” moment now, but remember, this was in 1995! If you make your own time capsule without a kit, you can write all this information in a notebook.

After filling out the notebook, I gathered items that belonged to that year. I put each item in a ziploc bag and then put everything in a trash bag before sealing the time capsule. I wanted to protect the contents from possible moisture and I am happy to say that each item was in pristine condition when we opened it. I did not store the time capsule in the basement or garage, but in my son’s closet. We have moved several times in his life, but the time capsule always moved with us and remained in great condition. When we opened the time capsule, here’s what we found:

a newspaper from the day he was born

a TV Guide (remember those?)

Sports Illustrated

People magazine’s year end issue – I bought this at the end of his birth year.

Entertainment Weekly magazine – bought at the end of the year.

Life magazine year end issue – these are so great to look at now!

Both of these men were headliners in 1995.

This is a Best Buy newspaper insert. Look at how ancient – and expensive – these computers were!

My husband went to the Million Man March: this is the program, a bumper sticker and a photo that he took while there.

The Tick and X-Men were my favorite comic characters in 1995. These issues are in mint condition. I want to read them, but my son won’t let me take them out of the wrapper.

I love, love, LOVE that I put these toys in the time capsule! As the first computer generated movie, Toy Story was a big deal. Even better is the fact that my son became obsessed with this movie at age 2 when it was released on VHS and that the Toy Story movie franchise is still going strong today!

Here are the other items that we had in the time capsule:

a VHS tap of current shows (too bad that we don’t have a VHS player to watch these!)
paycheck stubs and business cards from where we worked
a pack of unopened basketball rookie cards
a cassette tape of the sermon and program of my son’s baptismal day (we can’t listen to it without a cassette player!)
grocery store receipts
newspaper inserts from national stores like Toys R’Us, Target and Macy’s
Pogs, a popular toy
more popular magazines
postcards of his birth city (nice to have since we moved across the country when he was just a couple of months old)

I did make one mistake: since I didn’t put a sticker date on the outside like I was supposed to, we opened the time capsule 7 years too early. According to my original plan, he was supposed to open it at age 25, but I had forgotten and it wasn’t marked. Oops! Hey, who knows – in 7 more years cars could possibly fly and I would have been correct in all my predictions! Actually I think that age 25 is too long to wait to open the time capsule, but I wouldn’t do it before age 16 – between ages 18 and 21 are probably the best.

I hope that I have inspired you to create this wonderful keepsake for your baby. It doesn’t take much effort, but it is so special and fun to share together many years later.

Shopping For Summer Shorts (That Don’t Show Everything)

funkidivagirl — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:10:59 +0000

I know many women “of a certain age” who have sworn off shorts, but I live in Georgia and it’s really hot in the summer; shorts are a necessity in my opinion. But finding a pair that isn’t too short, yet still looks good on me is a chore.

And shorts are getting shorter every year! AllSaints, my most favorite of brands, has a pair of truly laughable shorts out this season. I think they might have pulled them off the shelf, because I can’t find a photo anywhere. Picture denim underwear and you have a very good idea of what these shorts look like. Really, who wears shorts like that?

Conversely, I don’t look good in long walking shorts either. Or shorts that hit mid-thigh. I look best in shorter shorts – but not too short. Like I said, it’s a chore.

Every year I comb the stores looking for the perfect shorts. Anthropologie is always a good place to start. The shorts in there are are always the right length, but this season I didn’t find anything; the shorts either didn’t fit me well or they weren’t my style. But if you’re looking for shorts, try them.

A couple of years ago I bought the perfect pair of shorts from Bloomingdale’s, made by Splendid. They are linen and relaxed, yet can be dressed up. I can’t find those anymore; I should have bought more colors back then. I love those shorts!

Last year I bought a pair of white shorts from Club Monaco at the end of summer and since they fit so well, I tried Club Monaco again this year. I didn’t find the same shorts, but these Club Monaco Marianna City Shorts are great. I bought a pair in black. These will be my dressy shorts and will look cute with a nice tank top or one of those silk loose tops that seem to be everywhere right now.

photo credit: Clubmonaco.com

While buying a new pair of jeans this week, I came across these Hudson Croxley Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts. I don’t know why they call them “mid-thigh” because they are most certainly not mid-thigh, they are short. But I think they are a respectable length. When I tried them on, I asked the sales woman to tell me the truth, reminding her that I was somebody’s mother; I can’t be looking like a video chick! She assured me that I was okay and well within mom-acceptability.

photo credit: Bergdoffgoodman.com

Mission accomplished (for this summer, anyway). Now, if the Georgia temps will just rise above 70 degrees, maybe I can wear a pair of my new shorts!

I’m linking up with Monday Mingle and What I Wore Wednesday.

Shopping For A Pair of New Jeans

funkidivagirl — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:30:40 +0000

Shopping for jeans, blah, it’s almost as bad as shopping for swimsuits. In addition to finding the right fit for your body, with so many brands and styles out there now it’s just so confusing – bootcut, skinny, super skinny, straight, boyfriend, low-rise, mid-rise and now they have re-introduced the hi-rise jean. While I am happy to see the super low-rise go away (we have seen enough muffin tops and butt cracks), I’m not thrilled with the hi-rise jean either; sometimes it creates a long-booty look that it’s flattering at all.

I wanted a pair of spring jeans in a light wash so I went to Neiman Marcus, where they have a wall of jeans, all brands and styles. I made the mistake of bringing my daughter with me the first time and bought a pair of jeans that I regretted as soon as I got home; they were just wrong in so many ways. The next day I went back to Neiman Marcus (alone) and returned those jeans. Then I tried on about 10 pairs of jeans at my leisure. First I tried on my favorite brand, Hudson, and then a few pairs of J Brand. I also threw in a couple of pairs of AG, Joe’s and Rag & Bone. I am really loving Rag & Bone’s tee shirts right now, so I thought the jeans were worth a try. Finally I narrowed it down to two pair:

First, this pair of J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Leg in Beryl

photo credit: jbrandjeans.com

And this pair of Rag & Bone Slim-Fit Skinny Jean in Monument

photo credit: ShopBop.com

In the end I decided that the wash on J Brand jeans was just to 80′s for me, a bit too stone-washed. Back then you couldn’t tell me that I wasn’t the fashionista in my Guess stone-washed jeans and jacket, but that trend is best left as a memory, at least for me. The Rag & Bone jeans were a light enough wash to be on trend and much different than any of the very dark wash jeans that I currently own. They will look equally as good with a silk top and heels or a tank top and flip flops. And they fit great. I feel good about these.

My jeans shopping is done for the season – I’m glad that’s over!

*Today I’m linking up with Monday Mingle.

Check-in Of My 2013 List

funkidivagirl — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:27:01 +0000

Is it mid-April already? Geesh! – the year is really flying by! If your life is like mine, this time of year really ramps up with all the school activities and weekend plans. Throw a traveling spouse and graduating high school senior in there and my life is really hectic right about now. But really, it’s all good. Despite all the craziness, I’m trying to enjoy it all and really be present.

I thought it would be a good time to check-in with the list I made back in January, a list of things that I want to accomplish this year. Let’s see how I’m doing so far:

In 2013 I want to:

✓Throw a graduation bash for my son. In in the works and takes up a great deal of my time. It should be fun!
Redecorate and organize my daughter’s room. I can’t even start a project this big until graduation is over.
Read more. I love to read and have had the same books sitting on my nightstand forever. Ugh, nothing. Hopefully this summer.
✓Scrapbook. I am determined to finish my son’s School Days book before he goes to college! And my daughter’s 1st Year book is 11 years late. I am pleased to say that I am on schedule with my son’s scrapbook! It’s so much fun scrapbooking all his old school memories.
✓Take a Bible study class. Yes, I did a 6 week study at my church and I learned so much.
✓Redesign my blog. It’s done! What do you think?
Get the family photos out of my computer and into frames. No, this still needs to be done.
Continue French lessons. Unfortunately the French class I used to take doesn’t work for me anymore, but I plan to study on my own this summer and continue lessons in the fall.
Re-introduce yoga. Kettlebell class kicks my butt 3 times a week, but I miss yoga. No yoga yet, but I am still going to kettlebell class.
Take a family vacation that does not revolve around visiting a college. Hopefully that will happen this summer, now that college visits are out of the way.
Hire a trainer for Chili Dawg. He’s really smart and knows many commands, but obeys selectively. He needs a tune-up. I need my budget to be clear of start-up college costs first.
Go to Vegas with my girlfriend. I have never been and need a poolside/spa vacation at a luxury hotel. Maybe this is still possible; here’s hoping.
Publish an ebook. This is a goal for the fall, when the big kid is off to college and I have more time.
Get regular massages. I got a massage and while it was nice, I need to keep looking for someone else.

Hmm…only 4 tasks completed out of 14. Well, I guess that I’ll have a very productive summer and fall then!

How’s your year shaping up? Are you doing all that you set out to do?

40 Days of Thanks: The End – Day 40!

funkidivagirl — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:13:04 +0000

I did it! I blogged 40 days of thanks without fail! Wow, that was fun. It really made me pay attention to my day, in order to have something to blog about. It wasn’t just an exercise in thankfulness, it was also an exercise in mindfulness.

On this last day I can’t just list one thing that I am thankful for. So I’ll list seven.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for my health. I do not take it for granted.

I am thankful for my parents.

I am thankful for my friends.

I am thankful for the school community that we are a part of.

I am thankful for my beautiful, funny, quirky, awesome family. That includes Chili Dawg!

And last, but not least, I am thankful for YOU, dear reader.

I am thankful for your comments, your insights and your friendship. I am always surprised when I’m at the doctor’s office, Target and even on my own front porch while being delivered flowers, and a reader says”Aren’t you Funkidivagirl?” Although I am initially stunned and speechless, please know that I am happy to meet you and humbled that you take time to connect with me. It really makes my day!

Keep reading, keep living and loving and always, always keep it funki.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 39

funkidivagirl — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:59:42 +0000

“Why yes, I would LOVE a mimosa!”

Like she had to ask.

I am thankful today for a great pedicure and libations to sip while I enjoyed it. As for my pale feet, they will get some much-needed sun next week!

40 Days of Thanks: Day 38

funkidivagirl — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:48:04 +0000

Today I walked into Staples Office Supply store with my guard up, a chip on my shoulder and eyes narrowed into slits. I was prepared to throw down.

The printer ink cartridges that I had purchased a month ago were defective, but I had already used a cartridge in the box and I didn’t have a receipt. I had no idea how much they honored customer service and I was expecting the worst.

The store manager replaced my cartridges, no questions asked or receipt needed. I am thankful for such a pleasant and swift exchange at Staples and that I left the store without a single incident.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 37

funkidivagirl — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:57:17 +0000

Today was one of those hectic, busy days when I was gone from 8:00 a.m. until after 6:00p.m. Since it was just Girly and I for dinner tonight, we decided to eat out, but we needed someplace quick. We still had to pick Chili Dawg up from daycare and she had to begin her homework. In the past, this would have meant a drive thru Chik-fil-A, but since we don’t eat like that anymore, that wasn’t an option. Instead we ate at Yeah! Burger. Along with Farm Burger, Yeah! Burger is our go-to restaurant for quick, delicious and locally-sourced food. The meat is organic and/or grass-fed and that’s how we eat. Tonight I had a turkey burger, topped with arugula and avocado slices (no bun, of course) and a kale salad on the side.

I am thankful for healthy and quick places to eat in my neighborhood. Yay for Yeah! Burger!

40 Days of Thanks: Day 36

funkidivagirl — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:13:57 +0000

I am thankful today for a little lunch break: eating leftover tandoori chicken and reading a bit of Real Simple.

Sometimes it’s the simple things.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 35

funkidivagirl — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:54:28 +0000

I am thankful today that someone was excited to see me.

At daycare, all the dogs rush the window when a human walks in the door. It’s so funny. “Is that my mom or dad?,” they all want to know. It’s Chili Dawg’s mom and he knows it!

40 Days of Thanks: Day 34

funkidivagirl — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:23:02 +0000

I have this in my closet, a left over Parisian souvenir. When I see it on the closet self, it gives me a little thrill. Every now and then I take it out the box, look at it and decide if this will be the day that I eat my very last chocolate champagne bouchon.

Today is not the day. Back in the box it goes!

I am thankful for a little bite of Paris that keeps me dreaming.

I See You Son

funkidivagirl — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:55:10 +0000

Last night, at the school auction (an extravagant affair with fancy food, liberal libations and money being spent like a Monopoly board game) an unknown jazz band played on the balcony, near the front door. It was a perfect evening outside, warm, with a slight breeze. The women wore high-heeled sandals and sleeveless shirts.

They sound incredible, everyone entering the auction agreed. Who are they?

“The Majestics,” I replied, propped up by the front door. I nodded my head in time to the music.

Everyone stopped to listen awhile before moving into the building.

I didn’t leave. I stood there, transfixed, with tears in my eyes, for the entire 1 hour and 45 minute set, as The Majestics played against the setting sun.

This was more than a mother’s pride in her son. I think my son is brilliant, talented, handsome and fascinating every day, but last night was a glimpse into the future. I could see, in this one performance, the man that my son is to become.

Raising him over the last 17, almost 18 years, I have provided him with opportunities and experiences that have shaped who he is today. Driving him to (and paying for) private violin lessons since the age of four gave him the opportunity and finding ways for him to perform provided the experience.

But the way he played last night was more than music lessons and even raw talent. There was passion and joy and love in that boy, love for music and love for life. It was the very essence of who he is.

I want you to know that I see you son.

And I am in awe.

*This post is part of my 40 Days of Thanks, the weekend edition, days 32 & 33.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 31

funkidivagirl — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:05:57 +0000

So, what do think of the new digs? I’m so stoked! Darcie and Jeff at Spot On Designs did an excellent job: they were able to take the original spirit of Funkidivagirl and spin it into a funki, fresh and fabulous new design.

I’m thankful for my new blog design; I checked off number 6 on my 2013 list!

40 Days of Thanks: Day 30

funkidivagirl — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:28:24 +0000

Today was a beautifully sunny day, so I stopped at the carwash. As I left my car in the hands of the car wash guy, he pointed to this on the front of my car:

I don’t know what to call that thing (below the bumper thingy?), but it was clearly coming apart! I had a suspicion about how it got like that: while in Alabama for my uncle’s funeral, we took the car through a drive-thru car wash, one of those at the gas station for $5. We had never done that before with this car, usually it is washed at the fancy car wash back in Atlanta.

Later today my husband took the car to the dealership to get it fixed. Oh dear, I thought, I’m sure that this is going to cost us. Everything at the dealer costs and we don’t need another unexpected cost right now!

The dealer suggested a collision shop around the corner and to our surprise the shop was able to pop the part back on – and didn’t charge us one cent. I thank God today for favor at the collision shop. Oh, and they confirmed that the $5 car wash was the culprit; brushes were still stuck in there. Never again.

My car, as good as new.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 29

funkidivagirl — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:17:42 +0000

We live in a very small house and often we are running into one another, but tonight, even though we were within 12 feet of each other, my kids and I were in our own groove.

My son was busy making an apple pie for school tomorrow. The senior class is going to sell pies for Pie Day to raise money for their class gift.

My daughter was doing homework.

And I was working on a scrapbook.

There was music playing and each of us was in our own flow. It was a nice feeling. Today I am thankful for individual productivity in the midst of family togetherness.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 27

funkidivagirl — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:11:35 +0000

Today I had lunch at one of my favorite spots for the first time since they expanded. They had closed down for almost two weeks to renovate and I really missed them. Whoa – it’s beautiful! It has the same great food, but it is now three times bigger and better able to accommodate their customers. A few months ago the Jersey Mike’s next door went out of business and MetroFresh seized the opportunity to expand. They did a great job with the renovation and I will enjoy my lunches there even more. I am thankful that MetroFresh is open again!

40 Days of Thanks: Day 26

funkidivagirl — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 01:00:51 +0000

Tonight I had dinner with my Paris girls to celebrate Natasha’s birthday. We had a blast – good food, laughter and champagne – it was Paris all over again! Today I am thankful for my fabulous and fun friends; they really know how to have a good time!

40 Days of Thanks: Day 25

funkidivagirl — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:08:46 +0000

Today, after their violin lessons, I had a great lunch with my kids at a new restaurant in town. Chai Pani serves Indian street food – we love Indian food!

Today I am thankful for delicious food, time with my kids and a new place to eat.

40 Days of Thanks: Day 24

funkidivagirl — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 02:18:30 +0000

I’m not going to lie; today was a pretty sucky day. I had to really dig through all the crap to find something to be thankful for besides the obvious: I’m alive, my children are well and I have food and shelter. On the other hand, that’s more than many can say, so it’s not the obvious after all. I do not take those things for granted and I am thankful for them everyday.

But what in particular am I thankful for today? The sun. It was a warm, sunny day after weeks of cold and rain. I walked my daughter to a friend’s house and brought the dog along; we both needed the exercise and to feel the sun on our face. The sun was literally a bright spot in an otherwise dark day.