My Maesa

Homeowork Oh! Homework

2012-01-18T14:49:00.000-06:00

Homework! Oh, Homework!
I hate you! You stink!
I wish I could wash you away in the sink,
if only a bomb
would explode you to bits.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're giving me fits.

I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework,
my teacher assigns.

Homework! Oh, homework!
you're last on my list,
I simple can't see
why you even exist,
if you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!

By: Shel Silverstein

By far one of my all time favorite poems growing up! And you might be asking why? Clearly it should be obvious, I hated the fact that here you went to school ALL day and then low and behold you had to go home and do more school work. So I took a different approach to my studies - I would finish my homework any other time other than at home. On the bus, before 1st period at the end of another class when I was finished with class work. Although this wasn't until the high school years. I don't really remember there being homework in elementary school. But here I sit every night with my 1st grader and the homework doesn't stop flowing. Kindergarten was not much better. So how do I get my sweet angel to enjoy or at least not complain so much about having to put a little pen to paper? When more than likely she received a fair amount of my genes and I'm thinking I don't ever remember her dad being that thrilled with the idea of after school studies. So I'm going to start a small series that explores the different tactics the experts and other parents implore to trick - I mean encourage their children to crack the books.

If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know. I really want after school learning time to be enjoyable so she continues it for as long as possible!!

I Kissed It!!

2012-01-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

I saw this in a little shop in Old Town Spring, Texas. If you haven't been there yet or in awhile I suggest you go well unless your a single guy, then again you could possibly catch some women when they feel at their absolute bliss. And she just may be susceptible to your charm while her defenses are down. Like I said you will find bliss here, full of antique and unique stores, this place is a hidden treasure. My daughter and I enjoy grabbing a coffee, hot cocoa for her and strolling from shop to shop.

I put this picture on my facebook page a couple weeks back and stated "It's easy to paint, harder to live" Well looky here I was absolutely correct in that notion. I was reminded from a friend yesterday that maybe tarnishing the name of somebody online is probably not the greatest of options. No matter how good it made me feel writing about it, just kidding, kind of. So I'm going to take my little sign to heart and apologize when I should. See 2012 is bringing all new things, I'm actually apologizing, haha!

So what else does this little sign say that resonates with me? Hmmmm....Let go of things you can't change, this one I must say is supper hard only because I think I have this sick sick gene in my make-up that requires me to want to fix things. See when God made us he gave a lot of individuals this trait. In men this gene makes them the quintessential handymen we so dearly love for doing our honey do's. But in me this fix it gene has geared me to want to fix people even when they don't ask for my help, I just know that when they get with me all things will change and they will want to be a better person because of me. I'm here to say phooey, people no matter who they are will not change unless they want to and they want to do it to be better for themselves, not me. Same holds true for me I will not change unless I'm ready or really have an aversion to my own personality quirk!!

All in all I think the very last part of this really speaks to me "LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE ANYTHING BUT HAPPY" I think this one is the one I've squandered the most. This life is short we don't know how long we get so why in the world would I want to be anything but be happy? Precisely why I started taking my meds again!! Hahaha!! Seriously everyday you have to look at the positive and if it isn't doing you justice and you can or do have the ability to change it then by all means DO IT!!

Kiss This 2011...

2012-01-04T17:25:00.000-06:00

Well this new year is slowly but surely making headway, let's see how long this lasts. I read that by the end of January most people who made their resolutions will have already derailed any real efforts in their goals. Whether it be exercise, eating better or quit smoking. So let's knock as many as I can now before I run out of steam!!

Well besides the apparent lingering trauma headache that now is encompassing my head I'm doing GREAT!! I say trauma because my body feels victimized by my actions of not insulating my blood with carbs. Today was a mass protein day but I'm still only at around 850 calories. Not too shabby but shell shock for the rest of my being!! I also got a heavy dose of vitamin D as I walked a mile outside while on my lunch break. If only everyday could carry with it the pure joy of this crisp air and blinding sun, then life would be grand!

I also took some very necessary steps today to further free myself from an otherwise very unhealthy relationship. There's a blogger I've been reading here of late and it's amazing I believe she may have dated my soon to be ex, oh but wait she's in the UK. So isn't it interesting that there are certain personality quirks (let's call them that for the sake of being nice) that hold true across the board across oceans & worlds apart, yet their common actions are almost identical!! So I'm reclaiming my sanity and jumping off the merry go round, roller coaster. Wait a minute those things are fun, the self induced torture we kept putting ourselves through is not fun. So I wish him luck in all his future tasks but for now he can kiss my ...

OK enough of the update on all that is Sam, even though I know you can't get enough.

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

2012-01-02T14:24:00.000-06:00

To begin this year of 2012 I feel I must really put my resolutions in writing. Of course we'll go with the all too familiar of get healthy, exercise and those alike blah, blah, blah. They say if you don't plan for success then you're planning for failure. So let's not plan to fail, well within these first couple months anyway.

So starting with the all too obvious since I went to into carb overload over the holidays I'm going to get back on track with yummy healthy foods. I so wish somebody would make it so I didn't want the chocolate, the salty, the fried or any of those other wonderful concoctions that just bring me joy when I consume them!!

Since I've been paying on a consistent basis for over a year maybe I should also put my gym membership to good use. I shall start the lunch break gym regimen tomorrow. Must remember to pack gym bag tonight as this most surely is my best excuse for not going. OK note to self pack that stuff up as soon as I get home, don't forget the socks, another classic reason I can not go today excuse, used time and time again. I'll let you know if the socks won out!

I know I should have quit smoking on here but for goodness sakes I don't want to completely set myself up for failure. I can't change too many things at once or I may just not be me, I'd be some carb-nicotine craving monster you may not wish to meet even on the best of days. BABY STEPS!! So I'm giving myself till August that's my birthday. Honestly the month of July is my best bet I don't want to be a raging mommy to Lauren so that month when she's with her dad she won't feel my wrath so to speak. See I've got a plan!! Maybe sooner depending how I feel at the gym, ha ha ha!!

So what else can I add to my repertoire of resolutions to make me into a better person, hey this may be the last year we're here, I should definitely make the most of it! So I just took a look at my bucket list and my resolution this year will be to complete at least 15 but more like 20 from that little list!! There's a few I can do easily and some that will require a bit more effort and follow through. Some of my favorites include being more organized, continue building up my good law of attraction skills, ha ha quit smoking, Go on a zip-line, drive an Aston Martin, learn to cook better, find the love of my life (this may be a bit harder, lol), maybe I can color my hair pink for Halloween next year any ideas who I can be to have pink hair? So I think getting 15 things knocked off my list will be a great accomplishment for me. So let's see how this goes!!

And my last and final resolution to add to this little list will be to continue with this blog consistently. I've been a slacking the last month!!!

2012 is the Year!!!

Santa's Secret...

2011-12-05T12:16:00.003-06:00

So I'm completely in an odd frame of mind today, maybe the fact that I couldn't fall asleep last night so in turn I woke up late. And the weather is not all that grand either but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, you know except for that glorious powder that makes everything shine, even if only for a couple hours before it becomes brown muddy sludge. Yes it's true I have lived in a land far far away that received a pretty good dose of the good stuff. I'll never forget I was 19 and the first good snow we received I called in to work to let them know I wasn't going to be in on account of the snow. See in Houston a couple flurries and everything goes haywire. Anyhow the gal kind of snickered at me, so I asked "well who all is there?" Much to my surprise the whole office diligently made their way into the office. Needless to say I had to go out and practice my snow driving skills that day!

I have done things a bit differently this year with the whole Christmas shopping gig, I decided to shop online. Two days before Thanksgiving I was shouting from the rooftops that I was practically done with all my gift giving. Yesterday I began to sort through the packages that have already been delivered, and I must say I am more confused this year than in years past. See when you go to those crazy hectic stores at least you have the item in hand right then and there. I'm so worried I'm going to actually overspend this year because I feel like there is so much more to get. I even got this wonderful gift giving app for my phone but there's one catch you have to type in the information in order for it to be accurate, when oh when will the day come when these lovely apps' will read my mind? I really don't think that's too much to ask. Hey maybe that will be my million dollar idea! Now I just have to learn crazy amounts of technology, figure out the whole process of the mind and how that data can be transported, hey it could happen, in the far far far far far off future!

Then there's the whole nonsense of my secret Santa gift for one of my coworkers. In my online shopping adventures I saw this great art piece that was the low low price of $150, uh wow a little more that our cap of $25. But I loved the piece and I got the brilliant idea of creating a replica of the art work for my friend. I love how I think I'm so incredibly talented that I can make an exact replica of, oh let's say a Van Gogh. Not really but let's just say my eyes were a little big and my bargain basement piece may just go over budget considerably. Of course technically I can't claim a lot of the expense in the actual gift as they are supplies that I should be able to use again on my future endeavors. I worked on it for the better part of yesterday and still have more to go, with our Christmas luncheon on Wednesday I'm a bit worried. Tell me what you think here is the original and then my replica thus far.

OK and well now here's the kicker as I'm pulling up the original picture to show y'all I see a piece that I may absolutely adore much much more than the one I'm working on. So do I scratch the one and paint over and start fresh tonight, or continue on my downward spiral into to abyss of something I'm just not that crazy about or bust out a new original Sam piece?

I LOVE this so much more because it has much more of the Chicago flair and maybe the fact that the other one has LSD in huge letters across it which is totally throwing me off.

I have a Secret....

2011-11-21T12:40:00.005-06:00

Aha!! I have my next fun to do, I read this book awhile back and I've been slowly but surely trying to work the principles into my everyday life. I however have been back sliding as I do with so many of my projects I start on. After receiving a simple email I began to ponder the bigger picture with what is was asking me "Did I want a Makeover?" Why yes yes I do! So here I have included your chance to get a makeover too... You can enter this contest everyday...

And here's to another makeover contest that may interest you but this one ends by the end of this month so hurry, hurry!!

So now hopefully somebody special wins one of these little contest (me, me , me) was that too forward? Who couldn't use a little good fortune.

So back to the principle's of getting your good fortune. The book I read was The Secret. There was also a movie associated with the book but I have yet to watch it, i will be getting it and watching it here soon. The basic ideal is the Law of Attraction, this basic law much like the Law of Gravity, is very apparent once you begin to look for it and work it. Basically everything that happens in your life you create based upon your own thoughts. Imagine that, you can control what happens to you just by your thoughts and attitude.

So this is the first step to the makeover revamp your thoughts don't obsess on the negative or you will just get more of it. Instead focus on the good the joy and guess what you'll get more of it. Trust me the glimpses I've seen tells me that yes this is a law just like any other law out there. So instead of saying when it rains it pours, focus on the good things and more will follow rather than more rain.

I want you to get the book and start working on your good karma too. I want all my friends blessed and to experience all the wonderful things this beautiful world has to offer!!

Thankful Thursday!

2011-11-17T16:21:00.004-06:00

Over the past couple weeks I have noticed that friends on my facebook are using the medium to count their blessings. I guess since I made my bucket list I should follow up with the things I am so happy about and blessed with.

Of course I'm going to start with my wonderful little miss! She teaches me so many things the first being love with patience being a close second. I still can't believe I'm somebodies mom, haha! But in all seriousness everyday I have with her brings me too many laughs, too many hugs, too many smooches with a couple tears thrown in for good measure. I was scared to death before her arrival but I was given some sage advice from my mother and she told me "Not to worry my new bundle would not know I didn't know what I was doing" Thank God for those words I still have to remind myself, I definitely have more practice, but luckily Lauren doesn't know I don't know it all - please don't tell her either she'll figure out soon enough - of course at that point she'll think I don't know anything!

Speaking of my mom I can not believe how lucky I am to have mine she sure has received her fair share of learning the great art of patience with me. Even with all I have put her through and I'm probably the main contributing factor to her having to color her hair on a more frequent basis, she still does so much for me and Lauren. I'm so happy I have her in my life.

While we're discussing parents I have been blessed with 2 wonderful dads! I have learned so much from them and can't believe the support I get from them. Count my lucky stars for these two fantastic strong men!

Ok I feel I may be getting a bit too mushy and want to take this to the fun parts of my life I'm thankful for, I have the best set of friends ever! Thank God they put up with me! I'd hate to have to try and find new ones.

I'm thankful I didn't kill Laurens dad when we divorced - Oh wait I think I just delved into his thankful list. Maybe he should be thanking me, hmmmm. Because I honestly make a great ex wife, just ask them, haha. No seriously I'm thankful Lauren still has both of us fully involved in her life, even though we are not together. Maybe we have learned from our parents what didn't work after all.

I guess most of all I'm thankful for everyday I'm given to experience and enjoy my life with these stupendous people that I surround myself with everyday! Thank You God!

Comfort Cuisine!!

2011-11-15T15:23:00.000-06:00

On days such as today when everything seems to be a downward spiral from the minute you step through the office doors you have to figure out will reset your mood. So on these days I lean on comfort foods during lunch - I know I know not the best thing to do but it is a tried and true coping mechanism. Or crutch however you want to look at it. Anyhow back to the mission at hand, I was turned onto this wonderful little wrap about two years ago and can not kick the habit! The Chicken Shawarma is by far one of my favorite dishes, mind you the garlic after essence will not make you date ready for quite some time, so be prepared to not smooch until oh...probably the next day.

I have included an at home recipe I found on YouTube and can't wait to try this version out at home, but more than likely I will retreat to my alternative cooking style and just pick it up from my local Mediterranean eatery.

Suds in a Bucket...

2011-11-11T12:47:00.004-06:00

I've always wanted to sit down and figure out what is it exactly I don't want to miss the opportunity to do. In essence create my bucket list, by definition this is a list of all the things you want to do before you kick the bucket. Thanks Urban Dictionary for that one. Of course it's best to have items on your list that you will be able to accomplish but go ahead be bold with yours throw a couple things on there that may be on the realm of impossibility for you as well.

I was lucky enough this past summer to knock one item off my list even though I had no set in stone list. I took the opportunity and flew out to L.A. to see a band I've been dying to see for some time now, and it was everything I had hoped and better. Only had the slight drawback of possible eardrum damage but I'll worry about that later right? Anybody got a whisper 2000?

So now I'm ready to expand on my list and I feel like now is as good as time as any to really map this out. So here we go hopefully I'll be able to share with you when I cross a couple of these off.

1. Learn another language - preferably French (I know I know that should come in handy here in Texas) but I hope to take Lauren there someday as she has a healthy curiosity for the most romantic city, Paris.
2. Learn how to ski - even if it is the bunny slope
3. Travel to Bora Bora and spend 2 weeks on my lagoon hut and diving for black pearls in Tahiti.
4. Learn to scuba dive, so I can find those pretty pearls.
5. Australia would be nice to see.
6. And to see Ireland, Denmark & Italy to see where exactly I came from.
7. Finish learning how to fly a helicopter.
8. See all of the United States.
9. Color my hair pink (just once not sure about permanent either)
10. See Rage Against the Machine (this one is technically off the list now as I was able to see them this past summer, I just needed to see some progress on this ever growing list, hahaha)
11. Try canoeing or rafting
12. Learn how to play guitar (and not just strumming on my steering wheel as I cruise down the road.)
13. Sing Karaoke (finally did this one last year, definitely needed a strong dose of liquid courage)
14. Ride in a hot air balloon.
15. Ride a mechanical bull (may need some of that liquid courage for this one too.)
16. Chop a board in half with my hand (did this one a couple years back and might I say I felt like She-Ra!!)
17. Go on a zip line
18. Stay at an all-inclusive resort
19. Watch a space shuttle launch (hopefully the program will be resurrected)
20. See the Grand Canyon
21. Stand on the state line on Hoover Dam
22. See the Northern Lights
23. Go to a real rain forest
24. Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans
25. Visit Mount Rushmore
26. Spend day at Sea World in Orlando and go behind the scenes with trainers
27. Go to Jimmy Bondurant School in Florida
28. Watch a race at Texas Motor Speedway
29. Visit Disneyland
30. See the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
31. Go to the Pike Place Market in Seattle
32. See the Eiffel Tower
33. Learn to play chess
34. Learn how to weld metal artistically
35. Learn how to cook really well (And not just hamburger helper)
36. Restore a classic car
37. Learn how to sew (more than buttons and pillows)
38. Quit smoking
39. Write a children's book
40. Earn a living doing something I love not just something I'm good at.
41. Spend a week at Lake Austin Spa and Resort
42. Drive an Aston Martin
43. Own my own business
44. Own my own home
45. Learn more about finances
46. Invest in stocks
47. Find the love of my life
48. Make sure kids go to college
49. Have more kids
50. Make kids happy and healthy
51. Visit San Diego zoo
52. Own a house on the lake
53. Learn inner peace
54. Learn how to meditate
55. See an Opera
56. Watch a ballet
57. Go to a Broadway play
58. Go to a professional football game
59. See Gwen Stefani in concert
60. See the Beastie Boys again
61. Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
62. Do New Years Eve on Times Square
63. Successfully totally adopt the law of attraction
64. Be able to stay home and raise my kids but still make an income from home.
65. Learn to be organized
66. Have a maid
67. Have a pool in my backyard
68. Win the lottery
69. Spoil my grand children
70. Have a hammock in my backyard

I think this is a nice start to my little list I'm happy to say there were quite a few more things I would have gladly included on here, only to realize I've already done them so maybe I'll fill you in on those later on. I hope this serves as inspiration and you too will think about what you would most like to have done before you KICK THE BUCKET...

To McRib or Not to McRib?

2011-11-07T16:49:00.001-06:00

I can't help it I truly love the ghastly McRib sandwich from McDonalds, the only time of the year I purposely go to this less than 5 star establishment. Today was my annual trip to grab me this BBQ delight. Coming back to the office my co-worker was mesmerized by the intoxicating smell and made a trip to McD's herself. Then the reality of what we had just ingested sank upon us as she started doing a bit of research, and I must say sadly I do believe this may be the last time I devour this sandwich.

Maybe it's the perpetually wanting something I can't have that draws me to it. Or knowing that it's bad for me, a decision that really has done me no favors in my past. And should you know me you'll agree. For some reason I can't help but like this sandwich, I have even gone as far as signing a petition to keep it - clearly a marketing ploy to peak our interests as consumers and I took the bait.

I myself can't bring myself to talk about the gross news I have learned but let's just say I was very surprised to learn that ingredients that are banned in other countries are found in the McRib! Here was some of the research I found open if you dare!!

http://theweek.com/article/index/220866/whats-the-mcrib-made-of-anyway

http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/27/why-lovin-the-mcrib-isnt-a-heart-smart-idea/

Next I'm on the hunt for a healthy alternative that I can enjoy whenever the mood strikes so I was able to find this hopefully delicious concoction, I shall let you know my findings.

Photo from Morningstar.com

2 teaspoons butter, margarine or Earth Balance Vegan Spread, softened

1 clove garlic, minced

4 (1/2-inch-thick) sliced sourdough bread

1 package (10 oz.) MorningStar Farms® Hickory BBQ Riblets

2 slices pepper jack cheese or Vegan alternative, halved diagonally

2 lettuce leaves

2 thin slices red onion, separated into rings

DIRECTIONS
1. In small bowl stir together butter and garlic. Brush 1 side of each bread slice with butter mixture. Place, buttered side up, on baking sheet. Set aside.

2. Cook MORNINGSTAR FARMS HICKORY BBQ RIBLETS according to package directions. Top each riblet portion with two half slices of cheese. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

3. Meanwhile, broil bread slices 4- to 5-inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly toasted, turning once. Top buttered sides of two bread slices with lettuce, riblet portions and onion. Top with remaining slices of bread, buttered sides down. Cut into halves. Serve immediately.

I hope we like it as much as the real fake deal!

Snuggle up with One of These...

2011-10-28T17:18:00.000-05:00

I can't flip on the T.V. without seeing haunting tale and scary flix. Here's a couple of my favorites to snuggle up and watch. By the way loving the cold snap that just hit south east Texas, definitely different than the brutal summer we just endured!

One of the first scary movie scene I remember seeing would come from the triller "Psycho" the shower scene, enough said.

I never saw the first one but the remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre did me in - the 3 of us that watched it together were literally afraid to walk down the hallway of our house to go to bed.

The Shining always gave me the heeby geebies but I continue to get enthrawled everytime I see it on cable.

This one completely creeps me out because in my short lived time when I lived on Long Island a co-worker knew the actual family this happened to.

The first Jeeper Creepers movie really tripped me out but honestly I can't remember why, maybe that'll be on my list this weekend.

I truly wish I could remember the name to one scary movie I remember watching once - maybe if I give the plot line somebody could help me with the title....It's setting is in the woods maybe somewhere like West Virginia or the hills of Tennessee, there are 3 brothers who clearly have not seen much civalization, well they basically hunt people for fun and are cannabals. This movie had my on the edge of my seat for a good hour!! If anybody knows please share thank you and enjoy your snuggle scare-fest!

Pro.......................................................................crastination

2011-10-26T17:21:00.001-05:00

Procrastination is opportunity's assassin. ~Victor Kiam

As you can plainly see I struck a nerve with myself today! I undoubtedly amaze myself sometimes with my utter and sheer disregard for time. I have had a lingering project laid out before me for a couple months, I know I know I'm really on the ball here. But while I begin my rant and drawn out list of excuses, let me say I'm beginning to see the error of my ways.

As we have come into our slow season I am revitalizing a project that was somehow thrown on my lap awhile back. Not one I truly had much interest in and right before the summer boom. So I put it on the back burner to try to breath life back into once we slow down. So last week I'm putting the finishing touches on my initial email to the key people to spearhead this little venture with me, and I save it to my drafts. Not 100% I'm ready to go guns blazing onto the next step.

So there my masterpiece sits just waiting and hoping I'll send it out and make some people very happy that I followed through. Since Monday I have seen it there taunting me in my draft folder and the little voice in my head casually nods it off and says "tomorrow, it'll get done tomorrow" So low and behold I had just told myself this one more time today and with in 30minutes I recieve an email from our corporate office with a grand congrats to another coordinator in another office who has created an earily similar version of some components of my project. That I already did mind you and yet they still sit there in my draft folder.

So the moral to the story GET YOUR WORK DONE AND YOU MIGHT GET A BIG FAT WOOHOO for a job well done.

Letting the Creative Juices Flow Freely

2011-10-25T17:22:00.000-05:00

I'm slowly but surely beginning to understand why my rebellious nature took over in my later teens. When you are constantly told you can't do this that or the other because you'll get hurt blah blah blah. I'm all for setting some boundaries but too many can begin to stifle the spirit and eventually you may just burst!

I'm not sure many of you know but circumstances have me living with roomates their names are mom & dad. Now I'm very grateful that they have been so understanding and wanting to provide the best for me and my daughter. I understand they are coming from a place of deep agape love, but and there's always a but, they have a tendencies to be a bit over protective. And now it is becoming ever apparent how much they probably enforced on me in my youth hence the massive backlash when I got a little freedom or well made my own freedom.

I know this may surprise quite a few folks but I did pick up a couple tricks in the years since leaving the nest. Yes I can cook AHA moment of the century, granted it's not Martha Stewart living but I did somehow stay nurished enough to make it to this ripe old age of 33. I know how to cut, clean & carve a pumpkin. I do remember the things that are going on in my daughters life and yes I know she needs a sweater it's chilly out in the mornings. I've been trying to let it wash under the bridge but the constant doubt in my abilities as a mother and or adult are really starting to wear on me and now I can see it wearing on my little one.

Maybe I'll have to read the next article about 6 more times in order to fully retain and gain some new perspective on this current issue I seem to be facing...

http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Overprotective-Parents

Kid Friendly Reads for Halloween

2011-10-24T17:15:00.000-05:00

Another way to gear up for the celebration of Halloween is to involve your kiddos with some fun reads. Here are a couple of my favorites that will delight!

My little one is always smitten for this series no matter the title!

Here's a fun counting book

If you like Goodnight Moon, you'll love Goodnight Goon!

This one addresses the ever picky eater with a fun little twist.

Another counting book that's lot's of fun, just how many can she fit on her broom?

There's no reason to be scared of this work of fiction

This is an endearing book that shows it's OK to be a bit different.

Not quite the party books we're used to seeing from Felicia Bond but a great book about being included.

Look to see what you're not afraid of, good one to calm the nerves of your little monsters.

I didn't want to leave out the big kids this one is great fun! Lots of neat ideas!

Halloween Traditions You Should Start Right Now - I Mean it Get to it...NOW!

2011-10-21T16:36:00.001-05:00

I swear every year the holidays seem to approach faster and faster but I'm here to tell you yes you can slow down and savor the time you do have. I've done my research even started a few of these myself, of course I have yet to include all these fun ideas into my bag of tricks, but they are sure to interest the young and young at heart.

First get in the spirit, that's right no better way to feel the mojo than by surrounding yourself in the glow of the season or shall I say shadows. Whether at home or in your workspace you can easily make your space fun and festive. Here are a couple of fun office decor tricks to keep everyone entertained in the office.

Next your going to want to immerse yourself and the family in some fun TV time. I will be enjoying some new and tried and true classics with my little one this year. Tonight Friday October 21st, SpongeBob SquarePants "Ghoul Fools" premiere's - I don't care what you say I love the little yellow guy! Then tomorrow Fred is back, made famous from iCarly, in "Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred". How sad is it that I'm not sure who's more excited about these shows my daughter or myself, hmmmm...

Next you're going to want to read some bedtime stories with your little ones. I have compiled a list of some favorite Halloween children's books, that I will share with you soon.

I love this next one and had never heard of it until last year when we moved into a new neighborhood and we were "Boo'd" If you haven't done this one yet let me give you the run down. You will need to make up a Halloween goodie bag for one of your neighbors. You will leave the bag on their doorstep with a note letting them know they have been "Boo'd" The receiver of your goodie bag is supposed to reciprocate and Boo another neighbor and so on. It's really quite fun to get the kiddos involved to help sneak the goodies onto your neighbors porch without getting caught!

Well these are just a few Halloween traditions that I like hopefully you'll find your own and carry them out each and every year. Enjoy!!

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza!!

2011-10-19T17:22:00.001-05:00

In celebration of my daughter's field trip today to a local pumpkin patch, I thought showcasing a couple cool ideas for carving those pumpkins. Lets see if she fancies any I think I have an idea which one will peak her interest.

This one is great for the more artistic organic carvings. I'm wild about these!!

Too cute I've seen several designs with similar feature but this one seems fun without being too scary.

Ghouls and Goblins for this fantastic creation!!

The scariest of the bunch this one screams frightfully good times!

And you guessed it this is the cutie patootie one I think my little gal will just find absolutely adorable. If that last sentence got any sweeter I think I may go into sugar shock!

This one is fun but I think it may be more appropriate for Thanksgiving but still a fun way to dress up your pumpkin!! Well happy carving I'll have some pictures of our carvings real soon!

Girls Night Out...

2011-10-14T17:21:00.000-05:00

Ready for my weekend to start thought I'd celebrate with a little poem I found by a girl named Jaqueline...

Talking fast, walking past, dress shopping, restaurant hopping!
So much fun, until were done!
Girls night out, with out a doubt.
Seriously joking, cigarette toking!
Laughs and smiles, last long whiles!
Never forget these fun times!
Never forget our jokes and rhymes!
Thank God for our Girls Night Out!

Slumberific!!!

2011-10-13T16:14:00.001-05:00

Let me start by saying I love all the many variations we have for the word sleep, slumber, snooze, nap, doze, catnap and the one word we're going to focus on today the SIESTA!!! I'm starting to think the American culture has gone awry. Not because of all the craziness in politics and economic issues, but for the simple fact of we missed the boat on this whole siesta concept. Well that is everybody past preschool and the retired. But all that is changing.

Now understandably the conditions were not the most ideal and man I wish I lived closer to work on days like today where I could just quickly run home and get my rest on, but alas my car will have to do. Today I was a genius and remembered to bring my pillow though so I set the bar pretty high from here on out. Of course while drifting off to get my forty winks (and really it was 40 minutes so this is a perfect catch phrase)

Ok so now I need to know do other countries still observe this wonderful tradition? And yes they do!! Spain being the biggest supporter of this tried and true gift to your body. The siesta for shops and businesses is from approximately 2pm until 5pm while bars and restaurants close from about 4pm until about 8 or 9pm. They did this for many years since the mid-afternoon is very hot and workers from the fields needed to come in to rest. Of course A/C units are making this not quite the case any longer. How sad, I think, because a siesta in the air condition is quite nice.

And now for may favorite part of my research about the elusive siesta, experts believe siesta's are very beneficial to your overall health. Besides making you feel like a million bucks every ounce of sleep you get sleep helps you in so many ways. People who get enough sleep are more likely to shed those extra pounds. You critical thinking skills are sharper, I mean really do I have to go on?

So hear ye hear ye I vote to initiate the Siesta Movement! Who's with me?

Spooktacular & Stylish Halloween Budget Decor that won't make you SCREAM!!!

2011-10-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

With Halloween fast approaching I thought I'd tell you a couple quick easy ways to spook-out your decor. Before the trick-or-treating and dressing up you may want to get a bit over the top with decorating for the season! I found a couple ideas that make it seem the witching hour is almost upon us. Besides carving out festive doorstep pumpkins with the little guys, here are a couple more hauntingly fun ideas for our orange friends.

Paint them fun, this idea from busymom.com is fun and easy but gives you a unique and almost glamorous effect for your pumpkins. Stop by the craft store and for about $10 you have your paint supplies. You'd be surprised what you can find at the dollar store, a large vase to put your pumpkins in along with some fun spiders to complete the look. Now all you need are fun mini pumpkins, even recruit your little ones to make this a fun family project.
Here is another fun idea
for a festive table arrangement, that will carry you through the Thanksgiving holidays. If you want to change it up add a couple of those fun spiders we used on the other arrangement.

Now for my favorite I saved the best for last from squidoo.com this looks is so charming I can't wait till I can fill my fireplace with an assortment of overflowing pumpkins. You can paint them or leave them plain. I think I would like to see a bit more variety with some crook neck squash and maybe a winter squash or two would give more depth to this arrangement.

Next time maybe I'll show you some of my favorite ideas outside for scaring the kiddos on one frightful night!!

We Salute You!!

2011-09-30T09:56:00.002-05:00

You know I was going to go one way with this blog, and then I erased my rantings and am starting fresh because that is really not how I wanted to start my morning. I'm actually very happy and thankful this morning I have my pumpkin spice latte in hand (my favorite season for Starbucks!).

I am reminded that you do have to choose who you accompany yourself with carefully and associate with those that lift you up and stand by you no matter what. I do have some of the best friends a gal could ask for and I really just want to take a moment to thank them for being there for me, even if they wanted to punch me in the face a couple times over the past couple years, ha-ha!

I have to admit I do have a very thick skull and seem to have an unnatural way of wanting things to just work out for the best. You know the fix-it girl give me your wounded spirits and addictive personalities I tell you what I can change them and make them better, I'm that special. Truth is you can not change a soul that deems change unnecessary. So thank you to my girls who love me no matter what the situation, no matter what is going on in their lives.

I am so thankful and blessed by their very presence in my life!! Ok now I just sound like a beer commercial - we salute you Mr. so and so man...

So on that note I salute you MS'S I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU, STAND BY YOU, GIVE YOU THE MOST HONEST ADVICE I CAN, TALK YOU OFF A LEDGE, LOVE YOU AND MOST IMPORTANTLY CALL ME YOUR FRIEND girls! You ROCK!!!

Singing in the rain!!!

2011-09-29T17:18:00.001-05:00

It's amazing how a little rain can make you feel. I'm located smack dap in the middle of the driest parts of the United States. We are now doing daily ritual dances to bring a little rain our way! About an hour ago I heard the most b-e-a-utiful sound of rumbling that a girl could hear. Low and behold my extra hopping around this morning brought a whole 15 minutes of the good stuff! I honestly don't get how there is so much of the blue stuff on this planet and we are plagued by the inability to be drenched in the stuff. Too many wild fires this summer, much too close to home!

Hopefully this storm will make another go at it and we can all feel a sense of relief from the dust bowl we now call home.

A new direction...

2011-09-29T11:58:00.002-05:00

After much thought as to how to get re-inspired with this whole notion of a blog, I have decided to take my little blog in a more vast direction. I enjoy design but that encompasses many aspects of my life not just my home space. Seeing how I'm between homes right now I am finding it difficult to express my own sense of style in my home since I am not in my home.

So now my little pet project will feature many things that inspire me. I do believe my experiences thus far make for quite the interesting read, haha even if only to me and this is my ambivalent silent therapist. See how I did that, you like how I so casually signed you up for a new job title without even a care? Lessons here should prove to be aw-inspiring again if only to me then hey it is what it is.

So wait a minute I know you're asking yourself how does this chic not have a home of her own she's so worldly, right? Ahhh I am currently in a roomate situation my roomates names are mom & dad. Hahaha I am taking the road less travelled and enjoying my extra time I get to spend with my family. As long as I don't start feeling like Matthew McCaunaghey in the movie where his parent are desperate to get him out of their house. If I'm honest though I'm way more the parents in that little scenario. I miss my own space, i miss being able to run to the dryer in just a towel because I don't mind having clothes there and ready to be dewrinkled at a moments notice. We'll get back to this later I'm just getting myself all worked up over this.

One last thing I will add to my situation is that I truly am blessed to be able to give my daughter an excellent enviroment to grow up in, even if I do moan about it.

A Little Retail Therapy

2011-04-01T17:25:00.001-05:00

Thanks to one of my wonderful co-workers I got to do a little much needed retail therapy today during lunch. Thank you for the gift certificate!! Besides the two really cute summer tops I got, I was inspired by a couple pieces there that I could easily replicate for a fraction of the price! The wheels are turning and I'm thinking, "now I wish I had a gift certificate for one of the home improvement stores!" I could do a little damage with the mind set I'm in right now.

Look below is a example of the beginnings of what I want to create but the boards I create will have a little twist. I'll share with you soon, can't give away all the trade secrets too soon!

Something so small...

2011-03-31T16:58:00.002-05:00

Today was an interesting day, but like I promised I would be posting photos of my somewhat less drab office. It definitely wasn't the easiest process and here's why. Unfortunately with my ability to lose most things I lost my battery charger for my camera, errr. But after 5 stops in my hour long lunch break I was able to find the most beautiful battery charger in the world, I think it's so special since it seemed to take me on a short trip through the jungle to get it, ha ha!

Like I told you yesterday I wish I had befores, but you'll have to take my word for it, the following pictures are 88% better than the way it was before. And I was able to transform the office for under $75, woohoo! That included all the vases and greenery. I couldn't take pictures of one corner of the office as my co-worker would surely have strangled me.

So small things do make a difference, I think if I hi-jack a couple of these items I'm on my way to staging a home for a quick sale! What do you think?

Trying this out

2011-03-30T19:57:00.002-05:00

I know I'm at home and technically this feature should be used while on the go, but I'm working to see how flexible my iPad really makes me. This very well could be my best Christmas present if I can work efficiently while on the go. Of course I'll have to refrain from blogging and driving!

And here I can remember having our first home PC being marked by the Tandy 1000ex, an archaic beast that ran on MSDOS, my how times have changed! And by the way I love it, now to find where I put that pesky charger for my camera and I will be rockin' n rollin'!

- Posted by Samantha Roberts

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