Diary Of a Mad Mommy!

In the Presence of Beauty

2012-06-12T05:09:00.002-07:00

Hola Mi Gente! I know it's been a while, but that's a story for another day. I wrote a small article for my company newsletter and I wanted to share with you. Feel free to share and leave comments.

Enjoy! Until next time mi gente!

Ciao,

Londi

In the Presence of Beauty
By Londi Jaramillo, Director of Membership Accounting

Elijah at the Ball Park

Mothers always look for opportunities to brag about their kids, don’t they? I am the very proud mother of four sons, each of whom manage to shock me and keep my life very full and exciting everyday.

Two of my children are involved in a great organization called Beautiful People. Beautiful People is a non-profit organization based in Wallkill, New York (Orange County) that provides adaptive sports for children and young adults with disabilities.

I found out about Beautiful People when I was at my son Elijah’s yearly meeting to discuss his Individual Education Plan (IEP). You see, Elijah is 9 years old and has multiple disabilities, which include severe developmental delays to learning and to his fine and gross motor skills. During the meeting I broke down in tears (which happens sometimes) because I was frustrated, as Elijah feels left out sometimes when he has difficulty socializing with others his own age. Also, he can’t participate in organized sports like his brothers. He’s eager to play since his brothers are in sports leagues, but he can never play. What do you say to your child when he asks why can’t he play? It broke my heart.

When Roses Blossom

I encouraged my oldest son, Giovanni, to volunteer with Beautiful People as a buddy who helps other children and signed up Elijah for baseball. When we started, I was overwhelmed with happiness.

Giovanni Helping one of the Children

Without this organization, many of these children would never have an opportunity to play sports. These young people are affected by disabilities ranging from autism spectrum to cerebral palsy.

This is now our second season with Beautiful People and Giovanni continues to volunteer on Sundays, and Elijah is back on the field. There is no greater joy in my heart than to watch my children engaged in such wonderful activities, one helping others and one having an opportunity to play. I’m so proud of my two sons and all of the volunteers and players that come out each week to help and play.

You can learn more about Beautiful People on their website at http://www.beautiful-people.us/.

Brothers together at the Ball Park

Today's teenagers

2012-02-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

My 16 Year old son Gio

The recent viral video "Facebook Parenting: For troubled teenagers" and all of the responses make me wonder about today's teenagers.

As the mother of a 16 year old son, I struggle with him daily. Let me preface this by saying, overall he's a good kid. I'm not saying that because he's my son, but I say this knowing all of the things kids could be doing and knowing what I was doing at his age.....well, like I said...he's a good kid! But I find him to be disrespectful, and is it me or are teens just more disrespectful to their parents now-a-days? Are they ungrateful? Or is this a reflection of our parenting? Should I have deprived him more? Maybe I gave him to much? I don't know.

Maybe this is something that is not uncommon but I'm just experiencing it myself now that I have a teenager. Its just that this is not something that I would have gotten away with. Or maybe I'm just old school, but this sh*t is not tolerated in latino households! Hopefully its just a phase and I raise a respectful young man. In the meantime, I will throw my chancleta or give him a cokotaso when he gets out of line!

Check out the video that I mentioned above HERE.

Well, until next time Mi Gente!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Getting back in Control!

2012-02-13T05:11:00.000-08:00

I am so very disappointed in myself. I can't believe I've let my weight get out of control again. What's so disappointing about it is that I know what I'm supposed to be doing and I know what I shouldn't be doing. It started with the excuse of stress, then vacations...then parties, then holidays, and now here I am. I've gained a whopping 27 POUNDS! What you may not know about me is that with my last pregnancy (my youngest is 3 1/2) I ballooned to 211 pounds and was devastated after I had the baby. I worked really hard to lose over 70 pounds and there is no way I'm going back! Well, the good news is I know what I have to do and am already on my way. All these years of dieting and one thing I've learned is that the best thing for you is not fad dieting, but really just getting back to the basics and eating right. Changing your habits and keeping the right foods in your house.

Here are some fundamentals that are the easiest thing to do right away in your home, not just for you, but for your entire family:

1. Keep fresh fruits available

2. NO WHITE grains.... only whole wheat or whole grain. Why? They are healthier for you, but also eating less of it gets you fuller faster and keeps you fuller longer! How can you go wrong with that?

Bread...easiest switch

Pasta...start with thin spaghetti if you're nervous.

Rice....I can never make a good brown rice, so I actually use the uncle Ben's microwavable rice, it takes like 90 seconds and it's done, it's really good. I also buy the brown rice from the chinese restaurant.

3. NO SODA (Watch the juices also!!) Way too much sugar! For soda addicts this may be the hardest thing to do. If you must.....have 1 diet soda per day. If you need the taste of your regular soda, diet orange is good, also the new Pepsi Max and Coke Zero taste like their full sugared counter parts.

4. Eat breakfast!! And...make sure your kids eat breakfast. Any breakfast is better than NO breakfast.

These are just some things that I think you can do right away. In the long run its all about making choices every day. When you're in the supermarket or about to put something in your mouth, stop and force yourself to think about what you are putting in your body or what you're giving your kids and it helps. Start reading and comparing labels. I have a ton of other suggestions but I think I'll spread them out.

I know one of the things people think is that eating healthier is expensive. Well the people at Walmart are helping to make that easier for everyone. Walmart is putting this "Great For You" icon for healthier choices to help making choices for you and your family that much easier. When you see this logo you can feel good about what you're buying for you and your family. Check out their press release here.

Now I didn't put this post up as a lecture. I put it up because I always feel like when I put myself out there in terms of my goals, it helps keep me on track, and also I know how hard it is as a latina there are certain things that I love....Did you read any of my blogs around holiday time? I don't want to say...don't ever eat this or don't ever eat that, that would be hypocritical. I love my food and I think its OK to eat what you want and indulge from time to time and don't deprive yourself. But when you make better smarter choices every day, those indulgences won't hurt you!

Anyhoo, maybe I'll put up some suggestions more often and also I'll keep you updated on my journey to get back on track! If you try any of my suggestions let me know I'd like to hear about it. If you have any suggestions or things you want to share with everyone share on!

Until next time mi gente!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Confessions of an Out of Control Mommy

2012-01-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Hola mi gente! First and foremost I am floating on cloud 9 with MY NY Giants making it to the Super Bowl! Did you watch the game last night? Second of all, I have to figure out when I can give you all the updates from Vegas and what I thought you would really enjoy from CES. It takes time to piece that together. Third of all, you may have noticed that I've taken about a week or so off from writing and this entry will explain why among other things. Fourth of all it's Monday and I'm putting up a "confession" but what sort of consistency have I even had lately?

There was a time that I was one of those parents...you know one of those parents that you envy because their kids are in bed by 8:30 every night and the house was nice and quiet. Yes, that was me, once upon a time when I had one kid. That was even me once I had two kids (two kids with 7 years between them). Yeah, no problem. Well try me, moving 60 miles away from work, now having 3 kids, getting home late to make dinner...little babies requiring your attention, two of the kids in diapers.....not so easy any more. Now add another kid. Now, take 1 teenager who doesn't listen. Take a 9 yr old who has his own agenda. A 6 yr old who would go to bed, but hey everyone else is awake and a 3 yr old who thinks it's party time all day long! Add in a mom...who is lucky to get home by 7, 7:30 trying to make sure the kids eat, take a bath..brush their teeth and get in bed at a reasonable hour. Not to mention when sometimes you spend hours with one of them trying to get them to complete HW because said child has a learning disability and well can be very difficult when he doesn't want to do something. Yeah, so....you, you who were complaining before...does this put things in perspective for you?

Anyway....we got home from Vegas Monday night, not too late, but late. The kids were up and we got to see them and put them in bed. It was good to be home. Monday night it snowed, and I was thrilled that they had a 2 hour delayed start for school because I didn't have to get up too early. I took Tuesday off and stuck to my plan for the day which was....take it easy. I cooked early, stayed in pajamas and relaxed all day long. Tuesday night however, didn't pan out as I expected. As I laid down for bed and got the kids in bed around 9ish...(a little on the later side). I'm laying down and watching a little TV and settle down because I had to get to work the next morning and the kids just wouldn't settle down. They were in bed and they just kept on playing in bed. I could hear them laughing and playing all night. I had to get up several times to quiet them down and what not. It wasn't until after 11 when they finally shut up! So of course they all had a hard time waking up the next morning. I had to fight with them to get ready. I had to take stock and try to think of a plan.

If you remember my entry for New Year's "goals" I mentioned my health. Well, getting rest is a big part of me getting well and being well. In order for me to rest, there needs to be some changes in this house and big! I feel like I have lost control!

So now what? What do I do? I'm trying to get back some control in my life so that I can get well but its not that easy. I decided to take a break from writing last week so that I can work on getting my household affairs in order. Namely....getting my kids on a schedule. First night started getting kids in bed by 8 and they were asleep by 9. So far so good.....fast forward to last night....it was just like Tuesday night all over again.

So what do I do? Do I continue to sacrifice the things I enjoy like writing this blog and clipping coupons and sacrifice my health because I don't get to rest? Or do I just accept things as they are and allow my kids to rule? Or do I try to find some balance? And if balance sounds like the right thing...well, tell me, how do I actually achieve that balance? How do I actually achieve that balance? How do I actually achieve that.........................

Until next time mi gente!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Addicted

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

To Smurf Village!!!!

In the spirit of CES 2012 (which I'm heading to tomorrow morning. What mobile apps are you addicted to?

Let me know!

Ciao,

Londi
xoxoxo

My Little Fan

2012-01-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

Free Stuff!

Howdy folks! Have been busy taking decorations down, running around as usual, getting ready for Vegas (4 days left) and busy being the crazy woman I am. This Sunday MY NY Giants beat the Falcons down, got a few cool freebies from couponing so all in all a good weekend!

Well, yesterday something happened with my son Jonah and it moved me so I have to share. In the early years of our marriage, my husband really didn't watch much sports around the house. In fact, I watched sports more than he did. It was easy for my oldest son Gio to like whatever team I liked since I seemed to be watching the most sports. Well we all know THAT changed! Nowadays, seems like sports are always on and my husband is the one watching. So anyways, after a while my son Gio took after his dad and became a fan of his father's teams. Let me break it down. Baseball...Me - NY Yankees, Hubby - NY Mets. Football - Me - NY Giants, Hubby - NY JETS Luckily we are both NY Knicks fans! This opposition big Gio and I have when it comes our teams is fun. Makes it interesting when they face off against each other.

So yesterday I was watching the Giants game (did I mention they beat the Falcons yesterday badly?) yeah, so yesterday i was watching the game and just going insane, cheering and shouting at the tv all by myself. 1. Because I'm the only Giants fan in the house 2. My son Gio is a Giants hater and 3. Big G was at work.

I mention to the littlest guy Julian that he has a shirt with blue footballs on it for the Giants. Jonah jumps in and says, mom I have a blue shirt with footballs on it. So I ask him to get the shirt. He comes down with the shirt and I tell him to put it on to help me cheer for the Giants. He didn't look like he wanted to put the shirt on, I thought he just didn't want to go through the trouble of changing shirts.

A little while later I notice him walking upstairs and he looked sad. I asked him what's wrong but he said nothing, but that nothing like obviously something is bothering him. I say "Come over here Jonah, what's bothering you?" He says nothing, so I ask again. I say..."Jonah what's wrong? It's ok. Is it the shirt?" He didn't answer but looked sad and conflicted. Sensing it had to do with the shirt, I say "Jonah if the shirt is bothering you, take it off. It's ok, you don't have to wear it." He takes off the shirt and puts his t-shirt back on. Then he looks at me and says in a very quiet voice "It's just that I'm not a Giants fan".

Right then I just felt so proud of him. I said, "That's ok Jonah, you can like any team you want. You don't have to be a Giants fan" and I gave him a big hug. I don't know what you got from that, but I just felt that he has such a sense of integrity and didn't want to betray his loyalty. Anyhoo, I also thought it was cute. I told my husband and he couldn't stop laughing. Later that day he tells my son Gio "GB, mom almost made me root for the Giants, but I didn't. She almost made me!" Too much. Gotta love that kid!

Until next time mi gente....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Winter TV Line-up

2012-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

What are you watching on TV this winter? I know what I'm watching. First of all, unless your team is OUT.....It's serious football time. Its play off time right now and MY NY Giants are in the play offs. They start next Sunday taking on my sister city the ATL Falcons. So, I will be watching football for the next few Sundays through the Super Bowl!!

Also, unless you've been under a rock somewhere you know that the NBA is back. So, whether I like it or not, there is non stop basketball on at home. We're hoping the NY Knicks will step up their game this season, but it's so nice to have the NBA back on and it feels weird that the season has just started after the lock out.

But enough about sports some great shows have come back for another season and my DVR will be working OT. First off starting this Sunday night Shameless returns for a second season. If you didn't watch the first season of Shameless, check your channel guide and see if you can get caught up before the new season starts. Usually they marathon previous seasons of shows when the next season is about to start. This show is hilarious. It is about the disfunctional of all disfunctional families and takes place in Chicago. Shameless airs on Sunday nights at 9pm ET on Showtime. If you want to get a feel for Shameless, click HERE for Season 2 promo!

Then for Monday, Castle is airing another new episode. Castle is not my favorite show, but I can't get enough. It's light and I usually set my DVR to record Castle because I like to watch it when I'm folding laundry. It's something that I can watch while doing something else and not have to worry that I'm missing anything major. Castle airs Monday nights on ABC at 10pm ET.

On Tuesday Jan 17th, the 3rd season of Justified starts! This is a great show. Ladies you can watch the fine U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens take on the bad guys and I think he gets confused which side of the law he's actually on. Fellas you can watch a modern day gun slinging cowboy with a great story line. Justified airs on FX on Tuesday nights at 10 ET. Catch a trailer of Justified HERE.

Of course American Idol returns for it's 11th season on Fox. I watch American Idol, but not like I used to. I like the audition shows and I watch when I'm not busy especially as it gets closer to the end. Lets see how this season goes.

Something New....There's a new show coming out this Sunday that will air on Showtime directly after Shameless. It's supposed to be a comedy and it seems really funny. It's called House of Lies. It looks promising and I can't wait. You can watch the promo HERE.

Well, that's my TV line up for this winter. If you don't know what to watch or are looking for new shows, I suggest you try some of these out. What are you watching this season?

Until next time mi gente!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Untimely Visitor

2012-01-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

****Disclaimer***** Gentlemen readers...I know there are a few of you out there. Gentlemen readers, If for any reason you have a hard time dealing with the fact that women get their period. Yes, you heard me....period. Or don't want to read anything about it even if its not graphic, then skip today's entry. That is all.

Ok back to business. Well you may have read the title of today's entry "Untimely Visitor". I planned on writing some confession today because it's Wednesday and that's what I usually do on Wednesday, but I'm so freaking frustrated with my Aunt flow that I can't think of anything else!!

So, all my life I have been what we call Irregular. Irregular is not the word. I would go months and months without ever seeing any sign of it. It's something I'm used to dealing with since I've been dealing with it all my life. But Ms. Flow has over the last two years been making some sort of a regular appearance at the worst possible time!!!

It started two summers ago in Puerto Rico. IN PUERTO RICO!!! She made her first vacation appearance. Then she mad another guest appearance during my Vegas trip last year. She even reared her ugly ass on my trip to ITALY! This thing, this thing us women have to endure has decided to plague each and every trip I've taken over the last two years and is threatening to go to Vegas again this year.

I am begging you.....please come now this week. She keeps on giving me all of the signs that she would come but hasn't shown up yet. Plus I'm mega cranky! I'm running out of time and you need to show up before I go! PLEASE!!!

Does anyone out there know any tricks to stop it or rush it or something?? I'm desperate. Anyway.....If I get lucky I'll let you know. And...I'm serious about the tricks!

Until next time mi gente!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Kissed By A Superhero!

2012-01-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

I must be the luckiest girl in the world! Who else gets to get kissed by a Superhero everyday??

My son Julian is a riot. When he is in superhero costume, we can call him nothing else but by his superhero name, be it Batman, Robin, or Superman. Or any other costume he puts on for that matter. If you call him Julian he says..."I'm not Julian, I'm Batman!" But if the costume comes off and you call him his superhero name he'll say..."I'm Julian!". These are the cutest days that you never get back. They don't last very long. =(

Let me get back to enjoying my babies! Until next time mi gente.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

The Holiday's Are Over....Now What?

2012-01-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I hope all of you had a great time over the holiday week and got to enjoy time with your friends and loved ones. Hopefully 2012 brings you all much health, wealth, and most importantly happiness.

Me personally, I had a nice time. My kids got everything they wanted. The boys bought cologne for Big G and perfume for me (just what I wanted). Saturday, I surprised my kids with a fish and they were so happy. I mostly relaxed in PJ's so I don't have any holiday outfit pics but I think it was best that way given the way I've been feeling lately. I have been having ups and downs and just trying to rest as much as I can. Also, I cooked my arse off and ate, ate, ate! I'm done!

How many of you all made New Year's resolutions? I used to make resolutions, but I stopped doing that years ago. What I do instead is set a few goals for myself or just a couple depending on how major they are. This way I have something to work towards and since I'm a very driven, goal oriented person seeing an end in mind helps me get there. Also, I don't commit myself to have to actually do all of them, but like to make sure that I have a list and I get to cross some things off. Usually I accomplish fully at least one thing on my list and get started on others.

This year, my goals are pretty basic:

1. Most importantly..... Work on my health! Everything that I have to do to keep healthy, Dr. appointments, relaxation, fitness, and whatever else it takes.

2. Moving my blog onto another platform and dedicating some real time to it.

3. Get some traveling in..... Vegas in 11 days! Puerto Rico in the summer, and maybe Germany for Oktoberfest.

Right now I'm still planning my trip to Vegas, I know I said this before but I do love Vegas. I'm planning outfits and shows and some activities. Well, and as you know....some things just stay in Vegas!! I did some shopping already and will share soon.

So, take a look at the last week in Pictures!

Kids Mess!

Frying Alcapurrias

Apple Pie!

Flan de Queso

Me Lounging(shopping) in PJ's

New Fishy

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, the last two pies are in the oven as I type, several others on the counter. Flan de queso came out riquisimo! Coquito a plenty in the fridge. Pasteles on tap. Masa for alcapurrias. Turkey wrapped up and seasoned, (I usually make pernil but that's a story for another time). I got my queso blanco, pasta de guayaba, and galletas all ready. It's time for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). Let's get it started!

I have been so busy these last few days, but still and all I love this time of year! So excited to party tonight as we wait for St. Nick to arrive. From my Familia to yours, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a very merry, merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad!

Enjoy your families, enjoy your kids, enjoy your food, and enjoy your drinks! And don't forget the reason for the season!

Love you all! God Bless!

Until Next time Mi Gente!

Ciao,

Londi
xoxoxo

A Comer Pasteles, Comer Lechon!

2011-12-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening I made a spur of the moment decision. What was that decision you asked? Well, while I was perusing the aisles of my favorite ghetto supermarket (Western Beef! ) Only my NYC peeps will get that one. But if you're not from NYC you know the spot. It's the only place that has your favorite "ethnic" foods and ingredients that you really can't find in the burbs. While they do have more and more things in my local Shop Rite and WalMart super center, only places like my Western Beef have certain things like culantro (yes culantro, not cilantro), yautilla, papel para pasteles, etc...I think you get the picture. Anyway....back to what I was saying yeah so I was wandering around Western Beef and I decided that I was going to make Pasteles! Puerto Rican pasteles, just to clarify. There's all other sorts of pastels (pastries), but I'm talking Puerto Rican pasteles. These are not a pastry of any kind.

I'm not going to do a big thing but I decided that I must take up the flag and keep the tradition going. There are many bits and pieces of my PR culture that are dying away in this country, like the language, music, & food. But gosh darn it, I will keep some of it alive for as long as I can. I will teach my children the traditions that were passed to me through my parents and grandparents.

I just had a talk with my oldest son about how when he gets married I will teach his wife some of our dishes just like my husbands grandmother and mother taught me about my husband's favorite dishes. And so, in the spirit of tradition, culture, Christmas, and just straight up banging food, I will play El Gran Combo and yes Yes, I Mad Mommy to all of you out there in blog land will make pasteles! (I'll let you know how they came out tomorrow)

Until next time mi gente! Enjoy this tune!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Coquito!!

2011-12-19T05:37:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Week!!!

Halo mi gente! Hello my people. No I didn't spell hola wrong it's spanglish...Haaloo! This is the week of Christmas and what needs to get done? Probably a lot, like wrapping, shopping for dinner, helping my sister with her dinner, making multiple pies, helping G with Coquito and some more ayacas (not sure if I spelled that right). One thing that will not happen is me stressing out! I do what I can.

Speaking of coquito....Check out all this coquito! Love it. Check out Gio's "Not So Secret" super simple Coquito recipe. Very simple, quick, and delish. Prepare this for your gatherings this weekend and for New Year's it will be a hit. For our non-latinos, if you can't pronounce coquito....just call it Puerto Rican egg-nog.

Ingredients:

1 can Condensed Sweetened Milk

1 can Evaporated Milk

1 can Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez and Goya Crema de Coco are both good)

Cinnamon to taste (apply liberally)

2 egg yolks (optional, you can substitute or leave them out all together will be good either way. Gio doesn't use them)

Rum to taste (we usually use white Bacardi, the Bacardi gold, or 151 is also good any rum you like will work)

6 - 8 oz Water***

Blend all ingredients together and dassit my friends. Hubby likes to add ice to blender to drink it right away, but if you are chilling there's no need to add ice. If you like it thinner add more water, if you like it thicker...use less. If you have fresh coco, feel free to add some in or a cinnamon stick it's up to you. Some people add coconut shavings but trust me, you will have a great coquito just by using the basic recipe above.

Enjoy!

Until next time.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Hot Holiday Party Shoes!

2011-12-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

Just real quick guys, I've been online all day browsing and shopping and stumbled upon these two beauties at a really great price, you wouldn't believe me if I posted it here. If you are still looking for shoes for your holiday parties, check out 6pm.com for these two lovelies you can use my banner at the top of this page. These are both very festive with the bow details on the back. You're welcome. xoxoxo

Diana by Fergalicious in Red Satin

Briar by DV Dolce Vita

OK...I'm Back!

2011-12-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm sorry. I kind of left for a few days and have been MIA and to top that off I left off on a gloomy note. So ok yeah, I'm back and I'm sorry. I have been feeling pretty crumby but I'm feeling good today so I will fill you in!

Guess what? My Christmas shopping is D-O-N-E! (Sticking my big fat tongue out!) Yes! I promised myself that I would not get stressed over shopping this year and I did not. I am usually shopping all the way to the very, very, very end and so I got a week to spare, I'm good. I do have to shop for Christmas dinner, but that's no big deal. I really only bought presents for children this year my budget is really tight and we booked the Vegas trip already so that is it! I am looking forward to shopping for Vegas now!

Now, let me ask you all a question. Have you seen Payless.com lately? What? Do yourself a favor and check it out. I am not really a payless "person". Don't get me wrong I love a good bargain, but I want good quality for what I'm getting. But I never completely rule them out because well, there's always that diamond in the rough that you can find there once in a while. Anyways, I get their emails on sales and I opened it up and I saw a really cute pair of shoes which made me want to check out the website and I must say Wow! Impressive. Payless is stepping up their game! I did see a few things that I would definitely buy. They even have a few really good designers with exclusive lines like Christian Siriano and Leila Rose. I thought that I would share with you guys a few pairs that I thought would make you stand out at any holiday party!

For you ladies who wear a "kitten" heel, the Women's Influence Bow Pump is adorable. This shoe comes in red and black and is on sale right now for $19.99. It is a limited edition shoe and also comes in a wide width.

This next shoe is so hot. It is really pretty. This is a patent leather peep toe with a cute knot detail. This 4" heel will have everyone staring at you! (In a good way) This shoe is also available in wide width and is retailing right now for $29.99.

Now this is my favorite and I will probably be buying them. I love them they are so dressy and feminine. I can see myself wearing these with an LBD and let my shoes be the stars. This shoe has a chunky 5" heel and a 1.5" platform that should help with comfort. These come in red as well and are also a limited edition. It is retailing for $34.99.

I will try to get pics soon of what I'm wearing for the holidays and if I do, I will post on my Facebook page. Feel free to send me pics of what you're wearing especially if you got something fierce! I'd love to see it. If you got any amazing deals I'd love to hear about them also!

So I hope you can forgive me and I hope I made up for it today. = )

Until next time my people!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

When You Just Don't Know

2011-12-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

When you just don't know what tomorrow holds, when the future is unclear. When you just don't know all you have to do is hold your loved ones near.

Forget about yesterday and look forward to now. When you live for today that's the only way how.

Sometimes we get caught up in the daily grind, losing sight of what should be first in mind.

Sometimes it takes something scary to put things in perspective, so don't wait for the scary, the things that are not important should never be your elective.

This journey through life is always a mystery, those that live scared will never make history.

So live free, live proud, live happy, live loud. Live like you want to be remembered, Loving, laughing, silliness, happiness, glory surrendered.

Choose not to be prisoner of the past, choose to be free of the old chains at last. Choose to forgive and you will be forgiven.

Dear Readers: I am just feeling reflective and wrote what was on my mind. I am dealing with some health concerns right now and I am a little scared. I am not ready to share details yet until I know more. Am hoping to have some answers soon but I just don't know how things will play out. Hopefully I will feel better soon but unfortunately I am not feeling so good right now. If I have to say "no" more often it's only because I really can't. I am trying to be positive and hopefully this episode will pass and I can feel well soon. Please don't ask me what's wrong and when I know more and when I'm ready I will tell you. Promise. Anyway.... don't mean to bring you all down, I will continue to bring you more of my crazy adventures...because as you know life goes on and mine is crazy enough for a few of us at least!

Until next time....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Oh Pizza Night, Oh Pizza Night!

2011-12-09T17:15:00.001-08:00

Oh pizza night, oh pizza night, oh how I love thee pizza night. Your greasy pepperoni smell, the way you make my belly swell. Oh pizza night oh pizza night for you my kids do anything!

Friday is pizza night in the Mad Mommy's household and guess what? I love it! My kids just love pizza night and they look forward to it and so do I. And why not? You get home from work on a Friday evening with the week just biting you in the arse and when you get home all you want to do is fall flat on your face and release the week. It feels real good to dial that trusty number to your local pizzeria. To know that the delivery person will come and save your evening with their greasy goodness in a box. When that pizza gets to your door, you become a hero to your kids and you just want to hug the delivery person for saving you from having to cook! You serve up the slices on paper plates mind you and voila...minimal clean up and your kids are happy and fed and you can enjoy them and relax at the same time.

Just the little things in life like pizza night that makes it all worth it. One of the best $15 I spent all week. Anyway, now that the kids ate their pizza they are relaxing and enjoying each other and their Friday night without having to worry about going to school tomorrow and I also get to relax and enjoy the rest of my night. I hope you all enjoy yours as well. Get some shopping done if you can, but most of all take care of you and enjoy whatever your "pizza night" is!

Until next time.....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

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2011-12-08T14:18:00.001-08:00

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Confessions of an Inappropriate?? Mommy...

2011-12-07T18:23:00.001-08:00

Another late posting, but I guess its par for the course for this time of year if I get anything out! I just got home from a crazy rainy commute, two stops at Toys R Us and a stop at Walmart. Finally home, hubby got take-out and the kids are all bathed, fed, homework done, and in pajamas! Love it! Ok, to my story.

This past Saturday I went with the girls to celebrate a friend's birthday. We went to the city to see a drag show. It was my first time to a drag show and we had a ball. Of course we went to the 11pm show which was entitled "The Dirty Show" and it was raunchy and nasty and dirty and extremely funny. We had a great time. This diva right over here made some raunchy souvenirs for the birthday girl. Namely some balloons that went on her head in the shape of...well, lets just say it rhymes with rock and falls. I hope I don't have to explain further.

Anyway, I was the designated driver, so I didn't drink except for a glass of wine with dinner. I drove everyone home, drove myself home and looked in the back seat and noticed that one of the girls left a souvenir in the back seat.

Monday morning I pack Julian in the car to get ready for work and I strap him in his car seat. I ran to the front door to lock up and what in the rock and falls do you think Julian has in his hands?!?! And he's all like "Mommy, I like my balloons!" Wow, I wanted to die laughing. I didn't have the heart to take it away and he had no idea what was in his hands....right? So, I hop in the drivers seat and said what the heck. As I'm backing out of the driveway (Did I ever tell you that the bus stop for everyone is in front of MY HOUSE!) back to the driveway, neighbors are out waiting with their kids for the bus and I couldn't see out the window because it was foggy, I had to lower the window and Julian is just lifting the balloon up to the window and as I'm backing out I'm smiling at the neighbors trying to get Julian to lower the balloon! Whew....

What could I have done? Would you have taken the balloon away from your kid. Oh well! It is what it is. Just another day in my crazy life.

Until next time!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Random Ramblings

2011-12-06T15:49:00.001-08:00

Sorry this post is so late! But hey I got it out and that's what counts....right? Well, hopefully someone actually reads it. I took the day off to go shopping and I've been out all day making a list, checking it twice, and crossing some things off as well. So that's good, but you know when I'm productive in some areas, other areas slide.... (Hence, backlog in housework). Look, it is what it is and I can only do the best I can.

I've got so much going on right now, but I always say right now. What it really means is I always have so much going on. I want to do everything and more and my body just won't keep up. It's a very hard thing for me to accept because I have young children and I don't consider myself old I'm only 33 years old. I've always been a pretty active person, I'm in excellent health, I'm not over weight (medically speaking), but yet I feel tired and in pain all the time. Still and all I run circles around most people I know who are younger than I am but I don't feel well. It really bothers me. Feeling a little blue because I'm not myself lately, and going back and forth to the doctors is annoying. Hopefully it will all be over soon.

Enough depressing stuff, Other than shopping I'm busy planning my annual trip to Vegas baby! I can't wait. I really enjoy going to Vegas, it's not a restful trip at all, but it is just so much fun. It's like a whirlwind though and at the end you are so utterly exhausted and ready to go home. Vegas is one of those places where you can't stay for very long or you will 1) go broke 2) go broke and 3) have to start going to AA meetings. I will let you all know my itinerary when it's done. If you have been to Vegas and have suggestions I'm always open. I'm going from Jan 13 - 16th. Trying to figure out what show I'm going to see this time.

Anyhoo, sorry I took you down a depressing road for a minute, but if nothing else I will always just be real with you. I'll be fine. Off to cook dinner, do some more shopping (online), do a little bit of housework, and hopefully settle in early and catch the season finale of my favorite show right now Sons of Anarchy baby!

Until next time....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Embarrassing!

2011-12-05T09:50:00.001-08:00

Ok, wow! Twice in one week. I'm sorry, I'm new at this and I am having a hard time keeping up....I'm just being honest. But on the bright side, I accomplished a few things and I'm so, so, happy. Friday was just too much after all. I did what I set out to do and I got my TREE UP! YAY! What do you think? I think it came out cool, even since the reason behind the colors are the NY JETS thanks to hubby. The kids were so happy that I finally put up the tree, threw some lights outside and decorated. I am so happy I got it done.

Also this weekend I got caught up on my coupon organizing and I'm thrilled about that! Because I've been so busy I haven't been able to organize my coupons and last week I didn't even go out for any deals at all. So, I spent all of yesterday organizing and getting caught up. I only have yesterday's coupons to sort through and then I can plan my extreme deals for this week. Whew!

So, let me tell you about the title for today's entry... I had something really embarrassing happen to me yesterday. So.......Yesterday evening, I went outside to go adjust a setting on the timer for the lights. It was early evening and pretty dark outside already. I went outside in a cami and pajama pants. As I bent over to adjust the timer well....I had a little boobage incident. Boob slips out of cami unnoticed by me. Yeah, I didn't notice. When I look at the lights in the front I noticed that one of the trees lights weren't on so, I stood up....(with the boobage) and stared towards the front of the lawn and just stood there. I noticed a lady two houses down staring at me and I wondered what was wrong and then I looked down and I hear her tell her kid, just hurry up! OMGoodness! Did she notice? Was I just standing on the front lawn oblivious to the world with my boob hanging out? Did the neighbor notice or was that my paranoia? I don't know but I wanted to die. So, I slipped the old girl back in and just continued with my business....what else could I do? Lol

Until next time!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Holiday Pressure!

2011-12-01T09:45:00.001-08:00

With holiday time as always there is an increased amount of pressure, to shop, to get things done, etc. With 4 children and 2 that are in elementary school and one 3 year old....the pressure just seems to be getting excessive!

I felt that pressure begin as soon as I walked out of my house on Black Friday and watched the neighbors all start putting up their lights. The first thought that came to mind was "Thanks alot!" and I went back in the house in my pajamas to continue my lazy Friday. Why do I have to feel pressured....yesterday morning Jonah asks me, "When are we getting a tree?", I answer "probably this weekend". He goes on "oh", and then he says "almost everyone in the whole world already has a tree" and I say, "not everyone Jonah". And he goes on to say "Well, when I ride the school bus I see all of the houses and they all have Christmas decorations already." PRESSURE! Ok, coming home from work with Julian in my car, it's dark outside (gets dark around 4 in NY this time of year) and lights are on outside all the neighbors houses...and he's like "Mommy I like Christmas, Mommy I like Christmas, look at all the Christmas!" PRESSURE! Last night, calling the boys to come and watch the Rockefeller tree lighting on television "Boys, come let's watch the tree lighting", Chorus of boys "WE GOT A TREE?!?!?!" and some more PRESSURE!

So you see, as if I don't have enough to do, I need to make sure that I hurry up already and decorate the outside of the house for Christmas and put up a tree. Mind you....I'm frustrated as all get out about that and let me explain why. OK, well first of all If you know me well you know I have what I like to call a black thumb. Gardening, flowers, plants all of it has been a real challenge for me and being a homeowner with a big lawn that had the previous owner with a Shining Green thumb there was this pressure on me when I moved into the neighborhood to keep up with what the previous owner used to do. I actually had neighbors come up to me and say "well you know Diana was so good with her flowers, she would be out here every morning working on the roses or something else" ok, well that's not me, even my hanging flower baskets die! Anyhoo, with that said, I wanted to make sure I was on my game this year, well, I started the spring off not so good. My father-in-law tried to help my husband and I out with everything and bought and planted flowers, but unfortunately he wasn't familiar with how the sun was around my house. So Spring....fail. Ok, summer comes around I think I have an idea and I get my fertilizers my miracle grow, the right plants/flowers for the sunlight in my area and go at it again. Success! I managed to do the flowers, get my furniture on the porch, get the pavers done, and have my house beautiful for the summertime! I kept that momentum up and did a nice job (in my humble opinion) for the fall as well. Not only did it look nice, but my flowers bloomed and grew really well. I was proud...and then BOOM! Snow in October! Well, my mums couldn't take it, any left over summer flowers were doomed. Believe it or not, what's held up the most were my little pansies. They are still blooming. The worst part is that everything would have held up really nicely because we've had a very mild fall bar the craziness in October. Anyhoo, I had to redecorate the house for Thanksgiving as best I could and that's it...I only get one day! Blah, then I have to decorate for Christmas...mind you it was 70 degrees the other day.

Well, this weekend, I plan on getting my decorating done. At the very least a tree for the kids. I am feeling the pressure, but I know that when my kids reaction to the tree and decorations will be well worth it. I guess I just needed to vent.

Until next time.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Confessions of a FAT Mommy!

2011-11-30T09:52:00.001-08:00

Ok, on my outward appearance I'm not what most people consider "fat" or overweight. But to me, fat is a state of mind. And let me tell you folks I am FAT. It's battle that I have to struggle with for the rest of my life. I am fat in my heart and soul. I love food. I love it, I love it, I love it. Unfortunately for me, I was never one of those people that can eat whatever I want. In fact I am the exact OPPOSITE of those people. Anything I eat "sticks" as they say. So for me, keeping my weight in control is a part of my life that I have to deal with and struggle with. Especially since I'm a teensy bit vein...OK ! (Yes I'll admit it) But also since I want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Anyway, enough about that I'm sure I have enough material about my weight struggles for days and days. (I used to keep a blog on MySpace) Back to FAT is a state of mind and it determines how you will behave in certain situations.....like what I'm about to confess....

OK, so after stuffing my face for 4 days straight from Thursday to Sunday I decided that I've eaten enough and that I actually felt like a stuffed Turkey. I had enough to eat. I'm swollen from the sodium and looks like my waist size is expanding. If you remember I said I was going to go on an extreme diet until Thanksgiving and well I didn't. So I'm all resolved and stuff. My sister told me about this 17 day diet plan that she's doing now and I figure it couldn't hurt. Just a different spin on every other diet. I have been through them all and once you know the basics of healthy eating, weight loss and your body, you can pretty much do any of them....or even make up your own. So I started on Monday...like I said I'm resolved here! I bought my yogurts, made sure I had fruits for the day, drank my Green tea. Side Bar - I HATE TEA! Maybe it's because Americans stink at making tea, but I hate it. Back to it, so anyway like I said, I'm prepared and I start my day and I'm good, but when I got home I was HUNGRY. What happened after that was not pretty. I ate everything in sight. It was nasty. But it was oh so good. I convinced myself at that moment that it would be ok, to eat those chips because they would be gone after that and I won't have to worry about them again. I also convinced myself that the stuffed mushrooms won't be too bad to eat and it went on like that until I ate a piece of chocolate cake and then my stomach hurt. It was a horrible act of gluttony, not to mention a total loss of will power. =(

Why do I confess this to you all...the simple fact is that this is the daily struggle for people like me. A constant battle of will power goes on in my head from the moment I wake up. If I didn't have that struggle I'd be a lot less healthy, let's just leave it at that. Well today is Wednesday, I'm back on track for now, and hopefully I'll stay that way until the next big function. The holidays are the worst for foodies like me because there is always a function or excuse to mess up. All any of us can do is just take it one day at a time and do the best we can. Now back to my salad!

Until next time.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Even Superman gets tired! Right?

2011-11-29T03:09:00.001-08:00

Sleeping Julian...Oops I mean Superman!

What's going on guys? In my research about blogging, one of the number one rules to not losing your readers is to post consistently. In fact I saw a posting the other day about not getting too overwhelmed with the holidays and make sure to keep up with your blog (wishing I could remember where I read it so I could link back). I failed! I am so sorry, last night I was pooped and didn't come through.

Yes, I get tired. I was so exhausted I could barely keep my eyes open past 9 o'clock but my 9 year old son was STILL doing homework. I had some deals that I wanted to check out, some shoes I wanted to buy, I wanted to finish yesterday's entry and what did I do?...I fell asleep. My son went to sleep without finishing his homework, there were dishes in the sink, and the tv stayed on all night. I was supposed to be working on booking my Vegas trip and that didn't get done either and I may have missed out on an amazing deal. SIGH......

I think I'm going to make a list of all of the things I need to get done over the next few weeks and try to start planning things out and checking off my list as I go. The holiday's are usually a time when I really get overwhelmed and I need to organized so I don't lose myself. I will let you all know how I do. What do you all do to stay organized this time of year??

Anyway, today is another day and I get another chance so, hopefully I will make good going forward!

Thanks for sticking with me! Stay tuned and hopefully you'll continue coming back.

Until next time....

Ciao,

Londi
xoxoxo

Black Friday!

2011-11-25T14:00:00.001-08:00

Cousins playing Football

After slaving around the house for about two days, I must say it was worth it because we had such a fantastic Thanksgiving! The food was excellent, the company was great and the drinks were good!

But here were are and it's the day after....Black Friday. If you know me or have been reading my blog, you know that I love a good deal as much and frankly better than the next guy, but when you live in the Black Friday shopping Mecca.....well....you could care less. See for me Black Friday has nothing to do with retail shopping. I hate it. I hate the lines. I hate the traffic and all of the tourists and crazy shoppers that crowd my area starting Thursday night.

But I do love this day. Why? What is black Friday to me? Well it's leftovers, getting to stay in pajamas all day! Black Friday is relaxing on the couch watching TV and movies, eating turkey sandwiches, watching my kids and nephews play outside on a crisp, clear, autumn day. Black Friday is family games, laughing, and enjoying one another.

Listen, I'm a working mom. I'm constantly running around. Days like this are rare and I'm not spending them shopping and fighting through crowded stores and backed up parking lots. I'm spending the time where it counts. (Maybe I'll do some shopping online! shhh)

That is all. Happy Black Friday!

Until next time.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo