Soccer Mom Knits

Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:46:00 +0000

As 2011 comes to an end, I am contemplating realistic goals for 2012. My list is by no means complete but it contains the following so far:

1. Blog more. I know I said this last year too but that didn't seem to work. This year, I have found some cool blogging tools to help me plan out my posts better.

2. Complete one book and send it to a publisher.

3. Be more organized.

4. Stay on top of couponing so I can save where I can.

5. Knit more gifts so I do not have to buy as much just before Christmas. I have a pretty good list of ideas started already.

6. Shop for Christmas gifts throughout the year. This should be easier to accomplish as we are only buying gifts for the kids. All gifts for the adults must be homemade.

7. Garden. Mom and I want to have a nice vegetable and herb garden this year so I am committing to helping her with that.

2011 was an okay year. Nothing major or drastic happened. However, I have been in a particularly blue mood since well before Christmas and wishing that would pass before the ball drops.

I am hopeful that laying out my list of goals for the coming year will, in some small way, assist to elevate me from the blues.

There are some things to look forward to in 2012. Princess Ivi's 16th birthday. My 35th birthday. My sister and family's trip to Florida which should include my nephew's first trip to Disney World. Lots of changes for my brother's family.

I am cheerfully optimistic that 2012 will be a good year for my family. But I think the past has taught us all that we can begin the year cheerfully optimistic, however, life often gives us the unexpected. Too often this year, we were caught off guard or unawares by life's unexpected occurrences. Therefore, my main goal this year is to be more prepared for the unexpected. So we will try to save more money, can and freeze more food, and whatever other little things we can do to be more prepared when life throws... well, when life throws life our way.

Wishing you and yours a joyful and safe New Year!!

10 Things You Have to Do Before Christmas/Hannukah/The Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Here is my top ten list of things to do before the holiday.

Make fudge and other goodies.
Ship gifts to my sister
Shop for my brother, sister-in-law and nephews
Wrap all gifts
Knit a pair of leg warmers
Drive daughter’s boyfriend home.
Plan menu for Christmas Eve.
Shop for food.
Go to work everyday and accomplish to-do list.
Sleep so I am not a grump on Christmas morning.

Of course, as I think, there are a lot more things I need to do in addition to this. Bummer. I need to find a way to clone myself. I would like a knitting self, a working self, a cooking and cleaning self, a hang out with daughter self (the real me)...and I am sure there are more.

Happy Birthday Jane Austen!!

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Today is my favorite author's birthday. Jane Austen was born 236 years ago today. I always wonder what Jane would think of the world today. How would she feel about love in today's society?

In honor of Jane's birthday, here is a quote she said...

"But when a young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of forty surrounding families cannot prevent her. Something must and will happen to throw a hero in her way." Northanger Abbey

Happy Birthday, Jane!!

Christmas Party Friday's

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

My favorite part of December is knitting Christmas gifts for the people I know who will love them and use them all the while appreciating the time and effort put into a handmade gift.

The Christmas song I can listen to over and over is Please Come Home for Christmas by the Eagles. I love them and when they sing that song, it makes me want to go home. I also love Marshmallow World sung by anyone and That’s What Christmas Means to Me by Stevie Wonder.

My favorite Christmas gift when I was a child was...

If traveling anywhere in the world were an option I would spend Christmas with the one I love.

Christmas movies are cute but sometimes irritating. I am not a huge fan of Rudolph, Frosty or the Baby New Year but I will watch White Christmas a hundred times if I could..

My must have Christmas treats include fudge (peanut butter and penuche), cookies (no set kind but some type each year), ribbon candy, and sea foam (although this just started this year).

Decorating for the season looks like tasteful decorations which are mostly mementos that my daughter gave me/made for me.

When it comes to Christmas gifts I prefer to make some by hand to those I know will appreciate them, go overboard for my daughter, and buy one or two gifts that are perfect for each person without spending too much money.

The Christmas season makes me feel stressed because I always want to do more than I can, thankful for my family and friends, sad because my daughter has so few people in her life, and lonely for the one I love.

To me Christmas means family.

My thoughts on Christmas....Christmas when my daughter was small was wonderful but I have to say that I am loving it as she is getting older because I never know how she will use her creativity to make Christmas special in her way. It is a treat to see what she does each year.

10 Things On Your Nightstand/Bedside Table

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Well, first off, let me say that my nightstand is two Rubbermaid bins stacked on top of each other. One bin is filled with yarn and the other is filled with fabric. Some day, when I work through my stash, I will have the room to get a real piece of furniture.

But what is on it?

Alarm clock
Lamp
Carmex Lip Therapy
Carmex Lotion
Basket of knitting needles
Hair clip that looks like a giant bug
Hair clip
Black Ball of yarn
Red Ball of yarn
Pair of scissors.

Strange combination right?

Where have I been?

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:51:00 +0000

I haven't posted in over two weeks. Guess I am not doing so well on that Post a Week Challenge. We were sick last week and the week before that was so swamped with work that I missed it. Oh well, I will try to do better but in the meantime, lets play catch up.

First off, Princess Ivi has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Considering I have been battling this since I was a teenager, I guess I am not surprised. I am very bummed out though because it is so challenging. Anyway, we are working on getting her into a rheumatologist and physical therapist. Also, her doctor has suggested she do yoga as a way of keeping her range of motion. Luckily for us, there is a free yoga class at the library on Thursday evenings. I am hoping to get her all lined up for that within the next week or so.

I have been reading a lot. I just finished Shannon Butcher's Living Nightmare from The Sentinel Wars series. I love this series and can't wait for the next installment.

I also just got an email from Read It Forward that I was chosen to receive Madam Tussaud. I love to read books and of course, when they are free, it is even better.

I have been knitting too. I had made one of the attorneys I work with a pair of Susie's Reading Mitts just after Christmas. Well, she liked them so much that she made a deal with me for another pair. In exchange for these, she will provide me with an "unlimited" number of homemade earrings. This pair is made in black and made a bit shorter to accommodate smaller hands. They are coming along well and I should be done with them this weekend which is good considering she has already given me 4 pairs of earrings.

Our tax return should be here tomorrow. Just in time for new glasses for both me and Princess Ivi, vet visits for the two dogs and cat, car repair, Princess Ivi's dress for the military ball, etc. Needless to say, it feels like the money has already been spent.

Plans for the weekend include eye appointments (hopefully) and a trip to either Orlando or Jacksonville for Princess Ivi's military ball dress. And of course, knitting, laundry, grocery shopping, sorting coupons, and cleaning the house, too. Busy, busy, busy as usual.

I am disappointed because my health and beauty coupons took a real wallop last week. What happened? The dog destroyed my organizer and shredded the coupons she didn't eat. I was very irritated. I am working on rebuilding it but I know there were coupons in there that I will not be able to replace.

We are busy planning the high school's Spring Fest. The ROTC puts it on. This includes organizing it, set up, selling booths, etc. I managed to get myself drafted to be in charge of booths. I have helpers but I have never spoken to them about it. After the last meeting, I realized that my job is probably one of the most labor intensive jobs for the festival which stinks because it was not my idea to be in charge of anything. But I feel pretty good about how it is coming together. I have some work to do but I think I am on the ball.

Well, I am not sure I will be able to post more before the weekend so I hope everyone enjoys.

Booking It in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:16:00 +0000

I have decided to join LifeAsMom and Book It in 2011. The books I plan to read are most of the 11 assigned books and whatever else strikes my fancy. I don’t do all that well with assigned readings if it not something I find interesting so on those months I am not interested in the assigned reading, I will find another book to read.

February’s book is The Happiness Project and I am psyched because I own this book and I started it but never finished it. I have also been thinking about reading it so this is perfect to get this project started.

Post a Week in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:39:00 +0000

For so long I have been making the resolution to blog more... or blog more consistently. In an effort to do so, I have accepted the Post a Week in 2011 Challenge.

Today's topic: Share something that makes you smile.

What makes me smile? The first finished object of 2011.

Details: Susie's Reading Mitts for my co-worker with the frozen fingers. Started 12/27/2010. Finished 1/2/2011

My morning drive

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:18:00 +0000

This was my morning drive today. Can we say yuck? And "People turn on your headlights."

Also, since I will not have computer access....

I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!!

Check out CheapToday.com for deals at your favorite stores

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:29:00 +0000

If you want to know what your deals your favorite store has, check out CheapToday.com. You can find a lot of stores there including JC Penney and Barnes and Noble, two of my favorite stores. It also has Kohl's, Target, Walmart and Toys R Us.

Some of the deals they have listed, Season One of Grey's Anatomy at Walmart for $15.00. Wow! Also at Walmart, Buy Two Wii Games for $30.00. Or All cookbooks at Barnes and Noble are BOGO, (Buy one get one half off). Wow again!

For more info, go check out CheapToday.com.

We Have a Winner!!!

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Scottsgal is the winner of the Carmex Lip Tints!!! Yeah. I have pm'ed you for your address.

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? I wish for us to be able to have an enjoyable holiday even without the gifts (since as of this moment, I have no money to buy ANY gifts.)

2. What is your Christmas morning / Hanukkah Nightly tradition? Our Christmas morning tradition is to open our stockings and spend a while going through each item, then we have coffee/juice, open Santa’s presents and then wait for grandma to come over to open the rest.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? Seriously, I think I would wish for a haircut. Or a new pair of glasses.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? I knit items using yarn from my stash that I have gotten as gifts to make something handmade.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? Trivial Pursuit, Cribbage and Rummy. My daughter and I still play those games.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? Stockings for everyone. Hanging ceramic bells (that have the 12 days of Christmas on them). My grant-aunt made them for all of us and I love to hang them every year.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas/Hanukkah-away-from-home trip? No where. I like to be home for Christmas.

8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year? An Xbox 360, Black Ops, and Hasbro Family Game Night.

The trials of being a single mom (a review and a giveaway too)

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Last night, while sitting on the couch relaxing and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, Princess Ivi sent me a text message (so as not to alert her boyfriend). This covert text message stated “the toilet is clogged”. Seriously? Apparently, I am the only one who knows how to use that strange tool that resides beside the toilet called the Plunger. Anyway, all is well again in the plumbing department after a lecture on not using the toilet if there is paper in it. Meaning, start with an empty bowl. Right?

Apparently, I am also the only one who knows how to empty the litter box. Which I distinctly remember using as a reason I did not want a cat. When Princess Ivi came home with our kitten, I heard “Please can we keep her? I promise to empty the litter box.” Hmm?

Enough with the complaining already....Have you all seen that the holiday shows are back on Hallmark and ABC Family? I love that. There is always something good to watch when all my regular shows are reruns. Although, the cheese factor can be pretty high on Hallmark, they are still good pick-me up movies.

Now for the good stuff...a review and a giveaway. As a member of Carmex's Blog Squad, I recently received two (2) Carmex Moisture Plus Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach Tint Lip Balms to review. The comments are my own opinions.

Product Packaging: The product packaging is okay. I do wish there was a little less paper though and these could be sold as individually wrapped tubes but I do recognize the need to alert buyers to the Carmex brand as well as providing all the written stuff on the back of the package.

Tint Color: At first, I only used the peach but then when I got this package, Princess Ivi took the peach and I took the pink. I love both colors. They are very natural looking and I think they both look good with my fair coloring.

Length of Wear: Both last for a good amount of time. I do think the peach lasted a little longer than the pink but that may have been for other reasons (drinking more, etc.)

Product Effectiveness: I think that this product is very effective. It moisturized my lips which is important, and provided color which I love. I am a fan of lip glosses but many do not moisturize. However, this product did which is a plus in my book.

I do want to mention taste here. Many of us who use tinted lip balms or lip glosses often complain about taste and/or scent of a product. The Carmex Moisture Plus Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach Tint Lip Balms smell good (like Carmex) and the taste is acceptable (not medicine tasting).

Suggestions for future product extensions: I think I would like to see a Sheer Red for more of a dressy feel. However, it would need to be a neutral red for all skin tones. I would also like to see a Sheer Berry.

Giveaway: Carmex has provided me with a set of Carmex Moisture Plus Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach Tint Lip Balms for you.

To Enter: Leave a comment no later than noon EST on December 8, 2010 answering the following question:

What is your favorite lip product?

Also, be sure to follow me through Google Friend Connect or subscribe to my feed, if you do not already.

Good luck!

Illegals by Darrell Ankarlo

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:19:00 +0000

Before I give my review of this book, I want to make it clear that I normally do not read books like this but I wanted to see what this author’s thoughts were on this subject. This is not a book I would recommend to anyone. It is clear that the author believes in Armageddon but in his version, the United States is “overrun” by Mexican illegal immigrants who want to “take back“ the country. The author often says he is not a racist. However, given his condescending statements, it is not believable. The author frequently makes it clear that he feels all Mexicans are just waiting for the opportunity to illegally sneak into the United States. This clearly shows his racism. The book is peppered with emotional scenes from both side of the “border”. However, most scenes lack a true emotional connection and instead feel hollow, like the author is only trying to make you think he cares. For instance, when the author describes the abject poverty that a family lives with, you cannot feel any true sympathy from the author. The author also oversimplifies the immigration problem throughout the book. He would like the reader to believe that the immigration problem is the cause of all of the United State’s problems. I agree that the immigration issue is a problem but I do not believe the immigration issue is the cause of all of the country’s problems. For instance, does the United State’s failure to control the Mexican border really have an impact on say, teenage pregnancies? Or the collapsing economy? Or the war in Afghanistan? No. I am sure immigration has an effect on this issues, but it is not the cause of these issues and it is naïve for the author to imply that if the United States controlled its southern border better, none of these problems would exist. In short, I would not recommend this book to my friends who tend to think like I do on the subject. But of course, if you want a differing opinion, feel free to take a look at it.

To comply with regulations by the Federal Trade Commission, please note that the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through Booksneeze .

Excited!!!

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:05:00 +0000

I am super excited. I received my Naturally Savvy sample to try and review. I can’t wait to use all my products.

I also received more Carmex goodies. This time it is the Moisture Plus tints. And this one has another giveaway! Woo hoo!

I will post my review of the lip tints and open the giveaway on Monday, November 22, 2010 so be sure to check it out.

Thanksgiving Menu

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:03:00 +0000

I finally decided on our Thanksgiving menu. I am making:

Classic Fresh Sage Stuffing
Turkey With Pan Gravy
Classic Whipped Potato Casserole (tweaked to remove the nutmeg and almonds)
Green Bean & Shallot Saute
Some kind of carrot dish for Princess Ivi

I am very excited to have Thanksgiving at my house this year. I don't think I have ever done Thanksgiving. I have done Christmas but not Thanksgiving.

I am working on a checklist and timeline so I am super organized.

We Have a Winner!!!

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Okay folks, we have a winner for the Carmex Lotion Giveaway and the winner is....

Mommy Minded

Congratulations Megan! I have sent an email to you for your mailing address.

Upcoming giveaway, Carmex Tinted Lip Moisturizer!!! Look for sign ups next week.

(Random List Picker used to choose winner.)

Adding to My Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:46:00 +0000

I have added these adorable bookends to my wishlist. They are so cute and so me. Check them out at Knitcellaneous.

Need to Winterize, New Favorite Show, My Teenage Obsession with Donnie Wahlberg, Cheesecake Factory Review, and Harry Potter Excitement.

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Weekend update:

Friday I went to Beall’s Outlet to find something for my niece’s birthday. I was unsuccessful. She is 16 and very hard to shop for. Instead of getting her something that I didn’t think she would like, I am going to get her something when she comes to my house for Thanksgiving weekend.

After our unsuccessful shopping trip, we went home and watched Blue Bloods. This is my new favorite show.

I love Donnie Wahlberg. (I mean big pink puffy hearts kind of love.) I have since his New Kids on the Block days. I used to know everything about his life because I had all of those biography books that listed all the info about the group like birthdays, favorite food and color, astrological sign, etc. I was an expert when it came to Donnie Wahlberg. I used to fantasize that he would come to my neck of the woods from Boston (which was about 65 miles east of Boston) and rescue me from my dismal junior high life. It never happened though.

Anyway, I really like him in Blue Bloods. He plays a smart-ass cop which I like but you get to see his tender side when it comes to his wife, kids and family.

I do worry that this show will be like so many other new shows I get interested in (like Invasion) and they will cancel it after the first season.

Well, while we were watching TV, it kept getting colder and colder in our house. This was expected because we have no heat. I was able to tell that every window we have has drafts too. I made a pretty extensive list of ideas on how to make it a little better. I am going to buy the plastic for the windows that essentially shrink wrap the windows. Then I will fill any drafts around the window frames by caulking them. I am also going to plastic the back door. I figure that if we have an emergency and need to get out, we can break through the plastic easily. I am also going to get two of those tall heaters because they tend to have a more powerful fan and they can be left on longer because the change of fire is decreased.

Needless to say though, until we get it winterized better, it will be chilly.

On Saturday, it was so cold when we woke up (it dropped to the thirties), I made cinnamon rolls to warm up the kitchen. Then I did the dishes while Princess Ivi hung up my clothes. We had made a deal that she would do the dishes if I bought her a shirt but we renegotiated when she said she would clean my room. She also picked out what I was going to wear to my niece’s party. The way she did it was funny too. She set out eight different outfits, including shoes, and made me try them all on.

After our chores, we showered, did our hair and makeup and put on our dressy clothes. We headed to my mom’s house, helped her pick out an outfit and then went to Jacksonville to meet everyone at The Cheesecake Factory for my niece’s 16th birthday party. It was great to see her all dressed up. However, I thought the food was really overrated and not as good as I expected it to be. The vanilla bean cheesecake that I got was alright but I won’t be taking any special trips to go back there. Another thing that put us off too was the fact that there was a hair in Princess Ivi’s cheesecake. Yuk!!!

It was after 10:30 p.m. before we left the party and after midnight before we got to my mom’s house. By the time we got home, it was about 1. We headed straight inside, let the dog out quickly, put our extra warm pj’s on and went straight to bed.

Sunday was interesting. I woke up and when I looked at my clock, I almost had a heart attack because it said it was 2:30 p.m. What? Apparently, I “sprung the clock ahead” instead of “falling back”. Once we got up and had breakfast, we separated clothes and then headed to mom’s to do laundry. It took us all afternoon to finish our laundry. It was okay though because we worked on this craft project that I have wanted to make for a while. Once I have enough of them made, Princess Ivi and mom are going to go to the Farmers Market on Fridays and I will go on Saturdays to sell them. I may even open an Etsy shop. I can’t tell you what “them” are yet but I will once they can be revealed to the public.

Now, I am at work thinking about my yard sale this weekend. I can’t wait to get rid of the huge pile of stuff in my house. It will open things up so much when it is gone. I will also be able to move the dog’s crate further down the hallway which will be further away from the drafty back door. I am also thinking I will be able to put one of those tall heater things in the hallway which will warm up that end of the house where the bathroom and bedrooms are.

On a totally separate subject, I am ridiculously excited about the new Harry Potter movie. I can’t wait. Of course, I am not crazy enough to go on opening night but I will see it on that weekend. I am curious to see where they leave off on part one.

Well, have a happy Monday everyone!!!

The Best Pick-up Line Ever

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:44:00 +0000

I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday so I missed 10 on Tuesday's 10 Ways to Simplify Your Life. We were being monitored by the organization that we get our funding from. I didn't think it would be a good idea to blog because, knowing my luck, he would have walked up behind me.

A funny thing happened to me when I checked my email yesterday. A few months ago, on some strange whim, I set up a profile on OK Cupid for a couple of reasons. (1. It is free and 2. I was apparently feeling rather lonely.) Needless to say, I have not yet met the man of my dreams on this site. I have had several messages though. I have the one guy who repeatedly contacts me with messages referring to the size of my breasts. he also visits my profile several times a week. Yesterday though, I received the best message. (This is a sarcastic comment which is hard to portray in a blog posting).

Anyway, the line was "if you can have more kids, you are perfect. Would love to talk."

Seriously? I did visit this gentleman's profile to learn that he is "going through some serious changes in his life". I also learned that he is 6'5" and just finished CNA school and is hoping to go to RN school soon. So this man thought that using the pick up line about having more kids with a man who has a crappy paying job (if he is even working as a CNA), who admits to throwing his PlayStation across the room, would make me jump at the opportunity to be with me.

My response - Tempting, but....no.

My new job is going well, I think. I work with some really great people. So far, I don't have any complaints. Except to say that working for legal aid, working with the most needy of our society, can really put your life in perspective but that is not a complaint just an observation.

As for knitting, I haven't been doing much this week. Princess Ivi and I had a bit of a blow up on Saturday and since then, haven't really felt like knitting.

I am thinking about my niece's 16th birthday party which is Saturday at the Cheesecake Factory. I have no idea what I am going to get her though. I guess I should probably decide soon though.

One More Day Closer to Friday

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:15:00 +0000

Princess Ivi is a great kid. I have her picture posted on my wall at my new job. It is attached to a slip of paper that says the following:

Promise Me You'll Always Remember:
You are Braver Than You Believe,
And Stronger Than You Seem,
And Smarter Than You Think.

This little note is a perfect example of how she can always say the best things to people and they get cheered up, motivated, etc. Of course, the first time she gave me this note it said "Stranger Than You Seem." She changed it because it is displayed at work but hey, stranger fits me too.

Before lunch, I read an article from the National Psoriasis Foundation that said that women with psoriasis have a 62% chance of being diagnosed with diabetes. Yikes. Since I have had psoriasis since I was 13 and there is diabetes in my family history, it kind of makes me nervous. I am so bad about taking care of myself. Yesterday, for example, I did not drink anything except coffee until 7:30 p.m. Umm, that is not good. I went to Big Lots for lunch and I bought the best Rubbermaid water bottle that I can keep at my desk so I can drink more water. It is a 20 ounce bottle and it doesn't taste like plastic. I also want to really get my act together and start moving a little bit more. Although, I have to do a lot of walking at work, I know it is not enough.

I just visited the Operation Christmas Child website and got the drop-off dates and the location. We will definitely be putting some of these together this year and you should consider it too. Princess Ivi and I don't have much but we know that we do have more than others so we try to do what we can. The shoeboxes are a good idea because they don't cost much to fill and since we usually donate to the age group that Princess Ivi is, she gets to choose what she wants to go in the boxes based on what she likes.

I actually saw a sign for Christmas Trees on the way to work this morning. It is hard to think about Christmas when it is 90 degrees today. But it supposed to be 75 tomorrow which will be nice. Princess Ivi has no school so she is going to hang at home until late in the afternoon and then my mom is going to take her to the main library which is huge and has a great selection of books. Then I will pick her up when I get off work and we are going to the mall. The mall is torture for me. But we are running over there to get a new costume for Princess Ivi. She is going to be Alice from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. She will look adorable.

I have been knitting away on Princess Ivi's Clasica Coat. I am slogging away on the back. I have no idea if it is correct because I can't see the pattern in the magazine (one of the drawbacks of having such bad vision) but we think it still looks nice.


Clasica Coat

Marquise Guantlets

I also started on the Marquise Gauntlets. The are coming along nicely. Of course, I should be knitting every spare second so I am ready for Christmas but it seems to not be happening.

My mind has been pretty stuck on Thanksgiving for a while. I am doing Thanksgiving for the first time ever at my house. Right now it looks like it will just be Princess Ivi and my mom and me but my brother and his kids might come down. We'll see. Anyway, I am brainstorming about what I want to cook for Thanksgiving so I can get nice and organized. I will keep you posted.

Have a happy Thursday!!!

10 Ways to Celebrate Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Trick-or-treating, of course.
Haunted Houses
Jack O'lantern carving contest
Costume Halloween party.
Halloween dance
Events at church (great for those who don't celebrate Halloween) -especially good if the church has a good youth group for teens
Pass out candy. Especially fun to dress in costume while doing this so you can optimize the embarrassing effect on your children.
Hide in your house with your lights off because you didn't buy candy/forgot to buy candy.
Go to your mom's house which is in the middle of the woods to avoid passing out candy.
Make your fave snacky food and watch movies.

Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream- Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:03:00 +0000

I recently became a member of the Carmex® Blog Squad. I was really excited by this opportunity because I love Carmex®. I love the smell and the way it makes my lips feel. But I learned something new. Carmex® is now making lotion. I was recently asked to review two products, the Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Cream.

Carmex® Healing Lotion

Carmex® Healing Lotion is made using a patent pending process that delivers healing and moisturizing without a greasy feel. Use anywhere skin feels dry. Daily use will help protect skin and keep dryness away. Rich healing ingredients, including Aloe and Vitamin E, nourish and moisturize. Absorbs fast for a non-greasy feel; has a light, pleasant scent.

I was asked to address the following questions which I have done below.

Does it work? Absolutely. I have seriously dry skin on my hands due to yarn, washing dishes, and psoriasis, among other things. This lotion worked so well to keep my hands soft. I could feel it throughout the day without having to reapply it hundreds of times. The little spot of psoriasis that I have on my knuckle which was normally bright red looks like normal skin now.
Scent of Product I love the scent. I am sure some of you are now scared that the lotion smells like their lip products but it doesn't. I think the scent is subtle and clean smelling. Not medicine-y and definitely not too overpowering.
The quality & feel of the product This is very high quality lotion in my opinion. It is not too thin. It may be a bit "slippery" feeling but I think it has to do with the way it works for your dry skin. To me, I don't feels "greasy" but I can definitely tell that I have lotion on.
Thoughts on packaging I think the packaging is nice. It is very easy to tell from looking at it that it is a Carmex product and for those of us who love Carmex, it is great. But it is also great for those people who may not "love" Carmex but are familiar with the brand.
The cost I was not asked to specifically address this point but I wanted to add it in here. As I have previously mentioned, I am a frugal shopper. I tend to use coupons, shop sales and try to get the best deal. The cost of the lotion is $5.99 for a 5.5 ounce tube. Now that may seem high to some but the thing to keep in mind is that a little of this lotion goes a long way. Both my daughter and I have been using the lotion and it hasn't even made a significant difference to how much is in the bottle. So because this is a great lotion and it goes so far, I think it is a great bargain.

The verdict: I love this lotion. I have already mentioned to a lot of people in passing that I have been using it and what a difference it makes. I would definitely continue using it and recommend it to people.

Carmex® Healing Cream

Carmex® Healing Cream is made using a patent pending process that delivers concentrated healing and moisturization of your driest, roughest skin. Use on your driest skin - especially hands, feet, elbows and knees. 9 healing ingredient penetrate and help repair your very dry, rough or cracked skin. Concentrated - use a small amount. Absorbs fast for a non-greasy feel; has a light, pleasant scent.

Does it work? Absolutely. I have been using Carmex® Healing Cream on my hands and feet before bed and I can feel a huge difference. I have also been making it a point of putting it on my elbows and knees which have large patches of psoriasis on them as well as a palm size patch which is on my forearm. These patches of psoriasis were very dry, scaly, painful and itchy before I started putting Carmex® Healing Cream on them and now they are much softer, don't itch so bad and are not painful at all. The redness has also decreased. I know that Carmex® Healing Cream is not going to "heal" my psoriasis but it is nice to have found something strong enough to soften the scales from my psoriasis and something that makes my day more comfortable.
Scent of Product Carmex® Healing Cream smells just like the Healing Lotion.
The quality & feel of the product This is a very high quality product. It works so well to help with severely dry skin. It is the right consistency, not greasy feeling, and again, it is concentrated so a little of this goes a long way.
Thoughts on packaging Again, the package is very distinctive to the Carmex® brand which is great.
The cost The Healing Cream also costs $5.99 but for a 4 ounce tube this time. However, since this product is concentrated and you only use it on your "driest" skin, I think it is a great bargain because one tube will likely last for a good amount of time.

The verdict: This is great stuff!!

As part of Carmex® Blog Squad, I received a wonderful kit filled with all of Carmex's line of product. The total value of the kit is $52.32 and it contains:

    * Traveling case with two clear pouches.
    * Three lip balms in original, cherry and strawberry.
    * Three lip in original, cherry and strawberry.
    * Two pots of lip     in original and cherry.
    * Three tinted moisturizers in clear, peach and pink.
    * Two lotions, one full size and one travel size.
    * One healing cream.

The most amazing thing is that Carmex® also sent me an extra kit t give away!!!! Woo-hoo!!

To enter the giveaway, you MUST follow me through Google Friend Connect and leave a comment telling me you have done so no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST on November 16, 2010. If you already follow me, you are automatically entered.

If you are not familiar with Google Friend Connect, to follow me, just click on the "Join this Site" button on the right sidebar.

10 Things In Your Freezer Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Frozen bananas. I always freeze my bananas once they start turning brown so then I have them for banana bread or muffins.
Ice cream. A staple in my house. I think the flavors we have this time are vanilla and coffee.
Potato soup. Homemade and really yummy. These will be used for lunches or quick dinners.
Shrimp. A necessity in my house for Princess Ivi. I can buy these buy one, get one free for $8.99.
Blue Bunny Peanut Butter Ice Cream Bars. These were disappointing but I can't bring myself to throw them away.
Chicken soup. Homemade. Tasty.
Homemade chicken stock
One frozen pizza, 5 months old. Given how old this is, I probably shouldn't eat this.
Waffles, chocolate chip and cinnamon sugar. Great since we don't have a waffle iron.
Broccoli. Green giant with cheese sauce. Yummy.

Been Busy

noreply@blogger.com (SoccerMomKnits) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:56:00 +0000

I haven't posted lately because I have been busy because I started my new job!!

I still work in the legal field but instead of working for a personal injury defense firm, I now work for legal aid. I started on the 13th so I am still learning what I am supposed to be doing and stuff but I think it will be a very rewarding position.